15 Perfect Subway Tile Bathroom Designs You Can Copy

Alright, let’s have a real talk about bathroom renovations. You’ve spent hours—no, days—scrolling through Pinterest, your eyes are glazing over, and every tile looks exactly the same yet somehow completely different. You’re stuck in a design paralysis vortex. I’ve been there. My own bathroom renovation involved so many tile samples that my floor looked like a depressing, mismatched mosaic for a solid month.

But there’s one hero that always rises above the noise: the humble subway tile.

Before you roll your eyes and say, “Subway tile? Groundbreaking,” hear me out. It’s not just a trend; it’s the little black dress of the design world. It’s timeless, versatile, and—most importantly—it just works. The real magic isn’t in the tile itself, but in how you use it. And trust me, there are ways to make it look anything but basic.

So, grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment here), and let’s walk through 15 subway tile bathroom designs that are so good, you’ll actually want to copy them.

1. The Undefeated Champ: Classic White Subway Tile

Let’s start with the OG, the one that started it all. The classic 3×6 inch white subway tile in a brick-lay pattern. You know it, you love it, and there’s a reason it’s in approximately half the bathrooms on Instagram. It’s clean, bright, and makes any space feel fresh and open.

But isn’t it… boring? Not if you do it right. The key to elevating the classic white look is to focus on the details. Think of the white tile as the perfect canvas. Now, you get to be the artist.

How to Keep it Interesting

Fixture Fun: This is your chance to go bold with fixtures. Matte black faucets, a shower head in a warm brass or champagne bronze, or even sleek chrome can completely change the vibe.
Grout Game: While we’ll talk more about bold grout later, even a subtle light gray grout can add definition without screaming for attention. It’s a practical choice too, because let’s be honest, white grout is a magnet for, well, everything.
Texture is Your Friend: Pair the glossy tile with a textured floor tile, a rustic wood vanity, or plush, colorful towels. The contrast between the smooth, reflective tile and other materials creates a rich, layered look.

I used this exact approach in my guest bathroom, and people always comment on how “custom” it looks. The secret? The tiles were dirt cheap. The money I saved went into a killer vintage-style brass faucet. Nobody ever notices the budget-friendly tile; they only see the shiny faucet. Sneaky, right?

2. The Moody Masterpiece: Modern Black Subway Tile

If the classic white bathroom is a bright, sunny morning, the black subway tile bathroom is a cool, sophisticated evening. It’s dramatic, it’s bold, and it has an undeniable “wow” factor. A bathroom swathed in glossy black subway tile feels like a high-end hotel spa.

Worried it’ll feel like a cave? That’s a valid concern. The trick is balance. You don’t have to go all-in on all four walls (unless you’re feeling particularly daring).

Pulling Off the Dark Side

Go Glossy: A glossy finish is crucial in a black tile bathroom. It reflects light, both natural and artificial, which keeps the space from feeling claustrophobic. A matte black tile can look incredible, but it absorbs light, so it’s best for bathrooms that are already flooded with sunshine.
Strategic Lighting: You need to be intentional with your lighting. Consider adding sconces on either side of the mirror, a statement pendant light, or extra recessed lighting in the ceiling. Good lighting is non-negotiable here.
Break it Up: Pair a black-tiled shower with lighter-colored walls, or use a white vanity and toilet to create some sharp, clean contrast. This visual break makes the black tile feel intentional and chic, not overwhelming.

A friend of mine did his entire shower in black subway tile with white grout, and it looks absolutely stunning. It’s a commitment, for sure, but the payoff is a bathroom that feels incredibly luxe and unique.

3. The Graphic Pop: Subway Tile with Bold Grout

This is where things get really fun. For years, the goal was to make grout disappear. But what if we made it the star of the show? Using a contrasting, bold grout color is one of the easiest and most effective ways to transform standard subway tile into a graphic statement.

Think of it as drawing an outline around each tile. It emphasizes the pattern and adds a huge dose of personality.

Grout Colors to Consider

The Classic Contrast (Black Grout): White subway tile with black or dark charcoal grout is the most popular combo for a reason. It delivers a high-impact, industrial-meets-farmhouse vibe that feels both modern and timeless. FYI: It’s also incredibly practical, as it hides dirt and grime like a champ. No more scrubbing grout lines with a toothbrush on a Saturday night.
The Subtle Approach (Gray Grout): If black feels too harsh, a medium-gray grout offers a softer definition. It still makes the pattern pop but in a more understated way.
The Playful Pop (Colored Grout): Feeling bold? Why not try a colored grout? A navy blue, a deep green, or even a dusty pink can add a surprising and delightful touch of color without you having to commit to a fully colored tile. It’s a bit of a wild card, but the results can be amazing.

