A good combination of style and durability, white subway tile is a classic choice for bathrooms and kitchens. Most of the pre-war American homes used them, and they are still relevant in home décor.
White Subway tiles can be installed to get a vintage look, or they can be designed to suit a modern aesthetic too. Given their glossy surface, these tiles are stain-resistant, fairly easy to clean, and will not burn a hole in your wallet either.
If you are planning to use white subway tiles for your bathroom or kitchen, this article will help you explore some ideas to design them. This article covers everything from farmhouse to modern chic to vintage.
So, let’s begin!
1. Farmhouse Kitchen with White Subway Tile
White subway tile is perfect for creating a classic farmhouse-themed kitchen. This is a look that is bound to age well and will never appear dated. These white subway tiles with grey grouting look perfect with a white marble top kitchen counter.
Blue-toned grey cabinets go well with the white and give the kitchen a soothing vibe. You can have a black kitchen tap to add a bold element to the mix. To complement the black of the tap, use black handles on the cabinets. Add some potted house plants on the shelf to bring freshness and life into the kitchen.
There you have it, your farmhouse-themed kitchen.
2. Black and White Kitchen Theme
White subway tile is an American classic choice for the kitchen. A classic color scheme is the black and white. Pair your white subway-tiled kitchen wall with a black marble countertop for a classic black-and-white kitchen. Use a minimalist wooden shelf to place faux plants and some crockery; the wooden shelves balance the stark white and black colors.
This is a minimalist look and will not take the attention away from the beautiful ceramic white subway tile. Keeping up with the black and white theme, have black lamps and lighting fixtures for your kitchen. Choose warm lighting to give your kitchen space a more inviting feel.
3. White Subway Tile Kitchen with Wooden Counter Top
Here is a cute idea for your white subway-tiled kitchen with light grey grouting. Look how elegant the subway tiles look against a light wood countertop. This is a perfect look for a smaller kitchen. The white subway tiles will ensure enough lighting in the space, while the grey grouting adds a bit of texture to the wall.
A white kitchen sink and white drawers tie the entire look together. Keep the kitchen neat; avoid clutter on the shelf. You can use grey color for the outlines of the cabinets. They will pair well with the grey grouting of the tiles.
4. White Subway Tile In a Modern Kitchen
As mentioned before, White subway tile is a classic choice. Most American homes were tiled like this in pre-war America. They look good as part of the modern kitchen space too. A wooden countertop looks beautiful against these white tiles. Grey counters go well with the colors and look sleek.
Elements of the color black pair well with this color scheme. Your modern kitchen will have a bit of history attached to it with the white subway tile.
5. White Kitchen with Subway Tiles
Here is another color scheme for the kitchen that you cannot go wrong with. The classic white theme will never go out of vogue. The grey grouting of the ceramic tiles gives your kitchen space some texture. Choose white cabinets with a plain white countertop. The white countertop can either be a solid white color, or you can also choose a Volakas marble countertop.
Since the Kitchen is all white, add some pictures or paintings. I would suggest you go for minimalist paintings with a neat black frame.
Choose black handles and knobs for the drawers. Add some color and freshness to the place by placing a potted plant or two. The kitchen will look chic and elegant.
6. Herringbone Style White Subway Tile Kitchen
Till now, we have explored ideas that use white subway tiles in the classic horizontal brick style pattern. But you have a little more fun with the layout pattern of the tiles. A herringbone tile layout with grey grouting will add a bit of playfulness to the kitchen space. The dark grey grouting will bring out the layout pattern.
You don’t need to add a lot of patterns elsewhere in the kitchen. Go for a nice white-themed kitchen. You can choose a beige or off-white marble for the countertop. A steel sink will go well with the look of the kitchen.
7. White Subway Tile In Grey and White Kitchen
White Subway Tiled kitchen with grey cabinets looks chic and sophisticated. Unlike the image, you can use a light grey grouting to lay out the tile in the classic brick style. The grey grouting will complement the grey color of the cabinets.
White crockery cabinets with a white marble countertop create a clean look. Use gold-colored handles on the cabinets. They pair well with the cold grey color of the cabinets.
