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

less scrubbing means more time for coffee

- Preach. Scrubbing grout is my least favorite “upper body workout.”
- Subway tiles are like the jeans of the tile world - never go out of style, and now with recycled glass, they’re basically the eco-friendly skinny jeans.
- Hex tiles look amazing but yeah, those tiny grout lines are just little soap scum magnets. I tried them once and regretted it after month two.
- I’d rather be sipping coffee than battling mildew... so yeah, subway’s got my vote for now.

I hear you on the hex tiles - those grout lines are relentless. I went with them for a powder room once because they looked so cool, but cleaning was a pain. Has anyone tried those larger format tiles in a bathroom? Wondering if they’re actually easier to keep clean or just look that way in photos...

Larger format tiles are a game changer, honestly. Here’s what I’ve noticed:

- Way fewer grout lines, which means less scrubbing (my knees thank me every time).
- They do actually stay cleaner, not just in photos - less space for grime to hide.
- If you go with a light grout and seal it well, it’s even easier.
- Only thing: make sure your floor is super flat. Big tiles don’t forgive bumps.

I’ll admit, hex tiles look awesome, but I’m not missing the toothbrush cleaning sessions...

I get the appeal of big tiles - less grout is a huge win for cleaning, no doubt. But I’ve actually found that smaller hex tiles can be more forgiving if your subfloor isn’t perfect. With large format, even a tiny dip or hump stands out, and you’re stuck with lippage or cracking down the line. I’ve had to redo a section before because of that... not fun. Hex tiles take more time to install and clean, sure, but they can hide imperfections better and add a lot of character. Just depends on what you’re willing to trade off, I guess.

That makes a lot of sense about the subfloor - honestly, I hadn’t really thought about how much more noticeable imperfections would be with bigger tiles until I started reading up on it. I’m in the middle of my first bathroom reno, and I keep going back and forth on subway vs hex tiles for the floor. The cleaning aspect is a big deal for me, but now I’m second guessing whether I’m up for the extra prep work that comes with large format.

For hex tiles, did you find that the extra grout lines make it feel colder underfoot, or is that not really noticeable? I’ve heard people say it can make the floor feel “busier,” but maybe that’s just a design thing. Also, was the installation as tricky as people say, or is it just more time-consuming? I’m not super confident with tiling yet, so I’m trying to figure out if it’s worth the headache for the look.

Appreciate your take on hiding imperfections - definitely something I need to factor in since my house is old and nothing is really flat or level...

I’ve done both subway and hex tiles in old houses, and honestly, hex tiles do hide imperfections a bit better just because the smaller pieces can “bend” with the floor a little. The extra grout lines never made it feel colder to me, but yeah, they do make the floor look busier - depends if that bugs you. Install-wise, it’s not super hard, just slow. Lining up all those little hexes takes patience, but it’s forgiving if your floor isn’t perfect. I’d say if you like the look, go for it. Just budget extra time for install and grouting.

I just finished my first bathroom reno and went with hex tiles on the floor. It took me way longer than I expected - lining up all those little pieces was kind of a pain, honestly. But you’re right, the extra grout lines really did help hide some dips in my old floor. I will say, cleaning all that grout is a bit more work than with subway tiles, but I don’t regret it. The look is classic and it feels solid underfoot. If you’re patient, it’s totally doable.

I hear you on the hex tile install - it’s definitely a patience game. When I work with hex tiles, I always recommend dry-laying a few rows first to get a feel for the pattern and catch any alignment issues early. For uneven floors, those extra grout lines really do help mask imperfections, like you noticed. If cleaning grout’s a pain, sealing it well makes a big difference and keeps maintenance down. Subway tiles are faster to set, but hex has that timeless vibe... just comes down to how much time you want to spend on install and upkeep.

Subway tiles are faster to set, but hex has that timeless vibe... just comes down to how much time you want to spend on install and upkeep.

That’s kind of where I’m stuck. Subway tiles seem way less stressful for a first-timer like me - straight lines, fewer chances to mess up. But man, hex tiles look so good when they’re done right. I’m not sure I trust my patience (or knees) enough for all those tiny grout lines, though. Sealing grout sounds smart, but does it really make cleaning that much easier?

I’m not sure I trust my patience (or knees) enough for all those tiny grout lines, though.

