Which Grout Colors Look Best With Tile?

Did you know coloring your grout can make your tile pop? Colored grout creates incredible tile effects. But what grout colors work best with tile? Here's your guide.

Think about your ideal bathroom space...

Is it a vision draped in dreamy white marble from floor to ceiling? Or modern and chic with a clawfoot tub and white subway tiles?

Bathroom and kitchens continue to be the most desired rooms for a home remodel. With 25% of homeowners looking to make home improvements to their bathrooms within the next 12 months. Revamping the design of your bathroom or kitchen calls for exciting new palettes for tile and grout colors.

The right look will transform your space, enhancing the aesthetic of your home. With so many colors, patterns, and materials for tiles...which grout color should you choose?

Here is your guide to selecting the best grout color for your home.

Blend or Pop?

Wondering what color grout to use? The first question you need to ask yourself is what effect you want the grout to have on your space?

Do you want it to blend in with the design and aesthetic of the room? Or would you rather it pop and make a stylish statement?

For subtle style, select a color that matches or blends in with your tile. A neutral light beige or cream color blends well with light tiles.

If you want to make a statement, choose a grout color that is much lighter or darker than your tile. Working with multi-colored tiles? Go bold with a dark charcoal grout or neutral with white or cream.

All White Everything

White is classic, elegant, and timeless.

Which makes it a winning choice among tile and grout color combinations. The crisp white colors of your tile and grout blend together. Causing the negative space between tiles to fade away.

To create beautiful fine lines between your tile and grout, select a grout shade that is almost as light as your tile. You can have an exact match, or find a shade of white that is similar in hue.

This all-white look works great in rooms where flooring isn't the main focal point. It can also create the illusion of a larger sized room, making it a great option for bathrooms.

Aiming for the opposite look? A moody black tile on black grout can be as luxurious. Pair it with a white tile floor to keep the room from looking too small or dark.

Consider Contrast

If you want to make more of a statement, consider choosing a grout color that doesn't match your tile.

White tiles paired with gray grout work so well because the colors complement one another. The contrast pulls focus, making the pristine white of your tiles stand out. The darker your grout, the more attention it will take from the actual tile.

This combination looks great in showers and on kitchen walls. You also want to think about the shape and pattern of your tiles.

White subway tiles work wonders when incorporated into a kitchen backsplash. Whether your tile pattern is horizontal or herringbone, the gray grout will enhance the design.

If you're adding marble tiles to your bathroom, a gray colored grout will bring out the grain lines within the marble. The result will be clean and stylish.

Enhance Existing Style Within Your Space

Pay attention to other design elements in the room, and use tile and grout colors to can enhance them.

When working with wood, try adding a slight brown or red tint to your grout. It will bring out the natural colors and beauty of wood, stone, or brick. Stone flooring or accent walls look cozy and neutral when paired with a thick white or black grout.

Are there industrial features within your home? A classic black and white color palette will complement industrial fixtures and design elements. Use white subway tiles paired with black grout for an edgy yet modern vibe.

Go Bold with Color

It's not all black and white when it comes to tile and grout options.

Get creative with colorful grout. Without being too eccentric, you can add a playful pop of color to kid's bedrooms or bathrooms.

Let the creativity flow in a personal art studio or home gym with a bold grout color. Or choose tiles in deep blues, cheery yellows, or rich greens, paired with a neutral colored grout.

Maybe you're making a dramatic statement with the Pantone color of the year, Ultra Violet. If using this dark and dreamy color for bathroom tiles, make it pop by breaking up your color palette with a light gray or white color grout.

Keeping It Clean

While white tiles on white grout look classic and clean, it does involve more upkeep.

Over time, dirt and stains can build up on your porous grout, causing it to look discolored. To avoid this, you can clean, seal, or add a colorant to your grout.

You can clean your own grout with a combination of hot water and vinegar. Or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Yet, using a professional grade grout colorant kit is best for big projects. The job will be quick and efficient, and without the strong smell of vinegar.

If your grout gets stained past repair, consider removing it and re-grouting your tile. Here are some professional grouting techniques to follow.

Other Things to Consider

Before selecting your tile grout colors, make sure you weigh these grout and tile options.

Grout Thickness

The thicker the grout, the more noticeable it will be. Thick grout can add an edgy flair to your floor or walls.

Sanded vs Non-Sanded Grout

Unsanded grout is for smaller spaces between tiles and will be smoother in texture. Sanded grout resists cracking and gets used for larger spaces between tiles.

Rectified vs Non-Rectified Tile Edges

The edges of your tile will have an impact on how the grout looks. Rectified edges have smooth clean lines, with each tile shaped and sized the same. Non-rectified edges are natural and uneven, which will involve a wider grout.

More Than One Style of Tile

When using more than one type or style of tile, you'll want to pick a grout shade that works with both. For tiles in varying shades of blue, a neutral gray or greige will pick up hues from Aqua to Azure.

The Best Grout Colors for Your Home

Selecting grout colors for your home is as important as the patterns and style of your tiles.

Installing your own tile and grout takes patience and precision, with beautiful results. If handling your own home improvement and remodeling projects, be sure to read up on proper tile and grout caulking tips.

A simple re-grout or new tile makes all the difference in your home.