Hexagon tiles are making an appearance everywhere, from fashionable kitchens to fabulous bathrooms and even functional laundry rooms! Once a classic design element in historic buildings and flooring, the hexagon tile is now emerging with a twist. They combine geometric detailing with traditional appeal. With new and improved materials and finishes, these tiles offer exceptional durability, flexibility, and a contemporary style that is ideal for any residential or commercial application.
Read this blog to understand where to install these hexagons, understand finishes, sizes, design choices, and materials. We will also discuss how to install these distinct hexagon tiles. This will help you make informed decisions for any next renovation project.
Select from the Popular Materials
Before finalizing where and how to apply hexagon tiles in your interior design, you have the option to choose from a wide range of materials. These tiles are incredibly popular and work with materials like porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, glass, and metal. They are an exceptional choice for various walls, floors, and backsplash spaces, due to their hard-wearing surface. Marble hexagon floors require a little more care, as they need proper sealing.
Hexagon tiles are extremely versatile, which makes them a still-renowned choice. Porcelain hexagons can imitate the look of natural wood or stone, while ceramic tiles bring a wide variety of colors and patterns. For something classic, luxurious, opt for marble mosaics. They are hard to beat, providing a natural glow that enhances any space. In practical areas such as bathrooms or showers, the hexagon pattern offers a non-slip finish and textured surface, making it ideal for flooring.
How Grout and Color enhance Hexagon Patterns?
The way hexagon tiles are laid has as much influence as the material itself. Grout choice, color compatibility, and layout pattern are the core of the tile.
Grout:
Grout is the essential part of any tile installation project. Choosing the right grout shade for the hexagon will accentuate the appearance of the space. A contrasting grout color will provide a bold visual effect. For example, white tiles with dark grout give a seamless, uniform, and minimalist look.
Color:
Classic black, white, or grey tiles are a timeless and safe choice for any application. You can combine two shade hexagons, like gold and blue, for a contrast and to add a personal touch without overpowering the space.
Where to install Hexagon Tiles Across Different Rooms?
Hexagon tiles are extremely flexible and can be incorporated into various areas of your home.
Kitchens:
A hexagon backsplash in the kitchen instantly glorifies the design. White tiles are the top pick, offering a neutral background, while coloured or metallic finishes create a striking center point. Porcelain hexagon floors are a resilient, low-maintenance, and smart investment for busy kitchen spaces. You can also tile them as a feature wall in an open-plan kitchen.
Bathrooms:
Hexagons in bathrooms or showers, with their unique shape and flexibility, add a visual look to the space. They can offer both classic and modern appearances. The hexagon bathroom tile comes in different sizes, varying from 1”, 2”, 6”, to 12”. Smaller hexagons or mosaic hexagons offer better slip-resistance, perfect for shower or bathroom floors. Hexagon tiles can even transform seamlessly from floor to wall, creating a consistent and spacious feel in your room. Large tiles work well in a small bathroom, reducing grout lines and creating an expansive look.
Other Spaces
Hexagon patterns create stunning entryways, hallways, and foyers, offering a robust surface and impressive look. In living rooms, they enhance the whole vibe when used for a fireplace surround. They are also suitable for laundry rooms, swimming pools, and commercial spaces.
Advanced Design Techniques
For projects that demand to amaze, there are some advanced applications that can help set your design apart.
- Transition Effect:
Carry the same tile from the floor to the wall to give a seamless, modern appearance.
- Mixing Shapes:
Use hexagon tiles in conjunction with rectangular or square tiles to provide layers of custom patterns.
- Irregular Edges:
Instead of a clean finish at the border of the hexagon, allow the hexagon pattern to melt away at the edges for a more organic effect.
Practical Considerations for Installers
Hexagon-shaped tiles have gained popularity with homeowners and designers alike in recent years, as a visually intriguing option to the traditional tile shapes. Additionally, they are suitable for both flooring installation and feature walls, offering a classy modern aesthetic. However, they have a unique six-sided shape that requires careful planning and precision. A little bit of planning can go a long way. Take a few moments to plan out your layout before starting. It will limit improper cuts and provide balance to your pattern from the first tile to the last.
- Preparing the Surface
Tiles can only look as good as the surface underneath them. Ensure that the base is clean, dry, and level. Patch cracks or low spots beforehand or utilize a self-leveling compound if required, because a perfect finish starts with a solid foundation.
- Planning the Layout
Before fastening with adhesive, dry-lay a few rows to verify where the pattern flows and make any necessary adjustments so the design flows together smoothly, especially around the edges and corners.
- Cutting Hexagon Tiles
When working with hexagons, clean cuts will make a considerable difference. A good-quality cutter or wet saw will help maintain sharp edges and a consistent pattern throughout.
- Adhesive Application
Apply adhesive to the substrate, using the right trowel. Work in a small area to keep the tiles in place, to allow time for adjustments, and to keep the whole thing from getting out of alignment.
- Grouting and Finishing
Once the tiles are set, it is time to bring everything together. Spread grout evenly, pressing it into the joints, and wipe away the excess. After it dries, a simple buff will restore the brightness. You may also want to seal the grout for extra protection. This will keep your hexagon tiles lasting for years of fresh polish.
More Tips for a Professional Look
- Order Some Extra: A good rule of thumb is to order about an extra 10%. There are always unexpected cuts, the likelihood of breakages, and extra tiles will make maintenance easier later.
- Be patient with the pattern: Hexagon tile gives you some great options, but be patient. Take your time and double-check your alignment to have the appearance flow throughout the space.
- Don’t be afraid to hire an expert: If you think your tile project is too big or complicated, then bring in professional help. Large areas and detailed patterns may need a trained and insured installation expert to take away the time and stress of your tiling project.
Final Thoughts
Hexagon tiles are quickly becoming the preferred option in contemporary bathrooms, kitchens, or any other space, and it’s easy to see why. The unique shape is noticeable, offering more depth and dimension than standard square or rectangular tiles, which may feel rather boring. Hexagons can be found in ceramic, porcelain, marble, and more, allowing you to create more from an intricate mosaic to a persistent, minimal look. This makes hexagons a trending choice among homeowners and designers.