Subway Bathroom Tiles in Ireland
Subway tiles take their name from the underground stations of New York, which were lined with simple rectangular tiles in the early twentieth century. The tiles were chosen because they were hard-wearing, easy to clean and reflected light around dark, enclosed spaces. The same qualities made them a natural fit for bathrooms, and they have been used in homes ever since. In Ireland and the UK, they are more often called metro tiles, but the shape is the same: a rectangle around twice as long as it is high, usually laid in rows like brickwork.
More than a century later, subway bathroom tiles are still one of the most requested wall tiles for Irish bathrooms. They appear in Victorian terraces and new-build apartments, in family bathrooms and compact en-suites, in classic schemes and in bold modern designs. Few tile shapes have proved so adaptable, and that adaptability is the main reason they keep coming back into fashion.
Why do subway tiles work so well in bathrooms?
The first reason is practicality. A subway tile has a smooth, hard surface that wipes clean in seconds, which matters in a room full of steam, splashes and toothpaste. The rectangular shape is easy to cut and fit around baths, basins, windows and pipework, so installation is straightforward, and the regular grout lines make the wall look neat even in small, awkward bathrooms. Subway tiles are also comfortable to work with for DIY tilers, as the shape is forgiving and the layout is simple to set out.
The second reason is proportion. The horizontal lines of a brick bond layout draw the eye across the wall, which can make a narrow bathroom feel wider, while a vertical layout draws the eye upward and makes a low ceiling feel higher. This ability to change how a room feels, using the same tile, is something larger formats cannot always offer. The third reason is style. Subway tiles look at home with almost any sanitary ware, furniture or tap finish, so they work with traditional crosshead taps and roll top baths just as well as with wall hung vanity units and concealed showers.
Why are subway tiles trending again?
Subway tiles never really went away, but they are enjoying a fresh wave of popularity, driven by new ways of using a familiar shape. Alternative layouts are a big part of this. Instead of the traditional brick bond, many homeowners now lay subway tiles in a vertical stack for a clean, modern look, in herringbone or chevron for movement, or in a straight horizontal stack for a minimal, architectural finish. These layouts make a classic tile feel new.
Handmade-look and textured subway tiles are also popular, with subtle variations in surface and edge that catch the light and give the wall depth and an artisan character. Colour has returned too. Soft muted shades, deep rich tones and contrasting grout all let homeowners add personality to the bathroom without moving away from a familiar, practical shape. Social media and interiors magazines have helped this trend, as subway tiles photograph well and are easy to recreate at home. Finally, many people choose subway tiles because they will not date quickly, a sensible choice for a room that is expensive to renovate.
Where should subway tiles go in a bathroom?
Shower walls and bath surrounds
Subway tiles are a natural choice for shower enclosures and walk-in showers, where their wipe-clean surface copes with daily water and steam. Tiling the full height of the shower, from floor to ceiling, gives a clean, finished look, and a vertical stack can make a shower feel taller. Around the bath, subway tiles protect the walls from splashes and create a classic surround, especially with a roll top or freestanding bath in a period-style bathroom.
Basin splashbacks and half-height walls
Behind the basin or vanity unit, a subway tile splashback adds detail and protects the wall. Many traditional bathrooms use subway tiles on the lower half of the wall, finished with a dado trim, with paint or wallpaper above. This half-height approach is practical in family bathrooms and cloakrooms, where the lower walls take the most splashes and knocks, and it gives the room a classic, period character.
Feature walls and niches
A wall of subway tiles laid in herringbone or with a contrasting grout creates a strong feature wall behind the bath, vanity unit or toilet, giving the bathroom a focal point without needing a patterned tile. Because the shape is so familiar, changing only the layout on one wall is enough to make it stand out, while the rest of the room stays calm in a simple brick bond. This is a useful approach in a larger bathroom, where a single feature wall stops the room from feeling plain.
Subway tiles also work well inside a shower niche or recessed shelf. Laying them in a different direction from the surrounding wall, such as vertical inside the niche and horizontal around it, adds detail with no extra product. In smaller bathrooms, keeping the same layout throughout and using the niche or splashback as the only change keeps the space cohesive while still giving it character.
Which layout and grout should you choose?
The layout changes the look of subway tiles more than almost any other choice. Brick bond, with each row offset by half a tile, is the classic layout and suits traditional and transitional bathrooms. Third offset creates a softer, more modern rhythm. Vertical stack, with tiles laid upright in straight columns, feels contemporary and makes walls look taller. Horizontal stack, with tiles in straight rows, gives a minimal, grid-like look. Herringbone and chevron add movement and work well on feature walls and in showers, though they need more cutting, so allow extra tiles.
Grout colour is just as important. A grout close to the tile colour gives a soft, seamless look that lets the shape fade into the background. A contrasting grout outlines every tile and highlights the layout, which works especially well with herringbone and vertical stack patterns. In a busy family shower, a mid-tone grout is the most forgiving, as it hides everyday marks better than a very light grout. Our guide on how much tile do I actually need explains how to allow for cuts and waste with different layouts.
What fittings and colours go well with subway bathroom tiles?
For a traditional bathroom, pair subway tiles with a pedestal basin, a low level or close coupled toilet, crosshead or ceramic lever taps and a patterned floor tile. Chrome or brushed brass fittings complete the classic look, and a painted wall above half-height tiling adds colour. For a modern bathroom, combine subway tiles in a vertical stack with a wall hung vanity unit, a frameless shower screen and slim matt black or gunmetal fittings. Light tones keep a small bathroom bright, while deeper tones in the shower create a cosy, enclosed feel. Wood-effect furniture and plants add warmth whichever style you choose. For more ideas, see our bathroom renovation ideas.
If you are also tiling a kitchen or utility room, our main metro tiles range has more options. Tile Merchant supplies tiles and accessories only and does not provide fitting, so we recommend using a qualified tiler. Subway tiles look different in your own lighting and with your chosen grout, so order up to five free samples delivered to your door, or visit one of our showrooms in Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between subway and metro tiles?
There is no difference in shape. "Subway tile" is the American name and "metro tile" is more common in Ireland and the UK.
Are subway tiles still in style for bathrooms?
Yes. New layouts such as vertical stack and herringbone, handmade-look surfaces and contrasting grout have kept them current.
Which layout makes a small bathroom look bigger?
A horizontal brick bond can make a narrow room feel wider, while a vertical stack makes a low ceiling feel taller.
Can subway tiles be used in a shower?
Yes. Their wipe-clean surface suits shower walls. Use a grout suitable for wet areas and keep the room well ventilated.
Can I get samples of subway bathroom tiles?
Yes. You can order up to five free tile samples delivered to your door to compare styles in your own bathroom.