Metro/Subway Bathroom Tile Ideas – 20 ways to style this iconic tile
Metro, subway, brick or rectangular, whatever you call these humble tiles, you can’t fail to notice that they’re one of the most popular styles on the market.
First created in 1904 for the New York subway, these tiles were designed with both aesthetics and practicality in mind. Developed to improve the appearance of the subway, and make it easy to clean, they soon became the go-to choice for underground stations around the world.
With their glossy finish making cleaning a breeze, subway tiles became a hygienic choice for Victorian kitchens and hospitals, gradually finding their way into homes. From hallways to bathrooms, subway tiles surged in popularity during the 20s and 30s and are still one of the most sought-after styles. Classic, elegant and extremely versatile it’s easy to see why these beloved tiles are so popular.
Is there a difference between subway and metro tiles?
A metro tile is just another name for the classic subway tile, so-called as that’s where they first appeared. Classic subway tiles are often 3×6 inches in size but, due to their immense popularity, many different sizes and styles have emerged.
Subway tile layouts
Apart from the enormous choice of colours, textures, materials and sizes available to choose from, subway tiles are one of the most versatile tiles in terms of layout. Here are just some of the most popular designs:
- Brick bond As the name suggests, a classic brick bond involves the tiles being laid out like bricks, usually with a 50% offset between rows. This is the layout you’ll see most often in subways and bathrooms.
- Vertical or stack bond This layout consists of tiles that are stacked exactly on top of each other, It can be horizontal or vertical and is one of the more contemporary layouts.
- Herringbone A beautiful design where tiles are arranged in a zigzag pattern. The design can be laid in various directions.
- Basketweave This detailed layout involves placing 2 or more tiles alongside each other to form squares or rectangles. The layout of the tiles within the square will vary depending on the tile size.
- Running bond A more unusual layout where tiles are laid around each other.
Metro bathroom tile ideas
If you’ve set your heart on a marvellous metro-tiled bathroom but are unsure where to start, have a look at our selection of beautifully tiled bathrooms:
Classic white subway tiles with black grout
One of the most timeless tile combinations, crisp white subway tiles with contrasting black grout are a popular and practical choice for bathrooms. White gloss tiles are easy to keep clean and black grout is perfect for disguising the dreaded discolouration that can so easily ruin the look of tiled walls.
The classic brick bond layout is the one most commonly found in Victorian subway stations and it works brilliantly in both modern and more traditional homes.
Recreate this look:
- Walls – Dorset Smooth White with Charcoal Weber Premium Grout
- Floors – Rustic Heritage Taco Black 165mm x 165mm with Charcoal Weber Premium Grout
Magnificent mirror metro tiles
Metro tiles are available in a mind-blowing range of colours and textures. From natural stone to glass and metallic finishes, you are spoilt for choice. Glass mirror tiles are a fantastic way to create the feeling of space in a small bathroom and will instantly add a luxurious feel.
Black and white Victorian-style subway tiles
If you want to create a vintage vibe in your bathroom, fitting subway tiles is one of the best ways to get the look. Combine high-gloss subway tiles with different-sized border and edging tiles to create an authentic Victorian-style bathroom.
Basketweave metro tiles
You can use subway tiles to create an unusual basketweave pattern on your walls. In this design, tiles are placed next to each other to create squares, and sometimes rectangles. The way that you place the tiles will depend on the tile size.
You may have two vertical tiles and a horizontal one across the top, or three or four tiles stacked on top of each other. However you choose to lay your tiles, it’s sure to create a breath-taking look in your bathroom.
Recommended Tile: Rio Marine
Intricate metro tile layout
Metro tiles will look incredible however they are laid, that’s part of their lure, but if you’re feeling creative, why not experiment with a completely different layout?
Use tiles to create borders and break up patterns or choose different layouts for different walls. You can also mix tile colours and textures to incredible effect.
Recommended Tile: San Vincenzo Deep Blue
Double herringbone layout
We love this twist on the familiar herringbone layout. Herringbone patterns are often seen on floors but are increasingly being incorporated into wall designs. In this bathroom, two tiles have been placed next to each other, creating a slightly different look. This layout has a huge range of possibilities so it’s worth exploring them before you make a final decision.
