15 Subway Tile Ideas from Classic To Contemporary

Subway tiles have been around for decades and continue to be a popular choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. If you’re considering using subway tiles in your next project, check out these 15 ideas. From classic white subway tiles to contemporary grey options, there’s sure to be a style that fits your needs. Plus, these ideas will give you some inspiration on how to use subway tiles in different ways. So if you’re ready to add a touch of elegance to your home with subway tiles, read on.

What is a Subway Tile?

A subway tile is a type of ceramic tile that is commonly used in backsplashes and other wall applications. Subway tiles get their name from their rectangular shape, which is similar to the shape of a subway train. Subway tiles are typically glazed, meaning that they have a smooth, glossy surface. This makes them easy to clean and maintain. In addition, subway tiles come in a wide variety of colours and styles, making them a versatile option for any design project. Whether you’re looking for a classic white tile or something more colourful and modern, there’s a subway tile that’s perfect for your needs.

How to Have Subway Tiles from Classic to Contemporary?

If you’re looking to add a bit of excitement to your home décor, consider switching up your subway tile style. Here are three ways to go from classic to contemporary:

• Add a Graphic Element: Graphic subway tiles can be fun and eclectic, letting you mix and match different patterns and colours to create your unique look. You can find designs in all shapes and sizes, so there’s sure to be something that fits your style.

• Use Bold Colours: If you’re feeling more daring, go for bright and bold colours that will stand out in a room. This type of tile is perfect if you want to inject some life into an otherwise bland space.

• Go Modular: If you want the ultimate contemporary look, consider going modular – this means using small pieces that can be arranged in many different ways to create a unique look every time. This is perfect if you want something that’ll look great but won’t take up much space or if you just want something new and exciting for your home decor.

Best Subway Tile Bathroom Designs in 2022

When it comes to choosing the perfect Subway Tile Design, there is no wrong answer – as long as you have a few ideas in mind! From classic designs that evoke a nostalgic feel to modern takes on the tile trend that are sure to wow your guests, these 15 Subway Tile Designs will have you finding the perfect tile for your home in no time.

1. Mix Old and New
2. Add Earthy Tones
3. Gloss it Up
4. Accent with Black
5. Make it Bold
6. Pair with Brick
7. Line the Staircase
8. Try a Herringbone Pattern
9. Add Horizontal Stripes
10. Tile Every Wall
11. Add Texture
12. Use a Matte Navy Finish
13. Accent with Grey
14. Go for the Bronze
15. Pair with Farmhouse Elements

1) Mix Old and New

Mix old and new subway tile designs to create a unique look in your home. By using both classic and modern tiles, you can create a cohesive design scheme that is both interesting and stylish. For example, try pairing vintage subway tiles with contemporary ones to create an unexpected but very chic look. Alternatively, go for a more eclectic mix of styles by using tiles from different eras or even different countries. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and experiment!

2) Add Earthy Tones

Adding earthy tones to your home can help create a cosy, lived-in feel. A green or brown tile can add depth and interest to a room, while also lending a touch of natural beauty. For an eclectic look, consider pairing different colours together – think tan and light green tiles in one bathroom, for example, or dark brown and light grey tiles in another. And don’t be afraid to mix textures too: use a textured tile next to a sleek one for added dimension.

3) Gloss it Up

If you love the look of subway tile but want a bit more pizzazz in your home decor, try giving it a gloss finish. This simple step will give your tile a sleek and sophisticated look that is perfect for any space. There are a few different ways to achieve this effect, so be sure to explore them all!

One easy way to add a gloss finish is to use a sealant. This type of sealant is available in various shades, so you can match the tone of your tile perfectly. simply apply the sealant to one or two sections of your tile, let it sit for a few minutes, and then buff it off with a cloth or towel. You can also use this same technique to create highlights on your tile. Simply brush on the sealant until you reach the desired highlight, then buff it off with a cloth or towel.

4) Accent with Black

Black is a versatile colour that can be used for everything from a modern kitchen theme to more traditional decor. If you’re looking for an accent tile design that will stand out, consider using black as the main colour in your flooring scheme. Black subway tiles can be used in any room in your home, from the kitchen and bathrooms to the living room and bedrooms.

Adding black subway tiles to your existing flooring is a great way to update your space without having to replace everything. You can also use black subway tiles as the basis of a new flooring project, just add other colours or patterns to create a unique look. Whatever you choose, adding black subway tiles to your home will give it an updated look that everyone will love!

5) Make it Bold

Are you looking for an interesting and bold way to add a little personality to your home? Consider using subway tiles as a design element. This unique flooring is not only stylish but also very durable. Plus, it can be customised to fit any style or décor. Here are some ideas for using subway tile in your home:

• Create a bold geometric pattern on the floor with different colours of subway tile.
• Mix patterns to create a visually stunning mixed-media flooring design.
• Design a monochromatic floor with just one colour of subway tile.
• Create a simple and classic wall mural in a tiled style using various colours of tiles.

6) Pair with Brick

Adding a pop of colour to your tile design with a brick border is a great way to add variety and interest. This simple trick can be easily implemented by pairing different colours of bricks together, or using the same colour but in different sizes. For example, pink bricks can be paired with light blue ones for a more feminine look, or dark brown bricks with lime green ones for a more rugged one. Experiment until you find the look you’re going for.

7) Line the Staircase

Staircases can be a daunting task to design, but with a little ingenuity and some Subway Tile, you can have a staircase that is both stylish and easy to maintain. Here are four ideas for staircases made out of Subway Tiles:

• A Simple Staircase: This staircase is simple and classic, perfect for any home. All you need is a straight-line pattern of Subway Tiles and you’re ready to go.

