Selecting your ideal bathroom tile is a huge decision, as is choosing your grout color. The grout you select not only binds the tiles together and adds stability and durability, it adds a distinct look and feel to your tile and the bathroom overall. Grout color choices for richly pigmented tiles or even grout colors that go with white tiles, can completely change the look of a tile, taking it from classic to modern in the blink of an eye. We’ve gathered our best tips for choosing grout color for tile, including the benefits and drawbacks of the most popular colors used in Pacific Northwest bathrooms.
The 3 Theories of Grout Color Selection
Matching
Matching grout color to your chosen tile is a great idea if your tile is richly pigmented and patterned, meaning you want the tile to stand out more than the grout lines. We recommend choosing a grout color that is one shade lighter or darker than the tile for the best color blend and overall look. For instance, if your tiles are a gray marble, consider white grout for your shower design.
Contrasting
Selecting a grout color that contrasts with your tile is ideal if you want to draw attention to the pattern/layout of the overall tile instead of the individual tiles. For example, dark gray grout color is widely used with white subway tile for a striking contrast that feels both vintage and modern. We also recommend contrasting grout when the tiles are subdued or have veins of color running throughout, as the grout will help to draw out those accent colors and make the wall or floor look even more stunning.
Neutral Grout
Selecting neutral grout is often the safest choice for many bathrooms. Instead of selecting classic white or a bold blue, opting for tans, beiges, grays, or creams will add a hint of color without going overboard. These colors also tend to be universally appealing and flattering, meaning that your bathroom will still look great years down the road, even after you’ve changed your décor, or if/when you decide to sell your home.
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Common Grout Colors and How They Function
With so many different grout colors available, it can be difficult to know which color will work best for your bathroom and your lifestyle. Here are 3 of the most popular grout colors and the benefits and potential drawbacks of each:
White Grout
White grout is a common choice in many American bathrooms because it works wonderfully with most tiles, and because it looks and feels clean and fresh. Unfortunately, like other light colors, white grout can become dingy and stained over time, especially when used in high-traffic areas. The answer to this dilemma, however, is re-staining of the grout, which is quick and easy.
Black Grout
If you’re wondering what color grout to use with white tile, we’re here to tell you that the perennial favorite among homeowners and designers alike is black! Black contrasts beautifully with white tiles of all shapes, sizes, and patterns, and beautifully aids in achieving looks ranging from retro to contemporary and everything in between. Darker grout colors are less likely than lighter colors to stain, but they can fade quicker due to sun exposure.
Gray Grout
Gray grout perfectly complements a variety of tile colors and styles, and is a perfect medium between light and dark grouts. While some people associate gray with boring, we think it’s beautiful and classic as a grout color. Best of all, it’s less likely to stain than white, and less likely to fade than black – it’s the best of both worlds.
Project managers can work with clients to ensure that they’re comfortable and happy with the bathroom remodel process, from beginning to end. Part of this process is letting homeowners know how their bathroom will look before the final reveal: as such, we show homeowners color samples of grout and demonstrate how those colors will look with various tiles. This helps homeowners feel more comfortable and confident with their decisions, and ensures that they’re satisfied with the final result!
Grout can be just as beautiful as the tile you choose for your bathroom and plays a key role in the final look and feel of your space.
Thank you for providing such detailed information and guidelines. The shade you pick relies on what you are trying to accomplish in your design. If you want to highlight the pattern your tile creates, a contrasting color is best. If you’re trying to unify your tile, such as with a wood look tile floor, go for a close match that’s a little bit lighter than your tile. home addition
Great color (color combo) for a bathroom. As a tile contractor myself, I personally love natural stone color/design. They’re aesthetic and give homeowners that spa-like bathroom ambiance.