Verticle Subway Tile

Why Vertical Subway Tile Is a Trend That Will Stay Classic

If you've followed my blog for a while, you probably already know one thing about me, I absolutely love subway tile.

It's simple, timeless, affordable, and it works with just about every design style. Traditional, modern, farmhouse, coastal, eclectic...you really can't go wrong.

But I'll admit something. For a while, I started getting a little tired of it.

Everywhere I looked I saw the exact same plain white subway tile. Restaurants. Coffee shops. Public restrooms. Commercial kitchens. It seemed like every space had the same horizontal white tile, and it began to lose some of its charm.

In fact, I have classic white subway tile in both of my bathrooms that I remodeled about five years ago. And while I still like it, I don't absolutely love it the way I used to. It has held up beautifully and still looks clean and classic, but today I'd probably make one small change. I'd turn it vertical.

Why Vertical Subway Tile Feels Fresh

Sometimes the smallest design change makes the biggest impact. Instead of laying subway tile in the traditional horizontal pattern, simply rotate it vertically.

That's it.

The shape stays the same, the timeless appeal stays the same, but suddenly the entire room feels updated and custom.

Vertical subway tile naturally draws your eye upward, making walls feel taller and spaces feel larger. It has a clean architectural look that's modern without trying too hard.

That's exactly why I think this trend has staying power.

Unlike trendy colors or bold geometric patterns that may look dated in a few years, vertical subway tile is simply a different installation pattern for one of the most classic tiles ever made

Don't Stop at Plain White

White will always have a place in design.

But if you're remodeling today, don't feel like you're limited to basic glossy white.

One of my favorite ways to update this look is with soft glazed colors.

Think warm ivory, creamy white, sage green, dusty blue, mushroom, or soft greige. The glaze reflects light beautifully and gives the walls depth without overwhelming the room.

The result feels collected, relaxed, and much more custom than standard subway tile.

Faux Zellige Tile Is One of My Favorite Looks

If you've been scrolling Pinterest lately, you've probably seen gorgeous Moroccan-inspired tile everywhere.

Those beautiful handmade tiles are called zellige, and they're known for their uneven edges, glossy finish, and incredible variation.

They're absolutely stunning.

But authentic zellige tile can also be expensive, thicker than standard tile, and a little more challenging to install.

That's why I'm such a fan of today's faux zellige subway tiles.

You still get that beautiful handcrafted appearance, subtle color variation, and glossy finish without many of the installation challenges or the higher price tag.

Installed vertically, faux zellige tile has the perfect balance of classic and modern. It adds texture and personality while still feeling clean and timeless.

It's one of those design choices that looks high-end without feeling trendy.

## Where Vertical Subway Tile Works Best

The best part about vertical subway tile is that it works almost anywhere.

Some of my favorite places to use it include:

* Kitchen backsplashes

* Full-height kitchen walls

* Bathroom showers

* Bathroom vanity walls

* Laundry rooms

* Mudrooms

* Coffee bars

* Wet bars

Whether your style leans modern, transitional, coastal, Scandinavian, or classic, vertical subway tile blends right in.

Why I Think It Will Stay Timeless

When I choose finishes for my own home, I always ask myself one question:

Will I still love this in 10 or 15 years?

I try really hard to avoid decorating solely around trends.

Vertical subway tile passes that test for me because it starts with something that's already timeless.

You're not choosing a trendy tile shape.

You're simply giving a classic material a fresh perspective.

That's a much safer design choice than chasing the latest fad.

I honestly believe we're going to be seeing vertical subway tile for many years—not because it's trendy, but because it simply looks beautiful.

My Final Thoughts

If you're planning a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room remodel, don't overlook vertical subway tile.

It's one of those simple changes that instantly makes a space feel more custom and thoughtfully designed.

And if you really want to elevate the look, consider a glazed subway tile or a faux zellige finish instead of plain white. You'll get beautiful movement, warmth, and texture while keeping all of the timeless qualities that made subway tile so popular in the first place.

Trust me you won't be disappointed.

Sometimes all it takes is turning a classic on its side to make you fall in love with it all over again.

By Krella Design. Katie Roy