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50+ Subway Tile Ideas + Free Tile Pattern Template

I’d venture to guess that most of us don’t have huge renovation budgets. Even if we are able to set aside a decent budget, most of us still research affordable alternatives and money-saving options within that budget.

For example, when we started tackling our bathroom renovation, we purposely set aside certain projects as DIY and “cost-savers.” This freed up other portions of the budget for where we needed to invest more {like having our floor leveled and tile layed}. Can you relate?

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by PlumbTile, but the opinions expressed are 100% my own.

50+ Subway Tile Ideas. The ultimate list of subway tile options -- sizes, colors, materials, patterns, etc. Includes a FREE Printable - Subway Tile Pattern Templates. by CraftivityD

When PlumbTile asked if I’d be interested in sharing a little about bathroom or kitchen design, this dilemma — saving money yet achieving an updated look — is what came to mind. Bathroom and kitchen renovations can be costly, but there are still ways to save money and choose affordable options. Looking forward to our eventual kitchen renovation, one of the products I’ve had in mind is Subway Tile.

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Classic Subway Tile is a versatile option that can be traditional or modern — and everywhere in between. In it’s most common white finish, it can be an incredibly affordable and easy to source design option. Yet, with all the options — size, color, pattern, finish, etc. — even this basic staple could create an overwhelming decision. So, let’s break it down…

P.S. Make sure to grab the Subway Tile Pattern Printable by entering your email below. 


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Subway Tile Ideas: Size

It might surprise you that Subway Tile can be purchased in a wide array of sizes. We’ll begin with what I’ll refer to as the standard size Subway Tile; these tiles range from approximately 2″x4″ to 3″x6″ in size and create the look with which we are most familiar.

50+ Subway Tile Ideas. The ultimate list of subway tile options -- sizes, colors, materials, patterns, etc. Includes a FREE Printable - Subway Tile Pattern Templates. by CraftivityD

Standard Subway Tile // Daniella Witte

However, you can buy both larger, and smaller tiles which will change that traditional look, and give the room a little something that is unexpected. Each of these backsplashes

For example, a kitchen backsplash with a mini version of subway tile creates an intricate and detailed design feature.

50+ Subway Tile Ideas. The ultimate list of subway tile options -- sizes, colors, materials, patterns, etc. Includes a FREE Printable - Subway Tile Pattern Templates. by CraftivityD

Mini Subway Tile // via Home Bunch

50+ Subway Tile Ideas. The ultimate list of subway tile options -- sizes, colors, materials, patterns, etc. Includes a FREE Printable - Subway Tile Pattern Templates. by CraftivityD

Mini Subway Tile // via The Kitchn

In contrast, a large Subway Tile can create a casual, open style due to fewer grout lines.

50+ Subway Tile Ideas. The ultimate list of subway tile options -- sizes, colors, materials, patterns, etc. Includes a FREE Printable - Subway Tile Pattern Templates. by CraftivityD50+ Subway Tile Ideas. The ultimate list of subway tile options -- sizes, colors, materials, patterns, etc. Includes a FREE PRINTABLE with Subway Tile Patterns. by CraftivityD

Large Subway Tile // Vintage Scout Interiors

[Tweet “Subway Tile is a versatile option that can be traditional, modern, and everywhere in between.”]

50+ Subway Tile Ideas. The ultimate list of subway tile options -- sizes, colors, materials, patterns, etc. Includes a FREE Printable - Subway Tile Pattern Templates. by CraftivityD

Large Subway Tile // Etica Studio

Keep Reading! Go to Page 2

ME

Thursday 23rd of February 2023

doing 3 x 10 subway tile shower. I want to do probably 1/4 offset, horizontal. However I want to have 1/2 and 1/4 tile size pieces of a complementary color. Also the placement of the complementary color is more random/scattered than having a specific pattern. where can I see examples of this so I can show the person doing tiling what I want.

Lora Green

Sunday 19th of March 2023

I don't have an example of that, unfortunately. This image may be helpful, it does have the 1/2 tile size mixed with full size tiles - https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bd/1a/34/bd1a3472b79f2d0c85b70c8f7f0d2e21.jpg

Bonnie Harp

Saturday 17th of April 2021

Looking to receiving the template for subway tile! Great ideas!!

Lora Green

Sunday 18th of April 2021

Sent you an email!

Elizabeth

Wednesday 4th of October 2017

Hello. I want to put the blue muted, shiny subway tiles in my Kitchen exactly like the ones in your picture from Fixer Upper. What tile maker makes these tiles. Thank you.

Lora Green

Thursday 5th of October 2017

It doesn't seem to list the source tile for that Fixer Upper project anywhere, but here are a few similar options: 1. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Elida-Ceramica-Skylight-Subway-Glass-Wall-Tile-Common-3-in-x-8-in-Actual-3-8-in-x-7-75-in/1000238401 2. http://amzn.to/2xjvy8S (affiliate) 3. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Jeffrey-Court-Caribbean-Water-Gloss-3-in-x-6-in-x-8-mm-Glass-Wall-Tile-99514/202663560 4. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Jeffrey-Court-Skylite-3-in-x-6-in-Ceramic-Field-Wall-Tile-12-5-sq-ft-case-96317/300047986 5. https://www.lowes.com/pd/American-Olean-Color-Appeal-Powder-Glass-Wall-Tile-Common-3-in-x-6-in-Actual-2-87-in-x-5-87-in/50435146

artgsg

Friday 10th of February 2017

Pink tiles are strange but also interesting at the same time. In my opinion, subway tiles era begins to fade

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Tuesday 14th of February 2017

I think there is a movement toward more decorative tiles right now, but I'd imagine the white subway tile will stick around -- even if only in smaller doses.

Natalie Gallagher

Thursday 9th of June 2016

I'm currently having a love affair with Subway Tile...thanks for feeding my obsession! Will be sharing with my readers...thanks for sharing at Remodelaholic

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Wednesday 15th of June 2016

Thanks for sharing, Natalie!