Subway tiles are rectangular tiles with different sizes and finishes; they have been around for a long time. They get their name from the New York subway system, which they were invented in 1904. Since then, they have been constantly reinvented over decades in different interior design styles on the grounds of colour, pattern, and placement, as well as how they are used in a particular space. They initially came in a 3” x 6” brick style and were later introduced in various sizes.

What makes them so popular is the ease of maintenance, price point and aesthetics. The versatility and ease of use have made these tiles popular for bathrooms. One can play with a world of possibilities when it comes to subway tiles. We will discuss some of the design styles that are popular in the world of subway tiles.

Check the subway tiles bathroom ideas and let us know what you think:

The Classic New York Subway Style

The classic white subway tile, introduced in the New York subway system, is still all the rage in the bathrooms. It has a sleek and modern look, which helps it blend well with most interior design styles. 

You can go for an all-over subway look at the wall. There are many ways that you can play with it. You can go for contrasting grout colours. Use patterns like herringbone, chevron or stacked. 

Another way is to use black grout colour and black accents in the bathroom as bathroom fixtures and accessories.

Herringbone Style:

Herringbone-style subway tile creates a dynamic and visually appealing look in a bathroom. It can be used as a feature wall in the bathroom in the shower area or as a backsplash tile on top of the bathroom sink. The herringbone pattern in subway tile is a classic style yet always in trend.

In the first picture, the shower wall has tiles in a herringbone pattern, drawing the eye towards this accent wall and adding a hint of interest and complexity to the otherwise muted tones. 

Another exciting way to use this pattern style is on the floor. The grey tiles on the floor in the herringbone pattern in the second picture add movement and interest to the floor.

Mix and Match :

Another unique option is to mix and match different styles and sizes of subway tiles in one bathroom. This look can be created by using contrasting colours of subway tiles, different finishes like gloss and polished or placing them in different pattern styles.

Stacked Subway Tile bathroom in different colours:

An exciting and artistic style, this unique semi-circular shower area with subway tile, placed in stacked form in a contrasting colour scheme, brings some design clout to even a tiny space. The curved entrances to walk-in showers give you a sense of walking into a cocooning space and getting some visual interest in the bathroom.

Warm – Geometric Design:

A Warm colour pallet using red, brown and beige hues in this bathroom creates a cozy and comfortable environment. The continuity of this geometric pattern up to the wall creates a sense of movement for the eye and blurs the boundary from floor to tile, making the space look bigger.  It imparts a retro-look to the bathroom owing to the colour scheme.

Partially Clad Design:

This bathroom features subway tiles on the wall and partially clad subway tiles in a muted tone. The colour palette adds softness and warmth to the design. The patterned floor tiles add contrast and drama to this bathroom’s otherwise warm, cozy, and neutral look.

Subway tile in traditional Style:

Subway tile can also be placed in a traditional-style bathroom. This glossy, classic white subway tile adds a clean and timeless look to this traditional-style bathroom. The subway tiles blend well with the overall monochromatic theme of the bathroom. A border of black subway tiles across the top frames the white subway tile, adding contrast and giving a break to the white-painted wall above it. Gold fixtures and rich accents add to the timeless traditional charm of this bathroom.

Monochromatic Style:

Another style which is all the rage is the modern and minimalistic monochromatic style. The idea is to install subway tiles in the classic or stacked brick pattern and then paint the walls above in the same colour. The continuity of colour in this style unifies the space, while the transition in the texture adds depth. This further gives a sophisticated look to the bathroom while making it dynamic and harmonious.

This look can be created with bold and deep colours like green, blue, etc., to give a dramatic appeal. Soft hues and pastel tones create a warm, gentleness and welcoming appeal.

Embrace the colour:

Subway tiles come in versatile colours and hues, offering a perfect canvas for experimenting with colour and catering to your aesthetic preference. You can choose a soft, subtle pink and pastel or a more vibrant hue or deep colour tones, depending on your style and the ambience you want to create in the bathroom. One can also go for a combination of colours in monochromatic schemes or contrasting colour schemes. 

Subway Tile with Wallpaper:

Another exciting trend is the subway tile paired with wallpaper. This works very well for small bathrooms, particularly powder rooms. The wallpaper adds optical illusion and quality to the space. The transition from the subway tile to the wallpaper adds depth and drama to the entire bathroom. You can get creative and play with unique patterns for wallpaper and exciting colour combinations to suit your style. The fixtures and fittings can further add more style to this look.

Conclusion

One of the most amazing things about the subway tile is that it’s always in fashion. All you need to do is spruce things up around it, like change the lighting fixtures or swap the wall paint with an exciting wallpaper, and your old subway tile will sit right in with the latest trend. There are many ways to get creative with its application; you can install it in a brick pattern and stack it up in vertical or horizontal rows. Whether your style is traditional or modern, simple or Quirky, subway tiles cater to every taste.

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