What Grout Color
Should You Choose For Your Tile?!
Hello Friends,
More than an afterthought, the
right grout contributes to your tile scheme by creating a cohesive,
eye-catching unit.
Picking out new tile for your kitchen, bathroom or other
space can be rather exciting. It’s easy to get caught up in looking at tile
samples and the various colors, materials and patterns that are going to have a
big impact in your home. But what often gets overlooked or downplayed is the
selection of the grout color. And that shouldn’t be the case.
The color of your grout can make or break the look of your tile. The grout color can create different effects or visually blend away. To help you choose the right grout color for your tile scheme, here are some favorite looks you might want to consider, along with some general advice for virtually every tiling scenario you might encounter.
The color of your grout can make or break the look of your tile. The grout color can create different effects or visually blend away. To help you choose the right grout color for your tile scheme, here are some favorite looks you might want to consider, along with some general advice for virtually every tiling scenario you might encounter.
White Tile +
White or Light Grout
When white or very light tile is paired with a matching white or almost-white grout, the lines between tiles visually disappear and the entire surface blends together. The result is a look that doesn’t tend to draw attention. For this reason, this pairing is perfect when you don’t want your tile to be a feature; especially in modern spaces that already have dramatic flair elsewhere. This combo is also great for a small bathroom you want to make it look as large as possible. By keeping the walls light and seamless looking, you avoid visual breaks that could shrink your perception of the space, so the room feels big and breezy.
Keep in mind that a truly white or very light grout will not be forgiving when it comes to stains or discolorations, so it may take a little extra care or upkeep to maintain that pristine look.
When white or very light tile is paired with a matching white or almost-white grout, the lines between tiles visually disappear and the entire surface blends together. The result is a look that doesn’t tend to draw attention. For this reason, this pairing is perfect when you don’t want your tile to be a feature; especially in modern spaces that already have dramatic flair elsewhere. This combo is also great for a small bathroom you want to make it look as large as possible. By keeping the walls light and seamless looking, you avoid visual breaks that could shrink your perception of the space, so the room feels big and breezy.
Keep in mind that a truly white or very light grout will not be forgiving when it comes to stains or discolorations, so it may take a little extra care or upkeep to maintain that pristine look.
White Tile +
Gray Grout
Once you start to add a little contrast between your tile and grout, the shape of the tile is revealed much more clearly, and the grout itself forms a pattern out of the negative space. Going darker or lighter with the grout, to add more or less contrast, will make the tile pop more and more. A soft gray just a few shades darker than the tile is a popular choice because it highlights a tile pattern without shouting for attention. This is especially true for tiles in which the shape, rather than a color or print, is the main feature, such as the charming fish scale shown here. It’s also useful for calling attention to an interesting layout of tiles in a plain shape, such as classic subway tile laid in a herringbone. The carefully selected pattern is emphasized by the grout, so the extra effort on installation doesn’t go to waste. Even in a simple brick pattern, a soft gray grout paired with white tile makes for a solid choice for traditional or transitional spaces. It brings a level of subtle richness that suits Shaker cabinets, veined stone counters, warm wood floors and other sumptuous finishes — and it’s timeless too
Once you start to add a little contrast between your tile and grout, the shape of the tile is revealed much more clearly, and the grout itself forms a pattern out of the negative space. Going darker or lighter with the grout, to add more or less contrast, will make the tile pop more and more. A soft gray just a few shades darker than the tile is a popular choice because it highlights a tile pattern without shouting for attention. This is especially true for tiles in which the shape, rather than a color or print, is the main feature, such as the charming fish scale shown here. It’s also useful for calling attention to an interesting layout of tiles in a plain shape, such as classic subway tile laid in a herringbone. The carefully selected pattern is emphasized by the grout, so the extra effort on installation doesn’t go to waste. Even in a simple brick pattern, a soft gray grout paired with white tile makes for a solid choice for traditional or transitional spaces. It brings a level of subtle richness that suits Shaker cabinets, veined stone counters, warm wood floors and other sumptuous finishes — and it’s timeless too
White Tile + Black or Dark Grout
Once you start to go very dark with your grout, the grout itself and the patterns it creates start to become the visual focus over the actual tile. Naturally, this high-contrast tile scheme is well suited to spaces in which black and white is the dominant look. It also works for industrial kitchens that eschew bold hues in exchange for metallic elements and rugged textures. The grout already brings a lot of architectural interest, so sparing use of accent colors will keep the space from feeling overloaded.
Once you start to go very dark with your grout, the grout itself and the patterns it creates start to become the visual focus over the actual tile. Naturally, this high-contrast tile scheme is well suited to spaces in which black and white is the dominant look. It also works for industrial kitchens that eschew bold hues in exchange for metallic elements and rugged textures. The grout already brings a lot of architectural interest, so sparing use of accent colors will keep the space from feeling overloaded.
