21 Vertical Subway Tile Design Ideas For A Unique Look

Vertical Subway Tile

Vertical subway tile gives a new look to this classic material used for showers, backsplash, and more! We love the versatility of this tile, and if you’re renovating your kitchen or bathroom soon, there is definitely a style for you.

Subway tile is a thin tile where the width is typically twice the height, but today it’s available in several sizes. Turning subway tile vertical draws your eyes up, adding height to any room. And you can also buy these tiles made from different materials, including porcelain, marble, or glass. So if you’re looking to take a subway tile shower to the next level, use marble for a luxurious feel or glass for a modern style.

As you’ll see in the gallery below of our favorite vertical subway tile ideas, the possibilities are endless!

1. Use Unique Colors Like This Beige Subway Tile Backsplash

Beige Subway Tile As Kitchen Backsplash
Photo: conceptstagingdesign

This basement bar area uses beige subway tile laid vertically to create a stunning backsplash. The color of the tile adds to the neutral tone of the space and is highlighted by the white countertops. A black faucet sits over the wet bar, and a mini-fridge under the counter provides storage for drinks.

2. Add a Beveled Edge Tile Accent Wall

Beveled Edge Subway Tile Laid Vertically
Photo: trendceramics

This vertical subway tile accent wall uses a beveled edge design to add texture, while gold hooks are attached. While we typically see subway tile bathrooms or kitchens, let your imagination run wild for where to use it in your home.

3. Go Moody with A Black Vertical Subway Tile Shower

Black Subway Tile Vertical Shower With Gray Stone
Photo: waterware_nz

This shower uses vertical offset black subway tile on one wall to add a dark accent against the light grey tile behind the faucet. Since smaller tiles are more expensive to install than larger ones, only featuring subway tile on one wall is a great way to keep costs down.

4. Contrast with Blue Subway Tile Vertical in a Bathroom

Blue Subway Tile Bathroom With White Walls
Photo: heatherkwstyles

For a unique look, this modern bathroom features blue subway tile with a high-gloss finish. Gold accents add a pop of color, while the natural wood vanity adds warmth to the space. Continuing the tile from the shower behind the toilet to the backsplash helps make this bathroom appear larger.

5. White and Black Farmhouse Design

White Vertical Subway Tile Shower With Black Accents
Photo: pittsburghtileguy

The white subway tile in this shower is installed in a vertical stacked pattern which helps the space look larger. When installing tile, you can align the grout lines to create a crisp look, as pictured here, or offset the tiles for a more rustic style.

6. Vertical Shower Niche Made of Subway Tile

Beveled Edge Subway Tile Vertical In A Shower With Gold Hardware
Photo: toronto_saskadesign_inc

A shower with glass doors features beveled edge subway tile arranged in a stacked pattern. The texture of the tile adds an exciting look to this space, while gold accents bring a luxurious feel.

7. Create a Green Subway Tile Accent Wall

Green Subway Tile Accent Wall Behind A Bathtub
Photo: lenatkinstiling

This green bathroom subway tile accent wall instantly draws your eye into the space and perfectly contrasts the white soaking tub. Large grey floor tiles are used throughout the room, with a floating wood vanity and bowl sinks. Two wood mirrors complement the vanity and towel rack, adding warmth.

8.

Vertical Green Subway Tile As Kitchen Backsplash
Photo: veryvintagekatrina

Green glass subway tiles offer a unique look as kitchen backsplash when stacked vertically. This pattern allows the material’s natural beauty to shine while white grout lines complement the wall above. In addition, a natural wood countertop brings warmth into the room.

9.

Marble Subway Tile With White Oak Accents
Photo: tumbled_bespokeflooringwallin

These vertical marble subway tiles wow in this bathroom with a white oak vanity. The tiles complement the marble countertop, which is a few shades lighter. Also, using marble tiles instead of slabs is a great way to save money since it’s one of the most expensive natural stones.

