A Guide to Selecting Grout Colours That Enhance Your Tile

Tiling your space requires more than just selecting your favourite tile material, like slate, natural stone, or ceramic, but also identifying the role your grout will play. Do you want grout to be subtle and blend in? Or do you want to make your tiles stand out with grout?

Think of grout like a picture frame. On a white wall, a white or clear frame is minimalist and subtle, whereas a black frame on a white wall gives the picture prominence. 

As tile installers, we frequently receive questions from clients about which type of grout to use. If you have an upcoming tiling project, read on, and we’ll shed some light on how to select the right grout.

The Importance And Function Of Grout

Grout is more than just the “glue” that holds tile together—that’s just the purpose of grout. Beyond that, grout prevents moisture, dirt, dust, and debris from getting between the tiles, which can threaten their integrity. Thus, grout also serves as a barrier.

Some other roles of grout are:

• It’s flexible and strengthens the installation bond
• Prevents tile rubbing, which would lead to chipping or cracks
• Different types of grout, like epoxy, are mildew-resistant
• It can be used as a design element  

A Guide To Grout Colours

The first thing you need to remember is that grout is not only practical, but it’s also a design element. With this in mind, this is how to select the right grout for your space.

Aesthetic: Blending Or Contrasting

The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you want your grout to blend in or stand out. 

Blending: Blending is when your grout is colour-matched to your tile. As tile installers, we recommend blending grout for a unified and cohesive look. For instance, if you use only white, it will create an ambiance of minimalism. 

Tile Installer Pro Tip: Blending is an excellent way to create a seamless look with minimal lines, so the room feels larger.

Contrasting: For homeowners who value visual interest—think of how opulent black tile with white grout looks—contrasting grout with tile is a great option.  

Tile Installer Pro Tip: Contrasting grout is an excellent option for homeowners who want to highlight an unusual tile shape, like fish scales or arabesque.  

Aesthetic: Keep It Neutral

If, like Goldilocks, blending or contrasting doesn’t seem right, then neutrals are a safe choice. Neutrals like grey, beige, greige, or cream are ideal for complementing your tile; thus, it’s the preferred choice for many homeowners. 

Tile Installer Pro Tip: Neutral grout may be perfect for homeowners who desire a timeless look, but it’s also effective at hiding dirt.

Colour-Matching Undertones

When considering which grout is best, regardless of the aesthetic you desire, ensure that your grout matches the tile’s undertones. For instance, if your tiles are warm, use warm-hued grout, and for cool tiles, use cool-toned grout. 

Tile Installer Pro Tip: You can determine if grout undertones match your tile in-store by holding the tile up to a grout colour chip or chart.

Room Size And Style

The colour of the grout you choose will determine the ambiance of the room. For instance, if you opt for light grouts, it will make a smaller room feel airy and larger, while a darker colour is moody and makes your room feel more intimate.

Tile Installer Pro Tip: If you’re unsure whether your grout should blend in or stand out, consider the room’s style. For instance, traditional spaces usually benefit from neutrals or whites, while modern styles tend to use contrasting grout for a bold look.

Did You Select The Right Grout?

Once you’ve created a short list of grouts that will look best with your chosen tile, the next step is to test if you’re right! You can match the tile with a grout chip if everything is still in a box. Or if everything is out of the box, you can apply a swatch of grout on a tile scrap to see if you like the match before your tile installers begin.

Selecting The Right Grout For Your Tile

Every homeowner has a vision for their tile project. Some opt for a seamless clean look, so blending white tile with white grout is the perfect combination, while others want to contrast tile and grout for a dramatic look. 

The first step in deciding on the best grout for your space is understanding the room’s style, as it will be challenging to determine which grout works best if you’re unsure of the room’s ambiance. The next step is to confirm whether the grout you like matches the tile undertone and complements the space. This can be done by comparing tile and grout.

If you still have questions about matching your tile and grout, feel free to contact us, Brothers Flooring, today for a free consultation. We’d be happy to offer you additional tips to help you decide which grout is best for you.