subway tile shower inspiration: 10 fresh ideas & patterns

subway tile shower ideas and pattern inspiration

before we dive into subway tile shower ideas and patterns, let’s clarify one thing: subway tile need not always be 1) ceramic, 2) rectangular, and 3) white. we’ve seen glazed brick and zellige tiles replace ceramic ones for an elevated spin. we’ve also seen square tiles laid in a running bond pattern. and, of course, we’ve seen many colorful iterations of the classic subway tile look, including black tile.

not all designers approach the world of subway tile with such a wide lens, but we think this mindset makes the subway tile adventure all the more exciting.

1. classic white subway tiles with dark grout

you really can’t go wrong with a traditional white subway tile shower — and with this approach, you may find that the grout color makes all the difference. a dark-colored grout can offer a nice contrast to white ceramic tile, making a bold statement and highlighting the layout of your installation.

a word of caution, though: avoid too much contrast. a high-contrast grout can actually highlight crazing or texture, changing the color and look of your tile. a good rule of thumb? have your contractor mock up some sample boards. these “grout trials” will give you a better idea of what will work best in your space. chances are, you don’t have to go as dark as you think.

2. herringbone pattern with glossy white tiles

the running bond is one of the most popular patterns for subway tile, but it isn’t the only pattern to consider. another classic layout is herringbone, where rectangular tiles are laid at 45 degree angles. the tiles meet at straight edges, forming an iconic zigzag pattern.

be sure not to confuse the herringbone pattern with the chevron pattern. where herringbone has tiles meeting at 90-degree angles to form a zigzag, chevron uses tiles whose edges are cut to meet flush with the next pattern. (so, if you opt for herringbone over chevron, your contractor will be making fewer tile cuts.)

3. vertical subway tiles for a modern twist

whether you go with a classic running bond pattern or a more geometric stacked pattern, here’s one way to add extra visual interest: rotate it by 90 degrees. this will give you a vertical layout, which tends to create a modern look, putting an unexpected twist on more traditional horizontal layouts.

this is an excellent choice for small bathrooms, in particular, as vertical subway tiles can draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of a more expansive room.

4. subway tiles all the way up the wall, without trim

fun fact: tile trim is largely an american invention. most other countries, and especially those with a storied history in tile making, don’t use trim. we tend to recommend this approach as well.

if you’ve had your heart set on trim, imagine what a wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling installation could look like in your space — you might be surprised at the impact it could make.

5. white subway tiles with colorful accent tiles

why not sprinkle a bit of color into your tile installation? rather than opting for an all-white subway tile shower, you might go for a mostly white shower, with colorful tiles laid here and there for an expected touch of color. go for a whole rainbow of accent tiles, or stick with neutrals or metallics — it’s entirely up to you.

this should go without saying, but always talk to your contractor if you are considering mixing tiles (and especially tile materials) in your installation. all tiles are not created equal, and your contractor can offer valuable feedback in terms of what is feasible.

6. subway tiles in a staggered pattern

you’re probably familiar with the most iconic subway tile pattern of them all — the classic running bond. it’s what you’ll spot in century-old new york subway stations, with subway tiles laid in a staggered, brick-like pattern. but here’s what you may not know: you have options when it comes to how much each new row is staggered by.

if you’re going with a staggered subway tile look (as opposed to a brick bond, which we’ll get to in a moment) you’ll want to stagger your tiles by a third. this approach gives you a layout that looks less repetitive, as tile placement repeats every third row, rather than every second row.

7. subway tiles in a brick bond pattern

for a look that’s more consistent — and more repetitive — you can opt for a classic brick bond pattern. with the brick bond pattern, your tiles overlap by half, giving you two unique rows before the pattern repeats itself.

many interior designers have strong opinions about staggered vs brick bond, but we’re here to say: we’ve seen both, and they are both beautiful ways to lay subway tile.

8. large format subway tiles for a sleek look

you’re likely used to seeing 3-inch by 6-inch tiles in subway tile layouts, but the world is your oyster here. opting for a 4-inch by 12-inch tile can change up the look completely, especially if you’re going with, say, a herringbone layout.

want to stretch things even further? go with a large format tile and have it installed in a traditional running bond or stacked layout. the result will be fewer grout lines (and an undeniably sleek look).

9. mix and match subway tile shapes & materials

who says you need to stick with one type of tile? while tricky to pull off, mixing subway tile shapes and materials can really make a statement in the shower. a common bond brick layout, for example, features brick’s long and short faces — a pattern you can replicate using a mix of rectangular and square tiles. we’ve also seen showers that mix ceramic and zellige or marble tiles beautifully.

the same caveat with color mixing applies here: talk to your contractor if you are considering mixing different types of tile in your installation. they can help you understand what is feasible — and which tiles will play well together.

10. unglazed subway tiles for a unique look

many people instinctively reach for glazed tile when planning a shower install, but unglazed tiles can offer an unexpected textural look. (they may need a little more tlc see in terms of sealing and maintenance, however.) unglazed tile also offers the advantage of increased slip resistance when laid on the shower floor.

natural stone (such as slate) and encaustic cement are both popular choices here.

what size subway tile is best for shower walls?

the size of subway tile you add to your shower walls is entirely up to you. traditional subway tiles are 3 inches by 6 inches, while other common tile sizes are 2 inches by 8 inches, 4 inches by 8 inches, and 4 inches by 12 inches.

one thing to keep in mind: smaller tiles give you more grout lines, while larger tiles inherently call for less grouting. in addition, smaller wall tile tends to create a busier look — especially important when you’re going with a herringbone or basketweave pattern.

what shower floor tile goes with subway tile walls?

in our book, it’s always best to go with a shower floor tile that feels right to you. popular choices for shower floor tile include encaustic cement, unglazed zellige, porcelain penny rounds, and raw terracotta.

don’t forget: shower floors do call for slip resistant tile. if you have your eye on a smooth or glazed tile, you may need to have the tile cut down to a smaller size to give you more grout lines. (more grouting = increased slip resistance.)

how do i clean and maintain a subway tile shower?

this, of course, depends on the tile material. classic ceramic subway tile is glazed and therefore famously easy to clean. generally speaking, a mild ph-neutral cleaner should be sufficient for most everyday maintenance. glazed subway tile generally does not need regular resealing, either. (though it is always best to consult your contractor.)

if you’re going with an unglazed type of subway tile such as cement or slate, upkeep will look somewhat different. a mild ph-neutral cleaner is still typically best, but your tile will likely need regular resealing to protect it from heavy water exposure. again, your contractor is your best point of contact here.