Subway tiles vs. hexagon tiles in the bathroom - what’s your pick?

Trying to decide between classic white subway tiles or those trendy little hexagons for my bathroom walls. Subway feels timeless, but hexagons are kinda fun and modern, you know?

I get what you mean about subway tiles feeling timeless - they’re everywhere for a reason. But those little hexagons can really add some personality. One thing I’ve noticed is hex tiles mean more grout lines, which can be a pain to keep clean over time. Are you worried about maintenance at all, or is it more about the look for you?

I went with hex tiles in my last bathroom reno because I wanted something a bit different, and honestly, they make me smile every time I walk in. But yeah, cleaning the grout is a bit more work - my partner jokes that it’s my new “zen meditation.” If you’re leaning eco-friendly, there are some recycled glass options in both shapes that look awesome and are easier to clean than you’d think. Either way, you can’t really go wrong... just depends how much time you want to spend scrubbing grout on a Sunday afternoon.

I totally get the appeal of hex tiles - they look awesome and definitely add some personality. But honestly, when I was crunching numbers for my own bathroom, the cost per square foot for hex tiles (especially the smaller ones) was noticeably higher than basic subway tile. Plus, more grout lines means more cleaning, which isn’t my favorite weekend activity. Have you noticed any difference in how the recycled glass tiles hold up over time? I’ve heard mixed things about durability and slip resistance, especially in a wet space.

Have you noticed any difference in how the recycled glass tiles hold up over time?

SUBWAY TILES VS. HEXAGON TILES IN THE BATHROOM - WHAT’S YOUR PICK?

Yeah, the cleaning thing is real - hex tiles look sharp, but all those little grout lines can be a pain over time. I’ve renovated a few bathrooms with both styles, and honestly, subway tiles are just easier to keep looking fresh. Had one client go for recycled glass hexes; they looked amazing at first, but after a year or so, some edges chipped and the grout started yellowing where water pooled. Subway tiles aren’t immune to issues, but they seem to hold up better in the long run, at least from what I’ve seen. If you’re not into scrubbing grout every few months, subway might save you some headaches.

Had one client go for recycled glass hexes; they looked amazing at first, but after a year or so, some edges chipped and the grout started yellowing where water pooled.

- Noticed similar issues with recycled glass, especially on shower floors - edges get dinged up faster than ceramic.
- Subway tiles are less fussy, fewer grout lines to maintain.
- Curious if anyone’s tried sealing the grout more frequently with hex tiles? Wondering if that makes a difference long-term...

I’ve run into the same thing with glass hex tiles - looks killer at first, but the upkeep’s a pain, especially in rentals. Here’s what’s worked for me: seal the grout right after install, then again every 6 months. It helps, but honestly, those tiny grout lines still get grimy faster than with subway tiles. If you’re flipping or renting, subway’s just less hassle long-term. Hex tiles are a vibe, but they’re high-maintenance, no way around it.

Yeah, I hear you on the hex tiles. They look amazing in photos, but in practice, especially for rentals or flips, they’re just a lot more work than most people expect. I’ve had a couple projects where clients insisted on them for the “wow” factor, and I’ll admit, they do make a statement. But after a year or two, those grout lines start to show every bit of dirt and soap scum, no matter how diligent you are with sealing.

Subway tiles aren’t as flashy, but they’re way easier to keep looking clean. Less grout to deal with, and if you go with a slightly darker grout, it hides a lot of sins. For rentals, that’s a big deal - tenants aren’t going to baby the bathroom like an owner-occupier might.

I get the appeal of hex tiles though. Sometimes you just want something different. I did one bathroom with matte black hex on the floor and it looked killer... for about six months. After that, it was constant touch-ups and cleaning. Ended up swapping it out for classic white subway when we turned the place over.

If you’re set on hex, your sealing routine is spot on - just be ready for more maintenance down the line. Otherwise, subway’s the safer bet for long-term value and less hassle. Either way, you’re not alone in running into this. It’s one of those lessons you only really learn after living with it for a while.

Honestly, I keep getting tempted by those hex tiles too - Pinterest makes them look so good. But every time I’ve put them in a rental, it’s like signing up for a lifetime grout-cleaning subscription. Subway tiles might be “safe,” but man, they’re reliable. I did try a dark grout once with subway and it was a game changer - hid everything. Still, part of me wants to risk it again with hex just for the cool factor... maybe I’ll regret it, but hey, that’s half the fun, right?

SUBWAY TILES VS. HEXAGON TILES IN THE BATHROOM - WHAT’S YOUR PICK?

I totally get the hex tile temptation. I remember doing a small powder room with those tiny white hexes - looked amazing for about three months, then the grout started to show every bit of dirt and water stain. I swear, I was scrubbing more than admiring after a while. That said, there’s just something about the pattern that makes a space feel special, you know?

Subway tiles are like the jeans of bathroom design - never really go out of style and you can dress them up or down. I did a shower wall with beveled subway and charcoal grout once, and it hid everything (plus, way less stress about cleaning). Still, every time I see those moody Pinterest bathrooms with black hex floors, I start second guessing my choices...

I guess it comes down to how much maintenance you’re willing to put up with. If it’s a rental, I’d probably stick with subway and dark grout. For my own place? Might just risk it for the hex factor and hope I don’t regret it later.

