Honestly, I think you’re spot on about hex tiles bringing that extra bit of character. I’ve flipped a few houses where the original hex tile wasn’t perfect—some edges a little off, grout lines not totally straight—but it always got compliments. People notice when something feels unique, and those little imperfections just make it feel more “lived in” rather than sterile.
Subway tiles are the safe bet, no question. They’re classic, easy to install, and buyers know what to expect. But sometimes “safe” ends up looking like every other bathroom on the block. If you’re planning to live there for a while and want something that actually makes you smile when you walk in, I’d lean toward hex. Especially in a small space—it’s wild how much more personality you get out of them.
Cutting them can be a pain, yeah, but with a decent wet saw and some patience, it’s totally doable. I’ve had more trouble with big format tiles on wavy floors than with small hexes. The smaller pieces just flex around dips and bumps so much better. And darker grout is a game changer—hides dirt, hides mistakes, and honestly just looks cooler with hex.
If you’re worried about resale down the line, I wouldn’t stress too much unless your market is super conservative. Most buyers appreciate something that stands out (in a good way). Worst case scenario? You end up with a bathroom that has some quirks and tells its own story... which is way better than another cookie-cutter flip.
Go for what makes you happy now. Trends come and go, but character sticks around.
It’s interesting how much those little quirks in hex tiles actually add to the vibe. I’ve noticed the same thing—people tend to comment on the “feel” of a space more than the technical perfection, especially with older homes. But I do wonder, have you ever run into buyers who see those imperfections as a negative? I’ve had a couple clients who were super detail-oriented and got hung up on grout lines not being laser-straight, even though most folks don’t care.
The point about small hex tiles flexing around uneven floors is spot on. Large format tiles look great in theory, but unless your subfloor is dead flat, they can be a nightmare. I’m curious if you’ve tried any of the newer “kit” systems for leveling big tiles—some people swear by them, but I’m not totally convinced they’re worth the hassle.
Darker grout is such a game changer, especially for maintenance. But do you think it ever makes a space feel smaller or busier? I’ve seen some bathrooms where the contrast looks amazing, and others where it just feels kind of hectic. Maybe it depends on lighting or how much wall space you’re tiling.
I keep coming back to this: how much does personal taste weigh against resale value? Like, if you know you’ll be there for five years or more, does it really matter if your tile choice is a little offbeat? Or do you think there’s a risk of going too far and making it harder to sell later? Sometimes I feel like we overthink what future buyers want and end up with spaces that don’t really reflect anyone’s personality.
Curious if anyone’s regretted going bold with tile choices—or if it’s usually worth it in the end.
I get where you’re coming from about bold tile choices, but honestly, I’ve seen plenty of homes sell just fine with unique tile—even stuff that’s a little out there. Sometimes those details actually make a space memorable. If you’re planning to stay for a while, I’d lean into what you love. Worst case, tile isn’t impossible to swap out down the line. As for darker grout, I’ve found it can feel busy in tiny bathrooms with low light, but in bigger or well-lit spaces it usually looks sharp.
I keep going back and forth on this. I’ve lived in a 1920s house for years, and honestly, I’ve seen both subway and hex tiles in old bathrooms—sometimes even mixed together. Subway tiles definitely feel classic, but hexagons have this charm that’s hard to replicate, especially if you’re aiming for a bit of vintage character.
One thing I’ve noticed: hex tiles can be a pain to keep clean if you go with a really light grout, but they hide wear better over time than the flat expanse of subway tile. Have you thought about how much maintenance you’re up for? Also, are you trying to match the era of your house or just going with what feels right? I’ve found that even bold choices can look timeless if you keep the palette simple.
Darker grout is a double-edged sword. In my last bathroom reno (tiny, not much natural light), it made the space feel even smaller. But in my friend’s big, bright bath, it totally worked. Maybe try some samples before committing?
I hear you on the hex tiles—my last place had them and I swear, I spent more time scrubbing grout than actually enjoying the bathroom. But they did hide scuffs way better than subway. For me, it came down to whatever was on sale... practicality wins when you’re on a budget. Still, I kinda miss that old-school vibe sometimes.
