That’s the thing about old houses—perfection is a moving target. My bathroom walls are about as straight as a politician’s promise, so I gave up on perfect lines pretty quick. I used to notice every little crooked tile, but now I barely see them. It’s funny how your eye just adapts. Honestly, I think a bit of wonkiness just adds to the charm. If everything was flawless, it’d feel like I was living in a showroom, not a home.
I totally get what you mean about the charm of imperfection. I picked hex tiles for our bathroom reno, and let me tell you, trying to line them up on our wavy old walls was a trip. At first I obsessed over every little gap, but now I barely notice. Honestly, the quirks just make it feel more “ours.” If I wanted everything perfect, I’d just go to a hotel, right?
I get the appeal of “quirks,” but honestly, I think there’s something satisfying about crisp lines and symmetry, especially in a bathroom.
For me, it’s not about perfection—it’s about craftsmanship. Subway tiles might seem basic, but when they’re lined up just right, they give a space this timeless, intentional look. Hex tiles are cool, but if the walls are wavy, sometimes the imperfections just look... unfinished rather than charming. Maybe I’m just picky, but I’d rather spend the extra time getting things as close to perfect as possible.If I wanted everything perfect, I’d just go to a hotel, right?
I get what you mean about craftsmanship.
Have you ever tried recycled glass subway tiles? They’re super crisp but also eco-friendly. I do like hex tiles, but if the walls aren’t straight, it can drive me nuts trying to get them to look right. Do you think the extra effort is worth it for the symmetry, or would you ever go for something more forgiving like handmade zellige?“Subway tiles might seem basic, but when they’re lined up just right, they give a space this timeless, intentional look.”
Subway Tiles Vs. Hexagon Tiles In The Bathroom—What’s Your Pick?
“I do like hex tiles, but if the walls aren’t straight, it can drive me nuts trying to get them to look right.”
Totally hear you on that. I once spent hours trying to get hex tiles to line up in a 1920s bungalow—nothing was square, and it nearly broke me. But when it’s done right, the symmetry is gorgeous. Zellige is way more forgiving, though, and the imperfections actually add character. Ever had a client insist on perfect grout lines with zellige? That’s a battle you just can’t win... Curious if you’ve found any tricks for getting hex tiles to play nice with wavy old walls?
