Gotta admit, I used to be Team Subway Tile too—clean lines, fewer grout joints, less headache when you’re halfway through tiling at 2am and realizing you mixed up your spacers. But then I tried hex tiles in this tiny powder room and...well, it kind of transformed the vibe. Like, suddenly my boring little bathroom felt like a boutique hotel’s secret speakeasy (minus the $16 cocktails).
Yeah, there’s more grout, and yeah, if you rush the install it can look wonky. But if you’re patient and use good grout sealer? Maintenance isn’t as scary as it sounds. Plus, those little quirks start to feel intentional over time—like “oh yeah, that’s my artsy tile wall,” not “oops, missed a spot.”
Definitely wouldn’t do hex everywhere (learned that lesson after one marathon floor project), but for a pop of personality in a small space? Worth the extra scrubbing sessions...maybe even kind of fun, if you’re weird like me.
Funny, I’ve had almost the opposite experience—subway tiles are my go-to for rentals because they’re so forgiving, but I did a hex tile accent wall in a flip last year and it totally stole the show. Buyers loved it, even with a few “quirky” grout lines. Curious, did you notice any impact on resale value or buyer interest after switching up the tile style? Sometimes those bold choices really pay off...
I’ve actually tracked this pretty closely on a few projects. When I swapped out standard subway tile for hex in a master bath reno, the open house feedback was way more enthusiastic—people commented on the “custom” feel, even though the cost difference wasn’t huge. That said, hex tiles are less forgiving during install, especially if your walls aren’t perfectly plumb. You get those little grout line quirks you mentioned, and some buyers notice, but most seem to see it as character rather than a flaw.
On resale, I didn’t see a massive jump in value, but the property moved faster than similar comps with basic subway tile. My take: if you’re flipping or want to stand out in a crowded market, bold tile choices can help. For rentals or high-traffic spaces, I still lean subway—easier repairs and less risk if tenants are rough on things. Just depends how much time you want to spend fussing with layout and grout lines...
I went with subway tile in our main bath last year, mostly because it was cheaper and I could DIY it without stressing over every little alignment. Hex tiles look great, but I just didn’t want to deal with the extra hassle or pay a pro. Plus, if a tile cracks, it’s way easier to swap out a subway than hunt down a matching hex. For me, simple wins out, especially on a tight budget.
SUBWAY TILES JUST MAKE SENSE SOMETIMES
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve got a 1920s place, and when we redid the upstairs bath, subway tile was a no-brainer for us too. It’s classic, fits the age of the house, and honestly, I’m not the most patient person when it comes to lining up a million tiny hexes. I tried hex tiles in a powder room once—never again. My back still remembers that weekend. Plus, like you said, if you crack a subway tile, you can usually find a match at any hardware store. Hex tiles? Not so much. I had to order a whole box just to replace two that chipped.
I do love the look of hex tiles, especially in old houses where they feel “right,” but I think unless you’re really committed (or have deep pockets for a pro install), subway is just way more forgiving. And you can play around with patterns—stacked, herringbone, whatever—if you want to get fancy without making your life harder.
Funny thing, my neighbor went all-in on tiny hex tiles for her bathroom floor, and she’s still cursing the grout lines. She says it’s like cleaning a mosaic every week. I’ll stick with my big, easy-to-wipe subway tiles for now. Maybe someday I’ll get brave and try hex again, but not while I’m still the one doing the work...