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How to Choose the Right Grout Colour (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

09 Oct 2025 | BY Matt Matner

Selecting the right grout colour is a crucial step in achieving the desired aesthetic for your tiled surface. Grout not only fills the gaps between tiles but also significantly impacts the overall look and feel of the finished project.

How to Choose Grout Colour

Tile Colour: Do you want the grout to blend in or stand out? This is the most fundamental question. A matching grout will create a seamless look, while a contrasting grout will highlight the individual tiles.

Room’s Style: The grout colour should complement the overall style of the room. For a classic or traditional look, consider neutral grout colours like white, beige, or grey. For a more modern or contemporary look, you can experiment with bolder colours or contrasting shades.

Room’s Lighting: Natural and artificial lighting can affect how the grout colour appears. Test grout samples in the actual room under different lighting conditions to ensure you’re happy with the result.

Maintenance: Lighter grout colours tend to show dirt and stains more easily than darker colours. If you’re tiling a high-traffic area or a space prone to messes, consider a darker grout colour or a grout with stain-resistant properties.

Image shows: Versailles Carrara Marble Effect Matt 600x600mm

What is the Best Grout Colour for Tiles?

There’s no single “best” grout colour, as the ideal choice depends entirely on your personal preferences, the tile type, and the desired aesthetic. However, some colours are more versatile and popular than others:

  • White: A classic and timeless choice that works well with a variety of tile colours. It creates a clean and bright look but requires more maintenance to keep clean.
  • Grey: A versatile and practical option that complements most tile colours and hides dirt well. It’s a popular choice for both modern and traditional designs.
  • Beige/Sand: A warm and neutral option that blends well with earthy tones and creates a soft, inviting look. Good for hiding dirt and imperfections.
  • Black: A bold and dramatic choice that creates a striking contrast with lighter tiles. Can be used to highlight the tile pattern and add a touch of sophistication.
  • Coloured Grout: For a more unique and personalised look, consider using coloured grout. Match the grout to an accent colour in the room or choose a complementary colour to create a vibrant and eye-catching design.

Image shows: Liso Bone 200×100

Should Grout Match the Tile Colour or Contrast with It?

The decision to match or contrast grout with the tile colour ultimately depends on the desired effect:

Matching Grout: Creates a seamless, uniform look that makes the tiled surface appear larger. It’s a good choice for small spaces or when you want the focus to be on the overall design rather than the individual tiles. Matching grout is also a safe bet if you’re unsure about which colour to choose.

Contrasting Grout: Highlights the individual tiles and creates a more defined pattern. It’s a great choice for showcasing decorative tiles or creating a bold, eye-catching design. However, contrasting grout can also make a small space feel even smaller, so use it with caution in confined areas. Contrasting grout can add visual interest and can be used effectively to create patterns.

Image shows: Pickett Bevelled Navy

Summary

Choosing the right grout colour involves considering tile colour, room style, lighting, and maintenance. Popular choices include white, grey, beige, and black, but coloured grout can offer a unique touch. Matching grout creates a seamless look, while contrasting grout highlights individual tiles. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and the desired aesthetic of your tiled space.

Image shows: Aragon Autumn Brown Quarry Tiles