30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (2024)

The white subway tile shower is the reigning champ of bathroom design and shows no sign of retiring. This clean classic is at home in virtually every design style with limitless variations.

Since there are so many ways to execute the white subway tile shower, we’re sharing our favorite design ideas to help you put your own spin on this simple yet stunning bathroom design mainstay.

Why is White Subway Tile Good for the Shower?

White subway tile is timeless, elegant, and suits every design style. When considering the function, feel, and flow of the bathroom, white subway tile ticks all the boxes for a shower that reflects a clean, comfortable, and rejuvenating space.

Using handmade tile elevates a white subway tile shower with variations in color, size, and sheen adding a unique, one-of-a-kind personality to your design.

Is White Subway Tile Outdated?

Absolutely not. White subway tile will always be a key interior design element. While we offer a wide variety of colors, our top 3 best-selling colors of ceramic tile are all shades of white (White Wash, Tusk, and Calcite). White subway tile has never gone out of style since its introduction in New York's subway system in 1904 and judging by today's contemporary bathrooms using white subway tile liberally, it shows no sign of falling out of fashion.

Sample Our Favorite Whites

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30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (1)

White Wash

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (2)

Calcite

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (3)

Daisy

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (4)

Frost

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (5)

Ivory

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (6)

Halite

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (7)

Feldspar

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Set it Straight

The most modern interpretation of subway tile is the straight set pattern. Featuring clean lines and simple forms, straight-set subway tile is a minimalist dream, even among New Traditional accents like this bathroom below.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (8)

tileTuskStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileIvoryStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileShetland WoolStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:4x4 Shetland Wool, 6x6 Ivory, 3x6 Tusk, 2x2 Ivory, Seville Neutral Motif| Design:K.Squared Design | Image:Sierra Ann Photography

This shower features straight-set subway tile with a light grey grout to tastefully highlight the clean lines without going full contrast. The grout also pairs well with the grey mosaic tile—also straight-set—on the shower floor.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (9)

tileCalciteStarting at$32.00$32.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileOvercastStarting at$32.00$32.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:3x12 Calcite, 2x2 Overcast| Design:Christy Mack + Julie Manning, EM + KATE DESIGN | Image:Sen Creative | Installer:EM + KATE DESIGN

Twice as wide as standard subway tile, 3x12 straight set tiles highlight the horizontal lines of this bathroom, accentuated by the design carrying over to the tile backsplash behind the bathroom vanity.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (10)

tileCalciteStarting at$32.00$32.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileAntiqueStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:3x12 Calcite, Hexite Antique| Design:Christy Mack + Julie Manning, Em + Kate Design | Image:Sen Creative |Installer:Em + Kate Design

Straight set subway tile is made even more intriguing with a high-variation glaze. Notice the subtle differences in color and sheen spread randomly throughout the shower.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (11)

tileTuskStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileNaples BlueStarting at$32.00$32.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:2x6 Tusk, 3x6 Naples Blue| Design + Image:Leslie Murchie | Installer:Supreme Flooring

Straight-set also works when hanging the tile vertically. This warm white shower wall tile matches its tall and narrow footprint with 2x6 tile laid lengthwise. The warm shade of white goes great with the organic elements of the shower like the exposed beam and planks above.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (12)

tileIvoryStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:2x6 Ivory, Sintra Warm Motif| Design:Sara Combs + Rich Combs | Image:Margaret Austin Photography, Sara Combs + Rich Combs

Same pattern but a much different personality, matte Calcite glaze gives off a cool white color and barely-there lines thanks to a matching grout.

If you're a fan of straight-set but can't decide between horizontal or vertical, create a shower with a blend of both. This shower features vertical subway tile on the walls of the shower but a second plane below the shelf is hung perpendicular for an interesting detail in this minimalist shower.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (14)

tileWhite WashStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:2x6 White Wash| Design +Image:Leslie Murchie | Installer:Supreme Flooring

Speaking of minimalism, this Scandinavian bathroom shows what simple design done well can achieve. A two-tone palette of warm white and beige tile is differentiated by a pairing of horizontal and vertical straight set subway tiles of equal size.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (15)

tileDolomiteStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileFeldsparStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:2x6 Feldspar, 2x6 Dolomite| Design:Veneer Design | Image:Charlotte Lea

