Subway tiles have long been celebrated for their simplicity and timeless charm, seamlessly fitting into various design aesthetics from the classic to the contemporary. Originating from the subway stations of early 20th century New York, these tiles have transcended their utilitarian roots to become a staple in modern interior design. Their clean lines and versatile appearance make them an enduring favorite, particularly in bathroom spaces where they bring both functionality and style.
Yet, the real magic happens when color breathes new life into these classic tiles. Among the spectrum of shades available, blue stands out as a particularly captivating choice. It's a color that conjures images of serene ocean horizons and clear skies, making it perfect for creating a tranquil and refreshing bathroom ambiance.
In this blog, we will dive into the transformative power of blue subway tiles in shower designs, exploring how this vibrant twist can redefine your bathroom space, making it not just a functional area, but a personal haven of relaxation and style. Let's get started!
The Allure of Blue Subway Tiles
Blue, in its many shades, carries a versatility that is makes it a timeless choice for bathrooms. From the soft whispers of sky blue to the confident statements of deep navy, blue subway tiles offer an array of options to personalize your bathroom space. The beauty of blue lies in its ability to adapt – it can be soothing and calm, bold and energizing, or rich and luxurious, depending on the chosen shade and context.
Psychological Effects of Blue in Interior Design
Design: Alvin Wayne | Image: Brandon Grate
Incorporating blue into your bathroom's design goes beyond aesthetics; it taps into the psychological impact of color. Blue is often associated with tranquility, serenity, and cleanliness – qualities that are highly desirable in a bathroom setting. This makes blue subway tiles an excellent choice for creating a space where one can unwind and rejuvenate.
The calming effect of lighter blues can make your shower a spa-like retreat, while darker blues add a layer of sophistication and depth, transforming your bathroom into an elegant sanctuary.
Design Flexibility
Blue subway tiles offer a fantastic canvas for creativity. They can be laid in traditional offset patterns for a classic look or in more dynamic arrangements like herringbone or vertical stacks for a contemporary twist. The choice of grout color also plays a significant role in the final look; white grout accentuates the individual tiles and adds a crisp finish, while a darker grout can create a more seamless, flowing appearance.
Sustainability and Quality
At Fireclay Tile, our commitment to sustainability means that choosing our blue subway tiles is not only an aesthetic choice but also an environmentally conscious one. Our tiles are handcrafted using recycled materials and sustainable practices, ensuring that your beautiful bathroom is also kind to the planet.
20 Fresh Ideas for a Blue Subway Tile Shower
1. Classic Contrast
Design: Alisa Block Architect | Image: Steven Brooke
Caribbean blue subway tiles line this shower, their rich color offering a standout design feature. The classic running bond pattern is highlighted by light grout, emphasizing the clean geometry of the tiles.
2. Color Harmony
Design: Arazi Levine Design | Image: Joyelle West
This shower features horizontally stacked Caspian Sea green-blue subway tiles, creating a sleek backdrop that matches the space. The brass fixtures provide a rich contrast, enhancing the shower's luxurious look.
3. Herringbone & Glass
Design: Ginny Macdonald | Image: Jessica Bordner, Sara Tramp
Subway doesn't just mean ceramic. This shower captivates with blue herringbone-patterned glass subway tiles, infusing dynamic angles into the design. Natural light accentuates the tile's glossy finish and the pattern's movement, complemented by the warm wood vanity.
4. Bold Framework
Design: Bright Bazaar
This shower is lined with deep blue subway tiles set off by a striking black frame, creating a bold and graphic statement. The floral patterned floor tiles add a playful contrast, softening the strong lines of the shower enclosure.
5. Subtle Tones
Design: A. Naber Design | Image: Charlotte Lea
This shower features a bench lined with soft blue subway tiles, offering a tranquil space accentuated by the natural light filtering through the bathroom window. The uniform tile layout and complementary grout choice provide a clean, calming backdrop, ideal for a serene shower.
6. Streamlined Blue
Design: Noz Design
This shower, enveloped in sky blue subway tiles arranged in a vertical straight stack, creates an illusion of heightened space. The clean lines and cool hue offer a contemporary and refreshing environment.
7. Vivid Elegance
Design: Kelly Mindell | Image: Jeff Mindell
This bathroom pairs vivid blue subway tiles with a classic clawfoot tub, creating a vibrant yet elegant space. The warm accents and soft textures complement the bold tile color, offering a cozy, invigorating atmosphere.
8. Oversized Subway
Design: Noz Design
This shower showcases oversized blue subway tiles at its base, creating a sophisticated accent against the marble walls. The seamless glass enclosure and natural wood elements bring modernity and warmth to the space.
9. Tranquil Glass
Design: Andrea Dabene | Image: Alex Strohl
This bathtub surround is graced with light blue glass tiles, reflecting the tranquility of the outside pines. The vertical alignment draws the eye upward, mirroring the tall trees visible through the open window.
10. A Shelf with Sheen
Design: Andrea Dabene | Image: Alex Strohl
This shower's deep blue glass tiles feature two sheens of the same color. The walls are a muted matte finish that diffuses light like sea glass while the window is encased in a glossy finish to reflect the light entering from outside.
11. Cool Clarity
Design: Barringer Architecture | Image: Vivian Johnson
This shower is enveloped in light Crater Lake blue brick tiles, offering a crisp, clean look juxtaposed by the utilitarian texture of the thin brick. The subtle variance in tile shades mimics the natural gradations of water, enhancing the shower's soothing appeal.
