If you’re looking to add white subway tile with gray grout to a kitchen, bathroom, or other space in your home, this post’s for you! I’m sharing my tips for testing grout colors and my favorite gray grouts!
Since sharing the results of our kitchen remodel, I’ve had so many people asking about the gray grout that I used that I realized I wasn’t the only one who struggled with which gray grout would work best with my kitchen’s white subway tile. “Struggle” is kind of laughable for something as silly as choosing a grout color but your grout choice can make a night and day difference in your final tile job so I wanted to make sure not to mess this choice up!
I was surprised not to find hardly any “real life” images of white subway tile with gray grout where the grout color was given so I decided to share how I chose my grout along with some pics of my favorite gray grouts combined with white subway tile.
First off, here’s a look at the gray grout I chose – I went with a light gray option called Frost. This pic shows how the white subway tile and gray grout look in both shadowed spaces (underneath the upper cabinet and to the left of it) and in a more sunny spot close to the countertop:
I used the same grout for the Walker Zanger Villa D Oro mosaic behind my kitchen range:
It’s also the same grout color that we used with the marble tile in the shower of our master bathroom remodel. Our tile guys said Mapei Frost was their go-to for grouting marble tile and I can see why – it’s a choice I was really happy with!
I wish I could say that my decision for the tile in our kitchenwas as easy as looking at a color chart and saying “that’s the one” but oh my gosh, there are SO MANY gray grout options and since I wanted to choose the best one for my space, I did some legwork to make sure I got it right. Here are some things that I found helpful to do (affiliate links included in post – full disclosure available {here}):
Narrow Down Your Options with Grout Color Sticks and By Walking the Tile Aisles
Start off by talking to your tiler (unless you’re DIYing it) about his/her recommendations and viewing the grout sample sticks that they typically have. The sample sticks are typically plastic replicas and not the true grout so while I’ve found them to be helpful in narrowing down my options, they’re not always helpful in making final decisions since the real grout can differ a bit in appearance. Tilers see all different grout and tile combinations so they have valuable experience to add to your decision but also remember that your taste might not be exactly the same as theirs. For example, my tiler was adamant about the grout color that would work best with my fireplace tile but I went with something different (Polyblend Natural Gray) and am 100% happy with my decision.
So get their input but make sure your final decision is what YOU will like best, not them. After narrowing it down to a few options, walk the aisles of stores that showcase grouted tile – I walked around Lowe’s where they show all sorts of different tiles with different grouts (and the grout colors are labeled!) to see some “real life” samples. Floor & Decor also has lots of grouted tile examples in their stores. Just be aware that the same grout will look quite different depending upon the color of tile surrounding it and the lighting.
Make Sample Boards
I was able to narrow my grout choice down to two gray grout options but hadn’t ruled out the possibility of just using white grout either so I made sample boards with all three grout options (I also made samples boards of two other grays I liked so I could share them with you!). Luckily subway tile is inexpensive so I made sample boards with full tiles but if your tile is more pricey, you could cut tiles in half and grout in between them so you don’t use as many (an inexpensive tile cutter like {this} works well for that). The grout itself isn’t exactly cheap, but spending $50 on grout now to get it right is well worth it in my opinion – it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of what you put into the rest of a kitchen reno! Choose sanded or unsanded grout depending upon the width you choose for your grout lines – mine were going to be 1/16″ (the most narrow you typically go) so that meant unsanded grout. Here’s how I made my sample boards:
Use a Glue Gun to Glue Your Tiles on a Board
I snagged a plywood remnant from our renovation and used {this glue gun} to glue my tiles onto the board. You could use a different type of adhesive including the mastic adhesive used for tile or liquid nails, but the glue gun dries instantly so you can make your sample board quickly. Just be sure to put each tile in place on your board immediately after you put the hot glue on the back before it dries!
I glued down four tiles for each sample. If you have tile spacers, you can use them to get the same distance between your tiles as you’ll have on your walls (mine are 1/16″ spacers like {these}) but they’re not worth buying just for the sample boards – you can do the same thing with a ruler if you don’t have a tiler to snag a few from.
Mix Up Your Grout Using the Directions on the Bag
You can buy premixed grout but since the bagged grout is cheaper, I went with that. Using a disposable bowl and plastic spoon, I poured some of the grout mix into the bowl and added a little bit of water at a time until it got to the right consistency (you want it well blended but not runny). Read the directions on the grout bag – let it sit for a few minutes after mixing if the directions state to do that like mine did. Then trowel it onto your tile, pressing it into the gaps. I happened to have a little trowel but a putty knife would work just fine for this too!
Once you’re done, remove the excess with your trowel/putty knife (no need to get it all – just the bulk of it!) and let it sit for a several minutes according to your grout instructions.
