Mixing subway and hex is a solid combo—definitely adds some visual interest without feeling too busy. I’ve noticed buyers really respond to that “opened up” vibe you get from hex on the floor.
Couldn’t agree more—mid-tone grout is easier to keep looking fresh, especially in rentals. Subway’s classic, but hex gives a little extra character.“matte hex tiles hide water spots better than glossy ones, but the grout still needs love.”
I get the appeal of mixing subway and hex, but I lean hex for floors every time—especially if you’re thinking about long-term wear. Did a reno last year with recycled matte hex tiles and a charcoal grout, and honestly, it’s been a game changer for hiding dirt and water marks. Subway’s timeless, sure, but I find it can look a bit sterile on its own unless you break it up with something textured or colored. Hex just brings more personality, and if you source them responsibly, the eco impact is actually pretty minimal. Grout maintenance is still a pain, though... there’s no getting around that.
I hear you on the hex tiles—there’s just something about them that feels a bit more fun, especially in an old house where you want a nod to the past but not a museum vibe. I did hex on my bathroom floor too, and it hides the chaos of daily life way better than the subway tile in my kitchen. Grout, though... yeah, it’s like a magnet for every speck of dirt. I’ve just accepted it as part of the “historic charm” package.
Grout, though... yeah, it’s like a magnet for every speck of dirt. I’ve just accepted it as part of the “historic charm” package.
- Totally agree on the hex tiles hiding mess—pattern really helps.
- Grout is my nemesis too. I tried a darker grout once and it was a game changer for maintenance.
- Subway tiles look clean but every crumb shows up on those straight lines.
- Hex feels more forgiving, especially with pets or kids running around.
- Still, subway’s easier to clean if you’re up for frequent wipe-downs.
I hear you on the grout drama, but honestly, I’ve found that hex tiles can be a bit of a pain for cleaning too. All those extra edges and corners seem to collect gunk faster than I expected. I went with recycled glass subway tiles in my last reno—yeah, the straight lines show crumbs, but a quick swipe with a damp cloth does the trick. Plus, they reflect light so nicely that the whole bathroom feels brighter. Maybe it’s just me, but I’d rather deal with visible crumbs than spend ages scrubbing tiny grout lines...