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27 Subway Tile Ideas From Classic to Contemporary

White subway tile on kitchen wall next to bread box with slices of bread in front and knives

The Spruce / Margot Cavin

Subway tile became an instant classic when it was introduced in NYC subway stations in the early 1900s. A century later, these simple, cheap, durable, easy-to-clean tiles are a go-to option for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and mud rooms that work in a variety of interior design styles, from industrial lofts to contemporary or period homes.

What Is Subway Tile?

Subway tile refers to simple 3x6-inch white ceramic tiles that are arranged in an offset running-bond pattern.

While the original tiles are still as popular today, subway tiles now come in a variety of sizes that mimic the original rectangular proportions, such as 1x2 or 4x8. Today's tile manufacturers offer old school subway tiles in a range of colors and materials such as glass or stone, and finishes that range from matte to glazed to high gloss.

And today's designers and DIY home renovators don't hesitate to tweak the classic look to suit their taste and whims, trading the standard staggered running bond pattern for neat contemporary vertical or horizontal stacks, or a herringbone pattern that introduces a bit of old world flair. By playing with the color of the grout, you can personalize the look further, using white tiles with high contrast black grout for an industrial feel; colored grout to create less contrast with colored tiles; or white on white to create a seamless look.

  • 01 of 27

    Mix Old and New

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Max Kim-bee

    Classic subway tiles with black grout add a crisp feel to the backsplash of this kitchen renovation from Leanne Ford Interiors that blends vintage and modern elements to create a homey, nostalgic, livable feel.

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  • 02 of 27

    Add Earthy Tones

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    Cathie Hong Interiors erased an 80s renovation in a Willow Glen, CA Eichler home, resurrecting its midcentury character while adding Japandi elements. A pale sage green subway tile backsplash laid in a modern vertical stack pattern adds softness and earthiness.

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  • 03 of 27

    Gloss It Up

    subway tile ideas

    Blue Copper Design  

    A glossy textured glazed white subway tile backsplash adds luminosity to this modern kitchen from Blue Copper Design. Laying the tiles in a vertical pattern creates a modern spin on the classic look and draws the eye upward. The tiles add subtle textural interest while blending seamlessly with the white painted wall and thick white floating shelves above, and still leave room for the blue-and-white ceramic tile finish on the eat-in peninsula to shine.

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  • 04 of 27

    Accent With Black

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Leclair Decor  

    In this kitchen design from Ottawa-based Leclair Decor, a built-in bar nook is lined with shiny black subway tiles in a classic offset running bond pattern that reaches all the way up to the ceiling. The black subway tiles mimic the white subway tiles used elsewhere in the kitchen, to add contrast while keeping the overall design cohesive. The dark color creates depth and interest and creates a room-within-a-room feeling that works especially well given the soaring ceiling heights of the kitchen.

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  • 05 of 27

    Make It Bold

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Ghislaine Vinas / Photo by Garrett Rowland

    Interior designer Ghislaine Viñas gave an all-white kitchen a shot in the arm with a contemporary bright orange subway tile backsplash.

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  • 06 of 27

    Pair With Brick

    Subway tile ideas

    Photo by Siham Mazouz

    At Hasbrouck House, an 18th-century Dutch Colonial stone mansion in Stone Ridge, NY, classic white subway tiles were used to finish one of the bathrooms. The clean, crisp brick-shaped tiles coexist beautifully with the original brickwork and to give the room an updated feel. White penny tiles on the floor and a pedestal sink with traditional silver plumbing fixtures and a floating glass shelf and vintage lighting complete the timeless look.

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  • 07 of 27

    Line the Staircase

    subway tile ideas

    Photo by Siham Mazouz

    In another bathroom at Hasbrouck House, classic white subway tiles line the small staircase entryway, creating a cohesive look that is also easy to clean and maintain. Black bullnose capping around the edges adds a classic finish and a black hand railing fits seamlessly into the design.

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  • 08 of 27

    Try a Herringbone Pattern

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Christy Q. Photography     

    In this spacious bathroom designed by Cathie Hong Interiors, dark gray subway tile laid in a classic herringbone pattern on both the back wall and floor of this spacious bathroom adds depth and a seamless finish to the wall. The rest of the room is kept light and bright with white paint. Matte black plumbing fixtures and industrial-style sconces add polish, and a wood sink vanity adds a touch of warmth to the cool color scheme.

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  • 09 of 27

    Add Horizontal Stripes

    subway tile ideas

    K Shan Design 

    In this graphic guest bathroom from K Shan Design, subway tiles laid in thick stripes of black and white create a dramatic statement without breaking the budget. A white shower curtain with large black dots amps up the punchy geometric black-and-white style.

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  • 10 of 27

    Tile Every Wall

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Max Kim-bee

    This airy top floor bathroom from Leanne Ford Interiors has slanted ceilings, double showers, a clawfoot tub, and a subway tile surround on every wall that turns it into an elegant wet room, with complementary penny tile on the floor.

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  • 11 of 27

    Add Texture

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Leclair Decor

    A textured white subway tile backsplash is an easy choice for this family-friendly suburban kitchen remodel from Leclair Decor. The glossy textured tile adds interest while remaining clean and classic, setting off floating wood shelves and Shaker-style cabinets painted in warm gray. A vintage runner on the floor makes the kitchen look as homey as every other room in the house.

