Hexagon Bathroom Tiles in Ireland
Six-sided tiles have a long history in bathrooms. Small hexagonal floor tiles were a standard feature of early twentieth-century bathrooms, valued because they were hard-wearing, easy to clean and gave good grip on wet floors. Today, hexagon bathroom tiles, often called hex tiles or honeycomb tiles, are popular again, but in a far wider range of designs and layouts. They appear in modern en-suites, period bathroom renovations, family bathrooms and walk-in showers, and they are one of the most shared bathroom ideas in home renovation groups and interiors communities online.
Part of the appeal is that the shape feels natural. The honeycomb pattern is found throughout nature, so a hexagonal floor or wall looks organic and balanced rather than rigid. At the same time, the shape is unmistakably geometric, which gives the bathroom a crafted, design-led look. Homeowners who have used hexagon tiles often say the same thing: the shape adds personality to the room without needing bold colour, and a small area of hex tiles is enough to make a plain bathroom feel considered.
Why are hexagon tiles so popular in bathrooms?
The first reason is character. Most bathroom tiles are square or rectangular, so a honeycomb pattern immediately stands out. It turns a floor, a shower wall or a splashback into a feature, and it photographs well, which is why hexagon bathrooms are so widely shared on social media and in renovation groups. Many people choose hex tiles because they want their bathroom to look different from a standard builder's finish, without committing to a busy pattern.
The second reason is versatility. Hexagonal tiles suit almost every bathroom style. In a period home, small hex tiles on the floor recall the original bathrooms of the early 1900s and sit naturally beside a roll top bath and pedestal basin. In a modern bathroom, larger hexagons on a shower wall or floor create a contemporary, architectural look. They can be subtle or bold, depending on the layout and grout, which means the same shape works in a calm, neutral scheme and in a playful, colourful one.
The third reason is practicality. On bathroom and shower floors, smaller hex tiles have more grout lines than large tiles, which adds grip underfoot when the floor is wet. Their shape also follows the slope of a shower floor towards the drain more easily than large square tiles.
Where do hexagon tiles work best in a bathroom?
Bathroom floors
The floor is the classic place for hexagon tiles, and many homeowners say it is the easiest way to give a bathroom personality while keeping the walls simple. A hex floor works especially well in a small bathroom or cloakroom, where a plain floor can look flat and a pattern adds interest without taking up any space. In a family bathroom, smaller hexagons give extra grip and hide everyday marks within the pattern. Always choose a floor tile with a suitable slip rating for wet areas.
Shower walls and shower floors
A wall of honeycomb tiles inside a walk-in shower creates a clear focal point, especially behind clear glass. Using the same hex tile on the shower floor and continuing it up the back wall gives the shower a continuous, wrapped look that many people love. On the shower floor itself, smaller hexagons follow the fall towards the drain and add grip. Our guide on how to choose shower tiles explains what to look for in the wettest areas.
Splashbacks and feature walls
Behind a basin or vanity unit, a hexagon splashback adds detail at eye level, framed by the mirror, and protects the wall from splashes and toothpaste. Because it covers a small area, it is one of the most affordable ways to bring the honeycomb look into a bathroom, and it works well in a cloakroom where the basin wall is the first thing guests see. A hex splashback also pairs neatly with a wall hung vanity unit, as the pattern continues visually into the clear space below.
A full feature wall behind the bath or toilet makes a bolder statement. Textured or three-dimensional hex tiles add depth through light and shadow rather than colour, which suits bathrooms where you want interest without a busy pattern. Running hexagons up to ceiling height on one wall, while keeping the other walls plain, gives the room a clear focal point and keeps the overall look balanced.
Which hexagon layouts and patterns can you create?
One reason hex tiles are so popular in renovation communities is the number of patterns they allow. As a guide, a single-tone honeycomb across the whole floor gives a calm, textured look. A two-tone pattern, mixing light and darker tiles, can create flowers, rosettes, stripes or a random scattered effect. A fade or transition pattern, where darker tiles gradually thin out across the floor, adds movement and is a favourite in walk-in showers and wet rooms.
Hexagons are also popular for floor transitions. Because of their stepped edge, hex tiles can be laid with an irregular, broken border that flows into another flooring, such as a wood-effect floor in an en-suite opening onto a bedroom, instead of a straight line. On walls, hexagons can be laid to a scattered edge that fades out partway up the wall, rather than stopping at a straight line. These finishing details take more planning and cutting, but they are among the most admired ideas shared in bathroom renovation groups.
What goes well with hexagon bathroom tiles?
Because hexagons are a strong shape, they look best when the rest of the bathroom is kept simple. A popular combination is hex tiles on the floor with metro or plain rectangular tiles on the walls, which balances pattern with calm. Another is plain walls with a hexagon shower wall, keeping the feature contained to one zone. In terms of colour, light tones keep a small room bright, neutral tones let the shape provide interest, and darker or bolder tones create a dramatic feature, especially in a shower.
For fittings, brushed brass works well in period and warm schemes, matt black gives a graphic, modern edge, and chrome keeps the look bright and classic. Grout has a big effect on hex tiles. A matching grout softens the pattern, while a contrasting grout outlines every hexagon and creates a strong honeycomb effect. In a busy family bathroom, a mid-tone grout is the most forgiving. For wider design ideas, see our guide to choosing bathroom tiles.
How do you plan and fit hexagon tiles?
Hexagon tiles need a little more planning than square tiles. Their angled edges mean cuts are needed along every straight wall, at the bath edge and around the toilet, so allow extra tiles for cutting and breakages, especially for patterned layouts. Many smaller hexagons come on backed sheets, which makes them quicker to lay. Set out the layout from the centre of the room or the most visible area, so the pattern looks balanced and cut tiles fall at the edges or under furniture. Our guide to cutting tiles explains the tools and techniques. Tile Merchant supplies tiles and accessories only and does not provide fitting, so we recommend using a qualified tiler, especially for transition and fade patterns.
Hexagon patterns look very different across a whole floor than on a single tile, so it is worth seeing them at home before you decide. Order up to five free samples delivered to your door, or visit one of our showrooms in Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
What are honeycomb tiles?
Honeycomb tiles is another name for hexagon tiles. The six-sided shape fits together in a pattern like a honeycomb.
Are hexagon tiles good for a bathroom floor?
Yes. Smaller hex tiles add grip on wet floors, hide everyday marks within the pattern and suit both period and modern bathrooms.
Do hexagon tiles work in a small bathroom?
Yes. A hex floor adds interest without taking up space. Keep the walls simple so the pattern does not overwhelm the room.
Are hexagon tiles harder to install?
They need more cuts along straight edges, so allow extra tiles. Sheet-backed hexagons make laying quicker.
Can I get samples of hexagon bathroom tiles?
Yes. You can order up to five free tile samples delivered to your door to compare designs in your own bathroom.