What color grout with white subway tiles? archived
Mar 1, 2009 at 12:21pm
Don't get gray. I did and it looks unclean. I'd say stick with alabaster.
Depends on the look you are going for (off white grays vs off white tans). I would go no lighter than the tile color, especially since the grout will slightly stain over time from mildew and dust. I personally think matching the grout as close as possible to the tile color would be best.
Nan, don't know what color grey you chose, but we have found that the lightest, platinum grey goes best. The white grout against the white tile tends to look dirty.
I think it is a platinum gray. Maybe Angela should come by and see for herself.
we did grey in our bathroom with white subway tiles and it looks great.
I saw a show on HGTV today where they did white subway tiles with black grout. It looked beautiful. It was a kitchen backsplash.
Mar 1, 2009 at 1:46pm Edited
From www.subwaytile.com :
What color of grout should I use?
The color and intensity of the grout that you choose can make a significant effect on the overall effect of the tile installation, even when pencil-thin grout lines are used.
The offset subway tile pattern will be emphasized more when a more contrasting color is used. On the other hand, you may want to create a more monolithic tile surface with a grout that matches the glaze color. Either way is OK - it is your personal opinion and aesthetic sensibility that matters.
Color is a relative thing, and we always recommend that a final selection is made after the tile has been set on the wall and you can really see what each grout option will look like in the same room with its peculiar lighting, etc. Other colors in the room, such as floor or wall surfaces can also effect the way you perceive colors.
What color of grout should I use?
The color and intensity of the grout that you choose can make a significant effect on the overall effect of the tile installation, even when pencil-thin grout lines are used.
The offset subway tile pattern will be emphasized more when a more contrasting color is used. On the other hand, you may want to create a more monolithic tile surface with a grout that matches the glaze color. Either way is OK - it is your personal opinion and aesthetic sensibility that matters.
Color is a relative thing, and we always recommend that a final selection is made after the tile has been set on the wall and you can really see what each grout option will look like in the same room with its peculiar lighting, etc. Other colors in the room, such as floor or wall surfaces can also effect the way you perceive colors.
Many thanks for all these comments. I guess I'll keep the alabaster. The color on the label is off-white, but seems to border on very very light gray. I won't really know until in goes down, I suppose. Maybe I'll do a little area first to see if I like it. I can't go through scraping those little joints again!
I think you should match the old grout. If there are bits at the edges and you re-grout with a different grout it might draw attention to the imperfections in your work. (I know, I know. There won't be any, but IF there were.)
It's not the same as choosing grout for new tile.
It's not the same as choosing grout for new tile.
That's a good point, jb. I was thinking I'd love to try black, but the tiles have enough imperfections in the way they were laid out 80-ish years ago that I think black would accentuate the imperfections. I think alabaster will match pretty closely what was there before.
Mar 1, 2009 at 2:49pm Edited
Posted By: honeydoNan, don't know what color grey you chose, but we have found that the lightest, platinum grey goes best. The white grout against the white tile tends to look dirty.
honeydo - do you know the exact brand/color referred to above as lightest platinum grey?
Posted By: nanI think it is a platinum gray. Maybe Angela should come by and see for herself.
I'd love to see the color, nan.
Come on over anytime. My bathroom is a cautionary tale for anyone doing a renovation. You should see it.
Posted By: mommyrockwe did grey in our bathroom with white subway tiles and it looks great.
she speaks the truth - beautiful!
We also did grays. Misty gray in our bathroom and french gray in the girls. I love the more graphic look, and love it even more that the grout won't discolor the way white will. Also, in my experience, grout always dries a bit lighter so I'd go a touch darker than you think.
Angela, I've misplaced my color samples, but go into Standard Tile and ask to see their samples. It is a tray of about 20-25 different colors. Much better than the choices at H.D. or Lowes. As far as removing the grout joints--if they are wide enough a Dremel or Multimaster makes the job alot easier.
Posted By: honeydoNan, don't know what color grey you chose, but we have found that the lightest, platinum grey goes best. The white grout against the white tile tends to look dirty.
I agree 100%. I have always used (or seen and liked) a grayish or beige-ish color, depending ont he overall bathroom color scheme. White grout is VERY hard to keep clean, especially when it's on the floor or in a high use area. A slightly darker grout will look much cleaner and nicer.
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Should I stick with alabaster, or get some bright white?? Any other suggestions?
TIA as always!