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  • 12 of 27

    Use a Matte Navy Finish

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Christy Q. Photography      

    In this spacious kitchen remodel from Cathie Hong Interiors, a matte navy subway tile backsplash adds modern, understated color and interest to an otherwise all-white space. Hanging pendant bulb lights and warm floating wood shelves add warmth. It's a fun twist on the trendy navy blue kitchen cabinets that have become a modern classic in recent years.

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  • 13 of 27

    Accent with Gray

    subway tile ideas

    Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Photo by Kyle Monk  

    For this cool neutral Orange County, CA kitchen space, Mindy Gayer Design Co. chose rich gray subway tiles in a classic offset running bond pattern for the ceiling-height backsplash behind the stove that works seamlessly with the white cabinetry and glass and chrome accents.

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  • 14 of 27

    Go for the Bronze

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Leclair Decor  

    In this handsome kitchen design from Leclair Decor, a backsplash made from bronze mirrored subway tiles adds an unexpected display of metallic flair. The bronze tiles add relief to the moody color scheme that includes cabinets in a mix of wood and black paint finishes, dark stone, and medium-toned wood floors.

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  • 15 of 27

    Pair With Farmhouse Elements

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar

    Vintage-style dark wood and metal farmhouse open shelving mounted on a subway tile backsplash, butcher block countertops, and simple white Shaker-style cabinetry creates a nostalgic feel in this kitchen renovation from Leanne Ford Interiors.

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  • 16 of 27

    Opt for Glass

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Leclair Decor 

    Dove gray painted glass subway tiles create a subtle backsplash for the double sink vanity, adding subtle variation to the pale neutral color scheme in this bathroom from Leclair Decor. Silver-toned plumbing fixtures, frameless mirrors, and dark accents on the door pulls, picture frames and lighting add definition.

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  • 17 of 27

    Off Set Vertical Stacks

    subway tile ideas

    Hannah Tyler Designs

     

     

    In this kitchen backsplash by Hannah Tyler Designs, white subway tiles are used in a vertical offset pattern to draw the eye upward and create a clean, minimalist backdrop for a matte black exhaust hood and simple white floating shelves.

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  • 18 of 27

    Contrast With Colored Cabinets

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    Simple white subway tiles and white quartz countertops allow the robin's egg blue upper and lower cabinetry to take center stage in this L-shaped kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors.

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  • 19 of 27

    Go All White

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Leclair Decor 

    In this transitional bungalow kitchen from Leclair Decor, white subway tiles laid out in a herringbone pattern add a classic, timeless look that works like a charm with warm white oak flooring, Shaker kitchen cabinetry, quartz countertops, and white leather bar stools.

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  • 20 of 27

    Follow the Curve

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Erin Kelly

    Pale gray handmade subway tiles with pale grout hug the curves of this sculptural oven hood in a kitchen designed by Leanne Ford Interiors.

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  • 21 of 27

    Mix with Patterned Tiles

    Subway tile ideas

    Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Photo by Lindsay Stetson Thompson  

    Choosing the same tile for kitchens and bathrooms is economical and keeps the overall look of the home cohesive. Mindy Gayer Design Co. used the white subway tile with black grout combination that she used in the kitchen for a floor-to-ceiling surround for the classic black-and-white clawfoot tub and shower combo, adding interest with ceramic patterned floor tiles.

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  • 22 of 27

    Go Beige

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Laura Brophy Interiors  

    In this kitchen design from Laura Brophy Interiors, beige subway tiles are a twist on classic white that complement the pale oak flooring, and work especially well with the color palette of off-whites, blues, and grays. Natural textures like marble countertops and woven island seating help create a livable, cohesive kitchen and living space.

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  • 23 of 27

    Shoot for the Sky

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    Gleaming sky blue glass subway tiles with thick white grout add color and luminosity that contrasts with the dark wood tones in this kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors, with its mix of midcentury modern and farmhouse elements.

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  • 24 of 27

    Lay a Floor-to-Ceiling Backsplash

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar

    A countertop-to-ceiling backsplash in this traditional Victorian kitchen remodel from Leanne Ford Interiors makes it easy to throw spaghetti at the wall and clean it up afterward. Paired with penny tile flooring, the room feels updated and fresh while maintaining the original character of the home.

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  • 25 of 27

    Define Space

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Kate Marker Interiors

    Kate Marker Interiors used a gray subway tile in a herringbone pattern above a pantry sink to distinguish it from the backsplash in the main kitchen, adding patterned tiles on the adjacent walls and navy cane-front cabinetry with gold-toned hardware for contrast.

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  • 26 of 27

    Supersize It

    subway tile ideas

    Photo by Margaret Wright

    Stacked rather than staggered oversized white subway tiles with dark grout give this kitchen a clean and contemporary feel. Warm wood and golden-toned metal finishes add warmth. The dark grout looks modern but it also is easier to clean than conventional white.

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  • 27 of 27

    Tile the Arches

    subway tile ideas

    Design by Whittney Parkinson Interiors

    In this kitchen from Whittney Parkinson Interiors, subway tile lines the arches above the countertop prep space on either side of the stove to add texture while making it easy to wipe clean.