The TikTok-Approved Way To Bring Gorgeous Subway Tile Into Your Shower Design

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If you've considered installing subway tiles in your bathroom, then you should know that there are various ways to put it to good use that go way beyond a simple horizontal layout. TikTok user @mrphoenixgrey points out that there are plenty of subway tile patterns that might pique your interest and take the visual aesthetic of the space up a notch. He specifically suggests both a vertical stack and a herringbone pattern. Each creates a dynamic effect in a very different and super-stylish way.

When it comes to the vertical stack, it will draw the eye up and make the space look like it has more height. This can be an ideal solution for bathrooms on the smaller side and that might have a relatively low ceiling. The vertical tiles will create a visual illusion making the area seem taller. As for an eye-catching and enviable herringbone pattern, @mrphoenixgrey explains that it's a classic option that becomes the main visual interest when used in a room. Indeed, this is a fabulous choice if you want your shower to wow you every time you step into the space. It will also help you avoid the one pattern that you don't want to settle on for this particular spot.

Avoid horizontal subway tiles in the shower

Just because you fell in love with the subway tile backsplash in your kitchen doesn't mean that the same look is going to flatter your shower. Unfortunately, if you opt for the wrong pattern, it might end up causing style-related chaos. As @mrphoenixgrey says, "Stop doing the brick pattern because it adds nothing to your space. It just adds more visual clutter and ends up looking a lot busier than you think it does."

While you might do your best to keep your bathroom clean and tidy, your efforts will go to waste if the space has too many aspects that lead to visual clutter. For instance, even if you keep the items on your countertop neatly organized, the space might still look cluttered if the counter itself has a busy pattern. The same goes for the area in and around your shower. If you want it to be a relaxing space both visually and, in turn, mentally, then vertical and herringbone patterns are your best bet. Of course, there are still plenty of ways to make these options just right for your home.

Ways to customize your shower subway tiles

When choosing subway tiles for your vertical or herringbone patterns, @mrphoenixgrey says that you'll want to pick up something that complements the overall style of your shower and bathroom. That might be the color, length, and width of each tile as well as the grout that you use in between the tiles. For instance, if you like classic white subway tiles, a 32-piece set of the Art3d Glass Subway Tiles sells on Amazon for $34.68. Alternatively, the 56-piece Avant Decor Stone Composite Subway Tiles in a glossy succulent shade can be found for $38.43, or the glossy noir version, which takes the sleek sophisticated look up to the next level.

Beyond that, you can also choose a specific shade of grout to bring out the best in your shower subway tiles. Blue King Grout gives away the shade in the name and can be purchased on Amazon for $15, or the Light Rose Gold Hemway Glitter Grout Additive for $19.95, which would bring a glamorous and dreamy touch to any subway tile design. The options are seemingly endless, which means that you can end up with the shower that you've always wanted or one that you've never imagined you could have.