Use a Damp Sponge to Clean the Tile and Get Smooth Grout Lines
After you’ve let it sit for the time recommended on your grout bag, use a slightly damp sponge (wring out all excess water) to clean off your tiles and wipe over your grout lines to remove excess and make them smooth. You can also just use a paper towel for this!
Let it Dry
This last step is huge. The color will change quite a bit as it dries (it will lighten) so don’t make any decisions about grout color until it’s totally dry, which could be overnight. The image above shows what Frost grout looked like wet and the image below (Frost is at the top) shows how much lighter it is when dry:
As you can see, when it’s dry, Mapei’s Frost is a super light grays (I show it here compared to Avalanche, which is a soft white) which you might not expect from the appearance of the grout when you mix it.
Favorite Gray Grouts
Once I made my sample boards and put my mosaic up next to them, the choice for my own kitchen was obvious. I wanted my mosaic to be the star of the show so I went with the lightest gray. But I did love several of the darker grays that I sampled too and would likely have chosen one of them if I had all subway tile with no mosaic. Here’s a comparison of how the different grays I sampled looked against the white subway tile (the image is Pinnable for you to save for a later project when you might need it!):
All of these are Mapei Keracolor grout – the same named grout might look totally different in a different brand so only use this as a guide to this specific brand! You can buy Mapei grout at Lowe’s or order it online: unsanded Pewter {here} | unsanded Silver {here} | unsanded Warm Gray {here} | unsanded Frost {here}If you want to go for a darker gray, check out Mapei’s Gray, Timberwolf, Iron, & Pearl Gray.
After Grouting, Seal It!
And one last thing I wanted to be sure to mention – definitely make sure your grout is sealed after your tile job is done! {This} impregnator penetrating sealer is more expensive than others but is the one that’s been recommended as the best by every tile guy I’ve ever worked with.
Want to see more details of our kitchen? You can find the complete “before” and “after” & source links on our kitchen renovation post!
Thanks as always for stopping by!
FAQs
Softer than a dark grout but much more user-friendly than a white grout, grey is the perfect solution for a kitchen splashback as it will keep looking cleaner for longer. Large white tiles often look better with a grey grout as it will frame the tile.
Does grey grout look good with white tiles? ›
Softer than a dark grout but much more user-friendly than a white grout, grey is the perfect solution for a kitchen splashback as it will keep looking cleaner for longer. Large white tiles often look better with a grey grout as it will frame the tile.
What color gray goes best with grout? ›
There are many grout color options that would work well with gray, but the most popular and best looking combinations are white, light gray, dark gray or charcoal, and a blue gray.
What color grout to use with gray subway tile? ›
Gray Subway Tile With Neutral or Beige Grout
Great for both traditional and modern design styles, this combination is an easy way to make your space feel unique.
Should you use light or dark grout with white subway tile? ›
White subway tile can get complimented by a rich, chocolate brown grout color to help bring out a sense of coziness in a farmhouse chic design. Or, you can bring in a light blue grout color to soften an otherwise gray, coastal design. No matter the choice, the results are sure to breathe life into your design.
What color grout is best with white tile? ›
Grey grout is a beautiful choice for white tiles as the slight contrast in color helps make the white tile pop. Once you add a color difference between your tile and grout, the shape of the tile is revealed more clearly, and the grout itself forms a pattern out of the negative space.
Is grey grout hard to keep clean? ›
What color grout is easiest to keep clean? The grout color that's easiest to keep clean is likely to be a neutral shade such as a gray, or a tone of beige. These are super-practical choices for both kitchen and bathroom tile, and will demand less maintenance to stay looking good as new.
Should grout be lighter or darker than tile? ›
The shade you pick relies on what you are trying to accomplish in your design. If you want to highlight the pattern your tile creates, a contrasting color is best. If you're trying to unify your tile, such as with a wood look tile floor, go for a close match that's a little bit lighter than your tile.
What color compliments grey the most? ›
'Cool greys are best paired with cooler colour schemes, such as blue, green, and light purple, while warm greys better complement reds, oranges, and yellows. For fans of the monochrome look, incorporate different shades of grey, alongside white and black, to create depth and visual interest.'
What colour compliments grey the most? ›
'The rule of thumb being match cool greys with other "chill" colours such as blue, pale greens and cool white. And match darker grey tones with warm tones such as burnt orange, mustard, and teal.'
How big should grout lines be for subway tile? 3 x 6 inch subway tiles typically have grout joints of 1/16 inch, but 1/8 inch grout joints are also common.
What is the difference between warm grey and oyster grey? ›
Warm Gray was a little lighter and less saturated. Oyster Gray looked more taupe and slightly more saturated.
Why is my grey grout different shades? ›
Inconsistent grout color is a condition where colored grout dries to its expected color in some areas, a darker color in some areas and varying shades in-between. The main cause for this variation in color is uneven drying of the Portland cement in the grout.
