Subway tile patterns have garnered widespread admiration for their timeless appeal. Yet, while subway tile offers a classic charm, it can sometimes verge on the mundane. However, by infusing it with creative patterns, you can elevate its presence in your home to an entirely new level.
Today, we delve into the realm of subway tile, exploring the myriad ways in which it can be laid to impart a distinct character to your living space.
Subway tile hit the scene during the early 1900s when it was put in underground train stations in New York. People were inspired and began using it in their homes, adding it to their kitchens and bathrooms.
While the traditional size of subway tile measures 3 inches by 6 inches, contemporary variations abound, ranging from elongated rectangles to compact squares. This adaptability has cemented subway tile’s status as a design staple, ensuring its relevance for over a century. Not only does subway tile exude a timeless elegance, but its smooth surface also facilitates effortless maintenance—a welcome bonus for homeowners.
Initially available only in white, subway tile now boasts a diverse array of hues, sizes, and textures, offering boundless possibilities for customization. Navigating the selection process can be daunting, but the beauty lies in the freedom to experiment beyond the conventional horizontal layout in rows.
Subway Tile Layout Visual Guide
1. Herringbone at 90 Degrees
The classic herringbone pattern, but just tilted 90 degrees. It works well for a taller space, like a shower, to create vertical and horizontal subway tile patterns rather than just one large pattern that can be overwhelming when used in a large and tall space.
The herringbone at 90 degrees also draws the eye up and creates visual interest in the space.
2. Step Ladder
Imagine this look like stepping stones in a step ladder. This one looks awesome in a surround shower pattern and makes the space feel larger and more open.
It’s definitely a different layout and not one you see often, however, as you can tell, makes a great statement. Consider the step ladder in a niche in the shower or as a more creative subway tile layout in the kitchen.
3. Classic Subway
Pictured here is the classic subway tile. In this design, the tile is stacked like bricks. This is how subway tile was first started and adds a classic look to any space.
This is what our clients most opt for because it’s timeless and pairs well with other shapes, like the hexagon. We love using a fun pop of color with the classic subway tile pattern.
4. Geometric Look
This fun look is easy to create by placing two horizontal tiles next to two vertical tiles. It creates a geometric pattern that adds boldness while still maintaining a classic feel.
We did this one in our kitchen and are in love with how it turned out.
5. Classic at a Diagonal
Shake the classic subway tile patterns up with a little twist! All you do with this is take the traditional subway tile, stack it like bricks, and rotate it at a 45-degree angle.
This twist on the classic adds a surprise in the kitchen because it’s so unique and rather unexpected. The diagonal pattern helps to expand the room while keeping the classic look.
Photo Credit: A Beautiful Mess
6. Stacked Vertical
Pretty simple one here, stack the tiles vertically on top and beside each other. Because of the vertical pattern, it can make the ceilings feel taller and work well behind your counters.
7. 90 Degree Classic
Rotate the classic stacked subway tile 90 degrees, and you’ve got a whole new look to the classic subway tile pattern. This design helps to enlarge the room and makes a statement in your space that’s more fun than the traditional design.
Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy
8. Stacked Horizontal Tile
Similar to the stacked vertical, except now the tile is stacked horizontally.
The grout lines are linear and the tile lines up next to and on top of each other. This look works well with a modern design and open wood shelving that creates pleasing horizontal lines throughout the kitchen.
If you love the mid-century modern look or your style is more modern than traditional, this is one of the subway tile patterns for you because of the linear look. We recently used the horizontally stacked tile in one of our favorite bathroom remodels.
Below we paired a custom tile from Mercury Mosaics with a fun bold wallpaper.
Check out more on that project HERE.
9. Stacked Vertical – Alternating
Create a visually interesting shower wall by using the vertically stacked subway tile pattern, but then offset the rows. This pattern is a more modern look and therefore works well with full tile walls, like in a bathroom or as a statement wall in the kitchen or by the hood.
Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy
10. Classic Herringbone
One of our favorites that give subway tile a whole new look! The tiles are diagonal and create a cool pattern. It makes any wall pop and works as an accent wall.
We do the herringbone pattern a lot for our own homes and for clients’ floor tile. It’s a classic look that I don’t think will ever go out of style.
For the project below, we used handmade tile to create this herringbone pattern and it added a unique element to this kitchen refresh. The white tile is accented by “whisper gray” grout, making this classic herringbone pattern stand out.
11. Stacked Horizontal – Alternating
Just like the stacked vertical alternating, alternate the tiles horizontally. This classic look is still able to create a unique pattern, it will make your laundry room or bathroom appear chic and elegant.
12. Herringbone at 45 Degrees
For this look, take #10 and rotate it 45 degrees. This is a good pattern for a smaller bath or kitchen because it keeps your eyes moving throughout the room making it seem bigger.
It’s also a great way to draw the eye around the room or direct attention to a specific element in the space.
No matter which of the subway tile patterns you choose, you can’t go wrong! Shake it up and have some fun with it. Even if you incorporate the classic subway tile in the classic design, try to include some other fun tiles and layouts.
Ready to get tiling? We have a video tutorial too.
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