12. Vibrant Splash
Design: Karen Kreidich, John Kreidich Jr. AIA, Architect | Image: Pratt + Kreidich
This bathroom features a shower with Adriatic Sea blue subway tiles, adding a vibrant splash of color that enlivens the space. The reflective quality of the tiles brightens the area, complementing the clean white throughout the rest of the bathroom.
13. Pattern Play
Design: Jessica Davis | Image: Emily Followill
This bathroom captivates with its playful geometry, featuring a shower area with a checkered pattern of black, white, and blue subway tiles. The bold blue floor tiles anchor the space, while the neutral fixtures and wooden vanity balance the vibrant design.
14. Herringbone Beauty
Design: Studio Collab | Image: Brandon Vogts
This bathroom features a shower adorned with dark blue subway tiles laid in a herringbone pattern, creating a striking visual effect that's echoed by the wall behind the vanity. The pattern's dynamic lines inject a sense of movement, adding depth to the space.
15. Bold Cerulean
Design: Broad Oak Construction | Image: Gillian Walsworth
This shower space is enveloped in bold cerulean blue subway tiles, delivering a vivid and refreshing aesthetic. The walls are laid in a unique vertical offset pattern while the floor is laid in classic herringbone.
16. Coastal Freshness
Design: Anita Yokota | Image: Anita Yokota, Sara Ligorria-Tramp
This shower's vertical blue brick tiles pair beautifully with warm wooden cabinetry, creating a fresh coastal-inspired ambiance. The golden hardware adds a touch of luxury, echoing the sandy hues of the beach.
17. Sapphire Squares
Design: Organic Interiors Co. | Image: Khoi Ly
The definition of Subway Tile's aren't exclusively 3x6 these days. The square blue subway tiles in this shower exude a rich sapphire hue, providing a striking contrast to the warm wooden vanity. The golden fixtures add a touch of sophistication, enhancing the luxurious feel of the space.
18. Big Brick
Design: Asquared Studios, Yedda Morrison Studio | Image: Adam Potts Photography
Dark blue brick tiles anchor this spacious bathroom, harmonizing with the rich wood accents and sleek fixtures. The blend of organic and modern elements crafts a serene and sophisticated retreat.
19. Azure Oasis
Design: Re: Design Architects | Image: Conor Harrigan
The 3x12 blue subway tiles create a striking visual impact, their glossy finish reflecting light and adding depth to this intimate bathroom. The elongated tiles take the traditional offset pattern of subway tile and stretches it to new horizons.
20. Striped Serenity
Design & Image: Joy Street Design
This bathroom showcases a serene aqua-blue subway tile in a vertical straight-stack checkerboard pattern, exuding a sense of playfulness. The two-tone tiles offer a joyful contrast, while the niche adds a practical touch without disrupting the flow.
Complementary Features for Blue Subway Tile Showers
Choosing the right elements to complement blue subway tiles can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Here, we’ll explore various fixtures, hardware, and design components that harmonize with blusubway-tileded showers, ensuring your bathroom is both visually appealing and a cohesive and functional space.
Fixtures and Hardware
Design: Bright Bazaar
The fixtures and hardware you select can either accentuate or soften the impact of blue subway tiles. For a modern and sleek look, consider chrome, black or stainless steel fixtures that reflect light and add a touch of sophistication. If you’re aiming for a warmer, more traditional feel, brass or gold-toned fixtures can provide a stunning contrast against the cool blue tiles, adding an element of luxury and warmth.
Complementary Flooring Options
Flooring choices play a crucial role in balancing the shower’s blue hues. Neutral-toned tiles, such as light grey or beige, can create a subtle, understated base that allows the blue tiles to stand out. For a bolder statement, consider darker floor tiles that can anchor the space and add depth. Natural stone or wood-look tiles can also complement blue subway tiles, adding texture and a touch of nature to your bathroom design.
Vanity Designs
Design: Ben Herzog Architect | Image: Brett Beyer Photography
The vanity is a focal point in any bathroom, and choosing the right style can enhance the blue subway tile shower. A white or light wood vanity can bring a fresh, clean look, especially in smaller bathrooms. For larger spaces, darker vanities in navy or black can create a striking and sophisticated contrast. Consider the countertop material as well – marble, quartz, or granite can each add their unique texture and color interplay with the blue tiles.
Accent Decor and Accessories
Design: Victoria Ford | Image: Marcus Ford
Finally, the right decor and accessories can tie the entire bathroom together. Consider adding towels, bath mats, and shower curtains in colors that complement the blue tiles. Artwork, plants, and decorative elements in contrasting or harmonious colors can also elevate the space, making your bathroom a truly personal and inviting retreat.
Last Word
Blue subway tile showers are more than just a trend; they are a testament to timeless design infused with personal flair. Whether you opt for the soothing serenity of light blue hues or the deep allure of navy, these tiles have the power to transform your bathroom into a space that resonates with your style and provides a rejuvenating sanctuary.
At Fireclay Tile, our commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovative design ensures that every tile we offer is not just an addition to your space but a reflection of our dedication to quality and the environment. Our blue subway tiles, made with care and precision, are not just about beautifying your space; they're about creating an experience, a moment of calm and luxury in the everyday routine of life.
We encourage you to explore the myriad possibilities that blue subway tiles offer. Whether you are renovating an existing space or designing a new one, these tiles offer a blend of versatility, elegance, and tranquility that is unmatched. Dive into a world of color and let Fireclay Tile help you bring your vision to life.
Remember, your bathroom is more than just a functional space; it's a canvas for your creativity and a reflection of your personal style. With Fireclay Tile's blue subway tiles, you're not just designing a bathroom; you're crafting an oasis.