By
First used in the public transit system back in 1904, homeowners and designers have since adopted the classic subway tile with zest. Its clean, rectangular shape exudes subtle sophistication, so it’s no wonder that subway tile showers have quickly become a go-to bathroom surface finish.
Because of their versatility, you can pick any color, create contrast with grout, utilize a distinct orientation, or play with patterns. The traditional all-white tile and grout may be your cup of tea, but you my also want to play around with unique combinations, such as floral patterned white tiles or dramatic yellow tiles laid in a herringbone pattern—whatever your preference. Subway tile also comes in a diverse range of sizes from the conventional 3 by 6 inches to oversized ones. As a rule of thumb, each subway tile should be a perfect rectangle with the length twice its width.
Besides being low maintenance and durable, subway tile showers have a refined and modern look to them that will never go out of style. Their sleek and cohesive profile will streamline any bathroom, and when left unpolished, subway tiles can add texture and dimension to your shower.
We’ve curated a list of 30 subway tile showers that will be sure to dazzle you with their timeless beauty and understated style.
PHOTO:
PHOTO:
PHOTO:
PHOTO:
This tiny bathroom is the picture definition of clean and crisp. Shades of earthy browns dispersed throughout the room on bathing essentials, wooden sign, and wicker basket is replicated on the grout, which makes the space seem cohesive and expertly curated. By employing a similar shade on everything else—walls, furnishings, and furniture—the eye flows smoothly across the room.
PHOTO:
You don’t have to limit subway tiles to the shower stall alone. Take a cue from this clean-lined bathroom and install them around the bathtub as well. The warm undertones on the white walls exude calmness and coziness, whereas pops of black hardware and hanging plants prevents the color palette from becoming too monotonous. The tub surround flaunts a gorgeous pattern that injects visual texture and intrigue.
PHOTO:
If you want to showcase other eye-catching elements within your bathroom, match the subway tiles to the remaining walls, then further meld the grout color to the tiles. In this spacious bathroom, the tiles melt into the background, letting the floor, wicker accessories, and yellow flowers take center stage. The strategic tile arrangement also visually separates the shower from the rest of the bathroom.
PHOTO:
Deviate from the traditional white subway tiles and install gray ones instead. It adds a touch of color that doesn’t overpower the room. The gray subway tiles help balance out the bright white, while sticking out just enough to pull the focus into the slanted ceiling. Throwing in white grout softens and makes the gray more forgiving. Finally, gold-painted accents scattered around the vanity area warms up the neutral colors in this space.
PHOTO:
The softness radiating off the cream walls, polished metallic hardware, earthy grout, and abundant natural light blend together to curate a calming, modern chic bathroom fit for unwinding. White wraps every inch of this simple bathroom with brightness, with the lack of ornamentation appealing to lovers of minimalism and uncluttered spaces.
PHOTO:
When selecting your subway tiles, take a leaf out of the existing palette. Shades of white and black sprinkled throughout the room are united on the shower wall tiles sporting black grout. Using identical hues and an attractive glossy finish on both wall and floor tiles bestows uniformity. The leafy potted plants on the vanity and in the corner cleverly add hues of refreshing green into this relatively neutral bathroom.
PHOTO:
The thick grout lines flaunting a vivid black hue paired with similar-hued appliances and striped shower curtain fosters a busy space that could become chaotic. However, the wooden cabinets popping out against bright white walls come in to redirect attention away from the graphic hues and complex patterns, striking some much needed balance.
PHOTO:
If you’re a minimalist lover, take a cue from this contemporary bathroom and choose all-white subway tiles. The clean lines created by the small, rectangular tiles combined with the monochromatic color palette makes for a simple and uncluttered bathroom. Incorporating raw wooden elements and weathered matte black herringbone flooring introduces a touch of rustic farmhouse flair to an otherwise modern space.
PHOTO:
It’s the herringbone floor tiles that instantly catches the gaze, thanks to its bold moody black color. Contrasting white grout makes it pop out even more prominently, creating an eye-catching focal point. The striped shower curtain—which accentuates the black-and-white palette—looks right at home hanging next to the streamlined subway tiles. The aesthetic synchronization of multiple patterns—herringbone, stripes, and rectangles—nods to the historic Art Deco movement.
PHOTO:
Installing shiplap next to horizontally laid subway tiles creates a dynamic flow that guides the gaze across the room. The visible grain lines on the wooden elements infuse a charming rustic touch as well as a much-needed dose of texture. since there are a lot of things going on here design-wise, the bold black of the shower head, faucet, and mirror frame offer a spot for the eye to land on.
PHOTO:
A surefire way to achieve harmony is by installing similarly-hued tiles on the shower walls and floor, then bring in variety through different orientations. In this monochromatic bathroom, arranging the gray floor and inlet tiles hexagonally curates visual interest against the matching subway wall tiles. The silver hardware and hooks further accents this soothing color scheme.
PHOTO:
Rather than adhering to conventional tile size, pick oversized ones instead to make your space seem larger. White subway tiles seamlessly blend in with the space’s color scheme to create an effortless transition. You’ll also notice that these tiles sport a subtle gray pattern that lends character to the wall and offsets the granite vanity top and vintage floral damask area rug underneath.
PHOTO:
The thickness of the grout makes a world of difference. If it weren’t for the wide grout lines in this bathroom, the black color wouldn’t have created such a striking contrast, would it? The dramatic black hue is repeated on the shower controls, lighting fixtures, and accent chair, whereas white walls, ceiling, and floors echo the subway tiles for a unified finish. An abundance of clean lines fosters a crisp, streamlined look perfect for modern enthusiasts.
PHOTO:
The uneven grout application in these white subway tiles creates a three-dimensional effect which is similar to the basket weave on the adjacent wooden stool. Since the tiles are bright white, we’re able to visually distinguish the gentle pink floors, vanity, and bathtub—which would’ve been unnoticeable otherwise. The wooden trim surrounding the unique vintage vanity mirror, together with the stool, suffuses the space with a warm dash of color.
PHOTO:
If you feel that all-white tiles are too muted, pick an earthy neutral grout color. In this bathroom, the muted brown grout seamlessly complements the hexagonal floor tiles and the overall serene palette. The white subway tiles—and floors, furniture, and remaining walls—recede into the background to let the sunny yellows of the shower curtain, wall art, and brass elements shine and bring in a dash of color.
PHOTO:
You can never go wrong with a classic black and white palette. The juxtaposition between the black in the grout and trims and the bright white subway tiles, furniture, and curtain creates an effortlessly sophisticated look that’ll never go out of style. The Morrocan-inspired floral floor tile is the only source of pattern. When paired with Victorian style faucet and shower rod, it brings in a sense of fluidity, which softens all the sharp lines of this space.
PHOTO:
You don’t have to stick to the traditional white subway tiles. Opt for some color instead! Here, the warm gray walls paired with cream floors cultivates such a calm, tranquil space. The white grout—which picks up the hue of ceiling and vanity—brightens the gray and infuses chicness, while the horizontal shiplap on the ceiling reinforces the rectangular pattern of the subway tiles for uniformity.
