Subway tiles really are the MVP for older houses, aren’t they? I tried hex tiles once in my last place, thinking I’d get that “boutique hotel” vibe, but the moment I realized my walls were more wavy than straight, I knew I was in trouble. Ended up with a lot of creative caulking and some very strategic plant placement to hide the worst bits. Subway tiles just seem to forgive those little bumps and dips, especially with a grout that’s not bright white. I went with a soft gray too—totally agree, it hides a multitude of sins.
I do love the look of hex tiles, but unless you’ve got laser-straight walls or a ton of patience (and maybe a therapist on speed dial), subway is just less stressful. Plus, if you mess up a cut, it’s way easier to replace a single rectangle than a weird little hex.
“the moment I realized my walls were more wavy than straight, I knew I was in trouble. Ended up with a lot of creative caulking and some very strategic plant placement to hide the worst bits.”
That’s a pretty common scenario with older homes—those walls have seen a lot, and they rarely play nice with precise tile shapes. You nailed it about subway tiles being forgiving. The rectangular shape lets you cheat a little here and there, and that soft gray grout is a smart move. It really does hide imperfections and doesn’t show every speck of dust or stain.
Hex tiles look fantastic in photos, but in real life, unless you’re working with new construction or you’re ready to spend hours fussing over every joint, they can be a headache. I’ve seen folks get halfway through a hex install and just want to rip it all out. Subway tiles are just more practical for most situations, especially if you want to keep your sanity.
That said, if someone’s set on hex, I’d say invest in a good tile leveling system and be prepared for some trial and error. But for most older homes? Subway’s the way to go—less stress, cleaner look, and way easier fixes down the line.
Subway Tiles Just Make Life Easier in Old Houses
I totally get what you mean about those wavy walls. When we first moved into our 1920s place, I had grand plans for a fancy hex tile floor in the upstairs bath. The Pinterest inspiration was strong. But once I started pulling up the old linoleum and saw just how uneven everything was—walls, floor, even the corners—I realized I’d be fighting a losing battle trying to get all those little hexes to line up. There’s just no way to fudge it when every edge is visible.
Ended up going with classic white subway tiles for the shower surround and honestly, no regrets. Like you said, they’re so much more forgiving. I could nudge them a bit here and there, and with slightly wider grout lines in spots where things got weird, you’d never know unless you’re really looking for it. Plus, if one cracks or chips down the line (which happens more than I’d like to admit with kids), it’s a breeze to pop out and replace.
I do love the look of hex tiles—don’t get me wrong—but unless you’ve got perfectly square walls or a pro installer with infinite patience, it’s just not worth the headache in these old houses. Maybe on a small accent floor or niche where you can control the edges, but for big surfaces? Subway all day.
Funny thing is, after all that stress about hiding imperfections, now I kind of appreciate the quirks. The slightly crooked lines just add character... or at least that’s what I tell myself when I spot another wonky corner.
I get the subway tile appeal, but I’ve actually had decent luck with hex tiles in old houses—if you use a flexible, eco-friendly adhesive and a leveling system, it’s not as bad as it seems. Yeah, it takes more time, but the end result can really highlight the quirks instead of hiding them. Plus, smaller tiles can sometimes “bend” with the floor a bit more than big rectangles. I guess it depends on how much patience you’ve got... and how much you care about perfect lines.
Totally get what you mean about hex tiles showing off the quirks—my 1920s bathroom floor is basically a funhouse mirror, and those little hexes just roll with it. Straight lines are overrated anyway... adds character, right? Stick with it, the payoff’s worth the hassle.