Subway tiles were originally white, rectangular, ceramic tiles first used in New York City’s subways. For this post today, though, I am not sticking to that description. You can use the ideas and tips listed below for any rectangular tile, made of any material. And so I have included them all in the pictures and examples below. And I promise, you’ll love each one of them!
Subway Tiles
The most fun part of using subway tiles is the infinite number of patterns you can create with them using different layout styles and colours. Let’s start with some basic patterns first. As we proceed to the next steps, you’ll see how truly exciting this is.
1 – Horizontally Stacked
When you simply lay the tiles horizontally, one on top of the other, you’re stacking them horizontally.
Though it is the simplest and most obvious way to lay these tiles in, the effect is still surprisingly beautiful.
And is as stunning in dark colours as in whites.
The stack has a modern vibe compared to the more traditional offset brick pattern which is coming up next.
2 – Horizontal Stack, Offset Horizontally
Stack the tiles horizontally as in -1- above, and then shift the rows sideways so that the vertical lines of the stack are misaligned.
The result is a brick like pattern, which is how subway tiles were originally used.
As you can see, this is a more traditional look compared to the simple stack. And so, it’s a pattern you can’t go wrong with.
When the tile in the row above starts at the midpoint of the tile below, you get the traditional brick pattern you’ve seen all the pics so far.
You can vary that by changing the starting point of one tile compared to the one below. Or change this starting point in each row to make a more random pattern.
3 – Horizontal Stack, Offset Vertically
Stack the tiles horizontally as in -1- above, and then slide the columns up and down so that the horizontal lines of the stack are misaligned.
Source (I could only trace this pic to Pinterest. Any help to credit the rightful owner will be welcome)
4 – Vertically Stacked
Lay the tile vertically, one on top of the other, and you have a vertical stack.
A uniform pattern, such as this, adds interest to a space without being overwhelming to the eyes.
A vertical stack also helps to add visual height to a space.
This backsplash, for instance, might have looked narrower and longer if the tiles had been laid horizontally. The vertical tiles help to ‘lift’ it up.
5 – Vertical Stack, Offset Vertically
Stack the tiles vertically as in -4- above, and then slide the columns up and down so that the horizontal lines of the stack are misaligned.
As you can see, this makes a standing brick pattern.
And makes for another interesting way to lay subway tiles.
6 – Vertical Stack, Offset Horizontally
Stack the tiles vertically as in -4- above, and then slide the rows sideways so that the vertical lines of the stack are misaligned.
This ever so slight misalignment of lines makes for quite an interesting pattern.
Done in all white here, this is the perfect example of how such an intricate pattern can yet be subtle to the eye.
Source (I could only trace this pic to Pinterest. Any help to credit the rightful owner will be welcome)
7 – Lay Them Diagonally
A diagonal brick pattern works wonders for this backsplash.
And love how you can end this pattern with that pretty trim.
8 – Herringbone
This is my absolute favourite way of using subway tiles, as you can tell from this kitchen we designed a while back.
I love the visual interest that a herringbone pattern creates.
It works beautifully to highlight a particular area.
Or you could go the whole hog… from walls to flooring.
9 – Double Herringbone
Instead of using single tiles, at right angles to each other, to make a herringbone pattern, use two tiles placed together.
The length of the tile has to be more than twice the width to be able to make this pattern.
This is one pattern I am really looking forward to try myself.
10 – Herringbone @45°
Take your herringbone pattern and lay it sideways, so that the zig zag lines are going from up to down instead of side to side.
It makes for a very pretty pattern indeed.
11 – Herringbone @90°
Turn the herringbone around so that the subway tiles are placed vertically and horizontally to form an ‘L’.
I assume this type of herringbone pattern would be easier to lay because the tiles can be aligned to the vertical and horizontal lines of the surface on which they are being laid.
Also, towards ends and corners, the tiles here are cut in straight lines and so you don’t end up with small, awkward pieces.
12 – Single Herringbone Line
Look at the pic carefully. The herringbone starts in the top right corner where one tile has been laid horizontally along the ceiling and one at right angles to it along the wall. The rest of the tiles are all horizontal along the ceiling and vertical along the wall. So the herringbone runs only along one single slanting line starting from the top right, going towards the bottom left.
You obviously need a large, plain surface area to show off this pattern properly.
13 – 2×2 Grid
Lay two tiles horizontally, to form a square. Lay two tiles vertically, next to that, to form another square. Continue laying these squares in alternatingly.
The 2×2 grid is possible when the length of the tile is twice its width.
14 – 3×3 Grid
Lay three tiles horizontally, to form a square. Lay three tiles vertically, next to that, to form another square. Continue laying these squares in alternatingly.
The 3×3 grid is possible when the length of the tile is thrice its width.
15 – 4×4 Grid
Lay four tiles horizontally, to form a square. Lay four tiles vertically, next to that, to form another square. Continue laying these squares in alternatingly.
The 4×4 grid is possible when the length of the tile is four times its width.
