Subway tiles have remained a favorite in home design for their sleek and classy look. Whether planning a kitchen remodel or refreshing a bathroom, these tiles offer infinite possibilities for color combinations and arrangement patterns.
In this blog, we’ll explore the latest trends in subway tile for your kitchen, bathroom, or other areas around your home, including innovative layouts, unique finishes, and how to incorporate them into your space.
What is Subway Tile?
Classic subway tiles have been a design favorite for decades, but they’ve evolved to fit modern trends. Today, homeowners can choose from an array of sizes and stunning finishes—like sleek matte, high-gloss, or eye-catching textured styles—adding a fresh and contemporary twist to this timeless classic.
So, what exactly is a subway tile? A subway tile is a rectangular ceramic or porcelain tile that varies in size, such as 3 x 6 inches or 4 x 8 inches. Originally used in the early 1900s in New York City subway stations, these tiles gained popularity for their clean, simple look and practicality. Their glossy finish made them easy to clean, while their timeless design fit seamlessly into many spaces.
Let’s dive into tile patterns and arrangement options for your subway tiles.
Subway Tile Trends, Patterns & Arrangements
The traditional running bond (offset) layout of horizontal tile and vertical subway tile is not the only way to showcase these tiles. From bold herringbone to diagonal stacks, creative tile pattern layouts can transform an ordinary wall into a dynamic focal point!
Here are a few subway tile patterns to explore:
Herringbone: A herringbone tile arrangement is a striking pattern where rectangular tiles are laid at 45-degree angles to create an offset effect that resembles the bones of a fish (hence the name). This style adds movement and texture, making it perfect for creating eye-catching backsplashes, shower walls, and flooring.
Chevron: These rectangular tiles are cut at an angle to form a continuous V-
shaped pattern. Unlike herringbone, where tiles or colors create an overlapped look,
chevron creates a zigzag design with clean, precise lines. This sleek and modern layout adds a sense of direction and sophistication, making it a popular choice for subway tile backsplashes, feature walls, and trendy
flooring.
Stacked: A stacked tile arrangement is all about clean lines and symmetry. In this layout, subway tiles are aligned directly on top of one another in neat rows and columns, creating a sleek, modern, grid-like appearance. Perfect for contemporary spaces, the stacked pattern highlights the tile’s simplicity while giving the room a minimalist and sophisticated vibe.
Diagonal: A diagonal tile arrangement tilts the traditional subway tile layout at a 45-degree angle, adding a fresh twist to a classic design. This pattern draws the eye outward, making it an excellent choice for creating the illusion of more space in smaller rooms or adding unexpected flair to a backsplash or accent wall.
Mixed: A mixed tile arrangement combines multiple patterns or sizes to create an interesting and dynamic look. Whether blending horizontal, vertical, or even herringbone elements, this creative approach is perfect for those who want to add a one-of-a-kind design that stands out. For example, three shower walls can have vertical subway tile, while the main feature wall can have a herringbone or chevron style.
Subway Tile Kitchen Backsplashes and Islands
One of the most popular uses for subway tiles is in a subway tile backsplash, thanks to its sophisticated look and ease of maintenance. Today’s designs go beyond basic white tiles to include bold colors, patterned grout, and metallic finishes.
Custom finishes help create a kitchen that stands out. You can pair matte subway tiles with glossy tiles to add dimension and elegance to your backsplash.
Islands: If you’re considering alternatives to wood, a subway tile kitchen island with a tiled base or bold wall coverings can make a striking statement. Pairing mix-and-match finishes, like matte and high-gloss, adds depth and texture, creating a truly standout design.
Timeless Tiles for Bathrooms
For bathrooms, porcelain or ceramic subway tiles are a top choice for their moisture resistance and design versatility. A subway tile bathroom can feature floor-to-ceiling tiles in neutral tones or a vibrant accent wall to bring your personality into your space.
Many homeowners opt for vertical subway tile installations to create the illusion of height, especially in smaller bathrooms.
A subway tile shower is another trend we’re seeing today. Homeowners are experimenting with unexpected layouts and textures, such as herringbone and chevron patterns, to add visual interest. If you want to create a spa-like ambiance, try pairing traditional subway tiles with contrasting grout or natural stone accents, like marble subway tile, which we’ll get to in a minute.
Marble Subway Tile: A Touch of Luxury
For a touch of class, consider using larger pieces of marble subway tile in your shower or bathroom backsplash. Its timeless beauty and natural veining work well in both kitchens and bathrooms, complementing classic and contemporary styles. The best part is—you don’t have to use natural stone to achieve a marbled look. Porcelain is a durable and moisture-resistant man-made alternative that can mimic the look of marble.
Subway Tile for Every Style
Ready to bring your vision to life? At Tile X Design, we offer an incredible selection of subway tiles, patterns, and modern finishes to fit perfectly into your space. Visit our showroom in Plymouth, MN, or explore our collection online to get inspiration for your next project.
Let’s create something extraordinary together. Schedule an appointment today!