If I ever redo it, I’m going for those big slabs with barely any grout lines. Maybe not as Pinterest-worthy, but my knees will thank me later.
I get the cleaning struggle, but honestly, I kinda love the look of smaller tiles. We did hexagons in our powder room and yeah, the grout is a pain, but it gives the space so much personality. Big slabs are easier, sure, but sometimes they just feel a bit... sterile? I guess it’s a trade-off between style and sanity. I’m still in the “let’s try something fun” phase, though—ask me again after a year of scrubbing.
Tile Choices in Tight Spots
I get the appeal of those smaller tiles—there’s something about a unique mosaic or pattern that makes a cramped space feel less boring. That said, after spending a few weekends on my knees regrouting the teensy subway tiles in our mudroom, I’m not sure I’d do it again. The look is cool, but man, cleaning all those lines gets old fast.
We tried big tiles in our upstairs bath and yeah, they don’t have as much “wow” factor, but I barely notice the grout anymore (or the dirt). I guess it comes down to how much you want to be on your hands and knees down the road. Honestly, if I had a magic wand, I’d go for something in between—maybe larger rectangles with a fun layout or color. Not convinced there’s a perfect answer... every time I visit someone else’s house, I start second-guessing my own choices.
The look is cool, but man, cleaning all those lines gets old fast.
Totally get this. I went with hex tiles in our tiny laundry nook because they were on sale, and now I’m constantly scrubbing grout. Has anyone tried those “groutless” vinyl tiles? Wondering if they actually hold up or just look cheap.
I’ve actually tried those vinyl tiles in a rental, and honestly, they surprised me. They’re not as cheap-looking as I expected, especially if you pick a matte finish. But I’ll admit, they don’t have the same “feel” as real tile. If you’re on a budget and sick of grout, they’re a solid option. The only thing is, if your floor isn’t perfectly level, you might notice some lifting at the edges over time. Still, way less scrubbing...
Cramped Spaces And Weird Tile Choices—Anyone Else?
That’s actually reassuring to hear about the matte finish. I’ve always been a bit skeptical of vinyl, but it sounds like they’ve come a long way. The lack of grout maintenance is a real draw. I do wonder, though, if there’s any way to avoid the lifting at the edges—maybe with better underlayment? Still, for rentals or quick fixes, it seems like a smart compromise.