Recommended Tile: Rio Nero
Mosaic metro tiles
If you love metro tiles but would like to do something a little different with your bathroom walls, you may want to consider going for mini-metro tiles. Metro mosaics will usually come on sheets, making fitting easier.
You can choose from natural materials like marble or mix it up with ceramic tiles in bold colours. Either way, we think these tiles make an elegant addition to a bathroom.
Herringbone metro floor tiles
Metro tiles aren’t just for walls. This beautiful design has been created with several different colours of natural stone. The simple shape of subway tiles means that you can easily cut larger tiles down to size to create a unique mixed pattern.
Multicoloured metro tiles
A wall of the same colour metro tiles is a thing of beauty, but if you prefer a bit more colour in your life, you can easily combine different coloured metro tiles. Most tile manufacturers will produce the same-sized tiles in a range of colours so it’s easy to create a rainbow effect.
For the best results, you’ll want to choose tiles of the same shape and size and preferably, from the same range.
Different tile layouts on adjoining walls
The simplicity of metro tiles allows you to be really creative and experimental without an overpowering finished result. Go for different colours and different layouts and it will still look spectacular. This is a great option if you just can’t make up your mind!
Recommended Tile: Tinte Mist Green
Bold colour and contrasting grout
From red to violet and everything in between, if you fancy adding a pop of colour to your bathroom, metro tiles are probably your best bet. The boom in demand for subway tiles has resulted in a rainbow of colours and an impressive range of textures.
Make boldly coloured tiles pop with gorgeous contrasting grout for maximum impact.
Textured subway tiles
As well as gloss and matt metro tiles, you can choose from an impressive range of textured tile finishes. Irregular surfaces and rustic crackle glazes look incredible when used over large areas. It’s also a great way to create a more vintage look in a bathroom.
Statement tile edging
If you needed another reason to use metro tiles, the option for fancy tile edging is one of them. If you’ve opted for a herringbone lay, you can leave the tile edges as they are, rather than trimming a straight edge, for a look that’s a little different.
Good tile edging can make or break the overall effect of your tiles so if you are opting for a straight edge, it’s worth exploring the available options. Metallic or coloured tile edging strips provide a classy finish, or you could opt for border tiles.
Recommended Tile: Rio Verde
Victorian vibes
Eye-catching repeating patterns and bold colours are key features of Victorian tile designs. If you have a period home, or fancy creating a traditional bathroom, opt for bold, glossy tiles and pair them with beautiful, intricately detailed border tiles. You can keep colours the same or mix and match depending on your preference.
Beautiful bevelled edge subway tiles
Not only is there a huge range of colours and styles to choose from, but you can also choose from flat or bevelled edge subway tiles.
Using bevelled edge tiles is a great way to create a vintage look. Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t any harder to keep clean than flat tiles. These tiles can be a little tricky to fit around corners, however, so make sure you enlist the advice of a skilled tiler if fitting them yourself.
Recommended Tile: Dorset Bevelled Blanco
Vertical stack
One of the more contemporary layouts, the vertical stack has the added benefit of elongating wall space. It’s a good way to make smaller bathrooms appear larger, especially if you’ve chosen a darker tile colour.
Recommended Tile: Rio Verde
Statement pattern metro tiles
Subway tiles are extremely versatile and you can create the most incredible tile designs with them. Add even more interest to a herringbone tile lay with contrasting colours to create a bathroom wall with a difference.
Two colour metro tiles
Metro tiles look incredible wherever you use them, and if you’re a subway superfan, there’s no reason not to use them on the floor and walls. Create a seamless look with the same colour or mix it up with a lighter, or darker, colour for added interest.
Vertical brick bond metro tiles
Brick bond tiles are usually fitted horizontally but you can create a completely different look by laying them vertically instead. Just changing the direction of a popular tile layout is an effective way to add interest to your walls.
Recommended Tile: Emilia Navy
Metro tile splashback
Last, but not least, create a statement splashback with tiles in a contrasting colour to the walls. Pink tiles are a fantastic choice, they go with most colours and, depending on the shade, can be neutral or eye-popping.
Atlas Ceramics has an impressive range of magnificent metro tiles to help you achieve a similar look in your bathroom. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our experts for advice.