Ever wondered why this works so well? It’s all about creating visual interest. Our eyes are drawn to patterns, and bold grout lines turn a simple wall into an engaging grid.

4. The Sanctuary: Minimalist Subway Tile Shower Ideas

Sometimes, less is truly more. A minimalist subway tile shower is all about clean lines, uncluttered surfaces, and a sense of spa-like calm. This isn’t about being boring; it’s about being intentional.

The focus here is on flawless execution and high-quality simplicity. You’re creating a serene escape, not a design showcase.

Achieving Minimalist Zen

Seamless Glass: A frameless or nearly frameless glass shower door is a must. It creates an uninterrupted view and makes the entire bathroom feel larger and more open.
Hidden Niches: Instead of a clunky shower caddy hanging from the showerhead (the horror!), opt for a built-in shower niche tiled with the same subway tile. It provides seamless storage for your shampoo and soap, keeping things tidy.
Simple Fixtures: Choose a showerhead and handle with a simple, elegant design. A single-function rain showerhead in a matte black or brushed nickel finish works perfectly. The goal is to let the clean tile work be the hero.

I find this look incredibly calming. It’s the design equivalent of a deep breath. By removing all the visual clutter, you create a space that genuinely feels relaxing.

5. The Rule Breaker: Patterned Subway Tile Accent Walls

Who says subway tile has to be laid in a boring old brick pattern? Nobody, that’s who. Using a different layout is a fantastic way to create a stunning accent wall, perhaps behind the vanity or in the shower.

This is your chance to get creative and show off a little. It takes a bit more planning and a tiler who knows what they’re doing, but the visual impact is huge.

Patterns That Pack a Punch

Herringbone: This zig-zag pattern is dynamic and sophisticated. It draws the eye upward, making it a great choice for adding a sense of height to a room. It feels custom and high-end.
Vertical Stack: Instead of offsetting the tiles, stack them directly on top of each other in a clean, vertical line. This layout feels very modern and architectural. It’s another great trick for making ceilings feel higher.
Crosshatch (or Basketweave): This pattern involves alternating pairs of vertical and horizontal tiles to create a woven look. It’s a bit more traditional but adds a lovely, intricate texture to the wall.

An accent wall is the perfect place to experiment. If you’re nervous about a bold pattern, just use it in a smaller, contained area. It adds that “designer” touch without overwhelming the entire space.

6. The Space Saver: Small Bathroom Subway Tile Makeover

Have a small bathroom? Join the club. A tiny bathroom can feel like a design curse, but subway tile is actually one of your best allies in the fight for more space (or at least the illusion of it).

The goal in a small bathroom is to trick the eye. You want to create long, clean lines and reflect as much light as possible.

Small Space, Big Impact

Gloss is Your Best Friend: Use a glossy subway tile. The reflective surface will bounce light around the room, making it feel brighter and more expansive than it actually is.
Go Big (with Tile): It sounds counterintuitive, but using a slightly larger format subway tile (like a 4×12) can mean fewer grout lines, which makes the wall feel less busy and more seamless.
Wrap the Room: Tiling from floor to ceiling, or at least running the tile continuously around the room (including the shower), can make the space feel larger. It blurs the edges of the room, making it harder for the eye to tell where things start and end.

My first apartment bathroom was laughably small. I retiled the shower and the wall behind the toilet with cheap, glossy white subway tile and painted the remaining walls a crisp white. The difference was night and day. It didn’t magically get bigger, but it felt about twice as bright and a million times cleaner.

7. The Color Splash: Colorful Subway Tile Bathroom Inspiration

Neutrals are safe, but color is fun! If you’re tired of the endless sea of white, gray, and beige, a colorful subway tile might be just what your bathroom needs. And we’re not talking about that avocado green from the 70s (unless that’s your thing, you do you).

Modern colored subway tiles come in stunning, sophisticated hues that can turn your bathroom into a jewel box.

Picking Your Perfect Hue

Deep Jewel Tones: Think emerald green, sapphire blue, or a deep ruby red. These colors are rich, luxurious, and make a powerful statement. They work beautifully in a shower or as a feature wall behind a vanity.
Soft Pastels: A dusty rose, a soft mint green, or a pale sky blue can create a bathroom that feels serene and charming. This is a great way to add color while keeping the overall vibe light and airy.
Earthy Tones: Terracotta, olive green, and warm ochre can bring a natural, organic feel to your bathroom. They pair beautifully with wood accents and natural materials.

IMO, if you’re going to go with a bold color, commit to it. A full wall of emerald green subway tile is a showstopper. But if you’re hesitant, start small with a backsplash or the inside of a shower niche.

