23 Stunning Ways to Incorporate Subway Tile in Your Bathroom
Subway tile has stuck around since 1904 for good reason: it’s truly a practical and pleasant pick for your washroom, fitting perfectly whether your style is classic or current. Here are 23 fresh takes on using this iconic material in your primary or guest bathroom.
Wooden Stool With Woven Seat For Bathing Comfort
A wooden stool with a woven seat brings natural texture and a handy perch into your bathroom. You get a spot to sit while bathing or dressing, and the wood contrasts nicely with hard tile or marble. Its compact size means it’s best for smaller spaces.
Speckled Dark Subway Tile Creates a Moody Shower Backdrop
On the shower walls, dark subway tile with subtle speckles brings a bold backdrop. The tile’s deep color shows varied texture.
Warm Wood Vanity with Subtle Brass Accents
Choose a rich, dark wood vanity with a distinct grain pattern for the bathroom. Simple round wooden knobs and subtle brass fixtures complement its natural material.
Framed Art Adds A Moody Focal Point Above A Marble Counter
Hang a framed piece of art on your tiled bathroom wall. A dark print in a simple black frame creates a sharp contrast against bright white subway tile.
Woven Basket Adds Natural Texture Near Pedestal Sink
A large, square woven basket introduces natural texture to the bathroom, and when placed near a pedestal sink, it offers a soft contrast to the hard lines of porcelain and tile while holding extra towels or toiletries.
Brass Bathtub With Vintage Charm Adds Warmth
Metallic brass shapes the exterior of a freestanding bathtub. Its warm, reflective finish sits against classic white subway tile and marble.
Tiered Tub Ledges for Bathing Essentials
When you need surfaces around your tub, extend the tile surround into tiered ledges to create built-in storage. These levels provide a practical place for bath bombs, candles, or skincare products while you soak.
Bright Yellow Subway Tile Walls to Brighten Any Space
Use bright yellow subway tile for your bathroom walls. The classic grid pattern pairs well with brass fixtures and yellow pendant lights.
Black Spindle Chair Holds Flowers and Bathing Essentials
Set a vintage-style spindle chair in the bathroom as a decorative accent and a surface for items. On its seat, you might place a white patterned vase with pink flowers or a small white dish for toiletries.
Dramatic Floral Wallpaper Above White Subway Tile
If you want to bring vintage drama to your bathroom walls, pair bold, large-scale floral wallpaper above classic white subway tiles. The large pattern creates a distinct visual.
Black Metal Frame Creates a Modern Shower Enclosure
A black metal frame around the shower adds a graphic, modern element, creating a distinct visual boundary without feeling heavy against the white subway tile.
Pink Hexagon Floor Tiles Add Playful Pattern
For your bathroom floor, choose bold pink hexagon tiles. This unique shape and color introduce an unexpected pattern.
Abstract Wall Hook Holds Towels and Bathing Essentials
Above the tub, a sculptural wall hook can hold towels or robes. This multi-armed fixture features a mix of black and brass elements.
Recessed Shower Niche for Minimalist Soap Display
In the shower, a simple recessed niche is framed by dark vertical subway tiles. It neatly holds a soap bar and a dark glass dispenser.
Terrazzo Vanity with Mid-Century Hairpin Legs
A vanity with a speckled terrazzo top sits on slim, black hairpin legs.
Wooden Stool Adds a Rustic Touch Next to the Tub
If you need a spot next to the tub, place a small wooden stool there. Its natural wood finish contrasts with cool marble tile and the painted tub.
Black Wire Rack for Magazines by the Toilet
For reading materials, set a slim black wire rack on the floor next to the toilet. Its open metal design ensures it won’t add visual bulk to a small area. This works best when you want to offer convenience to guests without a clunky storage unit.
Pink Subway Tile Walls Add Soft Color
For your bathroom walls, use subtle pink subway tile to introduce a gentle color. The soft hue contrasts warmly with a white vanity and fixtures.
Glass Shelf Displays Small Decor Pieces Above the Sink
Above the sink on a tiled wall, a narrow glass shelf provides a spot for small decorative items. You can display flowers, figurines, or candles here without using up counter space.
Recessed Niches Break Up Subway Tile Walls
For an eye-catching detail in your shower’s tiled enclosure, incorporate recessed alcoves. These built-in sections interrupt the consistent grid of the wall ceramics, creating a handy area to keep toiletries or to present small decorative items.
Brass Sconces Add Adjustable Task Lighting Above the Sink
Mount double-headed brass sconces on either side of your mirror to provide flexible task lighting. Their adjustable arms let you direct light precisely for grooming or applying makeup.
Textured Mirror Tiles Add Depth Behind the Tub
If you want the space behind your tub to feel larger, consider large mirror tiles with a subtle diamond pattern. Their reflective surface bounces light around the room.
Black and White Diamond Floor Tiles Add Graphic Contrast
Black and white diamond tiles create a bold geometric pattern on the floor. This classic combination visually separates from white subway tile and toile wallpaper.
