Creative Subway Tile Patterns For Your Bathroom

What was once originally designed for a newly completed subway system in New York City during the 1900s has now become a well-loved and incredibly popular aspect of bathroom design. Subway tiles are known for their simplicity, versatility, and easy maintenance, which are great for improving the aesthetics and functionality of any room—especially bathrooms.

As a business that’s been providing bathroom remodeling and flooring services for more than a decade, Innovative Kitchen and Flooring Supply has got subway tiles down to a science. We want to help you find the best subway tile patterns for your space, so we put together a list of creative subway tile patterns and designs you can incorporate into your bathroom to create a timeless look that stands the test of time!

What Are Subway Tile Patterns?

Bathroom with gray subway tiles.

Subway tiles are 3-by-6-inch rectangular tiles that usually come in classic white. There’s also a range of materials to choose from, including porcelain, natural stone, glass, and ceramic. You can also make sure they match your preferences by picking colors that work best for your bathroom space, such as blue for a calming feel, green for a fresh touch, and black for a bold, sophisticated look.

Common Subway Tile Patterns to Try

1. The Classic Brick Pattern

White subway tile brick pattern.

Classic brick tile patterns or running bond patterns are installed the same way you would brick walls—each row is offset by the rows above and below it. This subway pattern style gives off a traditional vibe, which is perfect if you want to add a touch of classic charm to your bathroom.

2. Grid Pattern or Straight Lay

Subway tile grid pattern with black grout.

Also known as a stack bond pattern, grid or straight tile patterns are piled on top of each other, creating a grid-like design. This pattern has a more modern look, making it ideal for those going for a minimalist or contemporary design. It’s a top tile pattern choice if you want to keep things simple and organized.

3. Vertical Stack Pattern

Subway tile vertical stack pattern.

This pattern style refers to subway tiles being arranged vertically on the wall. They’re stacked on each other to create straight, clean lines. Many homeowners choose this tile pattern because it elongates the height of a room and makes it look much taller and more open. To add even more height to your space or make it look more spacious, consider choosing light tile colors like white, light beige, and pale gray.

4. Herringbone Pattern

Subway tile herringbone pattern.

Another popular subway tile pattern is the herringbone pattern. This design creates a V-shape as the ends of the tiles meet at an angle. The finished product looks like a woven shape and is a great choice if you’re looking for a trendy, stylish design to make your bathroom pop. It’s especially ideal for making a specific wall or backsplash stand out, like in the shower or behind the sink.

5. Chevron Pattern

Subway tile chevron pattern.

Chevron patterns are similar to herringbone patterns; they also create V-shaped or zigzag shapes, except the edges of the tiles are cut in a way that gives it the appearance of an arrow. It also has a smooth and endless look that’s perfect for creating eye-catching walls and floors. To make the pattern stand out even more, you can consider using a grout color that contrasts with the tile colors.

Get Creative, Experiment, and Combine Patterns!

Bathroom with white and blue subway tiles.

Remember—there are no rules when it comes to creating your dream room. If you’ve decided to use subway tiles in your bathroom, you can choose from the tile patterns we discussed, or you can experiment and try combining them. You can even use certain tile patterns for certain parts of your bathroom and create a distinct look for each area.

You can also explore subway tile textures like matte, glossy, beveled, or textured finishes to give your space more character and depth. Aside from that, you can play around with what color grout to use and focus on how it contrasts or complements the tile patterns to create a memorable effect. Additionally, incorporating mosaics as borders or accents can add an extra layer of creativity and detail to your subway tile design, giving your bathroom a fun and unique touch.

The bottom line? Subway tile patterns offer endless design possibilities. As a homeowner, you can customize the tiles to match your style and color preferences while also trying out something new that can give your space the spark it’s been missing!

Why Should You Add Subway Tiles to Your Bathroom?

Simple and Flexible

Simplicity is key. Installing subway tiles is a simple and effective way to give your bathroom a fresh new look that won’t go out of style in the years to come. Additionally, these tiles are incredibly flexible and customizable. The tile patterns we discussed here are only some of the designs you can opt for; there are still many ways to make the tiles perfectly complement your existing space and bring your specific vision to life.

Ease of Cleaning

One of the main appeals of subway tiles is how they’re easy to clean and maintain. Due to their texture, you’ll have no trouble wiping away water spots, soap scum, and other stains. You can effectively keep your bathroom looking great and fresh without the need for extensive or complicated cleaning processes.

A mixture of warm water and mild detergent (or tile cleaner) is all you need to get the tiles clean and sparkling. Dip a sponge or a soft piece of cloth into the solution and use it to clean the tiles. Then, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away dirt buildup in the grout lines.

Long Lifespan

Subway tiles aren’t all about aesthetics—they also have a long life due to their durability. You can expect them to stand up well to wear and tear and look great for years. So, not only do you get to enjoy its timeless charm, but you also benefit from its sturdiness and long-lasting quality.

Partner With Innovative Kitchen and Flooring Supply for Expert Tiling Services

Planning a bathroom remodeling for your home? Innovative Kitchen and Flooring Supply offers premium tile floor installation to various cities in Pennsylvania and Maryland, so be sure to give us a call and we’ll be ready to help.

For more information, feel free to visit our website. While you’re there, you might as well check out our inspiration gallery for some sample bathroom designs that can inspire your next project!

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