8. The Cozy Classic: Farmhouse Style Subway Tile Bathrooms

The farmhouse look isn’t going anywhere, and subway tile is a cornerstone of this style. It perfectly captures that blend of clean, utilitarian design and cozy, rustic charm. A farmhouse subway tile bathroom feels both timeless and welcoming.

This look is less about the tile itself (it’s usually classic white) and more about what you pair it with.

Get the Farmhouse Look

Dark Grout is a Must: As we discussed, dark gray or black grout gives you that classic, slightly industrial edge that is central to the modern farmhouse aesthetic.
Rustic Vanity: Pair the clean lines of the tile with a wood vanity. It could be a rustic, reclaimed piece or a more polished shaker-style cabinet. The warmth of the wood is the perfect contrast to the cool tile.
Matte Black Fixtures: Matte black faucets, lighting, and hardware are the go-to finish for this style. They feel modern yet unpretentious and tie the whole look together.
Shiplap’s BFF: Subway tile is basically the bathroom-friendly version of shiplap. Using them together—perhaps subway tile in the wet areas and shiplap on the other walls—is a match made in farmhouse heaven.

9. The Clean Sweep: Subway Tile with a Floating Vanity

Want to instantly make your bathroom feel more modern and spacious? Pair your subway tile with a floating vanity. This combination is a winner for both aesthetic and practical reasons.

By lifting the vanity off the floor, you create an unbroken sightline of the flooring, which tricks the eye into seeing a larger space. It’s a simple change that makes a huge difference.

Why This Combo Works

Space Illusion: As mentioned, seeing more floor makes the room feel bigger. This is especially effective in small to medium-sized bathrooms.
Easy Cleaning: Let’s be real, cleaning around the base of a traditional vanity is a pain. A floating vanity means you can sweep or mop right underneath it. A design choice that also makes my life easier? Sign me up. 🙂
Modern Aesthetic: The combination of the classic, grid-like pattern of the subway tile with the clean, horizontal line of a floating vanity feels incredibly chic and contemporary.

You can run the subway tile right down to the floor behind the vanity for a seamless, fully-tiled look. It’s a clean, high-end detail that elevates the entire design.

10. The Spa Retreat: Luxury Subway Tile Bathroom Designs

Yes, budget-friendly subway tile can look luxurious. It’s all about the execution and the materials you surround it with. A luxury subway tile bathroom is designed to feel like a personal spa, a place to unwind and relax.

This is where you splurge on the little details that make a big impact.

How to Add a Touch of Luxury

Beveled Edge Tiles: Instead of a flat-faced tile, consider a beveled subway tile. The angled edges catch the light in a beautiful way, adding depth and a subtle, sophisticated texture to the walls. It just feels a little fancier.
Marble-Look Subway Tile: Get the look of Carrara or Calacatta marble for a fraction of the cost (and maintenance) with a porcelain subway tile designed to mimic natural stone. It’s the perfect blend of classic shape and high-end material.
Go for Gold (or Brass): Warm metal fixtures like unlacquered brass, champagne bronze, or polished nickel instantly add a layer of warmth and luxury. A beautiful brass rain showerhead against a wall of white subway tile is pure elegance.
Heated Floors: The ultimate luxury? Stepping out of your beautiful subway-tiled shower onto a warm floor. If you’re already redoing the tile, installing an underfloor heating system is a splurge you won’t regret.

11. The Hands-On Approach: DIY Subway Tile Bathroom Tips

So, you’re feeling brave. You’re thinking about tackling the tiling yourself. I salute you. A DIY subway tile project is totally doable, but it requires patience, preparation, and the right tools. I’ve tiled a backsplash or two myself, and I’ve learned some lessons the hard way.

Before you start ripping out your old tile, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Your DIY Tiling Bible

Preparation is 90% of the Job: Your surface must be clean, flat, and ready for tile. Don’t skimp on this step. Use the correct backer board for wet areas (hint: it’s not regular drywall).
Invest in a Good Tile Saw: You can rent one for a weekend. Trying to use manual tile snappers for all your cuts, especially the tricky ones around plumbing, will lead to frustration and a pile of broken tiles. Trust me on this.
Spacers are Not Optional: They are your best friends. Use them religiously to ensure consistent grout lines. Inconsistent grout lines are the number one sign of a shoddy DIY job.
Start in the Middle: Plan your layout. Snap a level horizontal line and a plumb vertical line in the center of your wall and start tiling from that intersection. This ensures you don’t end up with tiny, awkward slivers of tile in the most visible corners.

Tiling is a marathon, not a sprint. Put on a good podcast, take your time, and don’t be afraid to pull a tile off and reset it if it’s not right. The feeling of accomplishment when you’re done is totally worth it.

