Comparison of matte black hexagon floor tiles and glossy white square tiles in a modern living room setting.

Hexagon vs Square Tiles: Choosing the Perfect Shape for Your Home

Comparison of matte black hexagon floor tiles and glossy white square tiles in a modern living room setting.

The shape of your tiles can transform any space. Beyond color and texture, tile shape defines style, impacts perception of space, and influences installation complexity. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or living area, choosing between hexagon vs square tiles can make or break your design.

In this guide, we’ll explore each tile shape, weigh the pros and cons, and provide actionable tips to help you make the right choice for your project.

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Hexagon Tiles – Modern, Geometric, and Trend-Forward

Modern living room featuring dark grey matte hexagon floor tiles with white grout lines for a trend-forward geometric look.

Design & Visual Impact

Hexagon tiles are instantly recognizable for their geometric charm. Their honeycomb pattern creates a contemporary, visually striking effect. They are perfect for feature walls, backsplashes, bathroom floors, and even accent ceilings. Using hexagon tiles can turn a simple space into a design statement. Also, read the guide on 40 Hexagon Bathroom Floor Tile Ideas for a Stylish Upgrade.

Installation & Practicality

Hexagon tiles are slightly more complex to install than square tiles. Aligning the edges, cutting corner tiles, and managing grout lines requires precision. Professional installation ensures your geometric pattern remains seamless and polished.

Space & Optical Illusions

Hexagon tiles can make small rooms feel larger by guiding the eye in multiple directions. Their intricate shapes break monotony, creating a perception of depth and movement. For medium to large areas, combining hexagon tiles with neutral grout can balance boldness with harmony.

Material & Finish Options

Available in ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone, hexagon tiles offer flexibility in design and function:

  • Glossy finishes: Reflect light and brighten the space
  • Matte finishes: Add understated elegance
  • Textured surfaces: Provide grip for bathroom and kitchen floors

Maintenance Tips

While hexagon tiles require slightly more care, regular cleaning and grout sealing can keep them vibrant and long-lasting. For natural stone hexagons, periodic sealing is essential to prevent staining.

Explore hexagon tiles

Square Tiles – Classic, Versatile, and Timeless

Classic living room with glossy white square marble-look floor tiles, showcasing a timeless and versatile interior design.

Design & Visual Appeal

Square tiles have been a go-to choice for decades due to their versatility and clean look. They can fit any interior style—from contemporary minimalism to traditional charm. Square tiles are ideal for floors, walls, kitchens, bathrooms, and commercial spaces.

Installation & Practicality

Square tiles are simpler and faster to install. Their uniform shape reduces cutting requirements, making them cost-effective and less prone to errors during installation.

Space & Size Benefits

Square tiles suit large surfaces, creating a harmonious, continuous look. They can also be combined with creative patterns like checkerboard, herringbone, or diagonal layouts to add interest without complicating installation.

Material & Finish Options

Square tiles come in porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone, offering:

  • Matte, polished, or textured finishes
  • Durable options for high-traffic areas
  • Easy-to-match patterns for coordinated interiors

Maintenance & Longevity

Square tiles are easier to clean and maintain, making them ideal for busy kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. They withstand wear and tear, ensuring a long-lasting and practical flooring solution.

Explore square tile options

Hexagon vs Square Tiles – Detailed Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Hexagon Tiles Square Tiles
Design Impact Modern, geometric, statement-making Classic, versatile, timeless
Installation Moderate difficulty Easy
Space Suitability Small or accent areas Large and uniform surfaces
Cost Slightly higher Budget-friendly
Maintenance Moderate, requires grout care Easy, low-maintenance

This quick comparison helps you weigh your options based on style, practicality, and budget.

Trending Designs & Inspiration

  1. Kitchens: Hexagon tiles for backsplashes, square tiles for countertops and floors.

  2. Bathrooms: Hexagon floors for a unique visual effect, square walls for clean elegance.

  3. Living Rooms & Entryways: Square tiles for large areas, hexagon accents for focal points.

Visual Suggestion: Include lifestyle images showing hexagon tiles in small bathrooms, square tiles in large living rooms, and combined patterns for inspiration.

39 Stylish, Elegant Tile Designs to Transform Your Home

How to Choose the Right Tile Shape

Consider Your Room Size

  • Small or irregular spaces → hexagon tiles
  • Large, uniform spaces → square tiles

Match Your Style

  • Modern geometric → hexagon
  • Classic and versatile → square

Think About Maintenance & Cost

  • Hexagon tiles: slightly higher cost, require careful upkeep
  • Square tiles: cost-effective and easy to maintain

Installation Complexity

  • DIY-friendly → square
  • Professional recommended → hexagon

Read Guide on Right Tiles For Your Home

Conclusion

Choosing between hexagon vs square tiles depends on style, space, budget, and installation preference. Hexagon tiles offer a bold, geometric flair perfect for statement areas, while square tiles deliver classic elegance, versatility, and ease of installation.

FAQs

Are hexagon tiles harder to clean than square tiles?

Hexagon tiles can require slightly more maintenance due to additional grout lines. However, with regular cleaning and proper sealing—especially for natural stone or textured finishes—they remain easy to care for and maintain their beauty over time.

Which tile shape is better for small bathrooms?

Hexagon tiles are ideal for small bathrooms. Their geometric pattern adds visual depth, making the space appear larger and more dynamic. Pairing them with light grout can further enhance the sense of openness.

Can square tiles be used for modern designs?

Absolutely. Square tiles are extremely versatile. When combined with contemporary patterns, textures, or bold colors, they create a modern, clean look without overwhelming the space.

Are hexagon tiles more expensive than square tiles?

Generally, yes. Hexagon tiles often cost more due to intricate cutting requirements and slightly higher installation complexity. However, the visual impact and design versatility can justify the investment.

Which tile shape is easier for DIY installation?

Square tiles are easier for DIY projects. Their uniform shape simplifies layout, alignment, and cutting, making them a beginner-friendly option. Hexagon tiles are best installed by professionals to ensure perfect alignment.

Can hexagon and square tiles be combined in a single design?

Yes, combining hexagon and square tiles can create unique patterns and statement areas. For example, a hexagon feature wall surrounded by square floor tiles adds texture and visual interest without cluttering the space.

Which tile shape is more durable for high-traffic areas?

Both hexagon and square tiles can be durable if made from quality materials like porcelain or natural stone. Square tiles are often preferred for large, high-traffic areas due to simpler installation and fewer grout lines that can wear over time.

How do I choose between matte and glossy finishes for these tiles?

Glossy tiles reflect light and can make a room appear brighter and more spacious, ideal for small or darker areas. Matte tiles provide a subtle, sophisticated look and offer better slip resistance, perfect for bathrooms and kitchen floors.

Are there trends favoring hexagon over square tiles?

Hexagon tiles have grown in popularity in modern interiors due to their geometric appeal and ability to create feature walls. Square tiles, however, remain a timeless choice and are trending in minimalist and classic designs.

Do hexagon tiles require special grout care?

Yes, because hexagon tiles have more grout lines per square foot than square tiles, it’s important to choose a high-quality grout and seal it regularly to prevent staining and discoloration.