No More Basic Subway Tile: Joanna Gaines Has A Better Idea For Your Bathroom

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Subway tiles are one of the most enduringly popular tile shapes. According to a report by Mosaicenter, 31% of all wall tile sales in the U.S. are for subway tiles. They're simple, versatile, and can be laid in a variety of patterns, so it's no surprise they're such a common feature. And yet, despite that, they can look a little bit, well, basic — especially if you opt for plain white. If you like the classic look of subway tile but don't want your space to look boring, Joanna Gaines has a way to elevate it for a more elegant, high-end feel.

Her answer? Carrara marble subway tiles. There's no denying the staying power of a white subway tile, but add in some delicate marble veining, and suddenly your space feels far more luxurious. The idea features in Season 3, Episode 3 of "Fixer Upper," where Joanna and her husband Chip Gaines transformed a portion of a master bedroom into a larger master bathroom and had the marble tiles wrap an archway. 

"To give this room the relaxing spa-vibe, I decided to use gray and white [Carrara] marble tiles throughout the entire room," Joanna wrote on her blog, Magnolia, in 2023. "The countertops, herringbone-laid tile, ceiling tiles, and shower tiles were all various shapes of [Carrara] marble tile. This effect of tile floors, walls, and ceiling added an unexpected dimension to the space that truly transformed it to a light and airy retreat." If you've been looking for a reason to leave the subway tile behind for a sleek and sophisticated alternative, let this be it.

With its rich history and beautiful veining, marble is a popular choice when looking for spa bathroom ideas. When used as a wall tile, the veining brings dynamic movement to the room that's instantly more appealing than a plain white tile, and the different finishes available mean you can choose colored marble or more contrastive veining if you prefer. Carrara marble looks so chic in bathrooms, but there's no reason it needs to be reserved for that space either. For example, in a "Fixer Upper: Welcome Home" renovation, Joanna Gaines used 4-by-4-inch Carrara marble tiles in a kitchen, laying them like bricks across one wall.

Before you begin planning your new marble subway tile renovation, however, you'll want to know the distinction between the different types of marble tile on offer. The most expensive type of marble subway tile is made of natural stone, with naturally occurring veining and color variations. You can choose from a honed or polished finish, with honed marble tiles recommended for floors to maximize slip resistance, while polished marble tiles can be used on vertical surfaces. Depending on the size, natural marble Carrara tiles like these can cost around $30 per square foot from retailers like Lowes.

For something more budget-friendly you can opt for marble-effect porcelain or ceramic subway tiles. These manufactured tiles are designed to mimic marble's appearance, and they also have the added benefit of being easier to maintain, too. These types of tiles, by contrast, can only cost around $3.50 per square foot, making them far more affordable for large-scale bathroom or kitchen projects.