Pros and Cons of White Subway Tiles in Bathrooms

Are white subway tiles in bathrooms still a good idea? If you’ve been thinking about renovating your bathroom, chances are you’ve come across these timeless tiles. White subway tiles are one of the most enduring trends in bathroom design, celebrated for their clean, bright appearance and ability to complement almost any style.

I can speak from experience—when I renovated my own bathroom, I chose white subway tiles to achieve a look that was both modern and classic. I loved how they instantly brightened the space and made my small bathroom feel larger and more open. But, like any design choice, white subway tiles come with both advantages and disadvantages.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of white subway tiles in bathrooms, answering common questions like “Do white tiles make small bathrooms look bigger?” and “Is white subway tile hard to keep clean?” By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of whether white subway tiles are the right choice for your bathroom renovation.

A Quick Look at the Pros and Cons of White Subway Tiles

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of white subway tiles in bathrooms. These timeless tiles have plenty of benefits but also a few challenges to consider. Let’s start with the pros:

This table gives you a snapshot of what to expect with white subway tiles in bathrooms. Keep reading to learn more about their advantages, from their timeless appeal to their ability to transform small spaces, and how to overcome some of the potential challenges.

Pros: What Are the Advantages of Subway Tiles?

So, what are the advantages of subway tiles, and why are white subway tiles in bathrooms so popular? Their timeless design, practicality, and versatility make them a standout choice for homeowners. Let’s explore their top benefits, starting with how they transform smaller spaces.

White Subway Tiles Make Small Bathrooms Look Bigger

Do white tiles make a small bathroom look bigger? The answer is a definite yes! White subway tiles are one of the best choices for compact bathrooms because they reflect light and create a sense of openness. Their clean, consistent lines visually expand the space, while the bright white finish enhances the room’s overall brightness.

Choosing the Right Subway Tiles for Small Bathrooms:

• Glossy vs. Matte Finish: Glossy white subway tiles reflect more light, enhancing the brightness of small bathrooms, while matte finishes offer a softer, understated effect.
• Tile Size: Standard 3×6-inch subway tiles (76x152mm tiles) work well in most small bathrooms, but if your space feels particularly cramped, consider slightly larger subway tiles (e.g., 4×12 inches / 100x300mm tiles) to reduce grout lines and create a more seamless look.
• Placement Matters: Install subway tiles up to the ceiling, especially in showers, to draw the eye upward and give the illusion of height.

Pro Tip: Pair white subway tiles with light-coloured grout to maintain a cohesive and expansive feel. For a subtle design element, consider using white grout with a slight tint (e.g., warm beige or soft grey) to add depth without breaking the visual flow.

Read our post about using subway tiles in small spaces for more tips and advice.

White Subway Tiles have a Timeless Appeal

Are white subway tiles still in style? Absolutely! These tiles are a design classic that has stood the test of time for more than a century. Whether you’re creating a vintage-inspired bathroom or a sleek, modern retreat, white subway tiles offer unmatched adaptability.

Why White Subway Tiles Are a Timeless Choice:

• Universal Appeal: Subway tiles’ clean, geometric lines make them suitable for both traditional bathrooms with ornate fixtures and contemporary bathrooms with minimalist designs.
• Neutrality and Longevity: White subway tiles provide a neutral backdrop that allows you to change the bathroom’s overall look over time without replacing the tiles. Add colourful accessories, bold mirrors, or trendy cabinetry, knowing the tiles will still fit.
• Proven Durability: The hard glaze on subway tiles ensures they maintain their original charm, resisting stains, scratches, and water damage for decades.

Choosing White Subway Tiles for a Timeless Look:

• Classic Brickwork: Stick to the traditional staggered brick pattern for an enduring, authentic subway tile look.
• Soft, Neutral Grout: Use light grey or off-white grout to maintain the timeless feel while adding subtle definition.
• Pairing Materials: For an elegant finish, combine white subway tiles with timeless materials like marble countertops or chrome fixtures.

Pro Tip: For a fresh take on a classic, consider semi-gloss white subway tiles. They offer a subtle sheen that enhances light reflection while maintaining a timeless aesthetic.

Read our post, Subway Tiles: A Trend That Never Dies!, to discover other reasons that make subway tiles a timeless choice.

Subway Tiles Offer Design Versatility

Does white subway tile go with everything? Without question! One of the standout benefits of using white subway tiles in bathrooms is their incredible versatility. They pair effortlessly with different materials, colours, and finishes, making them a great fit for any bathroom style, from classic to contemporary.

How to Choose Subway Tile Patterns and Pairings for Your Bathroom:

• Subway Tile Patterns: The pattern you choose can dramatically impact the bathroom’s aesthetic. Stick to the classic running bond for a timeless look, or experiment with patterns like herringbone or basketweave for added visual interest. If you’re aiming for a sleek and modern feel, consider stacked or vertical layouts.
• Grout Colours: White subway tiles are highly adaptable when paired with grout. Bold grout, like black or navy, creates a striking contrast and works well in modern or industrial designs. For a softer look, opt for white or light grey grout, which blends seamlessly with the tiles.
• Material Pairings: White subway tiles complement virtually any material. Pair them with natural wood vanities for warmth, metallic fixtures for an industrial edge, or marble countertops for a luxurious touch.