12. The Tactile Experience: Subway Tile with Mixed Textures

A bathroom that uses only one texture can feel flat and sterile. The secret to a professionally designed space is layering. Creating a design with subway tile and mixed textures adds depth, warmth, and character.

Think about how different materials feel to the touch. Smooth, rough, soft, hard. Combining these creates a space that is interesting to both the eye and the hand.

Textural Pairings

Glossy Tile + Matte Floor: Pair a classic, glossy subway tile on the walls with a large-format matte tile on the floor (like a slate or concrete look). The contrast is subtle but effective.
Smooth Tile + Rough Wood: A sleek subway tile wall is the perfect backdrop for a reclaimed wood vanity or open shelving. The organic, rough texture of the wood keeps the space from feeling too clinical.
Hard Tile + Soft Textiles: This one is easy. Bring in plush towels, a soft bath mat, or even a fabric Roman shade on the window. These soft elements balance the hardness of the tile and make the room feel comfortable and inviting.

13. The Throwback: Vintage Subway Tile Bathroom Ideas

Subway tile got its start in the New York City subways in the early 1900s, so it’s a natural fit for a vintage or retro-inspired bathroom. This look is all about embracing the history of the tile and pairing it with other period-appropriate elements.

It’s charming, nostalgic, and has a story to tell.

Creating a Vintage Vibe

Clawfoot Tub: Is there anything more iconic for a vintage bathroom? A beautiful clawfoot tub set against a backdrop of white subway tile is a timeless and romantic look.
Black and White Palette: A classic black and white color scheme is the foundation of many vintage bathrooms. Think white subway tile on the walls and a black and white patterned tile (like a hex or basketweave) on the floor.
Pedestal Sink: Instead of a bulky vanity, a simple pedestal sink contributes to the open, airy feel of early 20th-century bathrooms.
Polished Fixtures: Chrome or polished nickel faucets with cross-handles have a distinctly vintage feel that completes the look.

14. The Art Installation: Subway Tile with a Geometric Layout

This goes beyond simple patterns like herringbone. A geometric layout uses subway tile like building blocks to create bold, graphic designs. This is for the person who sees their bathroom wall as a canvas for modern art.

This approach requires meticulous planning but results in a one-of-a-kind feature that is guaranteed to be a conversation starter.

Geometric Genius

Color Blocking: Use two or three different colors of subway tile to create large, geometric blocks of color on a wall. Imagine a wall that is two-thirds white tile and one-third black tile, with a sharp, diagonal line dividing them.
Alternating Stacks: Create a larger pattern by alternating between blocks of horizontally stacked and vertically stacked tiles. This creates a dynamic, grid-like effect that is incredibly eye-catching.
Framed Art: Use a contrasting tile color or pattern (like herringbone) to create a “frame” on the wall, with a simpler pattern inside. This is a great way to highlight a specific area, like the space above the bathtub.

Is this for everyone? Probably not. It’s a bold choice. But if you want a bathroom that feels like it belongs in a design magazine, this is how you get it.

15. The Smart Spend: Budget-Friendly Subway Tile Bathroom Upgrades

Let’s end on a practical note. A full bathroom renovation is expensive. But what if you just want the subway tile look without taking out a second mortgage? The good news is, because the tile itself is so affordable, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to get the look.

You don’t need to gut the whole room to make a big impact.

Get the Look for Less

Focus on a Feature: Instead of tiling the whole bathroom, just tile one key area. A subway tile backsplash behind the vanity is a quick, easy, and affordable project that adds a ton of style.
Go Half-Wainscot: Tiling only the bottom half of the walls (a wainscot) is a classic look that saves a ton of money on both tile and labor. Finish the top with a piece of trim and a fresh coat of paint.
Ceramic is King: While porcelain and glass subway tiles are beautiful, basic white ceramic subway tile is the most affordable option by a long shot. You can often find it for less than a few dollars per square foot. Spend your money on the details, not the tile itself.
The Peel-and-Stick Option: Okay, hear me out. For renters or for those on a super tight budget, high-quality peel-and-stick subway tiles have come a long way. They are a great temporary solution to cover up an ugly old backsplash. Is it a forever fix? No. But will it make your bathroom look a thousand times better for a weekend’s worth of work and minimal cash? Absolutely.

So, Ready to Tile?

See? Subway tile is anything but a one-trick pony. It’s a design chameleon that can be classic, modern, rustic, or luxurious depending on how you use it. It’s the reliable, always-looks-good friend you can count on when you’re deep in the chaos of renovation planning.

The best part is that you can truly make it your own. Mix and match these ideas. Take the bold grout from one, the floating vanity from another, and the herringbone pattern from a third. Your perfect bathroom is waiting.

Now, the only hard part is choosing which one to copy. Good luck with that. 😉