Whether you’re replacing the bathroom floor or adding a kitchen backsplash, picking out the perfect tile is only the first step. Just as important as finding a tile design you love is choosing a grout to go with it. Will you match the grout and tile? Do you want to contrast them instead? Or, are you interested in a coordinating shade of grout that complements your tile or highlights one of the hues in its multicolored design?
To explain the pluses and minuses of each option, here are some points to consider when selecting grout for your tile:
When you match the color of the grout to the color of your tile, you create a more seamless look. The individual tiles become less distinct, working together to create an overall monochromatic appearance. This makes the tiled area look like one uniform space rather than lots of individual pieces in a pattern. And it typically looks larger, as a result. In small spaces or anywhere you wish to visually enlarge the square footage, matching grout and tile is a good choice.
The opposite of matching tile and grout is intentionally contrasting them. For white tiles, you might choose a black or dark gray grout, for example. For dark tiles, you could go with a light or white grout shade. In either case, the contrasting colors serve to accentuate the tile choice. Rather than making the space appear seamless, it draws attention to the individual tiles — their size, shape and color. While this choice tends to make a tiled area look smaller, it also can be a fun and bold way to make a design statement.
Tiles that are multicolored can be difficult to match with grout. You may choose grout that matches or contrasts with the main color or pick a grout color that complements the entire design. If you have a tile design that incorporates orange, yellow, white and blue, for example, your best bet will typically be to choose a grout color that complements all of those hues or coordinates with one of them.
Beyond considering which grout looks best with your tile, you’ll also want to be aware of how well various grout colors stand up to use:
Going one shade lighter than your tile is another good way to keep grout from quickly looking dirty. Because the grout color starts out lighter than the neighboring tiles, it can give the illusion of being clean even as it picks up dirt.
The beauty of grout in Arizona is that it’s more than merely functional. While it dependably fills the gaps between tiles, it also offers aesthetic possibilities and a way to put your personal touch on tilework. Depending on your taste, you can use grout to highlight your tiles, enlarge your space or exercise your creativity. The above guide will help you think through the possibilities as you plan your new tiled floor, walls or backsplash.
Author bio: Erica Garland is Content Marketing Manager at Modern Bathroom and has 15-plus years of experience in the bathroom renovation industry. Modern Bathroom sells a variety of products you would need for any bathroom renovation project. With such a large selection of vanities, faucets, sinks, toilets and showers, Modern Bathroom is sure to have the perfect piece to give your bathroom an updated look.
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