Subway Tiles for Traditional vs. Contemporary Bathrooms:

• In traditional bathrooms, white subway tiles can be paired with intricate fixtures, clawfoot tubs, and soft pastel palettes to evoke a vintage charm.
• In modern bathrooms, they shine when paired with sleek, minimalist designs. Think frameless glass shower screens, matte black fixtures, or bold accents like geometric mirrors.

Pro Tip: When selecting white subway tiles for bathrooms, consider their finish. Glossy tiles reflect light and brighten the room, while matte tiles create a more understated, contemporary vibe.

White Subway Tiles are Affordable and Accessible

Renovating a bathroom can be costly, but white subway tiles offer a stylish solution that won’t break the bank. These tiles are one of the most budget-friendly bathroom tile options, delivering a high-end, designer look without the hefty price tag. At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, our affordable white subway tiles start at just $30 per square metre, making them some of the cheapest subway tiles for bathrooms in Perth.

Why Subway Tiles Are Perfect for Budget-Friendly Bathroom Renovations:

• Cost-Effective Elegance: Subway tiles provide the clean, timeless look that many homeowners desire, at a fraction of the cost of more elaborate tile options like marble or mosaic.
• Versatile Application: Whether you’re tiling a small ensuite or a larger family bathroom, subway tiles offer flexibility. Use them on bathroom walls, in showers, or as a backsplash behind a vanity for maximum impact on a budget.

Widespread Availability:

The popularity of subway tiles means they’re easy to find and available in various sizes and finishes to suit your bathroom’s style. Their accessibility makes them a go-to option for Perth homeowners and designers alike. Plus, straightforward installation keeps costs down, whether you’re tackling the project yourself or hiring a professional.

Pro Tip: To maximise your budget, pair affordable subway tiles with a feature wall of statement tiles or use contrasting grout for a unique and modern look. Even in the simplest designs, bathroom subway tiles exude charm and sophistication.

Cons: What Are the Disadvantages of Subway Tiles?

So, you’re probably wondering, what are the disadvantages of subway tiles? While they are a stylish and versatile option for bathrooms, they do come with a few challenges to consider. Let’s explore these, starting with a common issue—grout maintenance.

Subway Tile Grout Maintenance Can Be Tricky

Is white subway tile hard to keep clean? Not exactly—the tiles themselves are smooth and easy to wipe down. However, the grout between the tiles can be a different story. Light-coloured grout, which is often used with white subway tiles, tends to absorb dirt and discolour over time, especially in high-moisture environments like bathrooms.

This issue is particularly noticeable in areas like showers, where soap scum and mildew can build up quickly. Even in less humid spots, such as a backsplash behind the vanity, grout lines can start to look dingy if not cared for properly.

How to Minimise Grout Maintenance:

• Seal the Grout: Use a high-quality grout sealer to create a protective barrier against moisture and stains. Reapply it every year for optimal results.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean grout lines weekly with a mild cleaner or a vinegar-water solution to prevent buildup. For tougher stains, a grout brush and baking soda paste can work wonders.
• Choose Grout Wisely: If you’re worried about upkeep, consider using darker grout, such as grey or charcoal, to camouflage dirt and reduce the appearance of stains.

Pro Tip: When installing subway tiles in bathrooms, opt for epoxy grout instead of traditional cement grout. Epoxy grout is more resistant to stains and water, making it a low-maintenance choice for wet areas.

White Subway Tiles are Perceived as Overused

Are subway tiles out of style? Not at all! But their widespread popularity has made some homeowners feel they’ve become overused or too common. It’s true that subway tiles, especially white ones, are a go-to choice for bathrooms, but this isn’t necessarily a drawback. Their timeless appeal and versatility are the very reasons they’ve remained a design favourite for so long.

That said, if you’re worried about your bathroom looking too generic, there are plenty of ways to make white subway tiles stand out and feel unique to your space.

How to Make Subway Tiles Unique:

• Experiment with Patterns: Move beyond the classic running bond by trying layouts like herringbone, vertical stacking, or basketweave. These patterns add visual interest and give your bathroom a distinct personality.
• Use Bold-Coloured Grout: Pair white subway tiles with black, navy, or even gold grout to create a striking contrast and modern edge.
• Mix Finishes and Sizes: Combine glossy and matte subway tiles for subtle texture variation, or mix standard-sized tiles with oversized ones for a layered effect.
• Feature Walls: Use subway tiles on one key area, such as a shower wall or behind a vanity, while opting for a different material elsewhere to create contrast.

Pro Tip: For a truly custom look, consider bevelled-edge subway tiles or handmade variants. Their unique texture and slight imperfections give a more artisan, high-end vibe compared to mass-produced options.

