How To Freshen Up Subway Tile

In light of one of my recent posts about types of backsplash materials seen here, let's take a deeper dive and look at one of the most enduring choices. I am sure everyone is familiar with the traditional subway tile. Most often seen in white, sometimes in a gloss finish, this tile can look right at home in certain designs (especially vintage bathrooms) but can be a bit overused these days. The standard installation is to create what is called a "running bond" layout, where the tiles are laid horizontal and the grout lines line up with the middle of the tile below and above it.

If you still like the look of subway tiles but want a new perspective, you can try the following alternate tile layouts!

Instead of a running bond (or half offset), you can opt for a third offset, which is where the grout line of the tile above and below falls about a third of the width of the tile.

But if you don't want any offset, you can create a much sleeker, modern look by using a horizontal stack bond where all the grout lines and tiles are lined up.

Tile by MSI

by RWB Designs

For a twist on this layout, you can turn the tiles so they run vertically!

by Kristen and Joe Cole via AD

Tiles by WOW Tile

And for a twist on the twist, you can combine this vertical layout but use a half or a third offset!

Happy designing!