The importance of tile grout colors lies in the fact that they can add a dramatic effect to the final look of newly installed tiles, or unify the tiles to give the appearance of one large space. Here’s how you can choose and use these colors.
During the installation of tiles, grout is used to fill up the gaps between each of the tile joints. Its main function is to prevent tiles from chipping at the edges. Grout is applied between tiles after the adhesive used for installing the tiles has cured thoroughly. It consists of a mixture of sand and cement which becomes a hard, non-absorbent surface after drying. Thus, it also helps protect the underlying surface of the tile from moisture.
Using colored grout can alter the way the flooring of any room looks. It depends on the kind of tile you are using. For instance, you can contrast the grout or complement it, regardless of the tile color. Or you can use a color as an accent to that of the tile. Here, we’ll discuss how to choose grout colors and the ways in which you can use them.
How to Choose Grout Colors
- If you’re looking for something soothing and neutral, by all means go for either safe colors like tan, beige, or gray, or choose a color that matches (or is only a shade lighter or darker than) the tile.
- If you want to highlight your find of a perfect tile, go for a contrasting color to allow it to look framed and stand out. This also means you should opt for a slightly thicker grout.
- If you are concerned about the resale value of your house and want something that will have mass appeal, a neutral grout color is better.
- If your tile has a host of colors, pick one of them to serve as an accent to highlight the tile.
- Remember: A darker grout color can hide stains and dirt. This is particularly good for flooring in high-traffic areas. However, they will also fade quicker. A lighter color will catch stains and dirt faster.
Ideas That Help
Given below are 5 common tile colors and complementing and contrasting grout colors that may be used with them. While the range of colors is unlimited, these are suggestions about grout colors that will match such tile colors best.
Complementing Grout Colors
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The benefits of choosing such colors are as follows.
- A grout color that matches the tile, for example as in image 1 and 2, can unify the room and make it appear larger than it is.
- It can also help highlight the design on every single tile, as in image 3.
- If you are using a tile with an intricate design on it, a complementing grout color will not break the design. It will in fact, unify it, as shown in image 4.
- Choosing a color that is only one shade lighter than the tile is often suggested so that the grout doesn’t look too dirty too fast.
- If you have used a basic layout on the floor and would not like to draw too much attention to it, a complementing color is perfect, as in image 5.
Contrasting Grout Colors
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Using contrasting grout colors has multiple benefits.
- Because grout spacing is minimal, using a contrasting color can help uplift the overall decor of the space, as shown in image 1.
- You can use a contrasting color as an accent to simply highlight the elegance of the tile you have chosen, as shown in image 2.
- A contrasting color can help highlight the layout of the flooring. For instance, if you have laid the flooring diagonally, or have used an interesting pattern to lay the flooring (as shown in image 3), you can highlight it by using a contrasting grout color.
- A contrasting color can also help when each tile has an irregular shape that you wish to highlight, as shown in image 4.
The best way to decide on a grout color is to sample different colors in small parts of the given area and see which one appeals to you the most, before applying the look to the entire space. This will help you narrow down your choice and finally zero in on the perfect color.