The Complete 2023 Guide to Choosing Tile and Grout Colors
Selecting the perfect tile and grout colors for your space can be an exciting yet daunting process. With so many options to choose from, how do you pick a combination that not only matches your personal style but also complements the room? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to confidently tackle tile and grout colors for your next remodeling or renovation project.
Whether you're installing tile in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room or another space, getting the tile and grout colors right is key to creating your dream aesthetic. Follow this advice to make choices you'll absolutely love.
Popular Tile and Grout Color Combinations
A great place to start is by looking at popular tile and grout color combinations for inspiration. Here are some of the most eye-catching options being used in designs today:
Contrasting Colors
One easy way to make tile stand out is by pairing it with a contrasting grout color. For example, vivid blue or green tiles with bright white grout creates major visual impact. Dark grout colors like black or charcoal gray against a white or neutral tile also give a bold, dramatic look. The contrast adds flair you just don't get from matching tile and grout colors.
Complementary Colors
Choosing grout that complements the tile color is another appealing approach. If your tiles have warm undertones like peach or terra cotta, use a cool-toned gray or blue grout. For cool green and blue tiles, warm beige or brown grout nicely complements the color scheme. Adjacent colors on the color wheel result in lively, vibrant combinations.
Monochromatic Colors
You can certainly choose to keep your tile and grout colors in the same color family. An all-white scheme with white grout gives a seamless, minimalist aesthetic. Shades of gray, from light pewter to dark charcoal, also work well together. Just be sure there's enough visual contrast between tile and grout so the grout lines are still faintly visible.
Neutral Color Palettes
For a versatile, timeless look, you can't go wrong with neutral tiles paired with grout also in the cream to gray color range. Soft beiges, warm grays and clean whites effortlessly match any style of decor. The calming, subtle palette lets you change accent colors without having to re-do the tile.
Bold, Saturated Colors
On the other end of the spectrum, don't be afraid to make a bold color statement. Rich blue and green tiles with coordinating or contrasting grout instantly grab attention. Vibrant accent tiles in orange, chartreuse or magenta also energize a neutral space. Just be sure to apply them in moderation.
Natural Earth Tones
Organic materials like stone, marble and wood inherently offer a soothing, grounded look. Pair natural stone tiles in tan, brown and slate hues with grout in a similar earth tone family. The same applies for wood-look ceramic planks which can be matched to warm beige or walnut-toned grout.
Color Blocking
For a modern, tailored appearance, experiment with blocking off defined geometric areas in different tile colors. Continue the color scheme into the grout lines to accentuate the blocked effect. It's a trendy yet classic look that pairs well with many decor styles.
Choosing Colors Based on Tile Type and Pattern
In addition to the overall color combination, it's important to select grout colors that coordinate well with the specific tile material and any patterns or designs.
Subway Tile
The clean lines of classic white subway tile look best with bright white or light gray grout for subtle definition. To make the grout stand out more, go for a darker gray, charcoal or even black. subway tiles also come in bold colors like blue where a matching or lighter grout enhances the graphic linear look.
Mosaic Tile
For intricate mosaic tiles, match the grout color to the predominant tile hue for a cohesive effect. Contrasting grout might take away from the mosaic pattern. However, a slightly darker or lighter shade of the same color can add just a touch of definition.
Geometric Tile Patterns
To make the most of decorative geometric tile arrangements, tailor the grout to complement the motif. For example, white grout accents black and white graphic tiles, while darker grout emphasizing the pattern of multi-colored moroccan-style tiles. Just ensure enough contrast with the tile so the design doesn't get lost.
Natural Stone and Wood-Look Tile
Match the grout to a dominant color in stone or wood-look tiles to nicely blend rather than compete with the natural variance. Beige, gray and white grout offer flexibility. Stay away from high-contrast grout that looks disjointed from the tiles.
Factors That Affect How Color Combos Work
Achieving design harmony involves more than just settling on the tile and grout colors themselves. The following factors also impact how well the combination works:
Room Size and Proportion
Bold, dramatic color combinations are best suited to larger, open spaces. Small rooms can feel overpowered by high-contrast or intense colors. Neutral soft hues keep a small space feeling tranquil. Mosaic tiles and colorblocking patterns also work since the colors are nicely distributed.
