Subway tile got its start as a low-maintenance option for transportation hubs in the early 20th century and the style has steadily increased in popularity ever since. Now, you’ll find subway tile in homes and businesses all over the world.

The original subway tile was white and it continues to be a timeless decor choice. However, subway tile design has evolved to include limitless creative options for color, glaze, size, grout combinations, and layout variations. Subway tile installed in a herringbone, vertical, diagonal, or stacked pattern gives a contemporary twist to this time-tested favorite.

These are just a few of our ideas for how to use subway tile in your home or business and you can find more inspiration on our Pinterest board. The sky’s the limit for subway tile design options, so use these examples as a starting point and then let your imagination run wild!

Green Tiled Wall

The vertical brick grid of this green wall tile displays the versatility of design with choices of color variation and grid. This random color variation in the layout fashions these mellow green shades into a sophisticated green goddess feature. Paired with the neutral color consistency of a high-gloss floor tile (that actually has an anti-slip…

Inset Bathroom Tile

Highly functional yet still fun, ceramic tile really struts its stuff in this bathroom. The white grid wall gains interest with a slight recess, and the charcoal gray mosaic accent row makes for a crisp contrast. The shower floor compliments the accent row, also using the same charcoal mosaic tile but opting for dark grout…