Will hex tile look weird in a 1940's house bathroom?

11 years ago

The only house we could afford to buy in the expensive SF Bay Area was a 1940's tiny ranch with no character. (And I'm thrilled just to be able to have ANY house here, so we're trying to make it cute by rehabbing.) I have always loved 1" hex tile- especially in white with a flower pattern in black, grey or blue. So when we started planning the bathroom remodel, I naturally thought we would do hex tile flowered floors. But now that we are closer to the final decision, I wonder if it will look like it belongs in a victorian house and look out of place in the one small bathroom in our 1940-built house. My husband doesn't care- he says if I like it, then that's what we should do. But as with all of my design dilemmas, I am seeking the advice of my gardenweb experts! What do you think folks? (The shower walls will be 3x6 white glossy subway tile- that is certain.) I've debated penny tile floors as well but still can't get the hex out of my heart! :)

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Comments (5)

jerzeegirl
11 years ago
There are plenty of 1940s homes that had hex tiles. Why would you use a tile that you are blah about? Get exactly what you love and create your own style.
Fori
11 years ago
You're asking Halloween--that's a sign that you should go with the hex!

Also it'll be perfectly appropriate.
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palimpsest
11 years ago
I would consider using hex but not in a white color and not with the flower pattern. After the 1920s, the more popular colors are pale greys and pastels.

(Technically 4x4 would have been more common than 3x6 by the 1930s too, but the brick shape is in such common usage now, I don't think this matters).

If you are not using rectified (flat edge) tile, look at Daltile, they also have a 2" hex which was more common later. Look at American Restoration Tile for period colors and other patterns. The Pentagon and Block Random patterns (under "Spiral") would be very appropriate, and there are alternate hex patterns as well.

Here is a link that might be useful: American Restoration Tile
mandyann_
11 years ago
When we remodeled the main bathroom in our house a few years ago (house was built in 1940), we pulled up vinyl flooring to reveal the original tile floor underneath. It is 1" white hex tile (no flowers). It may not have been the norm in houses of that era but apparently isn't unheard of.

Incidentally we retiled the walls in 3x6 white subway tile, like you did!
Hunzi
11 years ago
Hex is classic and timeless. You can't go wrong with hex.