Is white subway tile still in style? ›
Dark Grout Lines to add Contrast
We know classic white ceramic subway tile will never go out of style, but that doesn't mean we can't look for ways to jazz it up! One of the current trends to give this timeless tile a fresh new look is adding contrasting grout!
How do I choose grout color for white backsplash? ›
To avoid staining, it's recommended that white tile be paired with white grout. If you are set on using a dark pigmented grout to enhance the outline of your white tile, make sure your installer is using a sealer, grout release or both, and always test the grout on spare tile away from your install.
What color goes best with white tile? ›
White floors in a bathroom look best with greens, blues, yellows, and neutral colors. White floors are a versatile choice for a bathroom. They can tie together nearly any color bathroom.
What color grout goes with white porcelain tile? ›
For a happy medium, a light gray grout works well with white tile, and a sandy-color grout pairs nicely with brown or neutral tiles. Remember that dark tile grout colors will hide dirt and stains more effectively than lighter colors.
What is a popular grout color? ›
The most popular grout colors for tile are white, gray, black, brown and tan. In fact, if you go to your local tile or home improvement store, you will tend to see only these shades for sale. But, you can certainly get bolder shades for your grout. Grout can be specially ordered in colors such as, red, green and blue.
Why did my grey grout turn white after drying? ›
Grout turning white is usually due to efflorescence, which the movement of salt or minerals to the surface of porous material (such as your grout) and forms a whitish coating.
Why is my grey grout turning black? ›
The dark spots on grout are most likely the result of mold, mildew or plain old dirt buildup. It is important to determine what you're dealing with first, so you can wipe it out with the appropriate treatment plan. The only way to tell for sure is to ask a mold professional to collect samples and test it.
If you haven't kept up with grout maintenance, the once-white grout lines between your ceramic tiles may now appear gray, brown, or black. This discoloration is an accumulation of dirt, food particles, and—in the case of shower tile grout—mold. Are you eager to make your tiles look like new again?
What color grout hides dirt? ›
Because of this, dark grout has gained in popularity. Choosing a grout that is darker in color helps conceal dirt and is less likely to change in color as quickly as a light colored grout. It can also enhance the look of the bathroom, helping light tiles to look even lighter.
Is dark grout trendy? ›
Tile with dark grout is becoming increasingly popular in many design styles, from modern farmhouse bathroom walls to minimalistic kitchen backsplashes.
Should grout match the tile? ›
Grout colors that contrast with your tile color will create a more complex look, which may be overwhelming in a large space. Matching grout to the tile color, on the other hand, creates a more continuous surface visual and can help make a small space appear larger.
What colour is replacing grey? ›
Of all the neutrals, gray is the one that always held the most gravitas with designers and decorators, however, gray is slowly being replaced by beige. Elegant and timeless in their simplicity, beige schemes have become a stalwart in the world of interiors.
Who looks best in grey? ›
The general rule of thumb is that skin with cool undertones look best with greys, browns, blues, greens and purples. Skin with warm undertones look best with either bright or light colors. And skin with neutral undertones looks great in bold, bright colors.
Does grey make you look more attractive? ›
According to the survey by the online dating site, women like men with grey hair as long as they do not look too old. Also, attractiveness depended on the pattern of greying as well. As per the participants, they find a certain level of grey hair more appealing than a full head of grey.
Does cream and grey go together? ›
Cream & Light Grey
You can afford to feature grey a bit more heavily too as it doesn't need to work as just an accent colour. Cream is considered a warm neutral, and as grey is a cooler colour, this is why the two balance each other well.
When grey is your favorite color? ›
Often, gray is perceived as chic, modern, and stylish. If your favorite color is gray, you may enjoy neutral tones because they don't draw too much attention to you. Gray can indicate a balanced, intelligent personality who is a good problem solver.
What is the difference between agreeable gray and classic gray? ›
Classic Gray vs Agreeable Gray
Agreeable Gray is a little bit darker, and it's more of a true gray color. Classic Gray is lighter and closer to off-white. Both colors are true neutrals, but Agreeable Gray has warmer green undertones than Classic Gray.
3" x 6": As the most popular subway tile size, 3" x 6" subway tiles are a versatile choice. This size fits beautifully in any kitchen or bathroom design. With plenty of different patterns and colors to choose from, you'll be able to create a backsplash that fits any aesthetic.
Are larger grout lines better? ›
Again, when it comes to size you should keep in mind that the tighter the grout joint, the more variation from tile to tile will show, which can cause an installation to look sloppy. This is why your tile installer may suggest a larger grout line for a straighter, more professional-looking installation.
What is the best grout gap? ›
Ideally, your grout joints would be 1-3mm. Often we see 1mm grout joints between wall tiles and 3mm grout joints between floor tiles. Not only does it look better to have smaller joints, it also can minimise issues. For example, grout will discolour over time so keeping the joints smaller will minimse this issue.
Is chic grey a warm grey? ›
Chic Gray is a warm gray with a greige undertone.
Is Dove grey a warm grey? ›
It is a very light, warm grey that has hints of beige undertones depending on how the light hits the painted surface. This neutral color works with all other colors in any style or interior. It is truly universal hue.
What is a cool gray and a warm gray? ›
Although the color gray is commonly associated with cooler, cloudy days, there are both “cool grays” and “warm grays.” Cool grays have more blue undertones, while warm grays are grounded in yellow and brown — similar to “greige,” a combination of gray and beige.
Does grey grout lighten as it dries? ›
Grout almost always appears darker when wet than when dry. New grout can take 24 or even 48 hours before it dries completely. It depends on the humidity and temperature in the room where the grout is installed.
Why is my grey grout turning yellow? ›
Moisture leads to mildew stains, which is the common cause of yellowing grout. To prevent dingy shower grout, run a squeegee over the tile after you're done showering. Opening a window, turning on the exhaust fan while showering, or leaving the door open will also reduce moisture.
Can you go over white grout with grey? ›
Yes. Since tiling isn't structurally dependent on the grout, you can change the color without tearing up the tile and starting over.
Is subway tile out of style 2023? ›
Yes, subway tile is still on a list of kitchen backsplash trends, even in 2023. Subway tile was THE trend about 10 years ago, and while it's not quite as hot as it was at the height of the farmhouse trend craze, subway tile is a classic choice that'll always look fresh.
Classic White
White is a classic choice that doesn't go old. While it can be tempting to gravitate to fixtures in trendy colors, keep in mind that these can become dated quite quickly.
Should backsplash be lighter or darker than cabinets? ›
So, if you have lighter cabinets and countertops, you should incorporate a darker backsplash to provide more visual interest and depth to your space. When you have darker cabinets and countertops, you should bring in a lighter backsplash to make your kitchen feel fresh and inviting.
What is the most popular backsplash for white kitchen? ›
Whether you want to create an all-white kitchen or highlights your backsplash, there are plenty of materials that you can use for your backsplash. Marble, glass, ceramic, and metal backsplashes are the most popular and best kitchen backsplash for white cabinets.
Does backsplash grout dry lighter or darker? ›
Grout almost always appears darker when wet than when dry. New grout can take 24 or even 48 hours before it's completely dry. It depends on the humidity and temperature in the room where the grout is installed.
Should grout be darker or lighter than tile? ›
The shade you pick relies on what you are trying to accomplish in your design. If you want to highlight the pattern your tile creates, a contrasting color is best. If you're trying to unify your tile, such as with a wood look tile floor, go for a close match that's a little bit lighter than your tile.
Does gray grout look dirty? ›
You might think that dark colored grout is the easiest to keep clean but it's not. The best color to choose so that it doesn't look dirty is a neutral color like beige or light to mid-toned gray.
What colour grout is recommended? ›
If you're looking to consider a grout colour for its practicality, remember that light neutral-coloured grouts in greys, beiges and browns is always a safe bet in bathrooms or kitchens that are likely to get grubby over time. The lighter the grout the more regular maintenance it will need.
Is sanded or unsanded grout better for white subway tile? ›
Sanded grout is more durable and stable for interior flooring. Unsanded grout can be prone to severe cracking when pressure is applied to it. Use unsanded grout for walls, countertops, and bathtub enclosures because it clings to fine surfaces and hairline grout lines better than sanded grout.
What kind of grout should I use for subway tile? ›
Unsanded grout is recommended for grout lines that are ? inch or smaller, which is typical of most backsplash tile installations. It is also recommended for glass tiles, metal tiles, and polished stone, because sanded grout can scratch them during installation and cleanup.
Should white tile have white grout? ›
White tiles with white grout is always a safe choice and comes with many benefits. White grout is a good option to create a clean, crisp look (as long as it's well-maintained), as some darker grouts can fade over time. White grout also brightens a room and makes a room appear more spacious.
So, weekly or biweekly, give your grout a nice preventative clean with a water and baking soda paste. Rub it in the grout with a grout brush or a used toothbrush and rinse with clear water. If your grout seems a little more stained than usual, use hydrogen peroxide instead of water.
What color walls go best with white tile? ›
You can use white, cream, beige, or other light colors or neutrals. If you have light-colored walls, then it's best to keep the floor in the same color scheme for natural beauty! You can use a dark-colored tone for the walls, like brown. This is perfect if you want something different and bolder than plain old white!
What colors go well with white tile? ›
Be it slate, dark grey, or light grey, all shades of grey can be paired with white tiles for a simple, minimal, yet stunning-looking interior. White with grey is especially suitable for a study where seriousness and serenity matter a lot. White tiles are versatile and work quite well with almost all colours.
