Grout is the final touch you add when you install tile in the kitchen, bathroom or other areas of your home. Especially when dealing with a kitchen remodeling or a bathroom remodeling, you shouldn’t neglect the importance of this element. Choosing the right grout is just as important as choosing the tile itself for the kitchen or choosing the tile for the bathroom. The overall aesthetic effect of the tile comes from the effect caused by the color combinations of the grout and the tile size, as well as the color and width of the joints. So the tile grout in the bathroom or kitchen is chosen depending on the room, the desired style: rustic, contemporary or with a special effect and, of course, depending on its size and color.
How to choose the best grout for tile
When choosing the tile grout you have to take into account three important aspects:
- Width of joints;
- Color of joints;
- Jointing material.
You have to keep in mind that the bathroom is a wet place and you shouldn’t choose a normal grout for joints, but one especially designed for wet rooms.
The width of the joints is primarily a matter of taste. Current trends however propose a more discreet grout that is not very wide. The total area of the tile should be as homogeneous as possible.
But in order to display the tile as good as possible, you need to keep in mind that you should opt for a good width. You must first take into account the size and the nature of the tile. The grout applied as wide as possible is suitable for a rustic room. A contemporary room needs a grout for fine joints.
Best tile grout color combinations
As for the color of the grout, it must be as close to the one of the tile as possible. Using the same color works very well. For bathrooms, grout in dark shades is best suited because it doesn’t get so dirty. The most commonly used types of grout are black, dark brown or gray. A grout for joints in the same shade as the tile will improve the continuity of the room and will greatly enhance the tile.
White or light grout and white tile. When white or very light-colored tile is paired with grout in a different shade of white or whit one of the same color, the lines between the tiles will visually be less obvious. The entire surface blends nicely together and it doesn’t draw much attention, which is great if the focal point of the room is something else, not the walls. This combination is also good for small kitchens or small bathrooms where you want the room to seem larger. However, white or very light grout is easily stained and can suffer discolorations, so it requires more maintenance.
Gray grout and white tile. This type of grout is good if you want to create a contrast between the tile and the grout, but without being so dramatic, like in the case of black. Light gray shades are very popular for grout because they highlight the pattern of the tile without drawing too much attention. This option is also suitable if the tile has different shapes, not the classic square or rectangular one, or if the tile is arranged in a certain pattern. So if you already do some extra effort for the installation, it doesn’t go to waste because the grout enhances the tile pattern. This classic combination is best suited for an elegant design and it’s a good pairing for materials like wood floors, veined stone counters and other elegant finishes.
Black or dark grout and white tile. This is another classic combination this is used to enhance a special pattern of the tile or its shape. It’s a great option if the tile is meant to be one of the focal points of the room. This combination works best in rooms where there already is a black and white design, for modern or industrial interiors, with metallic finishes and interesting architectural elements.
Grout for black or dark tile. If you opt for black tile or tile in a dark color, basically all the rules above are reversed. Dark tile and dark grout creates a more softer, warmer look, while white grout an black tile creates a strong contrast.
Colorful grout. You should be careful when choosing colorful grout, because its color should pick upon something from the room so it doesn’t clash with the color scheme. Grout is not as easy to replace like the paint on the walls, so if you want colorful grout, you will have to stick with it for a long time.
Gray or white grout and colorful tile. Grey grout helps complement almost every color, while white or light grout is best to tame some of the bold colors that you choose for the tile. It’s basically a safer option that doesn’t create a strong contrast but helps enhance the tile color, shape or pattern.
Colorful grout and colorful tile. If you want to create a unique design, you can opt for grout in a similar color to the one of the tile, or you can opt for complementing colors.
Asides form the color of the grout, it can also help deciding on the width of it if you consider the surroundings (types of materials used in the room), where the tile is located (on the wall or on the ground) and the type of tile used (for example, tile with a glossy finish looks lighter on the wall because it reflects light, so you must also opt for a lighter grout color). Either way, it’s best to decide with your contractor and select various samples to make the best option.
No matter what your plans are for a home renovation, if you intend to have an extensive home remodeling project, to make an addition to your home or just to make some small changes, Good Deal Remodeling is here to help you. You can contact us to tell us about your remodeling plans and we will make sure to offer you the best solutions through our remodeling services.