Subway tile has earned its place as a timeless design staple, and for good reason. It’s versatile, clean, and works beautifully in kitchens and bathrooms alike. But the classic white brick layout isn’t your only option. Whether you’re renovating from scratch or refreshing a tired space, here are five bold ways to take subway tile up and down your walls to stunning new heights.
1. Make a Statement With Your Grout
One of the easiest and most impactful upgrades you can make is simply switching up your grout color. Most homeowners default to white-on-white, but contrasting grout can completely redefine the look of a room.
- Dark charcoal or black grout against white tile creates a sharp, graphic effect that feels modern and intentional.
- Warm beige or gray grout softens the overall aesthetic, making it feel organic and earthy.
- Colored grout (think terracotta or navy) adds personality and ties in other design elements in the room.
This upgrade is budget-friendly too, often adding minimal cost to a standard tile installation, making it one of the smartest design moves per dollar spent.
2. Ditch the Brick Pattern
Running subway tile up and down in a stacked vertical pattern instead of the traditional horizontal brick offset is one of the boldest moves you can make. It’s clean, contemporary, and surprisingly versatile.
Stacked vs. Offset: What’s the Difference?
The standard brick layout offsets each row by half a tile. A stacked layout aligns every tile perfectly (vertically or horizontally), creating strong, unbroken lines. Vertical stacking in particular draws the eye upward, making ceilings feel higher and spaces feel larger. It’s a particularly powerful choice for narrow bathrooms or galley kitchens.
3. Go Beyond White With Color
Subway tiles, by tradition, come in white or off-white, but the color options available today are genuinely exciting. Taking colorful subway tile up and down your backsplash or shower wall is a surefire way to make your space unforgettable.
- Soft pastels like sage green or dusty blue work beautifully in bathrooms and give a relaxed, spa-like feel.
- Deep jewel tones like cobalt blue, emerald, or burgundy create drama and work especially well as full accent walls.
- Warm terracotta or brick red pairs gorgeously with wood accents and brings a cozy, earthy vibe to kitchens.
Colored subway tiles typically run $3–$10 per square foot, making them an affordable way to completely change the personality of a room.
