Mixing subway on the walls and hex on the floor actually works really well, especially in smaller bathrooms where you want a bit of visual interest without it feeling chaotic. I’ve done this combo in a few rentals and flips—here’s what I noticed:
- Subway tile is super forgiving for DIY, like you said. Straight lines, classic look, and if you mess up a little, it’s not obvious.
- Hex tiles on the floor add that retro vibe, and the contrast with the subway keeps things from looking too plain.
- The key is keeping your color palette tight. I did white subways with black-and-white hex on the floor once, and it looked intentional, not busy.
- Epoxy grout is a pain to work with—sticky, sets fast—but for bathrooms that get a lot of use (or tenants that don’t baby things), it’s worth every penny. I’ll take plasticky over scrubbing mold any day.
Honestly, if you like both styles, go for it. Worst case? You end up with a bathroom that looks like it’s been there forever but stays way easier to clean.
Honestly, I’m with you on the subway/hex combo. It just works. Subway tiles are kind of like the blue jeans of bathroom design—classic, goes with everything, and you don’t have to be a pro to get them looking good. I’ve done a few bathrooms with the same setup, and it always feels intentional, not like you just threw two trends together.
Epoxy grout... yeah, it’s a beast. I swore at it more than once, but months later when I’m not scrubbing pink mildew out of the corners, I’m grateful. Worth the hassle, especially if you’re not the type to baby your bathroom.
Only thing I’d add is to keep grout lines pretty tight on the hex floor. Too thick and suddenly it looks like a 1920s diner in a bad way. But when it’s done right? Super sharp.
I get the appeal of subway and hex together, but I’m not totally sold on it being “timeless.” Trends do cycle, and I’ve seen some older bathrooms where the combo feels a bit dated, especially if the grout color is off. I actually leaned toward larger format tiles for my project. Less grout to deal with, and the space feels bigger. Epoxy grout is tough, though—I nearly gave up halfway through. Worth it, but not sure I’d do it again unless absolutely necessary.
I hear you on the grout—epoxy is no joke. I’ve restored a few bathrooms in my old Victorian, and after one round with epoxy, I swore I’d never touch it again unless I had to. Larger format tiles really do open up a space, especially in those smaller historic bathrooms. Still, there’s something about the character of subway and hex that feels right in certain homes, even if it’s not always “timeless.” Trends come and go, but if you love what you picked, that’s what matters most.
SUBWAY Tiles vs. Hexagon Tiles in the Bathroom—What’s Your Pick?
I get the charm of hex and subway, but honestly, after redoing our guest bath on a tight budget, I went with plain square tiles. Way easier to install, way less waste, and the grout lines were a breeze compared to all those tiny hex pieces. Maybe not as much “character,” but my wallet thanked me. Sometimes practical wins out over trendy or historic—at least for me.