You get the drift. Depending on the length is to width ratio of the tiles, you can lay these grids in as many combinations.
16 – Mix Up The Patterns
And now comes the fun part. Who says you have to use only one pattern at one time? Don’t you love the way the vertical stack in the niche contrasts the horizontal stack on the wall?
Or this vertical stack which forms a border on a wall laid with a brick pattern.
Here’s a brick pattern on the lower half topped with a vertical stack above it.
Notice the brick pattern across the bathtub contrasting the herringbone around it.
I love how not only the pattern, but also the scale of the tiles changes dramatically on the two halves of this wall.
17 – Mix Up The Colours
Subway tiles can be made so much more interesting by using colour in exciting ways.
You could use shades of the same colour, or a combination of different colours to go with your scheme.
The ombre effect created by this colour blocking is simply fabulous.
Or you could use contrasting shades to make as many stunning combinations as you can come up with.
Textures work wonders too, if this combination of matt and glossy blacks is anything to go by.
18 – Combine Them With Different Materials
While combining any tiles with other materials would look great, the reason I think it makes more of a statement with subway tiles is this. Being smaller than regular tiles, subway tiles make patterns involving a lot of lines and repetition. When this intricate pattern is placed against any single large piece like stone or wood, the contrast is all the more fascinating.
For example, the large slabs of marble make such a beautiful base for the minty green tiles here.
The long, dark planks of wood make a stunning contrast to the tiny, white finger tiles in every way possible.
And the large slab of terrazzo with a minute pattern on it, against the smaller subway tiles which are completely plain. Isn’t that just wonderful?
19 – Use As A Highlight
You don’t necessarily have to use your subway tile right across your room. Sometimes, it makes a higher impact to use it as a highlight on one particular area.
It could be on a focal wall in your space.
Or part of a wall that you want to visually highlight and separate.
Here it clearly demarcates the shower wall from the rest of the bathroom and highlights it.
It’s an amazing way to create a focal point in your living space.
20 – Exciting End Trims
Just as you don’t have to use your subway pattern through the entire room, you don’t have to use it across your entire wall either. In fact, thanks to the pattern of tiles, covering only part of the wall gives you some pretty exciting options.
Horizontal and vertical stacks will always end in a straight line, even if you stop them half way through. So ending them at any point will be quite straightforward.
You could always add a little trim on top to end your line of tiles.
I like how the edging detail here delicately separates the two whites.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you must keep those straight lines. You can always pluck out a few tiles to make a random pattern and end off your pattern in a most interesting manner.
Source (I could only trace this pic to Pinterest. Any help to credit the rightful owner will be welcome)
You can do exactly the same with a vertical stacks and bricks.
Source (I could only trace this pic to Pinterest. Any help to credit the rightful owner will be welcome)
This becomes more fun when you start considering other patterns. For instance, you could end a herringbone pattern in it’s natural zig-zag.
You have almost a picket fence kind of trim with this herringbone @45°
The trim here makes a beautiful frame for the mirror.
21 – Grout Colours
And finally, the grout. Yup, even how you fill the grout in your subway pattern can make a huge difference to what it eventually looks like. Let me show you with examples.
Take this first pic.. beautiful white subway tile with white grout filling.. everything soft and dreamy.
Now we have white subway with black grout.. bold and dramatic.
Finally, white subway with copper grout… completely glamorous!
You can use contrasting grout in various ways to create different moods.
It’s often a good idea to use a contrasting grout with a subway pattern, because it helps to highlight the pattern.
Just like you would use a dark grout to make a light tile stand out, use a light grout with a dark tile.
Or you could use the grout to fit in with the rest of decor, like this copper grout to match the copper bath fittings.
And with that, I think we have covered almost everything that would come into play if you are thinking of using subway tiles. From patterns, colours, textures, where to use them, how much to use them, how to end them and what colour to fill the grout, we have it all covered here.
I know I’m going to be referring to this post very often myself because I can’t wait to use these patterns the next chance I get.
I hope you’re going to find this post just as useful. Bookmark it and keep it as a ready reckoner. I’d love to hear of subway tile projects this helps you with and any more ideas you might have that I can add to this post.
So keep writing in.
Until next time,
Hi, I am trying to find out if the white finger tiles in your photos are clear glass or marble? and who makes them. The picture with the natural vanity and the white finger tiles vertically behind them….thanks for any help!
Hi Maggie. That gorgeous pic is not my work. I have tagged the original source below it.
WOW! I was getting worried that subway tiles were getting a bit boring because everyone has them, but you’ve given me so many ideas for my new shower room, that I can hardly wait to start playing. Thanks so much for sharing.
Judi in the UK
Pleasure, Judi! I absolutely love subway tiles too… I’ll definitely be referring to this post myself in the coming months!
Absolutely love the subway tiles myself and what brilliant ideas you have brought forward. Thanks so much and seriously you’re too good. I’m renovating my kitchen and your herring bone white kitchen inspires me- let’s see what I can do
You can’t go wrong with that! Share pics once you’re done, Purnima 🙂