With a classic rectangular shape, subway tile is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. While traditionally installed horizontally, this tile also looks stunning when positioned vertically as well.
When subway tile is added vertically, it can create the illusion of a larger space. If you’re looking for inspiration for a small bathroom, here are the most inspiring vertical subway tile bathroom ideas designed to add height to your space.
Use White Vertical Tile From Floor to Ceiling
Installing white subway tile from the floor to the ceiling gives this bathroom a sleek, distinctive look. By installing vertical stacked tile throughout the space, the bathroom looks larger and feels like it has higher ceilings, even if the ceilings are standard or low height.
A window brings in natural light, adding a feeling of openness and airiness to the bathroom. Larger standard tiles on the bathroom floor “ground” the space, and the large round mirror above the floating vanity adds functionality and modern style.
via Bolaget
Get Creative with Color
A warm, green subway tile covers the shower walls in this cozy modern bathroom. Black tile on the ceiling and white tile on the shower floors add a bold contrast and give the space a uniquely modern look.
However, the green subway tile makes this bathroom stand out and gives it visual interest. The small nook next to the shower also features contrasting black tile, while potted plants lend it a touch of earthy, natural appeal.
via Tradition
Keep it Classic with Black and White Tile
Classic white subway tiles adorn the upper half of the bathroom walls around the tub and shower in a vertical stack pattern, while larger black tiles below add a fun, two-toned element. This bathroom is a prime example of classic subway tile, but the black grout adds a slightly fun, modern touch to the space.
The bold black marble tile not only surrounds the wall of the tub, but it’s also carried through to the exterior and onto the floors, adding a dramatic touch to what might be an otherwise all white bathroom.
via Fastighetsbyrån
Add Playful Pops with Cheery Colored Tile
This whimsical bathroom space boasts a peachy salmon colored subway tile that goes from the floor to the ceiling and into the shower. The black shower trim, showerhead, and cabinets bring in a dark contrast that helps the colorful tile stand out for an eye-catching look.
Another fun feature in this bathroom is the black and white Victorian floor tile, while a black and white toilet finishes the space to bring everything together in seamless fashion.
via Historiska Hem
Make Things Moody with Dark Colored Subway Tile and Bold Features
If you want to create a mood, choose subway tile in a deep, dark hue like the subway tile shower in this bathroom. Brushed brass lighting, hardware, and fixtures stand apart against the darker colors and give the space a uniquely bold component.
Solid stone patterned tiles on the shower floor give this bathroom a sense of high-end luxury. All of the cabinetry is painted to match the tile color perfectly, while the solid stone countertop coordinates with the floor.
Styled by Gärde, photographed by Mia Borgelin for Historiska Hem
Mix and Match Tiles in Different Styles
While this bathroom features a vertical layout for the gorgeous gray stone subway shower tile, pebble-style tiles adorn the shower walls and floor. Black metal surrounds the clear glass shower enclosure and is also found on the faucets and hardware.
A black framed oval wall mirror above the vanity and two pendant lights add a touch of brightness to the space. Combining two different styles of tile gives this bathroom added texture and helps to create a unique design.
via Entrance Makleri
Make the Bathroom Modern with Updated Details
Classic white subway tile easily gives any bathroom a classic look, but this example uses darker gray hues and larger-sized tile for a fresh update. The sleek gray subway tile on the shower and walls creates a modern edge that gives the room a sense of style and sophistication.
Black trim across the wall draws attention to the white pedestal sink and black mirrored medicine cabinet. Elements of stainless steel help to break up the space.
via Entrance Makleri
Use Grout Lines to Create a Pattern
This fresh, cheerful bathroom features vertical subway tile on the walls, while visible grout lines add a playful visual pattern. A different design is featured on the adjacent wall, and tiny square floor tiles add another element of interest that creates a unique offset pattern.
The large frameless mirror above the floating white ceramic sink makes the space feel larger, and touches of warm wood and natural elements keep it from feeling too cold.
Styled by Lotta Agaton Interiors for Esny
Add Instant Interest with Textured Subway Tile
Rather than installing classic ceramic or marble subway tiles, the homeowner opted for something a bit bolder. This vertical tile has a unique texture that creates an almost crinkled, wallpaper-like appearance.