Traditional Offset

Sometimes you can't help but stick with a classic. White subway tile in a traditional half-offset pattern is the way subway tile was first introduced to the world and it still remains an incredibly charming combo today, evidenced here in this ethereal 3/4 bathroom.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (16)

tileTuskStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileSalton SeaStarting at$32.00$32.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:3x6 Tusk, 3x6 Salton Sea| Design:Sarah Sherman Samuel | Image:Raquel Langworthy Photography

Offset isn't always indicative of tradition. Vertical offset gives a shower a strikingly contemporary look with broken lines streaking down the shower walls.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (17)

tileCalciteStarting at$32.00$32.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:3x12 Calcite| Design:Mokume Design Studio | Image:Christopher Stark

Herringbone Heritage

Herringbone is a legendary pattern that works perfectly with the rectangular shape of subway tile. This walk-in shower features walls of 3x6 subway tile in a tight herringbone pattern for an elegant woven look.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (18)

tileWhite WashStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:3x6 White Wash, Mazagan Neutral Motif| Design:Kate Lester Interiors | Image:Gray Malin

This tub surround features a similar herringbone design with a slimmer tile for a slightly more delicate-looking pattern. The matching grout adds to the lightness of the design.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (19)

tileTuskStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:2x6 Tusk | Design:Mark Davis Design | Image:Luis Costadone

By contrast, this shower really shows off the herringbone pattern with black grout against the white tile for a bold accent that plays off the black floors.

Be advised, dark pigmented grouts are not recommended with some white glazes due to staining potential. Please consult with your design consultant and installer and test your desired grout's effect before applying to your installation.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (20)

tileCalciteStarting at$32.00$32.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileBasaltStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:2x8 Calcite, 8" Hexagon Basalt, 3" Hexagon Basalt | Design:Hygge & West

This shower goes all in on the herringbone pattern with a middle-of-the-road grey grout that shows off the design without overdoing it. While the bold look works for the contained shower above, this full coverage space rewards restraint unless you're after a maximalist look.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (21)

tileWhite WashStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileFrench LinenStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:2x6 White Wash, 2x2 French Linen | Design:Becki Owens

Add an Accent

White subway tile doesn't have to be the star of the shower and is perfectly appropriate as a supporting shape. This tub surround features white subway tile with high contrast grout throughout but it's the accent wall of hand-painted tile that steals the scene.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (22)

tileWhite WashStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:3x6 White Wash, Interlaced Leaves White Motif | Design:Asquared Studio | Image:Tony Garcia, AIA

This shower is awash with decorative lines. Long linear subway tiles cover two walls extending out across one side of the bathroom while an accent wall of Hexite tile draws a honeycomb pattern intersected with diagonal lines, all accentuated with bright white grout.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (23)

tileWhite WashStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileSeedlingStarting at$32.00$32.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:2x8 White Wash, 2x2 White Wash, Hexite Seedling | Design:Jessica Atal | Image:Angelica Vasquez | Installer:Harmony Design and Development

Speaking of lines, this shower features soft ivory mosaic tiles and an eye-catching floor of Handpainted Dot Dash 7 tile from the Block Shop x Fireclay Tile Collection, giving a sense of movement to the spacious bathroom.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (24)

tileIvoryStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:1x6 Ivory, 6x6 Dot Dash 7 Plein Aire Motif | Design:Amber Lestrange | Image:Cary Mosier

A balance of checkered grey and white and solid white subway tile offers gorgeous contrast in this shower—all the way down to the built-in niche.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (25)

tileTuskStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileFeldsparStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileDolomiteStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile: 2x8 Tusk, 4x4 Feldspar + Dolomite | Design:Natalie Myers, Veneer Designs | Image:Jessica Alexander Photography | Installer:Lion Builder

A built-in niche is the perfect way to add an accent to your white subway tile. The shower below used a custom colorway on our Handpainted Valencia Tile to elevate the space with an old-world Spanish feel.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (26)

tileWhite WashStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileBlue VelvetStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:4x8 White Wash, 8x8 Blue Velvet, 8x8 Valencia custom colorway | Design:The Brownstone Boys | Image:Nick Glimenakis

Subway with Squares

This wet room bathroom features walls of glossy subway tiles stacked between matte 6x6 squares in an offset pattern for an intriguing take on the traditional white subway tile wall.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (27)

tileWhite WashStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileDaisyStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:3x6 White Wash, 6x6 Daisy | Design:Kate Lester Interior | Image:Grey Malin

