Put a modern twist on this longtime favorite with these creative ideas for subway tile.

Marty Baldwin

Subway tile is a timeless classic.

Today, subway tile goes beyond thetraditional running-bondlook and is available in countless colors, materials, and finishes.

Interior of bathroom with shower cubicle

Credit:Marty Baldwin

Create a Chevron Pattern

Ryan Bent

Have fun with subway tile arrangement and use a chevron design.

This is sometimes also referred to as aherringbone patternwhen the tiles are positioned at 45-degree angles.

Here, light grout accentuates the tile’s rectangular shape while white cabinets brighten the space and add contrast.

kitchen makeover with white herringbone subway tile backsplash, white shaker cabinets, black stools, windows and appliances

Credit:Ryan Bent

A set of bright floating shelves pops against the dark wall covering.

It’s an easy way to dress up classic white subway tile and prevent it from looking boring.

It also gives the room an eclectic feel while maintaining a neutral color palette.

Various objects at shelves on green tile wall in kitchen

Credit:Adam Albright

Opt for this look if you want a classic aesthetic with a little more dimension than plain white tile.

Farmhouse-Style Kitchen

Edward Gohlich

Beige subway tile adds warmth to thisfarmhouse-style kitchen.

Its glossy texture works well with the room’s light and bright aesthetic, helping bounce light around.

Interior of kitchen with pendant light hanging over island

Credit:David Greer

Bathroom with subway tile half way up the wall and an ornate wallpaper the ret of the way to ceiling.

Credit:Jay Wilde

Kitchen with rustic hood and artistic backsplash tile accent.

Credit:Kimberly Gavin

1930’s bathroom with white subway tile and colorful blue/green wallpaper on walls

Credit:Brie Williams

Kitchen with open shelving and range hood with subway tile on it.

Credit:Jay Wilde

master bath with navy tile and marble shower, marble sink tops with lucite bases and oriental rugs on hexagon tiled floor

Credit:Annie Schlechter

gray bathroom with white tile

Credit: Adam Albright

Bathtub against wall in bathroom

Credit:Jay Wilde

Kitchen sink with black cabinets and tile on the wall with windows.

Credit:Jay Wilde

Various objects arranged on shelves in kitchen

Credit:Brie Williams

Bathroom vanity with a green tile shower to the left of it.

Credit:Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Farmhouse style kitchen with tan shiny tile backsplash.

Credit:Edward Gohlich

close-up of white kitchen cabinets with fiesta dishes on shelves, black countertop and green subway tile backsplash

Credit:Adam Albright

Crockery with decor on shelves on wall at home

Credit:PANICHGUL STUDIOS