“I like the look of white grout but I just know it’s going to drive me nuts when it starts looking grimy.”
We went with white grout in our 1920s bathroom and, honestly, it’s been a mixed bag. It looked amazing for the first few months, but even with sealing, it’s a magnet for stains—especially around the tub where the kids splash. If you’re not keen on scrubbing grout lines regularly, a mid-tone gray might be kinder to your sanity.
About slip factor: I was skeptical too, but our matte hex tiles really are less slippery than the glossy subway ones in our guest bath. The difference is subtle, but with little ones running around, every bit helps.
As for hex lines staying straight... let’s just say my niche is “charmingly imperfect.” If you’re not super handy, small areas are manageable, but don’t expect perfection unless you’re very patient or have a pro help out.
Funny you mention the “charmingly imperfect” hex lines—our upstairs bath has original hex tile, and let’s just say I’ve learned to love a little wonkiness. Adds character, right? I actually tried white grout in the kitchen once (rookie mistake), and it was like a dirt magnet with a spotlight on it. If I ever redo the downstairs bath, I’m going gray grout all the way. And yeah, matte hex tiles really do feel less slippery underfoot, which surprised me. The old house quirks never end...
Funny you mention the “charmingly imperfect” hex lines—our upstairs bath has original hex tile, and let’s just say I’ve learned to love a little wonkiness.
Gray grout is the way to go—white grout in a kitchen is just asking for trouble. Been there, regretted that. I get the charm of “wonky” hex tiles, but honestly, I lean subway for bathrooms in rentals. Easier to clean, less to worry about with tenants. Hex tiles do have that old-school vibe though, and yeah, matte is less slippery than it looks. Still, I’ll take practical over quirky most days.
I totally get the appeal of subway tiles for rentals—less hassle, more forgiving if tenants aren’t super careful. But there’s something about those quirky hex tiles that just makes a space feel unique, you know? Sometimes a little imperfection adds character. Ever notice how the “wonky” bits end up being your favorite part after a while?
But there’s something about those quirky hex tiles that just makes a space feel unique, you know?
Subway tiles just make life easier, especially if you’re trying to stick to a budget. I get the charm of “quirky hex tiles,” but in my experience, those little imperfections can start to look less like character and more like sloppy work over time. Plus, hex tiles mean more grout lines—more cleaning, more chance for issues down the road. Tried them once, spent way too much time scrubbing and touching up. For me, function wins out every time.