Kitchen Design: Subway Tile Patterns
Subway tile. It’s the ultimate neutral and always looks clean, lovely and timeless. It looks great in almost every kitchen or bath. A classic in every way, we love to see subway tile used in new and different ways. While you can never go wrong with the traditional brick pattern as seen on these two Callier & Thompson projects, experimenting with new patterns is always fun and often yields some pretty chic results.
Read on to see some of the alternative patterns for subway tile, and whether they may work for your kitchen or bath . . .
Offset/Brick Pattern
The original subway tile pattern, offset is classic and looks great in any color tile. Achieve a vintage look with white subway tile and dark grout.

Glossy 3×6 white subway tile seen in the classic offset pattern with white grout.
Designed by Carolyn Beard
Classic offset subway tile with dark grout for a vintage look.
Image by Nat Rea via Taste Design
Herringbone
Visually intriguing and snappy, a herringbone or chevron pattern is very on trend. Run the pattern sideways or diagonal for an even more unique look.
This Callier & Thompson Kitchen features glossy white subway tile in a herringbone pattern with white grout.
Classic herringbone backsplash as a feature wall behind the cooktop.
Image by Julian Wass via This Old House
A herringbone pattern doesn’t have to be vertical. Sarah Sherman Samuel turned this pattern on it’s side in her own bathroom remodel.
Image via Smitten Studio
Linear Vertical
Taking your subway tile straight up and down achieves a more modern aesthetic. Perfect for sleek glass tile.
This Callier & Thompson bathroom features blue glass subway tile in a offset vertical pattern.
Designed by Kevin McDermott
White subway tile with dark grout in a vertical pattern.
Image via WS Workshop
Stacked
Laying the tiles one on top of the other achieves a more retro look. This pattern adds height to a space and looks great in classic white or in bold colors for a contemporary pop.
Stacked subway tile with dark grout for a modern industrial look.
Image via Flack Studio
