Is subway tile still in style or is it outdated now?

Subway tile is absolutely still in style and remains one of the most popular choices for Ottawa bathroom renovations. This classic 3x6 inch rectangular tile has proven its staying power because of its timeless appeal and incredible versatility.

The beauty of subway tile lies in its adaptability to different design styles. In traditional bathrooms, classic white subway tile with dark grout creates that coveted vintage look. For contemporary spaces, larger format subway tiles (4x12 or 6x12 inches) offer a more modern feel, while colored subway tiles in soft grays, blues, or even bold blacks can create stunning accent walls. The key is in how you style it - the layout pattern, grout color, and surrounding finishes all influence whether it feels fresh or dated.

What's evolved is how subway tile is being installed and combined with other materials. Vertical stacking, herringbone patterns, and mixed-size layouts are trending alternatives to the traditional horizontal brick pattern. Many Ottawa homeowners are also using subway tile strategically - perhaps just in the shower area while incorporating other tile shapes like hexagons or large format tiles elsewhere in the bathroom.

From a practical standpoint, subway tile remains an excellent choice for Ottawa bathrooms because it's easy to clean, widely available at various price points ($3-15 per square foot), and photographs beautifully if you're considering resale value. The rectangular shape also helps smaller bathrooms appear larger when installed horizontally.

The key to keeping subway tile looking current is in the details - choose quality tiles with slight texture variations, consider wider grout lines (1/8" instead of 1/16"), and pair with contemporary fixtures and finishes. For a free consultation on incorporating subway tile into your bathroom renovation, Ottawa Bathrooms can help you create a design that feels both timeless and current.

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Find a Licensed Contractor

Ottawa Bathrooms connects you with vetted, licensed renovation contractors from the Ottawa Construction Network:

• Justyn Rook Contracting ✓
• CMA Restoration Group inc ✓
• Montgomery Construction ✓