Home Improvement Ideas Tile Projects & Inspiration Our 8 Best Bathroom Subway Tile Ideas Make a splash with subway tile in your bathroom using one of our favorite applications or variations. By Hannah Bruneman Hannah Bruneman Hannah Bruneman is an editorial associate at BHG.com. Her contributions focus on home renovation and decor trends. Her work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies Home Journal, Southern Living and more. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on January 3, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Jay Wilde Classic white bathroom subway tile will always add timeless appeal. Initially seen on the walls of subway stations, these rectangular tiles have been cemented in the bathroom tile vocabulary. But new hues and sizes bring variety to the marketplace, as do colorful grouts and inset tiles. Plus, there are so many ways to arrange bathroom subway tiles. Read on for our favorite bathroom subway tile ideas. 35 Stunning Subway Tile Bathroom Ideas 01 of 08 Colorful Accent for Subway Tile Bathroom subway tiles are affordable for walls and surfaces, so using them for most of your tile application will save you money. But adding accent tiles can add pizzazz. The watery blue and green mosaic border enlivens this classic subway tile look. The jewel-tone tiles and shapely edging transition from the laid-back white subway tiles to the colorful aqua tiles in the recessed shelves surrounding the mirror. 02 of 08 Subway Tile Shower Surround Inherently simple, bathroom subway tiles make a statement when applied en masse. The shower surround in this bathroom is clad in subway tiles and matching white grout, creating an uninterrupted plane of white. The reliable water resistance of properly installed tile also protects the walls of the shower from moisture damage. 03 of 08 Contemporary Bathroom Subway Tile Seth Smoot Explore tile finish and glazing options if you want the classic shape of subway tiles but don't want traditional white tiles. A greige finish on these glazed bathroom subway tiles adds a contemporary edge around a classic freestanding tub. White tile on the bathroom floor keeps the room grounded and timeless. 10 Freestanding Bathtub Ideas That’ll Have You Dreaming in Bubbles 04 of 08 Timeless Bathroom Subway Tile These walls are clad in traditionally dimensioned and colored bathroom subway tile. The room gets a signature look thanks to a slightly tinted grout, which helps provide a smooth shift between the crisp white tile and the bold black on the shutters. A switch to penny tile on the floor continues the black-and-white color scheme, complementing the classic running bond layout. 14 Types of Bathroom Tiles for Every Budget and Aesthetic 05 of 08 Marble Subway Tile Brittany Ambridge If you love the look of bathroom subway tile but want something more refined, consider using marble rather than ceramic or porcelain. In this opulent bathroom, marble subway tiles climb to the ceiling, accented with a thick border. Instead of relying on a thick grout line to add visual interest, variegated veining in the tiles draws attention to the walls and softens the look. 06 of 08 Square Bathroom Subway Tile Designer Celily Mendell's home in Alamo, California near San Francisco. Larger subway tiles will lend a more contemporary look to a bathroom while retaining a sense of timelessness. Wide grout lines also add a distinguishing accent to the tile application, as does a specialty glaze or color. The tile in this bathroom has several of those traits, creating an impressive shower surround. In the light and airy space, the bold structure of the tile design is grounding, and the black grout coordinates with the bathroom countertop and floor. 07 of 08 Pattern Paired with Subway Tile Julie Soefer Photography LLC If subway tile looks a little too conventional for your taste, don't be afraid to pair it with patterned tile. In this bathroom, the shower subway tile takes a backseat to bold floor tiles stretching up the walls' sides. When paired with a busy pattern, subway tile acts as a blank canvas where you can rest your eyes. 08 of 08 Black and White Subway Tile Nothing is more classic than a black-and-white color scheme. Keep your bathroom subway tile looking crisp with fixtures and decor to match. The black grout in this subway tile stands out when paired with black finishes and hardware. A wood ceiling prevents the black and white bathroom from feeling too cold. 20 Wood Ceiling Ideas That Add Rustic Charm Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit