How to Choose a Grout Color That’ll Complement Your Backsplash Tile

Designing your dream kitchen requires a lot of decision making — often a lot more than people realize. Sure, there are the big items that you need to decide on such as the layout, cabinet color, countertop material, flooring, and appliances, but there are smaller decisions you’ll find yourself making related to cabinet hardware, fixtures, and even grout color.

While decisions like grout color may not seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of your kitchen renovation, it isn’t something that should be put on the backburner. The grout color in your kitchen can make or break the overall look and feel of the space. By selecting the grout color for your backsplash, you want to choose something that will not only complement the tile but truly elevate the look and feel of the kitchen.

We know you have a lot of decisions on your plate and we want to help make selecting the ideal grout color for your backsplash a little easier. That being said, Kitchen Cabinet Kings has put together a quick guide to help you choose a grout color that will complement your tile for your kitchen design project.

Choosing Grout Color for Your Kitchen Backsplash

There are few things more exciting than seeing your dream kitchen come to life. With many decisions on your plate, it’s important to weigh all your decisions and choices with the same level of importance. While selecting the grout color might seem like a minor detail, the grout color can elevate the overall aesthetic of your kitchen when it beautifully complements the backsplash tile. Here are a few things to consider when deciding on your grout color.

Determine Your Goals

What is the desired focal area of your kitchen? Do you want your guests to walk into the room and be wowed by the high-end appliances, the enviable square footage, or the overall aesthetic? If you spent hours mulling over which tile backsplash to install, you need to give the same thought and consideration to your grout. The wrong choice can detract from the beautiful tile you chose. If you want the kitchen backsplash to be a focal point, consider the color, shape, and design of your tile and ask yourself if you want the grout to add bold contrast or be more discreet so the tile can do all the talking. Understanding your overall kitchen color scheme can help clarify which grout color option is best.

Consider Your Backsplash Tile

Along with understanding your overall goals for your kitchen remodel, you need to factor in how the grout will look when paired with your selected tile — and how it makes your kitchen goals a reality. For instance, if you want your kitchen backsplash to stand out, you may lean towards a white subway tile with dark gray grout to make the lines of the subway tile pop. However, if you are using the white backdrop to complement your colorful kitchen cabinets, you may opt for white tile grout that seamlessly blends in with the white subway tile. Think about your overall desired kitchen aesthetic which will help you determine what shade of grout you should choose. As a rule of thumb, complementary colors enhance each other, while contrasting colors create drama.

Takes a Hands-On Approach

Why try to picture how the grout colors will complement the backsplash when you can test out grout samples instead? Sometimes it can be hard to picture what will look best in your head and you need to see it in person. We always recommend that our clients grab a few samples of their backsplash tile and grout colors to sample. You can lay them out in the desired pattern and apply various tones of grout to help decide which one gives you the look you’re trying to create. Make sure you lay out your samples in the kitchen itself so you can see how it looks in the room’s natural light and when alongside your other design elements.

Understand the Required Maintenance

Are you someone who deep cleans your entire kitchen regularly? Or do you prefer a more hands-off, low maintenance approach in your home? Understanding your own preferences for maintenance now will save you a few headaches down the line. If you are constantly cooking large family meals every night, you’re more likely to experience staining of the grout from all the meal preparations. Light-colored grout may end up requiring more maintenance over time in order to keep it looking pristine, while darker grouts can hide stains better. If you’re not someone who wants to spend a Saturday every few months scrubbing their kitchen backsplash to remove stains from the grout, you may opt for a darker color.

Frequently Asked Questions

What color grout options are there to choose from?

The most common grout colors are white, gray, and black. However, you may be surprised to know that there are a variety of colors you can select for your grout, including beige, tan, brown, or even colors such as green, blue, pink, orange, and red! The options are endless and can help you achieve your desired look.

Should grout be lighter or darker than tile?

Opting for grout that is lighter or darker than your backsplash tile is all personal preference and the look you’re trying to achieve in your kitchen. Lighter selections like white or light gray can help create a seamless and cohesive look in your space. Plus, it can help make a small kitchen feel more open and airy. While dark grout options like dark gray, brown, or black can add contrast to your kitchen aesthetic — allowing your backsplash to pop and be a major focal point of the space. To understand which is best for you, we recommend sampling grout colors with whichever backsplash tiles you select so you can make an informed decision.

What color grout looks best with beige tile?

Again, this will come down to personal preference and the overall look and feel you’re trying to cultivate in your kitchen. However, for beige tile most of our clients opt for grout in neutral, earth tones such as beige, light gray, tan, or brown. All of these options can complement the natural warmth of the beige tile to create a warm and comfortable space for your friends and family to enjoy.

Should there be grout between countertop and backsplash?

A common misconception is that grout should be applied to the entire backsplash above your kitchen countertops. However, any reputable kitchen remodeling company knows that caulk should be used between the countertop and backsplash — not grout. This seam helps keep the area behind your cabinets clean and the caulk will be able to withstand more wear and tear. Then, you can apply the grout over top of the caulking to maintain a cohesive look with your grout.