What color grout should I be using?
More than an afterthought, the right grout contributes to your tile scheme by creating a cohesive, eye-catching unit.
“How do I choose grout color for tile?” It’s a question we hear a lot. The short answer: there are no rules. But there are a few guidelines that will help you make a choice that you won’t regret.
The color of your grout will significantly impact your overall design and is just as important in your decision-making process as choosing your tile color. Grout color affects everything from the overall style of your design to the daily maintenance requirements of your installation, so be sure to take your time when considering your grout color options.
What color grout is easiest to clean?
If cleaning is what you’re most concerned about, we always recommend going darker. Location is also something to consider. We’ve had both light and dark grout for our backsplashes, bathroom flooring, shower floor, and shower walls. The only place we ever had issues on discoloration was shower floors when it was a lighter grout.
Lighter grout will show stains more quickly, and although darker grout will make the grout stand out more the likelihood of getting stains is less.
So, if you’re also a perfectionist, you might want to go with a grout that matches your tile color. An all-white backsplash sure does make your kitchen look clean! But if you choose a lighter tile and don’t want to see one stain, you’ll have to choose your battle. A little bleach on lighter tile works magic too!
Should grout be lighter or darker than tile?
It comes down to preference and how much you want your tiles to blend or stand out. Typically, we match grout color with the tiles unless we’re looking for a bold contrast.
If you have lighter tiles and do a darker grout, it’s a fun focal point for a good conversation piece in your home. With lighter grout, it all blends in and the tile design is harder to view.
Style 1: Match your grout to your tile color
If you want your tile to be the center of attention, and not necessarily the pattern, we suggest matching your grout color to your tile color. This will prevent the eye from being distracted from the pattern found within the grout line. This style works well with neutral tile colors, especially white tile where you want the white to look fresh and clean. Keep in mind that a lighter grout color like white can potentially show more stains and will require more maintenance to keep it looking its best.
White Tile with White Grout
The ever-popular combo that may seem boring when we type it out, but in reality is a classic, timeless and gives any room a clean updated look. Among the most popular options in the white tile category, we have the subway tile. This has been the go-to tile for DIY home renovations for quite some time and for a good reason. It is classic, very affordable, and is something that will never go out of style. Conclusion – white grout makes the room feel bigger.
What Color Grout To Use with Gray Tile?
With gray tiles, we always recommend matching the grout with tiles.
Style 2: Choose a contrasting grout color
If you’re looking to make a statement with your tile and grout, choosing a grout that contrasts your tile color will do the trick. The contrast between your tile and your grout color will emphasize the overall pattern and layout of your tile, creating a graphic focal point in your space.
A dark grout joint is a great way to add contrast to a classic white subway tile. The contrasting grout warms up the white tile, preventing any sense of sterility while adding depth and dimension. Not to mention, a dark grout is easier to keep clean!
Black Tile with White Grout
It was huge in the ’90s and in the right modern space has always been classic, Now when you go with a black tile and a white grout you are going to see that visually (like with white tile and black grout) things start looking a bit busier and you do make out the shapes of the tiles more so than you would if it was all tonal. Still, a very pretty look which we love.
Style 3: Find a neutral balance
If you are looking for something in between matching and contrasting grout color, try a neutral that is just a few shades off your tile color. For example, in the commercial backsplash below a neutral gray softens the green tile for a look that is eye-catching but not overly graphic and demanding. For a more subtle look, try a neutral tile color with a warm white or grey grout, for a perfectly balanced neutral look.
White Tile with a Brown or Cream Grout
Now, what happens when we pair a white tile with a brown or cream grout? Visually it does look like the tiles are an off white and the grout is a brown color – so it gives you the idea of what it might look like. it is a very specific look which makes it a little less timeless than the other, but when done well it can work and brings a graphic element to space
Golden and silver grout, which can be coordinated with your taps or shower fittings. We love this winning combination of silver and gold.
So, what is your favorite combo? Do you love the monochromatic of the white on white and black on black or do you think you could get behind mixing in some brown grout with your black or white tiles?
Choosing grout color should be guided by your taste and your design. Add in a little of this advice and you’ll be able to choose your grout colors like an expert.
We hope you found this bit of information helpful, inspiring, and motivating toward renovating your kitchen and bathroom. Also, you can find best selling colors of grouts by clicking here for grouts.
