6 white subway tile shower ideas that never go out of style

why white subway tile remains a timeless choice

white subway tile continues to be a design staple. it delivers effortless versatility, clean simplicity, and enduring elegance. its crisp, neutral surface effortlessly complements any style, from vintage charm to modern minimalism. this type of tile acts as a blank canvas for creative grout treatments, fixture finishes, and accent colors, too.

subway tile is practical too: glazed ceramic versions are easy to clean and maintain, making them a reliable choice for high-use spaces like showers. whatever your white tile profile, you’ll get a classic look that stays relevant year after year.

6 white subway tile shower ideas that never go out of style

before we dive into white subway tile shower ideas and patterns, let’s clarify one thing: subway tile need not always be 1) ceramic, 2) rectangular, and 3) pure white. we’ve seen glazed brick and zellige tiles replace ceramic ones for an elevated spin. we’ve also seen square tiles laid in a running bond pattern. and, of course, we’ve seen many iterations of the classic subway tile look, including black tile. in other words, subway tile is anything but basic when chosen with care.

in this post, we’re looking at fix different white and off-white subway tile ideas.

1. zellige tile floors for handcrafted texture

zellige floors can inspire a subway tile shower that feels warm, artisanal, and deeply layered. each hand-formed tile carries its own subtle variations in color, texture, and sheen — qualities that translate beautifully when echoed in a shower’s wall tile, grout choice, or layout.

while subway tile offers clean structure, pairing it with the organic irregularity of zellige creates a nuanced balance between order and artistry. the result is a shower design that feels elevated, tactile, and uniquely crafted.

2. white subway tiles with colorful accent tiles

why not sprinkle a bit of color into your tile installation? rather than opting for an all-white subway tile shower, you might go for a mostly white shower, with colorful tiles laid here and there for an expected touch of color. go for a whole rainbow of accent tiles, or stick with neutrals or metallics — it’s entirely up to you.

this should go without saying, but always talk to your contractor if you are considering mixing tiles (and especially tile materials) in your installation. all tiles are not created equal, and your contractor can offer valuable feedback in terms of what is feasible.

3. classic white subway tiles with dark grout

you really can’t go wrong with a traditional white subway tile shower — and with this approach, you may find that the grout color makes all the difference. a dark-colored grout can offer a nice contrast to white ceramic tile, making a bold statement and highlighting the layout of your installation.

a word of caution, though: avoid too much contrast. a high-contrast grout can actually highlight crazing or texture, changing the color and look of your tile. a good rule of thumb? have your contractor mock up some sample boards. these “grout trials” will give you a better idea of what will work best in your space. chances are, you don’t have to go as dark as you think.

4. herringbone pattern with glossy white tiles

the running bond is one of the most popular patterns for subway tile, but it isn’t the only pattern to consider. another classic layout is herringbone, where rectangular tiles are laid at 45 degree angles. the tiles meet at straight edges, forming an iconic zigzag pattern.

be sure not to confuse the herringbone pattern with the chevron pattern. where herringbone has tiles meeting at 90-degree angles to form a zigzag, chevron uses tiles whose edges are cut to meet flush with the next pattern. (so, if you opt for herringbone over chevron, your contractor will be making fewer tile cuts.)

5. vertical subway tiles for a modern twist

whether you go with a classic running bond pattern or a more geometric stacked pattern, here’s one way to add extra visual interest: rotate it by 90 degrees. this will give you a vertical layout, which tends to create a modern look, putting an unexpected twist on more traditional horizontal layouts.

this is an excellent choice for small bathrooms, in particular, as vertical subway tiles can draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of a more expansive room.

6. mix and match subway tile shapes & materials

who says you need to stick with one type of tile? while tricky to pull off, mixing subway tile shapes and materials can really make a statement in the shower. a common bond brick layout, for example, features brick’s long and short faces — a pattern you can replicate using a mix of rectangular and square tiles. we’ve also seen showers that mix ceramic and zellige or marble tiles beautifully.

the same caveat with color mixing applies here: talk to your contractor if you are considering mixing different types of tile in your installation. they can help you understand what is feasible — and which tiles will play well together.

beyond white: tile ideas for bold or unexpected shower design

white doesn’t have to be your only color palette. there are so many rich tones and patterned tile options that elevate any bathroom from conventional to curated.

consider using a denim-blue glazed thin-brick from the clé guild: denimcraft collection, which brings in effortless depth and unexpected hues. this look is best for those who favor craftsmanship and a bit of color.

you might also explore the earthy texture and natural variation of encaustic cement tiles, perfect for grounding a space with rich greys or charcoals. (slate is another beautiful option here.) this is an excellent choice if you are drawn to neutral yet moody shades.

for a design with artisanal character, try handcrafted zellige tiles in jewel-toned glazes that catch light and texture beautifully. if “perfectly imperfect” describes your aesthetic, this look is for you.

each of these non-white options transforms a shower into a standout space while staying tied to timeless craft and quality.

what size subway tile is best for shower walls?

the size of subway tile you add to your shower walls is entirely up to you. traditional subway tiles are 3 inches by 6 inches, while other common tile sizes are 2 inches by 8 inches, 4 inches by 8 inches, and 4 inches by 12 inches.

one thing to keep in mind: smaller tiles give you more grout lines, while larger tiles inherently call for less grouting. in addition, smaller wall tile tends to create a busier look — especially important when you’re going with a herringbone or basketweave pattern.

what shower floor tile goes with subway tile walls?

in our book, it’s always best to go with a shower floor tile that feels right to you. popular choices for shower floor tile include encaustic cement, unglazed zellige, porcelain penny rounds, and raw terracotta.

don’t forget: shower floors, including these curbless shower ideas, do call for slip resistant tile. if you have your eye on a smooth or glazed tile, you may need to have the tile cut down to a smaller size to give you more grout lines. (more grouting = increased slip resistance.)

how do i clean and maintain a subway tile shower?

this, of course, depends on the tile material. classic ceramic subway tile is glazed and therefore famously easy to clean. generally speaking, a mild ph-neutral cleaner should be sufficient for most everyday maintenance. glazed subway tile generally does not need regular resealing, either. (though it is always best to consult your contractor.)

if you’re going with an unglazed type of subway tile such as cement or slate, upkeep will look somewhat different. a mild ph-neutral cleaner is still typically best, but your tile will likely need regular resealing to protect it from heavy water exposure. again, your contractor is your best point of contact here.

final thoughts on designing your subway tile shower

crafting a subway tile shower is all about balancing timeless style with thoughtful details. whether you lean toward classic white or experiment with color, pattern, or grout, these tiles offer a versatile foundation that adapts to any aesthetic. focus on quality materials, intentional layout choices, and the right finishing touches, and you really can’t go wrong.