13 Sleek & Chic Subway Tile Backsplash Ideas

Endlessly versatile, subway tile is a design staple that transcends trends. Available in a wide variety of lengths, materials and colors, the right subway tile can be incorporated into virtually any style. If you're looking to redo your kitchen or bathroom backsplash, these 13 unique design ideas are sure to inspire a look you'll love. Shop our wide selection of subway tile to find the tile that fits your style.

1. Herringbone Pattern

Part of subway tile's appeal is the ability to change the style completely depending on which layout you choose. The herringbone pattern is a classic layout that will give your space a sense of movement as it zigs and zags across your backsplash. Choose a long, skinny subway tile, like the Tribeca Gypsum White tile shown here, to add the illusion of length to your space. For more design ideas, check out this guide to 6 Classic Subway Tile Layouts.

2. Keep It Straight (Stack)

Another favorite layout, the straight stack is neat, orderly and very modern. This chic bathroom features the Coco White glossy handmade-look tile. The subtle variations in size, surface texture and coloring add interest, while the vertical stacks create orderly, gridded lines lend a sense of harmony to this space. We love how this design uses a slightly darker grout with the white tiles to accentuate the tidy lines of this design.

3. Subway Tile Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

If your kitchen backsplash extends behind your stove, you can use your layout design to create distinction between your spaces. This modern kitchen backsplash pairs a classic brick lay tile design with a herringbone design to highlight the cooking space. We love how the herringbone creates movement between the stovetop and range hood, but this layout could also work by mixing a vertical offset with a vertical straight stack or horizontal and vertical stack.

4. White Subway Tile Backsplash Ideas

Classic and classy, white subway tile can make for surprising designs. Whether you choose an unexpected layout design, or stick to a basic brick lay, you can create an unexpected backsplash with your grout and accessories. A contrasting black or grey grout will add drama to your design, and you can add dishes or flowers to enliven your space. This subway tile backsplash designed by At Home With Ashley shows how you can use white subway tile as a reprieve from a more colorful space. You can even switch out your accessories with the seasons or your mood!

5. Mix Finishes

If you're using subway tile for a whole wall, you can create a distinct backsplash moment by mixing glossy and matte finishes. This serene bathroom features the Coco Canvas matte tile with a stripe of the Coco Canvas glossy tile that extends from behind the sink and into the shower. The use of multiple layout designs (vertical and horizontal stacks) creates extra interest, but if this change in direction is making your brain hurt, you can achieve a similar effect with just the use of glossy and matte. The light reflecting off the glossy tiles will create a natural distinction.

6. Horizontal Stack

Everything is in its place in this chic drink station designed by Style Jam. The deep, rich color of the Imperial Kelly Green Bevel gloss tile installed in a neat horizontal stack is accentuated by the contrasting white grout. This tile is contributing a lot to this compact space, the horizontal pattern give this small space the illusion of width and the glossy finish reflects the light for added brightness.

7. Elevate the Everyday with Marble

Luxurious and unique, marble takes even a simple design to the next level. This beautiful backsplash designed by Timber Trails features the Firenze Calacatta Amalfi tile to accentuate this space. The use of the white with grey and taupe veined marble with the white cabinets elevates what could be a very basic kitchen design. Check out our 20 Creative Kitchen Backsplash Ideas to Pair With White Cabinets for more kitchen inspo.

8. Glass Subway Tile Backsplash Ideas

Easy to clean with a reflective surface, glass subway tile is a great choice for a backsplash, particularly if you want to add some light under a counter or range hood. This elegant kitchen designed by Timber Trails features the Antique Mirror Bevel glass subway tile. The reflective surface lends light and glamour to this cooking space. Read more about the design decisions behind this charming house.

9. Create Contrast

A dark subway tile with a white grout-or vice-versa-will add instant drama to your space. This sleek and chic modern kitchen uses the Noir Honed Amalfi subway tile with a crisp white grout. The white cabinets and counters keep this space from becoming too dark, but we love how this simple black and white color scheme adds character to this room. Shop our wide selection of pro-rated grout to achieve this look.

10. Add Dimension with Beveled Tile

Beveled tile's raised surface will give your space elegant dimension. Even a white beveled subway tile, like the Imperial Bianco Bevel tile used in this elegant kitchen designed by The Wray Design Co., adds a slight quirky element to your design. Shop the Imperial Bevel tiles in all their color ways to get this effect on your backsplash.

11. Make a Point With Picket Tile

Like the neat stacks of subway tile but looking for a modern twist? This elongated hex tile gets its name from the fence posts it resembles. We love how this tile creates naturally fitting off-center stacks. The long Lanse Matte White Picket tile shown here creates length to this bright modern bathroom backsplash, but picket tile comes in a variety of sizes and colors. Shop our full selection of picket tile to find you style.

12. Embrace the Perfectly Imperfect

Every tile in our Zellige collection is formed, painted and glazed by hand, including the new petite subway tiles like the Zellige Dirty Blue Gloss tile shown here. The slight variations in size, surface texture and color create a backsplash with completely unique character. Shop our full assortment of Zellige tile, or if you like this look, but want a little more reliability in size and texture, shop handmade-look subway tiles.

13. Alternate Your Stacks

Don't be afraid to get creative with your layout. The alternating horizontal and vertical subway stacks used for this chic kitchen backsplash create a unique and unexpected design. The calming grey tones and reflective surface of the Coco Amber Grey Glossy tile adds brightness and interest to this kitchen. While this design accentuates the high wall, this backsplash idea would also add the illusion of height to a more confined space.

Ready to update your backsplash? It's easier than ever to make your design dreams a reality with our free design services. Or, explore even more stunning subway tile layouts in real spaces on our Customer Room Gallery and Instagram!

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