Honestly, you’re not wrong about the knees - hex tiles are a workout. Sealing grout does help with cleaning, but it’s not magic. You’ll still need to scrub, just maybe not as often. If you’re leaning subway, you’ll probably appreciate the easier install and maintenance. Are you thinking about doing the walls, floor, or both? That can make a difference with tile choice too.

If it’s for the floor, I’ll admit hex tiles do look stunning, but they’re not exactly forgiving if your subfloor isn’t perfectly level. I’ve had clients fall in love with the look, then regret the upkeep. For walls, subway tiles are classic and you get that nice rhythm with the staggered joints - plus, way easier on the knees. Are you after a more vintage vibe, or something crisp and modern? That can totally sway which tile feels right.

That can totally sway which tile feels right.

I get what you mean about hex tiles being tricky if the floor’s not level, but honestly, I found subway tiles on the floor kind of underwhelming. They just didn’t add much character for me. I know they’re easier to install, but I’m willing to put in the extra prep for hex if it means the space feels unique. The upkeep’s a pain, yeah, but I’d rather deal with that than have a floor that looks like every other bathroom.

- Had the same debate in my last flip.
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“I’d rather deal with that than have a floor that looks like every other bathroom.”

Subway Tiles Vs. Hexagon Tiles In The Bathroom - What’s Your Pick?

I hear you on the grout lines with hex tiles - those little guys look great but can be a pain to keep clean, especially in high-traffic spots. I’ve had clients fall in love with hex for powder rooms or guest baths, but they usually regret it a bit once they realize how much scrubbing is involved. Still, there’s something about the pattern that really opens up a small space. I think it’s the way the lines draw your eye around, kind of distracts from the actual square footage.

Subway tiles are classic for a reason, but yeah, they can feel a bit “safe.” I like mixing it up by stacking them vertically or using a darker grout for some contrast. Using subway on the walls and hex on the floor is a combo I’ve done a few times - gives you that unique vibe without going overboard on maintenance.

Funny enough, I’ve noticed matte hex tiles hide water spots better than glossy ones, but the grout still needs love. If you’re set on hex, maybe go for a mid-tone grout so it doesn’t show every little thing. Just my two cents...

Mixing subway on the walls and hex on the floor really does give the best of both worlds. I totally get what you mean about hex tiles “opening up” a small space - there’s just something about that pattern. The grout is a pain, though, no denying it.

“matte hex tiles hide water spots better than glossy ones, but the grout still needs love.”

Mixing subway and hex is a solid combo - definitely adds some visual interest without feeling too busy. I’ve noticed buyers really respond to that “opened up” vibe you get from hex on the floor.

“matte hex tiles hide water spots better than glossy ones, but the grout still needs love.”

I get the appeal of mixing subway and hex, but I lean hex for floors every time - especially if you’re thinking about long-term wear. Did a reno last year with recycled matte hex tiles and a charcoal grout, and honestly, it’s been a game changer for hiding dirt and water marks. Subway’s timeless, sure, but I find it can look a bit sterile on its own unless you break it up with something textured or colored. Hex just brings more personality, and if you source them responsibly, the eco impact is actually pretty minimal. Grout maintenance is still a pain, though... there’s no getting around that.

I hear you on the hex tiles - there’s just something about them that feels a bit more fun, especially in an old house where you want a nod to the past but not a museum vibe. I did hex on my bathroom floor too, and it hides the chaos of daily life way better than the subway tile in my kitchen. Grout, though... yeah, it’s like a magnet for every speck of dirt. I’ve just accepted it as part of the “historic charm” package.

Grout, though... yeah, it’s like a magnet for every speck of dirt. I’ve just accepted it as part of the “historic charm” package.

- Totally agree on the hex tiles hiding mess - pattern really helps.
- Grout is my nemesis too. I tried a darker grout once and it was a game changer for maintenance.
- Subway tiles look clean but every crumb shows up on those straight lines.
- Hex feels more forgiving, especially with pets or kids running around.
- Still, subway’s easier to clean if you’re up for frequent wipe-downs.

I hear you on the grout drama, but honestly, I’ve found that hex tiles can be a bit of a pain for cleaning too. All those extra edges and corners seem to collect gunk faster than I expected. I went with recycled glass subway tiles in my last reno - yeah, the straight lines show crumbs, but a quick swipe with a damp cloth does the trick. Plus, they reflect light so nicely that the whole bathroom feels brighter. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather deal with visible crumbs than spend ages scrubbing tiny grout lines...