I spent more time scrubbing grout than actually enjoying the bathroom.
That’s the hex tile struggle, for sure. Here’s a trick I learned—if you’re set on hex but want less grout hassle, try larger format hexes and use a darker grout. It hides stains and cuts down on the “scrubbing knees” time. Subway tiles are easier to clean, but they do show every little scuff and soap mark... Sometimes I miss the character of hex, though. Mixing both can work too—hex on the floor, subway on the wall. Gives you the best of both worlds without going overboard on cleaning.
Mixing tile shapes does look cool, but I always wonder if it’ll feel dated in a few years. Dark grout is a lifesaver, though—I switched to charcoal and my mop basically retired. Anyone else notice hex tiles get slippery if you use too much sealer?
I’ve seen more than a few folks do the “slip-n-slide” on over-sealed hex tiles—makes for a good story, but not great for your tailbone. I’m with you on dark grout, though. White grout in a bathroom is like wearing white pants to a spaghetti dinner... just asking for trouble. Ever tried mixing matte and glossy tiles? Sometimes it works, sometimes it’s like the tile version of socks with sandals.
I get the appeal of hex tiles—they look sharp, and there’s something satisfying about all those little geometric shapes lining up. But honestly, after pricing them out and factoring in the extra labor (all those grout lines!), subway tiles just make more sense for my wallet and my sanity. Plus, if you’re DIY-ing, subway tiles are way more forgiving. You mess up a hex tile pattern and suddenly you’re staring at a lopsided honeycomb for the next decade.
Totally agree on the dark grout. I learned the hard way that white grout in a bathroom is basically a dirt magnet. As for mixing matte and glossy, I tried it once in a powder room—thought I was being clever, but it ended up looking like I ran out of one box and just kept going. Maybe it works in a fancy hotel, but in my house it just looked... confused.
Anyway, I’ll take classic subway tiles with dark grout any day. Less slip-n-slide, less cleaning, and way easier on the budget.
Funny, I actually went all-in on hex tiles for a flip last year—thought the “wow” factor would sell the place. They looked stunning once done, but man, those little pieces drove me nuts. Lining them up was like a puzzle you can’t walk away from. Subway tiles are just... forgiving, you know? Ever try to fix a crooked hex tile after the thinset dries? Not recommended. Still, I do wonder if I’d regret not taking more risks sometimes. Have you ever been tempted to try something totally out there, or is it always about what’s practical?