Taking a similar design approach, this shower features subway tile interspersed with square tiles in a more random pattern. A warm white shade of glaze adds to the organic nature of this shower design.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (28)

tileTuskStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:3x6 Tusk, 3x3 Tusk| Design + Image:Claire Thomas

Subway With Stars

This subway tile shower shares its space with a floor of Star and Cross tile for a classic combination of utilitarian and decorative design.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (29)

tileWhite WashStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileCalciteStarting at$32.00$32.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:3x6 White Wash, | Design:Annabode + Co | Image:Brandon Lopez

This shower takes the decorative element to new heights by using two colorways for the Star and Cross tiles to accentuate the pattern even more while the subway tile stands strong on the walls.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (30)

tileCalciteStarting at$32.00$32.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileSea GlassStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:3x6 Calcite, , | Design + Image:Stephanie Feinerman Design

Hexagons Help Out

Another shape that frequently shares the shower with subway tile is the hexagon. A true classic for bathroom floors, there may be no more quintessential bathroom pattern pairing than subway tile and hexagons. Choosing contrasting colors lets each shine in their own regard.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (31)

tileWhite WashStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileBasaltStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:2x6 White Wash, 2" Hexagon Basalt| Design:High Street Homes | Image:Dan Swindel

Black and white. Subway tile and hexagons. Some things just go together effortlessly. This bathroom looks both contemporary and timeless thanks to these enduring shapes and colors.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (32)

tileTuskStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileBasaltStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:2x8 Tusk,3" Hexagon Basalt, 6x6 Basalt | Design:Mark Davis Design | Image:Luis Costadone

On the other hand, any classic combo can skew contemporary with the right tweaks like this shower that brings the hexagons up to the walls alongside the white subway tile and a colorful, futuristic floor of hexagon ombre mosaic.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (33)

tileWhite WashStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:3x6 White Wash, 3" HexagonGypsum, Salton Sea, Morning Thaw, Dusty Blue, Nautical, Cyclone, Carbon| Design:Tom McElroy Architecture | Image:Rachel Styer

Tasteful Two Tone

Adding contrast to a white subway tile shower can come from the grout, the floor tile, an accent wall or even the same walls with a two-tone design. This bathroom features white offset subway tile beneath a gray wall of offset subway tile for a balanced and dapper design.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (34)

tileTuskStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileCycloneStarting at$32.00$32.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:2x6 Tusk, 2x6 Cyclone| Design:Noz Design | Installer:O'Reilly Tile Design Inc.

This two-tone design takes things to the next level with two sizes of subway tile. The white half uses large 6x12 tiles while the top half features 2x8 to give the bathroom an interesting dimension of depth.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (35)

tileWhite WashStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileSkipping StoneStarting at$28.00$28.00/sqftShop Sizes
tileMagnetiteStarting at$30.00$30.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:6x12 White Wash, 2x6 Skipping Stone, 4" Hexagon Magnetite | Design:Noz Design | Installer:O'Reilly Tile Design Inc.

Parquet (and Other Possibilities)

The possibilities of white subway tile are virtually endless. This parquet pattern is clean as can be, showing what a little attention to detail and imagination can do for the simple and persistent subway tile.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (36)

tileWhite WashStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:2x4 White Wash| Design:Orlando Soria | Image:Tessa Neustadt

This shower hits all the right angles. Installed in a unique horizontal to vertical offset pattern, our warm white Tusk adds visual interest to the walls and built-in shower niche.

30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (37)

tileTuskStarting at$18.00$18.00/sqftShop Sizes

Tile:2x6 Tusk | Design:Cathie Hong Interiors | Image:Margaret Austin Photography

Get the Right White with Free Design Assistance

Design your perfect shower with help from the pros. Our friendly tile experts are here to help with our signature free design assistance, including sample selection, measurements, renderings, cost estimates and more. Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch shortly.

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30 Different White Subway Tile Shower Designs (2024)

FAQs

How can I make my white subway tile more interesting? ›

Add Interest With a Herringbone Pattern

(By the way — herringbone patterns date back to ancient Egypt!) For just a hint of pattern in a monochromatic arrangement like this one, reach for tone-on-tone grout that creates minimal contrast with your tile of choice.

What is the most popular size subway tile for a shower? ›

3" x 6": As the most popular subway tile size, 3" x 6" subway tiles are a versatile choice. This size fits beautifully in any kitchen or bathroom design.

