How to Choose the Perfect Grout Color
A grout color can completely change the look of tile for better or for worse. I promise, you can find the perfect grout color. While you’re at it, check out my guide on how to choose your grout type!
TLDR: Generally, you want to pick a grout color that matches the tile color as closely as possible. However, in some cases, that won’t be possible, or there may be other reasons to pick a different grout color. First, you’ll want to decide whether you want to try to match your grout to the tile or if you want a contrasting look.
Table of Contents:
Why do we like matching grout?
When should you consider grout that doesn’t match the tile?
When you want to purposefully emphasize the grout lines instead of the tile.
When you want a subtle contrast between your tile and grout.
How can you make the final grout decision with confidence?
Why do we like matching grout?
Choosing a grout color that closely matches the tile color creates a cohesive and sophisticated look. A similar grout color allows the tile color, texture, or pattern to be the star of the show without the grout distracting from it. For example, when you use a white tile - use a white grout. When you use a black tile - use a dark grout. Here are some examples of using a similar color grout with tile. You can still see the tile pattern, but it’s subtle.
This tile is an example of what not to do: the bright white grout detracts from the natural white streaks in the marble. A better choice would be a black grout to match the primary background color.
When should you consider grout that doesn’t match the tile?
1) When you have white floor tile.
White grout on a floor is almost impossible to clean and keep white. Unless you want to be cleaning your grout with a toothbrush, I’d recommend choosing a slightly darker grout. You can also consider doing a black grout if you want to play up the tile contrast. If you are doing a black or a dark grout, you want to keep your grout joints to a minimum width.
This tile originally had white grout, but it has accumulated lots of dirt.
This tile has a black grout, and it’s hard to tell if it’s dirty or not.
2) When you’re concerned about dust and grime.
Grout color can affect how much maintenance is required to keep your space looking pristine.
Light Grout: While visually appealing, light-colored grout can stain easily, especially in high-traffic or wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Regular sealing and cleaning will help maintain its appearance.
Dark Grout: Darker grout is more forgiving when it comes to stains but may show soap residue or lighter debris over time.
Choosing a mid-range grout color that is not too light or too dark can reduce these maintenance issues.
3) When you have a brightly colored tile.
Grout manufacturers don’t typically have standard brightly colored grout options, so the only way to get bright, unique grout colors is to go through a custom process (like Laticrete’s ANYCOLOR program). Customization is great if you have time and money, but otherwise you’ll have to choose a more neutral grout.
This tile shows how pretty a dark blue tile with a colored grout can be:
This tile is a good example of using choosing a neutral dark gray grout that has a similar value (lightness to darkness range) as the blue tile.
4) When you have a multicolor tile or tile pattern.
In this case, you have to pick one color of grout to match the tile (unless you want to use grout paint to match multiple colors of the tiles). When you pick a single color, you can match one of the colors in the tile, or use a neutral color.
In a multicolor tile, it’s preferable to match the background color to the grout, like in this patterned tile installation that uses a white grout.
In a multicolor tile mosaic or pattern, it’s also generally best to use a grout that matches one of the tiles. This tile pattern uses a light gray color that matches the lighter tile.
The charcoal grout in this tile mosaic emphasizes the grid and matches the charcoal gray tile.
The small white grout joints don’t detract from the design and the white background in this beautiful mosaic.
White or charcoal/black are two common neutrals for grout in a tile mosaic.
5) When you want to purposefully emphasize the grout lines instead of the tile.
With a simple tile design, grout can be the design highlight. If the rest of the space is minimal, the grout lines can provide pattern and interest. I only recommend considering a contrasting grout option if the tiles are a solid color. I do not recommend contrasting grout if you have tile with a natural stone look. This white subway tile could bring pattern to an plain bathroom.
Grout can take center stage when you use an unexpected color, such as this red grout.
5) When you want a subtle contrast between your tile and grout.
Sometimes you want a subtle contrast with your grout and tile. We choose a subtle contrast for our shower tile to tie the color of our white bathtub to the shower tile walls. The white color is very close to the color of the lightest tile in this range.
How can you make the final grout decision with confidence?
Now that you’ve roughly chosen what color you want, look for the best color available within the grout brand and type that you want to use. Check out my other blog post for a guide to different grout types.
1) Compare grout colors from different manufacturers.
Different manufacturers (such as Mapei, Laticrete, and Custom Building Products) have different color options available within similar grout types and formulations. It can be useful to check at least two manufacturers to make sure you have the best options. Hardware stores typically have a grout color chart that you can use to compare to your tile.
2) Use a visualizer.
To help you decide which grout color to use, you can use a virtual tile visualizer to test different grout colors with your tile.
I like Best Tile’s visualizer (not sponsored). They let you choose from a range of room types (or you can upload your own photo), and you can apply any of their tile types, tile layouts, and grout colors. The one downside is that you cannot change the grout width. Although Best Tile is only available on the east coast, you can find similar tile styles across the United States. Here’s an example of an image created using the visualizer.
Visualizers that I don’t recommend: Tile Bar visualizer (can’t change grout color or width), Tileamerica.com Visualizer (can’t change grout color), “TilesVisualizer.com/app” (can’t select actual tile type), MYK Laticrete (low quality visualization)
3) Test with samples.
Once you’ve decided on a color, it’s a good idea to test grout samples alongside your tiles before making a final decision. Grout colors can look different once they’re dry and under your home’s lighting conditions. You can make what’s called a grout ‘sample board’ to show how the finished installation would look. You can even test different colors or different tile spacing (I always recommend ⅛”).
Here’s an example of some grouted tile sample boards at a retail store:
Conclusion
Choosing the right grout color is a small but critical step in any tile project. By considering your design goals, tile color, maintenance needs, and the room’s function, you can select a grout color that elevates your space. Take your time to test samples, visualize the outcome, and consult with a professional if needed. With the right grout, your tiles will look stunning and cohesive for years to come.
Did I miss a tip about grout color? Let me know in the comments!
