21 Vertical Subway Tile Shower Ideas That Add Height & Style

We’ll let you in on a design secret: vertical subway tiles can work magic in your shower. Whether you have a small space or you want to make your bathing area feel ultra-luxurious, adding vertical subway tiles around your shower is a simple and timeless way to trick the eye into thinking your bathroom is taller and bigger than its actual square footage.

Subway tile’s elongated shape draws the eye upward, infusing both elegance and a unique spatial dynamic into your bathroom. And since it’s been in style for over a hundred years (with no sign of slowing down), this rectangular-sized tile guarantees an enduring aesthetic. We’re highlighting 21 gorgeous ideas to elevate your bathroom’s style with subway tile–but first, we’re answering some common questions.

FAQs About Vertical Subway Tile Showers

Can You Run Subway Tile Vertically?

Absolutely! Running subway tiles vertically is a fantastic way to make your space appear bigger. This approach not only adds a modern twist to the classic subway tile, but can also create an illusion of heightened walls, making the area feel more spacious.

Does Vertical Tile Make A Shower Look Bigger?

Yes, it does. When subway tiles are hung vertically, they draw the eye upward, creating a perception of higher ceilings and a larger space. This visual trick is especially beneficial in smaller bathrooms, where every inch of perceived space counts.

What Size Is A Subway Tile?

The original subway tile measured 3x6 inches, and for purists, this is considered to be the precise measurement for an authentic subway tile. But today, it’s generally accepted that most small- to medium-sized rectangular tiles can be classified as subway tiles, including popular tile sizes like 2x6, 3x9, and 2x8.

Still have questions? Click here to chat with a tile expert to get all of your individualized tile queries taken care of. Otherwise, let’s get to the inspiration!

Enter a state of tranquility with this minimalist bathroom. The timeless look of classic white subway tile arranged vertically brings a sense of height and purity, making this expansive walk-in shower appear even larger and more inviting.

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This 70s-inspired shower evokes hazy golden hour sunsets thanks to our Falcon Matte Glass Tile. A vertical layout of Glass subway tiles not only enhances light but also adds a sleek, modern edge to your shower area.

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Love an organic look? Our Glazed Thin Brick is right up your alley, creating a tactile experience in your space with its weathered finish. The vertical lines accentuate the brick’s texture, adding depth and interest.

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The midcentury-inspired stacked pattern might be more common, but this gorgeous bathroom proves that installing your subway tile in a vertical offset pattern can be every bit as stunning, especially with contrasting white grout outlining our blue-green Tempest tile.

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The crisp lines of this modern shower provided the perfect opportunity to add a built-in niche, placed neatly within the vertical pattern to hold all of the shower necessities in one convenient and well-crafted place.

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Take a page out of this bathroom’s book and don’t be afraid to play with color! The vertical pops of color in the otherwise white tile walls add a playful yet chic element to the shower space.

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Immerse yourself in luxurious handmade tile in a stunning vertically stacked pattern with each row slightly offset. The design becomes more pronounced with a vertical installation, turning the shower into a statement piece.

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This space is pink and green and sweet all over, with the vertically stacked brick and deep green tile creating an interactive pattern in the shower complemented by floral wallpaper.

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This modern shower niche feels fresh and clean thanks to the crisp pattern and mesmerizing color variation of our budget-friendly Essentials Tile. This gorgeous grey-green tile is just $12/SqFt and ships in 5 days or less!

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Classic with a personalized twist–in this space designed by the Brownstone Boys, oversized white subway tile gets the perfect pop thanks to its arched shower niche of Handpainted Valencia Tile.

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White and black subway tile in a vertical checkered pattern is reminiscent of piano keys in Jessica Davis’ bold kids' bathroom, while the addition of bright blue Aegean Sea adds a playful twist and unique visual appeal.

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Soak in the inviting glow of our warm neutral Sand Dune tile. Installed in a vertical straight-set, its glossy finish reflects light, making this shower appear even brighter and more spacious.

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With clean lines and classic colors, this shower encapsulates modern design style beautifully. The vertical placement of our Tempest tile enhances the elegance of the blue-green shade.

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This beautiful shower designed by Cathie Hong has a playful twist. Classic white subway tile is installed in a vertical offset pattern that takes a horizontal turn near the ceiling, adding an extra layer of design sophistication.

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Complementary shades of green elevate this Craftsman space, with vertically hung subway tiles in soothing Rosemary taking the design lead around the tub surround.

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Embracing its midcentury modern aesthetic, this showstopping space uses vertical 2x4 Sheeted Tile in chartreuse Palm Tree to take its custom shower to new design heights.

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We love this seamless look of our Oyster Shell tile with matching grout. The vertically stacked offset pattern adds a contemporary twist to the monochromatic style.

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Matte green tile offers a subtle yet sophisticated look in this shower designed by Banner Day Interiors. The vertical placement enhances the elegance, striking just the right balance of organic and urbane.

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Warm neutral Glass Tile matched with terrazzo takes this bathroom to the next level. Inspired by Scandinavian design, the vertically hung glass creates a stunning visual effect thanks to our Glass Tile’s depth and luminosity.

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The built-in bench and shelf adorned with marble accents are a gorgeous complement to our vertically stacked Salton Sea tile in this magazine-worthy Victorian shower.

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Sometimes one accent wall of vertical tile is all a shower needs to make a statement. Our stormy grey-green Cyclone tile in an offset pattern gives this bathroom an element of sophisticated urban appeal.

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