Recently I walked into a friend’s home and admired the brand new kitchen backsplash, enjoying the smooth, even finish of the tile. The dark brown lines between the natural stone mosaic with linear stripes looked amazing! The dark brown brought the lighter colored backsplash to life—the contrast of brown against ivory accentuated the beauty of the tiling project. Yet much of the magic of it was created by the dark brown lines—which were not even part of the actual tile! Over a cup of coffee, I received a quick lesson on grouting.
Do you remember your schooling years? Colors and creativity were at their best!
As an adult, we don’t always get the chance to relive those happy memories. But there are actually plenty of ways for adults to get creative again and have fun with colors. Grouting tiles is one way to do that—I kid you not.
Usually, choosing the tile you want will give you a clear idea about the theme of the space... or maybe you choose the tile according to an already set theme. Either way, the grout color can be just as important a choice as the tile. Grout color can either tone down the tile or create a more dramatic effect. The design of the tile can also (and should) influence the choice of the grout color.
Here are some ideas for grout-and-tile color combinations:
1. Complimentary: White on White
If the plan is to create the perception of more space, then white works best. A beautiful white tile will look great with white grout, simply because it gives an elegance that only white on white can lend. And it will make your space look bigger and brighter.
2. Contrast: Light Tile with Dark Grout
Photo Credit: Alba-CreativeA grey or ivory mosaic would look amazing with black grout. The black contrasts beautifully with both the grey and off-white colors and would call attention to the lines (or the non-linear spaces, as in the above picture) between the tiles. The end result is a sensual, relaxed feel. And the best part: dark colors don’t require a lot of maintenance.
Photo Credit: “Guest Bathroom Tile Mosaic - Strawbale House Build in Redmond Western Australia" by Brett and Sue Coulstock is licensed under CC BY 2.0The combination of two contrasting colors can also look good in a design with an accent tile (see above photo). The contrasting grout color can bring even more attention to the accent tile or tie it in so they coincide better.
3. Contrast: Dark Tile with Light Grout
Photo Credit: “If your style is meant to be bold and eye-catching, go for a contrast color. Solid colored tiles work beautifully with contrasting grout colors. Imagine a navy blue tile with off-white grout or a dark silver glass mosaic with red grout.
4. Complementary: Simple yet Classy
Photo Credit: “If the space to be tiled is already complex with several colors (on the walls, upholstery, paintings, picture frames, etc.), then consider using a muted color, which gives a uniformity to the tile. This is usually a more timeless choice and gives you the option to have more creativity in the areas surrounding the tile. This also looks good in bathrooms where many people want light colors because lighter colors "feel" cleaner.
Photo Credit: World Sales GroupA striking metal mosaic would look great with a similar colored grout. A contrast here could possibly overshadow the metallic brilliance of the tile. Textured tiles with decorative patterns make a statement by themselves and a contrast grout color could cause it to become too loud. Using a contrast grout color in a complex marbled pattern, for example, could be lost in the theme. Key word: could. Remember, these are tips, but make your choices according to your own style and what you’ll enjoy most. You’ll be the one seeing it every day, after all.
5. Color Pallet in Tile and Grout
Photo Credit: “Tile Grouting Detail" by Paul Schultz is licensed under CC BY 2.0The choice of grout is dependent on the type of tile as well as the design and texture of the tile. For example, a blue and grey mixed mosaic would be great with most colors in a similar color palette—greys, blues, or whites. It would bring out the sheen and shimmer of the mosaic.
6. Glitter Grout
Photo Credit: Staffordshire SiliconesI couldn’t possibly write an article about grout color without mentioning glitter grout—it’s so much fun! And it can be used anywhere you might use normal grout, except it’s just much more fun. We all know at least one person who is a total diva... and this is the grout for her (or him). It would work great in the tiling project of a daughter’s bathroom or even a fun kitchen backsplash. Also, imagine a tile-topped patio table with glitter grout. Summer BBQs would be even brighter and more fun.
Tips
Another important factor to consider when deciding the grout color is the size of the grout lines. A bigger space between tiles shows imperfections more clearly and using a contrast color for the grout could call attention to its flaws. These imperfections would probably be less visible if a complementary color were used. Thinner grout lines that blend into the tile are barely discernible from afar and create a more compact, dense effect.
Also, remember that it is possible to use two colors of grout or tile for stunningly vivid spaces. A word of caution, however: the key to using two colors effectively is to keep one contrast and the other complementary to tone down the effect and keep the focus on the tile.
Some quick tips before taking the final step to selecting a grout color:
- Neutral colors such as beige or grey work well with areas that are prone to becoming dirty more quickly.
- Light colors brighten up a space and give it a more open look.
- Matching grout and tile colors make the tiling look more uniform and solid.
- Contrasting grout and tile colors highlight tile patterns.
Get creative! Remember, this is not a science as much as it is an art. Grout is a simple and effective method to make a breathtaking statement!