8. Grey and White Kitchen
White subway tiles laid out in the classic brick style pattern give off an old-school or vintage vibe to the kitchen. Grey cabinets and shelves give this kitchen a countryside feel. You can have the blue and white checkered curtain to add to the vintage look. A white porcelain sink complements the look and theme of the kitchen, although a steel sink will also work.
Choose a wooden countertop. This is again in tandem with a vintage countryside kitchen theme. Wooden countertops are not just beautiful, but they also add some cozy warmth to the space.
9. White Subway Tile Kitchen with Matte Blue Cabinets
Here is another interesting color combination you can try for your kitchen. Install the white subway tiles with grey grouting and pair them with a classic white marble countertop. You can choose among the many patterns of white marble or keep it a solid color. The matte blue cabinets will look classy with the white subway tiles.
The ceramic tiles add an old-school charm to the kitchen space, while the matte blue cabinet brings in a modern chic vibe. The smooth surface of the white countertop reflects the subway tiles and gives it an illusion of depth.
10. White Subway Tile Bathroom
Subway tiles have been widely used in bathrooms. They are fairly sturdy and are easy to clean.
Go for a classic black and white theme; white subway tile with dark grey grouting laid out in a brick style.
As you can see, the dark grey grouting gives the washroom a very interesting look, like it is out of a comic book. Add an element of color to the black-and-white theme with some bright flowers on the shower niche. Vintage brass shower head and tap scream elegance. Add a white porcelain tub to complement the white subway tiles.
11. White Subway Tile Kitchen with Textured Black Marble Countertop
Install the white subway tiles horizontally in a brick-like pattern. Keep the grouting a dark grey color. This will bring out the brick pattern clearly, adding some character to the kitchen. White cabinets with rectangular paneling respond well to the shape of the ceramic tile. Paint the window black, and keep the handles of the cabinets black too.
The black patterned marble looks chic and goes perfectly with the color scheme. This kitchen gives a farmhouse feel, and if you have a big kitchen space, this design idea is perfect for it.
12. White Subway Tile and Pewter Gray Bathroom
One of the many advantages of choosing subway tiles for your washroom is that they can be paired well with a lot of colors. Take the above image as an example. The pewter grey color of the washroom pairs beautifully with the white subway tiles.
The grey grouting enhances the brick pattern layout. The solid pewter grey walls create a soothing ambiance. This is a space where you can relax and unwind while taking a hot bath.
A white pattern marble countertop with black metal tap fittings gives it a neat and sharp look.
13. Vertically Laid White Subway Tile Kitchen
If you don’t want the usual horizontal brick patterned subway tile layout, you can for a vertically laid subway tile with light grey grouting. The vertical layout gives length to the space. Leave a section of wall between the tiles and the countertop and paint it grey, do the same above. What you will have is a rectangular section of tiled wall.
A solid white marble countertop will complement the tiles and the grey walls. Choose white cabinets for the kitchen and add grey borders. You can also add an accent color on the wall.
The rectangular shape of the cabinets, the wall, and the ceramic tiles play well with each other.
14. Double Basket Weave Subway Tile
If you want to experiment further with the tile layout patterns, this one is a modern twist on the classic running bond style. In this, two tiles are laid horizontally and two vertically. As the name suggests, it appears like a weaving pattern.
Dark grey grouting will help to enhance the pattern, so choose accordingly. To complement the dark grey grouting, choose black colored tap fixtures and sink. The kitchen will have a modern, sleek look. It is essential that the tap fixtures are not too ornate but simple and elegant, or they will clash with the chic modern theme.
15. Off- White Subway Tile Minimalist Kitchen
Lay the white subway tiles out in the classic running bond or brick style. Keep the grouting narrow and a lighter grey. You can choose an off-white color for the tiles. This will give it a softer look.
Install minimal wooden shelves and keep your routine crockery items there on display. You can keep a potted plant to add some life and cheerful energy to the kitchen. Add a painting or framed photographs to add some personality to the space. Choose a simple black frame. Now for the countertop, go for a patterned black marble countertop. This will tie the entire look together.