10. A Modern Shower with Contrasting Grout

Black Subway Tile Shower White Grout
Photo: carmel_builders

Using white grout in this black vertical subway tile shower maximizes contrast while still giving it a modern feel. In addition, this design features horizontal pattern shower niches to break up the vertical tile. Finally, wood-look tile is used on the floor to brighten the space. When designing a shower, don’t feel like you need to stick with one pattern; instead, try mixing and matching with accent areas.

11.

White Subway Tile Stacked Vertically With Black Grout
Photo: ultimatedesign_yeg

The patterned floor tile in this bathroom accents the black vanity and white subway tile with black grout. For this small space, arranging the shower tile vertically helps it appear larger. Likewise, black accents across the sink and shower help tie the room together.

12.

White Subway Bathroom With A Wood Vanity
Photo: mcnamaraflooringstudio2

When designing your bathroom, consider carrying your shower tile across to the vanity to make your space appear larger. This works best in bathrooms where the vanity is next to the shower, like the one pictured. The vertical white subway tile shower continues across as a backsplash for the sink.

13.

Green Vertical Subway Tile Accent Wall
Photo: tilexdesign

Who says subway tile is only for the bathroom or kitchen? This living room uses green glass subway tile arranged in an offset pattern as a stunning accent wall. A wood media console sits in front with plenty of decor, and yellow chairs contrast the wall. Using materials outside their normal environments is a great way to create statement pieces that wow your guests.

14.

Glossy Subway Tile Vertical With Shower Niche
Photo: centeredbydesign

A marble penny tile floor is matched with 2×4″ subway tile in this shower. A plant in the corner helps add a pop of color, and the vertical pattern of the wall tile adds height to the space. This design also continues the tile pattern through the shower niche for a seamless look mixing white and grey tile.

15. Vertical Subway Tile Fireplace with wood accents

Vertical Subway Tile Fireplace
Photo: kingstonhomesllc

A vertical subway tile fireplace has a wood mantle that complements the open shelves next to it. A leather ottoman matches the mantle and sits in front of two white accent chairs. Large artwork rests on the fireplace mantle, adding a pop of color.

16.

Staggered Vertical Subway Tile
Photo: queripelandcompany

Grey and white floor tiles extend from the bathroom into the shower with vertical tiles and a small niche. Gray walls in the bathroom complement the colors in the tile. A glass sliding door makes this space feel larger.

17.

Green Kitchen With White Stacked Subway Tile Backsplash
Photo: our.little.weatherboard

This mint green kitchen features a stainless steel range and subway tile backsplash in a vertical pattern. The stacked stone design matches the modern style of the cabinetry. Busy granite countertops add a pop of color accented by the decor on nearby shelves.

18.

Partial Wall Vertical Subway Tile Bathroom Backsplash
Photo: trendceramics

A green vanity with white countertops is accented by black hardware and faucets attached directly to the vertical subway tile backsplash. Neutral decor is placed on the vanity complementing the green color.

19. Subway Tile vertical Ideas for Backsplash

White Vertical Subway Tile Backsplash With Black Countertops
Photo: phineasstreetvintage

Black marble countertops with white veining contrast the white subway tile backsplash behind the stove. White cabinets add to this design with silver handles.

20. Staggered Pattern with a Herringbone Niche

Black Accents With White Subway Tile Vertical And Gray Grout
Photo: tilexdesign

A wood bench adds a natural hue inside this glass door shower with white square tiles. On the walls, offset vertical subway tile draws your eye upward to the large black showerhead. A niche for storage features a herringbone tile design.

21. Contrast White Tile With Black Grout

White Vertical Subway Tile Shower With Wood Vanity
Photo: somethinggoodinteriors

This bathtub elevates its appearance with a vertical subway tile surround and black grout that matches the accents around the room. A light oak vanity adds warmth to the space and complements the taupe floor tiles.

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