Hex Tiles: Big and Bold in the Bath
Six-sided tiles are huge now and popping up in increasingly creative bathroom installations. What will designers do with them next?
Becky Harris
August 20, 2015
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
We’ve seen sweet petite black and white hexagonal tiles on classic bathroom floors for more than 100 years. The patterns are familiar and much-loved, and are particularly popular in Victorian and Arts and Crafts-era homes — and in newer homes wanting to capture those classic looks. But bigger, bolder hex tiles are making waves in the bathroom these days, and they are not just sticking to the floor.
Until recently, we mostly knew hex tiles in a sweet black and white 1-inch pattern with flower details. They’ve been gracing the floors of classic bathrooms for more than a century, sometimes mixing with mint green and Pepto Bismol pink.
But then one day, hex tiles began a remarkable growth spurt. They swelled to 2, 3, then over 4 inches wide. Here they are at 4¼ inches. They still have the charming little flower pattern in contrasting black, but in an ironic postmodern way and with a light blue center.
Tile: B&W Tile
Tile: B&W Tile
At 5 to 6 inches, plain white hex tiles have a clean and simple Scandinavian modern look. And designers no longer felt limited to the floor — they began covering the walls with them.
Then designers started to make these large tiles stand out more by using dark grout, kind of like accentuating eyes with eyeliner.
Next large hex tiles went dark, showing up in deep grays, smoky charcoals and moody blacks.
Tile: Tile & Stone Warehouse
Tile: Tile & Stone Warehouse
The classic black and white pairing has taken on new patterns. Op Art-inspired geometric patterns bring strong graphics to a room. On this floor, sliced hexagons dance and play with the eye.
Large hex tiles are now available in a wide range of colors and in other materials: glass, cement, marble and more. On this wall, four-sided pie-slice shapes make up very large hexagons, creating a geometric spiderweb pattern in the bright blue glass.
Tile: Feza by Kale in Glossy Oil Blue
Tile: Feza by Kale in Glossy Oil Blue
When the tile is arranged in lines, as on the floor here, interesting shapes emerge that you wouldn’t see if the tiles were all one color.
A colorful Beijing bathroom has an animated look thanks to this playful take on pixels.
In this Quebec bath, the black spreads across the walls and floor from the shower stall into the rest of the room, one 8-inch hex tile at a time.
This bathroom proves that standard classics are anything but mundane. The tile proportions and arrangement shake up what we’d expect from a typical chair rail and subway and hexagonal tiles. The floor hints that the tub was painted right where it sits now, without a drop cloth. White hexagonal-shaped droplets spill out beyond the area around it, breaking up the horizontal black and white lines.
Of course, hex tiles don’t just hang out in minimalist cabins outside of Copenhagen or avant-garde penthouses in Beijing. Large hex tiles have been making appearances in bathrooms of all styles, showing up in materials like luxe onyx …
In fact, large hex tiles fit into even the most traditional-style spaces. In this classic bathroom, 6-inch Carrara marble tiles create an updated look.
Are you considering large hex tiles at home? Do you think the classic geometry will keep it from going out of style?
More
Browse hex tiles in the Shop section
Homeowners Give the Pink Sink Some Love
Are you considering large hex tiles at home? Do you think the classic geometry will keep it from going out of style?
More
Browse hex tiles in the Shop section
Homeowners Give the Pink Sink Some Love
Related Stories
Remodeling Guides
5 Secrets to a Smooth-Running Family Bathroom
Pros say these are the must-have features for creating an efficient shared bathroom
Full Story
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Bathrooms So Far in 2024
By Elena Vega
Creativity flows freely in ways big and small in these inspiring colorful and neutral baths
Full Story
Bathroom Workbook
How to Remodel a Bathroom
Create a vision, make a budget, choose your style and materials, hire the right pros and get the project done
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
How to Prepare for a Bathroom Remodel
By Becky Harris
Ease the disruption of a bathroom renovation with these 10 tips
Full Story
Houzz TV
5 Trends for Kitchen and Bath Products in 2024
See fascinating new features for showers, tubs, faucets and more launched at the 2024 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show
Full Story
Showers
4 Stylish New Bathrooms With a Shower-Tub Combo
See how designers play with tile, color and vanity selection to elevate the look and feel of this classic bathroom setup
Full Story
Decluttering
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Bathroom
Streamline your bath and your bathing routine to create a place of renewal
Full Story
Events
10 Trends for New Kitchen and Bath Faucets and Fixtures in 2024
See the latest in colorful sinks and tubs, innovative shower features and more launched at the KBIS 2024 trade show
Full Story
Events
10 Design Trends for New Kitchen and Bath Products in 2024
See the latest shower features, countertop looks, faucets, appliances and more that debuted at the KBIS 2024 trade show
Full Story
New This Week
8 Exceptional New Bathrooms With a Curbless Shower
Designers share details on how this feature can provide a safe entry point, expand visual space and add style
Full Story
I really like the black floor with white splashes. I look at it and think that it looks more as if water has been splashed around. Although, I am not keen on the different styles have been included in the one room.
Hexagonal Tiles Sydney - We are finding great demand for the hexagonal tiles that are now coming in from Europe in a larger format. You end up with approx 25pieces per sqm. Concrete look, Carrara Marble imitation and patterns are all available. Kalafrana Ceramics Sydney.
.
i can earn money just for watching this page :D its awesome ..join this site http://www.clixsense.com/?r=8860309&p=View_Ads and start earning for free :D