Subway tiles vs. hexagon tiles in the bathroom - what’s your pick?

I get the appeal of bigger hex tiles for cleaning, but I just can’t let go of those tiny ones. My 1920s bathroom still has the original small hex tile floor, and yeah, it’s a pain to keep the grout looking fresh, but there’s something about that old-school pattern that makes the whole room feel special. I tried larger hexes in a powder room once and it just didn’t have the same vibe - felt a bit too modern for my taste. Maybe I’m just stubborn about keeping things “authentic,” but I’ll take a little extra scrubbing if it means keeping that vintage look alive.

I totally get where you’re coming from. I redid a bathroom with reclaimed mini hex tiles - grout lines and all - because nothing else felt right in that space. There’s just a charm to the old stuff that bigger tiles can’t fake, even if my knees hate me on cleaning day. Still, I do wonder sometimes if there’s a way to keep the vintage look but use more sustainable materials or eco-friendly grout that doesn’t stain as easily. Has anyone tried that? I’m always torn between nostalgia and practicality…

Honestly, I think you nailed it with those reclaimed hex tiles - there’s just something about the texture and pattern that subway tiles can’t quite match. About the eco-friendly side, I’ve experimented with recycled glass tiles and a few newer grouts labeled as “bio-based.” Some work better than others... the trick is finding one that won’t yellow or crack over time. It’s always a bit of a balancing act between getting that vintage vibe and making maintenance easier. If you ever stumble across a grout that truly resists stains and is green, let us know - my knees would appreciate it too.

I did a ton of research on this exact thing before starting my bathroom reno. Here’s what I found:

- Recycled glass tiles look amazing but the grout situation is tricky. I tried a “bio-based” one (can’t remember the brand, sorry) and it started yellowing after about 8 months.
- Epoxy grout is supposed to resist stains and cracking, but it’s not the most eco-friendly option. It’s also a pain to apply - definitely not fun on the knees.
- I’ve seen some people use a product called Fusion Pro, which claims to be stain-proof and low-VOC. Haven’t tested it myself, but it’s on my radar.

Honestly, I’m still on the hunt for a grout that checks all the boxes. If anyone finds one, I’ll be first in line. For now, I’m just sealing everything like crazy and hoping for the best...

I hear you on the grout struggle - been there, done that, and still have the knee pads to prove it. I’ve used Fusion Pro on a couple of flips and it’s held up pretty well so far, but yeah, it’s not perfect. Honestly, I lean subway tiles just because they’re easier to keep clean and the grout lines are less of a headache. Hex tiles look awesome but man, all those little joints... more places for things to go sideways. Sealing like crazy is basically my default too.