Amount of Natural vs. Artificial Light
The lighting in the space affects how vibrant or muted tile and grout colors appear. Soft, warm overhead lighting helps colors blend together pleasantly. By comparison, rooms washed in bright natural light intensify the look of contrasting or complementary color combinations.
Overall Color Scheme and Style of the Space
Tile and grout selections should coordinate with the room's existing paint colors, furnishings and decor style. For example, cool grays suit modern bathrooms while warm terra cotta matches Spanish style decor. Ensure your combination fits the space.
High vs. Low Traffic Areas
For high-traffic floors or countertops, darker grout hides wear better than light grout. But in low traffic backsplashes and accent walls, light grout shows off the tile design. Assess the area's purpose when choosing colors.
Grout Color Considerations
Though small, grout plays a big role in the overall look and durability of the tile installation. Keep these tips in mind when selecting a grout color:
Visibility of Dirt
Unlike darker grout, light grout like white or beige shows dirt and stains much more readily. If maintaining pristine grout will drive you crazy, go for a charcoal or earth-toned grout color to conceal grime better.
Contrast Levels
Some contrast between tile and grout colors is ideal, but matching grout or high contrast can make the grout lines disappear. Look at samples in the space to see if the contrast provides sufficient definition.
Matching Grout to Tile Tone
Even when matching tile and grout colors, make sure the undertones coordinate. For example, pair a gray tile with cool-toned gray grout rather than warm gray. Consistent undertones give the most natural effect.
Testing Different Color Combos
Seeing physical tile and grout samples together in the space is invaluable before finalizing your choices. Here are easy ways to test options:
Tile Samples and Grout Chips
Many showrooms provide free sample chips to take home. Place tile samples on the walls or flooring and hold grout color swatches beside them to compare.
Digital Mockups
To narrow down favorites, use online visualization apps to digitally "paint" a photo of your space with different tile and grout colors. This gives a realistic preview.
In-Situ Paint Swatches
For the most accurate representation, paint actual swatches of your grout colors next to installed tiles. Seeing choices right in the space is a fail-proof evaluation method.
Complementing the Room's Decor and Style
Choosing tile and grout hues that work with your interior design style pulls everything together:
Traditional Style
For traditional decor, classic white subway tiles with minimal grout lines and beige, cream or gray grout are timeless. Penny tile accents and marble mosaics with white grout also suit traditional style.
Modern Style
Modern aesthetics call for streamlined large-format tiles, sleek stone or porcelain slabs, and simple color blocking. Monochromatic schemes with matching grout keep the look uncluttered.
Eclectic Style
Make a bold eclectic statement by mixing and matching handmade artisan tiles, vibrant colors, mosaics, natural stones and metallics. The grout lines almost vanish.
Setting the Right Mood and Feel
Tile and grout colors have an immense impact on the mood of a space. Here's how to use them to achieve different vibes:
Warm, Inviting Atmosphere
Buttery yellows, toasted browns and burnt oranges exude warmth. For intimacy, limit tile to smaller accents against neutral walls and grout.
Cool, Relaxing Feel
Serene blue and green tiles paired with soft gray grout creates a soothing spa-like retreat. Leave walls neutral for balance.
Energizing, Stimulating Accents
Inject vibrant punches of color with mosaic medallions, bold graphics or a contrasting border. Use grout to define the colorblocked pattern.
Long-Term Maintenance Needs
The final design consideration is the long-term maintenance required for your tile and grout colors, especially in wet areas that see heavy use.
Cleanability of Light vs. Dark Grout
Staining and discoloration shows more on white or light grout. Frequent scrubbing may be needed to keep it looking clean. With dark grout, fewer frequent touch-ups are required.
Scrubbability of Grout Materials
Soft, porous grouts scratch and erode more over time, losing their color. Choose an epoxy-based grout for kitchens and baths since it stands up to heavy cleaning.
Re-Sealing Needs
Any grout will need occasional re-sealing to protect from moisture and staining. Ask your contractor how often to re-seal your chosen grout color in that application.
Selecting the perfect tile and grout color combination comes down to a blend of aesthetics, practicality and personal taste. Keep these tips in mind as you explore different options. Don't rush the decision - view plenty of samples in the space. With so many colors and materials to work with, you're sure to find a combination that you'll absolutely love.