Black Tile
Keep in mind that when you’re dealing with black or very dark tile, the previous rules essentially are reversed.
Keep in mind that when you’re dealing with black or very dark tile, the previous rules essentially are reversed.
Dark grout in a similar tone to a dark tile will create a
softer look, while a light grout will bring out the tile pattern, adding even
more drama. If you like black tile but want to soften the look choose a
charcoal shade for the tile and match it closely, rather than choosing a pure
black and trying to soften it with white. The look will only be more
vivid.
Colorful Grout
If you like the look of grout that pops but don’t want it to be as stark as black and white, consider using a tinted grout that carries a fun hue instead of the usual gray shades. Colorful grout works especially well when it picks up a hue that is found elsewhere in the space, so it feels harmonious to the palette instead of coming out of nowhere. It’s definitely not for everyone, but for those who want a unique look, it can add a lot of personality. Just keep in mind that your grout is not nearly as easy to replace as a coat of paint, so you’ll want to be sure to pick a color you truly love and not a fleeting trend. Like the idea of colorful grout but not the commitment? Try using a patterned paper that echoes the shapes of a tile pattern and use a more basic scheme for the actual tiles themselves. This is a smart approach for a home you plan to leave in the short term. The next occupants can simply change the paper if they don’t share your tastes.
If you like the look of grout that pops but don’t want it to be as stark as black and white, consider using a tinted grout that carries a fun hue instead of the usual gray shades. Colorful grout works especially well when it picks up a hue that is found elsewhere in the space, so it feels harmonious to the palette instead of coming out of nowhere. It’s definitely not for everyone, but for those who want a unique look, it can add a lot of personality. Just keep in mind that your grout is not nearly as easy to replace as a coat of paint, so you’ll want to be sure to pick a color you truly love and not a fleeting trend. Like the idea of colorful grout but not the commitment? Try using a patterned paper that echoes the shapes of a tile pattern and use a more basic scheme for the actual tiles themselves. This is a smart approach for a home you plan to leave in the short term. The next occupants can simply change the paper if they don’t share your tastes.
Colorful Tile +
Gray Grout
Once you move away from stark white or black, pairing vibrant-colored tile with the right shade of grout becomes a bit trickier. It is harder to tell what grout will contrast the tile or blend in. It’s important to look at the color still as having a value — darkness or lightness — that is separate from the intensity of the hue itself. One trick that can help you assess the color value of your tile is to take a photo of the tile and use a program or app to make the image black and white (often referred to as a “saturation” or “desaturate” option). Once you take the hue out of the equation, you can really see how light or dark the color is and choose a grout that will either contrast with or match that level of value to get the result you want. Choosing a gray grout that is close in value to the tile will allow the grout to fade into the background, which creates an uninterrupted color statement. Going a little lighter or darker will subtly highlight the grout a bit more to bring out the pattern, but it won’t create as much contrast as with white tile.
Once you move away from stark white or black, pairing vibrant-colored tile with the right shade of grout becomes a bit trickier. It is harder to tell what grout will contrast the tile or blend in. It’s important to look at the color still as having a value — darkness or lightness — that is separate from the intensity of the hue itself. One trick that can help you assess the color value of your tile is to take a photo of the tile and use a program or app to make the image black and white (often referred to as a “saturation” or “desaturate” option). Once you take the hue out of the equation, you can really see how light or dark the color is and choose a grout that will either contrast with or match that level of value to get the result you want. Choosing a gray grout that is close in value to the tile will allow the grout to fade into the background, which creates an uninterrupted color statement. Going a little lighter or darker will subtly highlight the grout a bit more to bring out the pattern, but it won’t create as much contrast as with white tile.
Colorful Tile + White or Light Grout
Using a white or very light grout
with a vivid tile may sound dramatic, but it actually helps to tame wild colors
and give the space a cleaner, more timeless feel. There is a reason you so
often see bright reds paired with crisp white. It’s because it helps make the
color livable.
Colorful Tile + Colorful Grout
If you’re already adding colorful tile, why not add colorful grout to go with it? A pairing like this cool blue and vibrant yellow feels bold and exotic, bringing a bit of international hotel appeal without much added cost.
If you’re already adding colorful tile, why not add colorful grout to go with it? A pairing like this cool blue and vibrant yellow feels bold and exotic, bringing a bit of international hotel appeal without much added cost.
Other Design Considerations
Besides the tile color and shade, there are other factors that can affect how the look of your grout will turn out, for more on tile and grout combos visit https://goo.gl/TzMwJs
Besides the tile color and shade, there are other factors that can affect how the look of your grout will turn out, for more on tile and grout combos visit https://goo.gl/TzMwJs
Thanks so much!
ERA
Skyline Real Estate
3376
Harrison Blvd
Ogden,
UT 84403
801-627-6500