• A Swirling Staircase: If you’re looking for something a bit more creative, try out a staircase made out of Subway Tiles in a swirling pattern. It’ll add an extra layer of visual interest to your home and make it look more modern and chic.

• A Customisable Staircase: If you want to be able to customise your staircase however you want, try using Subway Tiles in different colour combinations or patterns. This will give the staircase a unique look that will fit perfectly into your home’s style.

• A Unique Staircase: If you want something truly unique and special, try creating a staircase out of Spiralised Glasses. Not only will this create an amazing visual effect, but it’ll also be incredibly durable and easy to keep clean.

8) Try a Herringbone Pattern

When it comes to Tile Design, a Herringbone Pattern is a great way to add interest and variation. The pattern can be used in any room of your home but is especially stylish in the bathroom or kitchen. To create the herringbone pattern, start by laying out your tiles in a grid. When you’re finished, make sure all of the tiles are lined up in the same direction. Next, use an x-acto knife to slice diagonally across each tile in your grid. And finally, connect the slices by rubbing them together until they’re joined. Be sure to take care not to cut into any of the other tiles!

9) Add Horizontal Stripes

Adding horizontal stripes to your tile design is a great way to add some extra interest and life to your space. Not only will they add personality, but they can also play off of other elements in the room, just like vertical stripes can. Here are four ways to add horizontal stripes:

• Stripes Alternating Between Colors: Start by painting one side of your tile with one colour and the other side with a different colour. Then use a ruler to evenly space stripes across the tiles.
• Stripes With A Pattern: Create a pattern using painter’s tape or a stencil and then use a knife or scissors to cut it into the tiles.
• Stripes With Dots: Use tiny dots to create a less-structured stripe pattern. Just make sure you have enough dots for each stripe, otherwise, their size will be inconsistent.
• Stripes With Lines: Draw lines across the tiles using a white pen or pencil, then fill in the gaps using your chosen colour paint.

10) Tile Every Wall

Tile every wall in your home to create a uniform and cosy look. Choose different tiles to reflect different parts of your personality. For example, use brightly coloured tiles to add some life to a dull room, or go for neutrals to keep the space feeling cohesive. If you want something more specific, try incorporating your favourite quotes or designs into your tile design. Not only will your walls look great, but you’ll also be able to relax and enjoy the aesthetic while indoors.

11) Add Texture

Tile is a versatile material that can be used in many different ways. Whether you’re looking for a sleek and modern look or something more rustic and traditional, tile can create a variety of textures. Here are some ideas for adding texture to your subway tile designs:

• Use variations in colour and size to create a blended look. For example, use two colours of the same tile but with different shades or sizes.

• Use patterns or images as accents on the surface of tiles. A simple image like an animal or plant can add personality to a room, while more complex patterns can create an interesting visual effect. Try using these as part of larger floor plans or as standalone pieces on specific areas of the floor.

• Combine different types of tiles together to create unique textures. For example, mix ceramic and porcelain tiles for a shiny finish, or use textured glass tiles for an ultra-modern look.

12) Use a Matte Navy Finish

If you’re looking for a sophisticated subway tile design that can add a touch of sophistication to any room, consider using a matte navy finish. This colour is versatile enough to work in any style of home, and its subtlety will help to balance out more dramatic designs. To create this look, start by selecting your tiles in a range of muted shades, including navy, grey, and light blue. Next, use a light dusting of pigment to add depth and dimension to the tiles. For an extra touch of polish, finish the look with a few accents in bright colours like red or yellow.

13) Accent with Grey

Grey accents can be a great way to add interest and distinction to your home’s subway tile design. By adding a touch of grey, you can give your space a more modern look while still retaining its traditional character. You can also use grey in place of other colours to create an accent wall or floor. For example, you could use grey tiles to contrast with light blue tiles on a bathroom vanity or dark green tiles on a kitchen countertop.

14) Go for the Bronze

For a design that will stand out and make a statement in your home, go for bronze subway tile. This colour is perfect if you want to add some brightness and life to a room, or if you’re wanting to create a stylish but affordable accent. There are so many ways that bronze subway tile can be used in your home, and it’s a great choice if you want an updated look without having to break the bank. 

Here are some ideas for how to use bronze subway tile in your home:

• To brighten up a dull space, use bronze subway tile as an accent on the floor or walls. It’ll add texture and life to the space, while also being very affordable.

• If you have a vintage or transitional style home, consider using bronze subway tile as part of your design. It’ll give your home an updated look without having to spend a lot of money.

• For a more modern look, try using bronze subway tile as part of an Ikea-inspired design. This type of design is popular right now and is very stylish and easy to put together yourself.

15) Pair with Farmhouse Elements

Adding a farmhouse feel to a modern home can be done in many ways, one of which is through subway tiles. Subway tiles are a popular and versatile flooring option that can easily be integrated into almost any contemporary home décor. Here are some ideas for pairing subway tiles with farmhouse elements:

• Tile is a neutral base for accessories such as rugs, candles, or furniture.
• Create an eclectic look by mixing different colours and patterns of tile.
• Choose subway tiles in natural tones such as earthy browns, greens, and tans to work well with rustic wood furniture or cabinets.
• Create a more transitional look by using bright colours like pinks and oranges against darker woods or walls.

Subway Tile Designs- Photos & Ideas

Conclusion

Subway tiles are a versatile option for your next tile project. With so many colours and styles available, you can create a look that is both classic and contemporary. If you’re looking to add some subway tile inspiration to your Pinterest board, we’ve got you covered.

Frequently Asked Questions