Hexagon Tiles in Bengaluru: Sizes, Finishes and Fitting Tips

Hexagon tiles break away from the usual grid of squares and rectangles. The six-sided shape creates a honeycomb pattern that feels lively even in a single colour, which is why they have become a favourite for bathroom walls, TV walls and kitchen backsplashes.

Sizes and how hexagons are measured

A hexagon has two different widths. Measured from one corner point to the opposite corner, it is wider. Measured from one flat side to the opposite flat side, it is narrower. Tile makers usually list both numbers.

A common ceramic hexagon wall tile is about 173.2 x 150 mm, which is this point-to-flat style of measurement. There is also a "lantern" shape of around 128.5 x 154.5 mm, a stretched hexagon with curved or angled ends that interlocks in a different rhythm.

Because the shape does not tile into neat rows of squares, do not try to calculate quantity by counting tiles along a wall. Work with the wall area in sq ft, then ask how many tiles of that size cover one square foot or one box.

Finishes and mixing them

Hexagon wall tiles come in several finishes:

Mixing finishes in one colour is a quiet way to add depth. For example, a white wall with mostly matt tiles and a scattered few glossy ones looks textured without being loud. You can also run a gradient, dense with one finish at the bottom and fading out towards the top. Lay the pattern out on the floor first and photograph it, because a random mix is harder to get right than it looks.

Cutting, edges and wastage

The angled sides mean every edge of the wall, every corner and every switch box needs cut tiles. This is the main practical difference from square tiles.

• Expect more wastage. Plan noticeably more extra than with square tiles. Our guide on how much extra tile to buy explains the reasoning.
• Decide the edge treatment early. You can cut the hexagons straight along the edge, or let them end in a zig-zag line where the hexagon wall meets plain paint or another tile. The zig-zag looks deliberate but must be planned before fixing starts.
• Keep the first row level. A small error at the bottom grows into a visible wave by the top of the wall.

Grout colour

Grout plays a bigger part with hexagons because there are more joints per sq ft. A matching grout lets the shape read softly. A contrast grout, like grey on white, makes the honeycomb outline the main feature. Use spacers suited to the shape and keep joints even. See our grout and spacers guide for more.

Where they work, and where they don't

Hexagons work well on TV unit walls, bathroom walls, kitchen backsplashes, balcony walls and bedroom feature walls.

Works well:

• One feature wall in a bathroom, such as behind the basin or in the shower
• A TV wall or bed-back wall in a bedroom
• A backsplash strip between counter and cabinets
• A covered balcony wall

Think twice:

• Floors, unless the tile is rated for them
• Small walls broken up by many switches, windows and pipes, where cuts multiply
• Every wall in a small room, which can feel busy. Pair with plain wall tiles

Visit with your wall size

Measure the wall height and width, note any windows or niches, and contact the shop to ask which hexagon sizes and finishes are available now.