SUBWAY TILES VS. HEXAGON TILES IN THE BATHROOM - WHAT’S YOUR PICK?

You totally nailed the subway tile analogy - they really are the jeans of bathrooms. I’m in the middle of my first reno and I keep bouncing between wanting that timeless, easy-to-clean subway look and getting sucked in by all those dreamy hex floors on Instagram. I get what you mean about the grout, though. My friend did hex tiles in her bathroom and she’s always complaining about how much time she spends cleaning between those tiny shapes. She says it looks gorgeous but she’d never do it again unless she hired a cleaner.

But honestly, if it’s your own place and you’re feeling the hex vibe, I say go for it. Worst case, you get a little more familiar with grout cleaner, but you’ll have a space that actually feels like “you.” Sometimes the extra maintenance is worth that little jolt of happiness when you walk in. And hey, there’s always rugs or mats if you need to hide a bit of dirt between deep cleans...

- Love how you put it:

“Sometimes the extra maintenance is worth that little jolt of happiness when you walk in.”

Mixing subway on the walls and hex on the floor is actually a solid combo, especially if you want that vintage look with a bit of modern edge. I get what you mean about the grout on hex tiles - maintenance is real. Honestly, in rentals or flips, I usually go bigger on the floor just to cut down on the cleaning headaches. But for a place you’re living in, sometimes the style win is worth it.

“Hex looks amazing but yeah, the grout is a pain.”

Couldn’t agree more. I’ve had tenants complain about keeping those little grout lines clean. If you really want both patterns but less hassle, maybe look at darker grout for the hex? Hides a lot and still pops. But yeah, too much pattern can get busy fast, especially in a small space. If you keep the wall tile classic and simple, the floor can have a bit more going on without feeling overwhelming.

At the end of the day, it’s gotta be something you like looking at every day, even if it means scrubbing a little more often.

I hear you on the grout situation. I once did a small bathroom with those tiny hex tiles and, man, I was cursing myself every time I had to clean it. Looked amazing, but the upkeep is real. I actually tried the darker grout trick you mentioned - worked way better than I expected. Didn’t show every little speck, and honestly, it gave the floor a cool, almost industrial vibe.

“If you keep the wall tile classic and simple, the floor can have a bit more going on without feeling overwhelming.”

That’s spot on. I’ve seen people go wild with patterns everywhere and it just ends up feeling chaotic, especially in tight spaces. Subway on the walls is kind of timeless, too - hard to get tired of it. If you’re living there long-term, I’d say go for what makes you happy, even if it means breaking out the scrub brush a little more often. For rentals though? Bigger tiles all day... less grout, less drama.

Honestly, you nailed it with the dark grout - total game changer for maintenance. I did white hex on my last reno and it looked awesome for about two weeks, then every little thing showed up. I’m with you: subway on the walls just works, and you can get creative on the floor without things getting too busy.

It’s funny, because I used to be all about the intricate patterns everywhere, but after scrubbing grout lines for a year, I totally get the appeal of bigger tiles. Less cleaning, less hassle. For a place you’re renting out, I’d never go tiny tile again. But if it’s your own space and you love the look? Sometimes it’s worth a little extra work just to have something that makes you happy when you walk in.

And yeah, that industrial vibe from dark grout is underrated... adds so much character.

Couldn’t agree more about the dark grout - makes life so much easier, especially in high-traffic bathrooms. I’ve seen so many folks fall for those tiny hex tiles (they do look killer at first), but yeah, cleaning is a whole different story. Subway on the walls just has that timeless vibe and lets you play around with the floor. Honestly, sometimes it’s worth a little extra elbow grease if it’s your dream look, but for rentals or busy households? Bigger tiles are the way to go. That industrial edge from dark grout is seriously underrated... gives the space some attitude without trying too hard.

I get the appeal of bigger tiles for easy cleaning, but I’ve actually found that smaller hex tiles can be surprisingly forgiving if you use a matte finish and a mid-tone grout - not as much grime shows as you’d think. Plus, they’re less slippery in wet spaces. You mentioned,

“sometimes it’s worth a little extra elbow grease if it’s your dream look”

- Just finished my first bathroom reno and went with small matte hex tiles on the floor.
- Was nervous about cleaning, but honestly, the mid-tone grout hides way more than I expected - no constant scrubbing.
- The grip is a game changer, especially after my kiddo did a full cartoon-style slip on our old glossy tiles.
- Subway tiles are timeless, but the hex pattern gives the space so much personality.
- If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, it’s totally worth it for that unique look.

- If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, it’s totally worth it for that unique look.

I hear you on the grip - my last place had those shiny tiles and I swear, socks were a hazard. Did a hex floor in our guest bath last year and it’s been solid. Subway’s classic, but the hex just feels more fun underfoot.

Did a hex floor in our guest bath last year and it’s been solid. Subway’s classic, but the hex just feels more fun underfoot.

I get the appeal of hex tiles - there’s something tactile about them that subway just can’t match. In my 1920s place, hex tiles actually fit the period, so I leaned that way. They’re a bit more work to install, but worth it for authenticity and grip. Subway’s easier to clean, though... trade-offs everywhere.