Subway Tile 10 Ways

Subway tile is the term used to describe the white glazed ceramic tile seen on the walls of the subway and underground stations since the early 20th century. Traditionally, these tiles were 3″ x 6″ rectangular-shaped but today can be found in a large assortment of colors and sizes.

Known for its versatility and affordability, subway tiles can be arranged in a variety of creative ways to add visual interest and style to any wall, backsplash, or as an accent to a space. Read on to learn which pattern best fits your next tile project.

1. Offset

The traditional pattern most commonly recognized is timeless and classic.

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2. Crosshatch

The crosshatch pattern is one of my favorites! It is a great way to use subway tile with a very contemporary twist.

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3. Herringbone

4. Straight Herringbone

This pattern is stunning and great for a more traditional look.

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5. Diagonal Herringbone

6. Diagonal Offset

This pattern takes the traditional offset look and turns it 45 degrees for a fun, new arrangement.

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7. Vertical Offset

This is another great way to use the traditional offset pattern but turned 90 degrees. It also helps to make a space feel taller, drawing your eyes vertically.

8. Vertical Offset Bond

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9. Stack bond

Stack bond is a straight grid making any space feel clean and modern. This is a great choice for bathrooms and can be balanced with bolder color or fixture choices.

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10. Vertical Stack Bond

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Grout Color

Grout color should also be considered when choosing your tile pattern. The color and size of grout (1/8″ or 1/4″ are my go-to sizes) can greatly affect the overall look of the design. Think about grout as a spectrum between complementary and contrast with the tile.

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Subway Tile Patterns

10 creative ways to arrange subway tile