What Is Subway Tile?
Subway tile refers to simple 3x6-inch white ceramic tiles that are arranged in an offset running-bond pattern.
Check out these stylish subway tile backsplash ideas for kitchens and bathrooms.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin
Add Earthy Tones
Design byCathie Hong Interiors/Margaret Austin Photo
Complement a midcentury modern bathroom withJapandielements.
A glossy textured glazed white subway tile backsplash adds luminosity to this modern kitchen from Blue Copper Design.
Accent With Black
Design byLeclair Decor
Create depth in a kitchen nook with black subway tile.
Design byLeanne Ford Interiors/ Photo byMax Kim-bee
Pair With Brick
Photo bySiham Mazouz
Pair a subway tile backsplash with existing finishes like exposed brick.
Install a Bathtub Backsplash
Design by Cathie Hong Interiors/Christy Q. Cathie Hong Interiors chose a classic herringbone layout in the modern space.
Create Horizontal Stripes
K Shan Design
Use two-toned subway tiles to create a full-wall backsplash.
Design byCathie Hong Interiors/Margaret Austin Photo
Tile Every Wall
Pair subway tile with penny tile for a complementary look.
Try Textured Subway Tile
Leclair Decor
Add interest to a neutral backsplash with textured white subway tile.
Use a Matte Navy Finish
Introduce understated color in a neutral kitchen with a matte navy backsplash.
Blue Copper Design
Cathie Hong Interiors ran a wrap-around backsplash to ground this all-white midcentury modern kitchen remodel.
Mindy Gayer Design Co. ran the backsplash all the way to the ceiling for a dramatic look.
Leclair Decor paired the metallic finish with dark wood and stone finishes in this handsome space.
Design byLeclair Decor
Hannah Tyler Designs chose a vertical offset pattern to draw the eye upward.
Contrast With Colored Cabinets
Keep the focus on colorful kitchen cabinetry with simple white subway tiles.
Choose a Herringbone Layout
Choose a herringbone layout to complement a traditional or transitional space.
Design byGhislaine Vinas/ Photo by Garrett Rowland
Pale gray handmade subway tiles with pale grout hug the curves of this kitchen from Leanne Ford Interiors.
Shoot for the Sky
Create a luminous look with sky blue glass subway tiles.
Cathie Hong Interiors contrasted the colorful tile with dark wood finishes and quartz countertops.
Photo bySiham Mazouz
The dark gray grout looks modern but it also is easier to clean than conventional white.
Desiree Burns Interiors chose a vertical layout and white grout to complement the floating vanity and white walls.
Louis Duncan-He Designs used the same finish in a hex pattern to tile the floors.
Photo bySiham Mazouz
Ashley Montgomery Design chose a wrap-around backsplash in this powder room nook with dark grout to complement the wallpaper.
Try Gradient Subway Tiles
Add variation to a colorful backsplash by choosing gradient subway tile.
Choose a Subtle Gradient
Create subtle variation with neutral gradient tiles.
Design by Cathie Hong Interiors/Christy Q. Photography
Vary the Layout
Casa Watkins Living
Customize simple subway tiles by varying the layout.
Try Beveled Subway Tiles
Add retro glamour to your backsplash with beveled-edge subway tiles.
Choose Jewel Tones
A vibrant jewel-toned backsplash will transform a home bar.
K Shan Design
Choose a Calming Green
Soften a neutral bathroom with pale green subway tiles.
Desiree Burns Interiors paired the soothing backsplash with floral black-and-white wallpaper for a high-contrast look.
Brighten With Yellow Tiles
Pluck Kitchens
Brighten your kitchen with a yellow subway tile backsplash.
Design byLeanne Ford Interiors/ Photo byMax Kim-bee
Chango & Co. chose black floor tiles with white grout to add some contrast.
Match the cabinets with the backsplash for a cohesive feel, like this kitchen from Tyler Karu.
Jessica Nelson Design chose an evergreen shade to complement this midcentury modern kitchen renovation.
Leclair Decor
Mix Tile Styles
Create an eclectic look by mixing subway tiles with another finish.
Which size is best for subway tile backsplash?
Standard subway tiles are 3x6-inches.
Design by Cathie Hong Interiors/Christy Q. Photography
How much does it cost to install subway tiles as backsplash?
Mindy Gayer Design Co./ Photo by Kyle Monk
Design byLeclair Decor
Design byLeanne Ford Interiors/ Photo byAlexandra Ribar
Leclair Decor
Hannah Tyler Designs
Design byCathie Hong Interiors/Margaret Austin Photo
Design byLeclair Decor
Design byLeanne Ford Interiors/ Photo byErin Kelly
Mindy Gayer Design Co./ Photo by Lindsay Stetson Thompson
Design byLaura Brophy Interiors
Design byCathie Hong Interiors/Margaret Austin Photo
Design byLeanne Ford Interiors/ Photo byAlexandra Ribar
Design byKate Marker Interiors
Photo byMargaret Wright
Whittney Parkinson Design
Desiree Burns Interiors
Louis Duncan-He Designs
Desiree Burns Interiors
Ashley Montgomery Design
Erin Williamson Design
Desiree Burns Interiors
Desiree Burns Interiors
Casa Watkins Living
Desiree Burns Interiors
Design byMarie Flanigan Interiors/ Photo by Julie Soefer
Casa Watkins Living
Desiree Burns Interiors
Studio Peake
Pluck Kitchens
Design byChango & Co./ Photo bySarah Elliott
deVOL Kitchens
Tyler Karu
Ashley Montgomery Design
Jessica Nelson Design/Carina Skrobecki Photography
Ashley Montgomery Design