While it’s easy to see why some as though feel subway tiles are everywhere, with a bit of creativity, they can feel fresh, personalised, and anything but ordinary.

Installing Bathroom Subway Tiles Requires Precision

Are subway tiles hard to install? Not necessarily, but they do require a steady hand and a good eye for detail. The charm of bathroom subway tiles lies in their clean, structured look, but achieving that polished finish depends heavily on precise alignment and even spacing during installation.

Unlike larger tiles that can hide minor errors, subway tiles—with their smaller size and straight edges—tend to magnify imperfections. Uneven grout lines or slight misalignments can detract from their timeless appeal, making the room look less polished. This level of precision can be challenging, especially for DIYers.

Why Precision Matters with Subway Tiles:

• Consistent Grout Lines: The uniform look of subway tiles depends on perfectly aligned grout lines. Even slight variations can disrupt the structured aesthetic.
• Flat Surfaces: Uneven application or tiles that don’t lie flush with the wall can cast shadows, diminishing the seamless appearance subway tiles are known for.
• Complex Patterns: If you’re experimenting with layouts like herringbone or vertical stacking, the precision required increases significantly.

Tips for Successful Installation:

• Use Tile Spacers: Tile spacers are essential for maintaining consistent gaps between tiles. Make sure to double-check alignment frequently as you work.
• Prep the Surface: Ensure your bathroom walls are clean, flat, and smooth before starting. Any imperfections in the wall can lead to uneven tiles.
• DIY vs. Professional Help: For small-scale projects like a backsplash, DIY may be manageable. However, for large areas or intricate patterns, hiring a professional tiler can save time and ensure a flawless finish.

Pro Tip: If you’re set on installing subway tiles in your bathroom yourself, consider starting with a standard brick pattern, which is more forgiving than layouts like herringbone.

Want step-by-step guidance? Check out our article, How to Install Bathroom Tiles, where I share insights from my professional tiler’s process of installing white subway tiles in my bathroom. The guide is packed with practical tips and advice to help you achieve professional results, whether you’re tackling the project yourself or hiring a pro.

Subway Tiles Are More Expensive to Install

Is Subway Tile More Expensive to Install? The answer often comes down to the labour involved. While the tiles themselves are budget-friendly, their smaller size requires more precise placement and alignment, making installation more time-consuming. For intricate subway tile patterns like herringbone or basketweave, the complexity further drives up installation costs.

Why Installation Costs May Be Higher:

• Labour-Intensive: Installing subway tiles requires precise alignment and spacing. With more tiles to handle compared to larger formats, the process naturally takes longer, adding to labour costs.
• Grout Application: Smaller tiles mean more grout lines, which take extra time to apply and clean during installation.
• Custom Patterns: If you’re opting for more complex layouts like diagonal or vertical stacking, expect the tiler to charge a premium for the additional work involved.

Tips to Save on Subway Tile Installation:

• Choose Standard Patterns: Stick to the classic running bond or stacked layouts (like I did in my bathroom, photos above) to minimise labour costs.
• DIY Smaller Projects: If you’re confident with DIY, install subway tiles on smaller areas like a vanity backsplash. For larger spaces, it’s often best to hire a professional.
• Compare Quotes: Always get multiple quotes from tilers, especially if planning a complex design.

Pro Tip: While installation might cost more upfront, the timeless appeal and durability of subway tiles in bathrooms make them a worthwhile investment. They’re less likely to look outdated over time, reducing the need for future renovations.

So, Are White Tiles in a Bathroom a Good Idea?

Absolutely! White subway tiles are a timeless choice that bring a clean, bright, and versatile aesthetic to any bathroom. Their ability to reflect light and create an airy feel makes them perfect for both small bathrooms and large, luxurious spaces. Whether you’re drawn to their classic appeal or their adaptability to modern and traditional styles, white tiles can suit a variety of design visions.

If you’re still unsure, there are countless reasons to use subway tiles in bathrooms. From their affordability and durability to their wide range of design options, subway tiles remain one of the most popular and practical choices for bathroom renovations.

While there are a few challenges, like grout maintenance and the precision required for installation, these can be easily managed with proper planning and care. Plus, the affordability of subway tiles—like our own white subway tiles starting at $30 per square metre—makes them a budget-friendly option for creating a high-end look.

With the right design choices and installation approach, white subway tiles can elevate your bathroom into a timeless and sophisticated space. Ready to start your project? Explore Ross’s Discount Home Centre’s range of white subway tiles today and bring your bathroom vision to life!

Ross’s Discount Home Centre’s White Subway Tile Range

Now that you know the pros and cons of using white subway tiles in bathrooms, it’s time to explore the stunning range we offer here at Ross’s Discount Home Centre!

We take immense pride in our collection of modern subway tiles. It’s not just about quantity—it’s about quality, too. Every tile we stock meets our high standards, ensuring you get nothing but the best. When you choose from our range, you’re choosing superior craftsmanship, durability, and style.