10 reasons we're still loving subway tiles

Jody D'arcy

Subway tiles are here to stay. Hardly a passing trend, we've been in love with the look for over a decade and they just keep growing in popularity. We're here to sing their praises - both in terms of versatility and enduring style. If you're looking to branch out a little stylistically, however, with different riffs on a basic white brick look coming onto the market all the time you're in luck. But don't discount the power of a simple white tile in a monochromatic setting.

Here are 10 gorgeous rooms that show there's more than one way to lay a subway tile.

1. Black grout backdrop

Whilst this kitchen has a monochrome colour scheme, it's anything but boring. All in the details of brass edges and drawer pulls, timber open shelving and elegant natural marble on the benchtop, the classic subway hits above its weight with the addition of black grout.

amberinteriors View Profile

2. Minimal mastery

Keeping things seriously simple, this wall-hung basin and recessed mirror cabinet keeps things low key, along with the black grout in subway tiles - picked up in the choice of matte black tapware.

kimpearsoninteriordesigner View Profile

3. Just a little bit extra

This sensational glassed-in double show uses subway tiles with a lighter grey grout to allow feature tapware, glass framing and small-scale hexagonal tiles to take centre stage - all in a stunning monochromatic scheme.

michelledirkse View Profile

4. Hard-wearing heritage

This café shows just how resilient subway tiles can be - standing up to the rigours of high traffic whilst still looking sharp. Offset by the rustic industrial architecture of an original warehouse space.

91magazine View Profile

I'm about to set off for Lewes to spend the day with 10 of our lovely readers at our first Seek, Inspire, Create event! But before I do, I just wanted to flag today's blog post - 91 is pinning... cafe interiors. Decor inspiration can be found all around us, and one of my favourite sources is eateries around the world. There are so many design ideas to steal! Pop to the blog for some Monday morning inspo! Photo by @malmo_and_moss from our Instagrammers guide to Malmo (Also to be found on the blog) ▪▪▪▪ #interiorlove #interiorobsessed #styleithappy #interioroftheday #cafeinteriors #restaurantinteriors #bbctravel #guardiantravelsnaps #prettylittletrips #pathport

5. Gallery and grid

Squares in truth, these white tiles adopt the subway look with their grey grout - tying in with the stainless steel appliances and forming a blank canvas upon which to display the colour and art of daily life in this eclectic eat-in kitchen.

emmajanepalin View Profile

6. Tub time

This serene space has all the hallmarks of history - clawfoot bath, overheard cistern and heritage-style floor tiles doing the pattern work. Classic brick-laid subway tiles with grey grout complete the picture.

the_girl_with_the_green_sofa View Profile

Today's Sunday Share is the lovely Jo @hardcastletowers bathroom. Third bathroom in a row for me, so I'm thinking my sub-conscious is telling me to crack on and renovate our family bathroom. But you know it's a costly job and not one I'm going to attempt myself, unlike my other rooms where if it needs doing I just get on and tackle it. Today will be sponsored by a bit of creativity and a swear box as I've started painting some wardrobe doors in our spare bedroom, the walls are quick and easy but the woodwork 😬not my favourite job. Alfie is going to be helping me so expect a trail of paint right around the house 😂 What's you latest creative project? #pocketofmyhome #interior4inspo #eclecticallycool #bhghome #abmathome #sodomino #apartmenttherapy #colourmyhome #decorhome #thisishome #homeadore #interieurinspiratie #decoracioninteriores #decorationinterieur #myeclecticmix #eclecticdecor #eclectichome #myhomeforhp #myhome2inspire #passion4interior #walltowallstyle #mystylishspace #finahem #instahomedecor #instahomes

7. Contemporary class

Sleek, minimal and monochrome, this contemporary bathroom uses long, slim subway tiles on the walls with pale grey grout - again allowing the geometric pattern on the floor tiles to take centre stage.

homepolish View Profile

8. Modern classic

Black grout need not look industrial in style - the organic curves of this contemporary bathtub stand between more detail patterned floor tiles and below VJ panelled walls to create plenty of interest with clever use of subtle pattern in architecture.

homebeautiful View Profile

This classically beautiful bathroom has cleverly accommodated a bath and shower alongside one another - complete with a nib wall and strip of glass to contain any splashes. Restricting the palette to soft grey and white, decorative white 'Zamora' floor tiles from @thetilemob help to create the illusion of more space, while Spanish handmade subway tiles above the bath were teamed with a grey grout to highlight their irregular edge. Head to the link in bio for more bathroom inspiration. #bathroomdesign #bathroominspiration #bathroom #homebeautiful #hbmystyle 📸 @elouise_photographer Styling @lanacaves_styling Design @interiordesignbrisbane

9. Mini-me

Small in scale and with a white grout to complete the crisp look, these tiny subways recede to create a quiet textured effect.

studiogorman View Profile

10. Less is more

With the bold black-framed mirrors and exposed brick wall nib, subway tiles provide just enough texture to carry the eye downwards to the striking timber vanity.

homepolish View Profile

You might also like:

The tile trends slowly taking over kitchens and bathrooms

4 trends to look for in bathroom tiles design

10 tile patterns you need to know about

Diana Moore

Content expert, florist and interior decorator Diana Moore has been passionate about helping others make the perfect home ever since she moved into her own. From styling her local bar to feel like your best friend’s lounge room, to randomly restyling people’s bookshelves, Diana is a firm believer in making the best of what you have in front of you.