What is the best pattern for subway tile? ›

Off-set is the most traditional style for subway tile. It mimics the classic brick lay pattern. It is linear, but off-center, giving it a bit of edge. How it's achieved: Lay one row of tile and then follow suit with off-setting the next row so that the corner of the tile below sits at the center-point of the one above.

How do you jazz up white subway tile? ›

5 Ways to Spice Up Basic White Subway Tiles
  1. Arrange Differently Shaped Tiles Into Unique Patterns. Tiles of different shapes and unique tile patterns can help draw attention to bathroom features you might want to highlight.
  2. Use Colored Grout. ...
  3. Use Color Blocking. ...
  4. Space Out the Tiles. ...
  5. Use Trim Pieces.

Is Subway tile still in style in 2024? ›

Best Subway Tile Bathroom Ideas 2024 | Updated! If you are looking for inspiration and bathroom ideas, then a bathroom with subway tile is a timeless design choice that stays in trend. So at Stone Tile Depot, we have selected some of our favorite subway tile bathroom ideas for your subway tile bathroom.

What size subway tile is timeless? ›

Timeless Appeal

The ever-popular 3"x6" subway tile reigns supreme for a reason. It offers a classic aesthetic that transcends fleeting trends, making it a versatile foundation for a multitude of design styles.

How many subway tiles do I need for a shower? ›

Multiply a single tile's length and width to determine how much area it covers. Then divide that number by 144 to convert it to feet. Finally, divide the total square footage of the space by the single tile square footage.

What size tile makes a shower look bigger? ›

Choose Large-Format Tiles

Large format tiles (tiles that are larger than 60cm x 60cm) will make your bathroom feel bigger than it really is. Firstly, there will be fewer grout lines, so your walls & floors will look more seamless & less cluttered & restrictive.

Are white subway tiles still in style? ›

White subway tile will never go out of style and will never feel or look dated. How can we say and claim that with such certainty? It's easy! White subway tile is a staple of modern kitchens and presents a modern classic that easily fits in any kitchen style and goes perfectly with any kitchen cabinets colors.

Should grout be darker or lighter than tile? ›

If you're trying to unify your tile, such as with a wood look tile floor, go for a close match that's a little bit lighter than your tile. If you want to highlight a color or accent in your tile, like the gray veins in a marble tile, go for a close match, or a bit darker than that shade in your tile.

Should I use sanded or unsanded grout for shower subway tile? ›

While you can use either sanded grout or unsanded grout for vertical tile such as bathroom or shower walls, unsanded grout provides a better working material. It sticks better to vertical surfaces with less of the slump associated with sanded grout.

What is the most popular tile pattern? ›

Subway tile is the most traditional and popular tile pattern, and it typically comes in a rectangular shape of all degrees and colors. The most well-known pattern is akin to offset bricks. However, you can also "stack" them vertically or horizontally.

What is the 3 4 5 method for tile? ›

To get a perfectly square corner, you want to aim for a measurement ratio of 3:4:5. In other words, you want a three-foot length on your straight line, a four-foot length on your perpendicular line, and a five-foot length across. If all three measurements are correct, you'll have a perfectly square corner.

What is the most popular size subway tile? ›

It is traditionally 3 x 6 inches and this is the most popular size. However, any rectangular tile with 1-to-2 dimensions can work as subway tile, with other sizes including 2 x 4, 4 x 8, and 6 x 12.

How can I make my white tiles more interesting? ›

Mixed textures: Combine white tiles with different design patterns to add visual interest to this space. For example, the One tile collection provides a choice of nine different patterns to choose from when installing. This will work to create a dynamic and unique look.

How to update white subway tile? ›

WHITE SUBWAY TILE BACKSPLASH REFRESH: Change your grout color. Texture & contrast are my true loves. I recently saved my glossy white subway tile from hiding in a sea of white grout by using some grout colorant to give it a refresh. It gave my backsplash added contrast and helped the texture and lines of the tile pop.

Is white subway tile still in style? ›

The classic white stacked bond pattern continues to be a popular choice, offering a timeless elegance that complements a variety of cabinet styles and countertops. For a more modern twist, homeowners can opt for larger format subway tiles that minimize grout lines and create a clean, minimalist aesthetic.

How to dress up subway tile? ›

Make subway tile look more upscale by laying it out in a herringbone pattern for a classic feel or in vertical stacks for a more contemporary look. Run the tile from floor to ceiling for a modern look. Choose a tile color other than flat white. Use a custom grout color.

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