16. White Subway Tile Kitchen with Wooden Cabinets
Here is another kind of farmhouse look you can try for your kitchen with the white subway tile. Install white subway tiles with dark grey grouting on all sides of the wall from top to bottom. A white patterned marble countertop will complement the tiled walls with grey grouting.
Use wooden shelves and wooden cabinets. You can opt for a walnut finish or a light wood finish, according to your preference. Paint the kitchen window white and place a few potted plants there. A warm steel or brass pendant light will add an old-school elegance to the kitchen.
17. Black and White Themed Subway Tiled Kitchen
We are revisiting the classic black-and-white theme with the kitchen. Lay out the white subway tiles in a brick-like pattern. Keep the color of the grouting dark grey. The dark grey of the grouting will complement the deep black marble kitchen counter. The deep black counter will reflect the white subway tiles. This, again, gives an illusion of depth.
Try to buy kitchen accessories in tandem with the black-and-white theme, like a deep black pot for your potted plant.
White cabinets with black handles create a nice contrast, like that of the dark grey grouting and white ceramic tiles. Keep the counter clean, and you have a chic-looking kitchen you would want to cook in.
18. Board White Subway Tile Kitchen with Grey Cabinets
The classic subway tiles are a certain size, but you can choose a more broad subway tile for your kitchen. These subway tiles give a more open pattern. If you have a bigger kitchen space, they will be ideal and also take less time to install.
The white of the tile with the narrow grey grouting complements the grey color of the cabinets well. The gold accent handles of the counter look tasteful against the grey cabinets.
Paint the Kitchen window white. You can choose a different shade of white for the window so it doesn’t blend with the color of the tiles. A solid white top would add to the gracefulness of the space.
19. White Subway Tile Bathroom with Honeycomb Tile Flooring
It is fun to play around with various patterns, especially when we are using a limited color palate. Tile the two adjacent walls of your washroom along the bathtub with white subway tiles with grey grouting. The solid porcelain tub will further enhance the texture of the wall. Choose a white washbasin with a white cabinet.
Add to the pattern of the washroom by using honeycomb mosaic tiles on the bathroom floor. Here we are keeping the color scheme monochromatic and adding some fun elements by playing around with patterns. Use black mosaic honeycomb tiles to make cute geometric flower patterns on the floor. Add a framed painting or two on the solid wall so it doesn’t look bare.
This will make a perfect guest washroom.
20. A White Subway Tile Kitchen with a Persian Rug
This might excite you if you are fond of colors and want to shake up the classic black-and-white theme. Use white subway tiles on two adjacent walls along the kitchen countertop. Unlike the image, go for a light grey grouting. It will add more texture to the space.
You cannot go wrong with the combination of white subway tiles and a black marble countertop. White cabinets are yet again a classic choice.
Now add some color. Go for a maroon Persian rug for the kitchen floor. The color and the intricate pattern of the rug will pop against the white floor, cabinets, and tiles. Add another statement piece to this kitchen with a brass pendant light fixture. Your kitchen will garner compliments from all who visit.
21. White Subway Tile Bathroom with Dark Flooring
Use the white subway tiles on all walls of the bathroom, creating neat vertical lines of separation between the walls. This washroom will be a mix of an antique and a modern vibe. Invest in a statement vintage washbasin in white and black. Add a simple shelf over it for your bathroom essentials.
Place a rectangular mirror with an industrial look to it right above the shelf. The dark flooring looks tasteful against the white walls and black and white washbasin. Add some potted plants in white pots to add a hint of color. Two hanging light fixtures will complete the look of this niche bathroom.
Conclusion
White subway tiles have survived a century of changes in design. These Classic ceramic tiles have found their way into our modern homes. There are many ways you can design these classic tiles for your kitchen and bathroom space.
As you must have gathered from the list above, you can hardly go wrong with the black-and-white theme. However, these tiles go well with a lot of colors. They add texture to the wall and can be designed for a vintage or a modern chic look. You can even have fun with the layout pattern, from the classic horizontal running bond style to herringbone and basket weave patterns.
The white subway tile is here to last.