Combined with a large round mirror and a beautiful vanity and sink, this bathroom design makes the wall the focal point and main attraction. Black wall hooks and a black metal shelf nestled against the wall add a pop of contrasting color and lots of functionality to the space.
photographed by Anders Bergstedt for Alvhem
Use Vertical Subway Tile to Create a Calming Oasis
Although this bathroom is small, the large white subway tile with dark grout gives it a spa-like, seamless appearance. The black ceiling and black fixtures in the shower help to create a calming sense that this space is a truly relaxing retreat.
The use of straight lines in a vertical pattern like this, along with the straight lines of the rectangular mirror and vanity, all work together for a seamless look and a comforting, cohesive effect.
Styled by Åsa Copparstad, photographed by Frederic Boucari, for Historiska Hem
Add Neutral Hues for a Soothing Color Scheme
In this bathroom, soft, clay-colored subway tile on the walls contributes to the overall neutral color scheme for a warm, timeless look. Using neutral colors like this helps to create a blank canvas that can easily be punctuated with artwork and other items.
A unique soaker tub with a wooden surround and large floor tiles all feature similar tones, yet they vary enough to give the bathroom a subtly different look throughout. This bathroom design proves that you don’t always need bold, dark, or vibrant colors to make a statement.
via Fantastic Frank
Elevate the Bathroom with Original Subway Tile Designs
In this bathroom, original subway tiles give it a timeless aesthetic, but the combination of both vertical and horizontal tile layouts adds a uniquely whimsical effect. The crisp white tile is offset by the dark grout that makes it easy to distinguish the tiles’ varying shapes and patterns.
Note how the horizontal tile is the main attraction, but the vertical pattern is featured on the tub-side wall, helping to create a stark distinction between the two different areas within the bathroom.
Styled by Annica Clarmell, photographed by Jonas Berg for Stadshem
Install Large Tile for a Sense of Drama
Large, elongated black subway tile in a vertical pattern makes this bathroom a true standout. The sleek black tile covers the walls, while the wood floors and angled wooden ceiling bring in a more rustic, natural touch.
A unique metal soaker tub adds to the unusual components in this small bathroom. Choosing to install the tile from the floor to the ceiling helps draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of a larger space. The white floating vanity and medicine cabinet bring it a pop of brightness to break up the room.
via Vipp
Combine Subway Tile Patterns
While this bathroom is completely covered in white subway tile, the different patterns give it a touch of distinction. Note how the walls have a vertical stacked layout, but the floors use the same tile in a herringbone pattern.
Mixing and matching the same tile in a different pattern is a smart, budget-friendly way to get a dramatic effect without breaking the bank. Stainless steel fixtures, a small wood stool, and a live potted plant are added to give this bathroom a few more elements that warm things up.
by Lotta Agaton for BTH Bostad
Have Fun with Different Colors
This small bathroom proves that you don’t have to use tile and other design elements all in the same color. The luscious green subway tile adds a fresh, earthy component to the room, and a wood floating vanity topped with white round sinks gives it a fun modern touch.
The oval-shaped mirror, black faucets, and a pair of wall sconces look fun while adding functionality. Large square stone floor tiles in a neutral beige help to create a grounded effect.
via Plum Living
Stay Focused on Materials
Installing vertical subway tile is an easy way to make a small bathroom look and feel larger. However, the type of tile you choose also plays a role in the overall design.
Here, the bathroom features gray and white marble subway tile that adds a sense of luxury. A different type of subway tile on the ceiling gives another touch of uniqueness to this modern bathroom.
Put Subway Tile in the Spotlight
Small white vertical subway tile covers practically every surface in this bathroom. Although the floor tile features a different shape, material, and color, it’s clear that the white subway tile is the star of the show. Using simple stainless steel fixtures and avoiding too many additional colors helps the subway tile truly shine.
via Bjurfors
Don’t Be Afraid to Go Bold
Sleek, shiny dark green subway tile with white grout adds a bold pattern in modern, straight lines to this bathroom. Classic black-and-white checkerboard floor tile brings a playful, whimsical touch.
Copper fixtures throughout the space shine against the stark black tile and give this contemporary bathroom a fun component.
