Beige is a great neutral color that is found in many homes! If you picked beige tile for your home project, it should blend with most of your decor choices.
But, now that you have picked the tile, what color grout will go best with the tile? Is it better to choose a complementary color or a contrasting color? What are the pros and cons of each option?
With beige tile, most homeowners either pick a complementary or contrasting grout color. Complementary colors blend with the grout, creating a neutral, low contrast look. A contrasting color will either be much lighter or much darker than the color of the tile and create a more striking look. White grout can be difficult to keep clean, but dark grout, while better for high-traffic areas, can fade or discolor over time.
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How to Choose a Complementary Grout Color
A complementary grout color is meant to blend with the color of the tile.
Pros of a Complementary Grout Color
A neutral grout color is unobtrusive and pleasing to the eye. Choosing a complementary grout color will have a subtle effect. Since a neutral, beige grout is usually not very dark, it won’t fade, or change color with cleaning.
Generally, a neutral grout color will have more mass appeal. If you are looking to resell the home soon, beige grout is a safe choice.
Cons of a Complementary Grout Color
Beige grout can show dirt easily and be difficult to keep clean. Since it is so neutral, it doesn’t make a bold, stylistic statement.
Best Complementary Colors for Beige Tile
A neutral, beige grout color, such as linen, alabaster, or champagne should blend in with beige tile. Compare the grout colors to your tile to find the closest match.
How to Choose a Contrasting Grout Color
Contrasting colors are not a close match to your beige tile. The reason to choose a contrasting tile color is to highlight the tile or the tile pattern. Homeowners usually go with either a much darker, or much lighter color.
Picking a Darker Color
The most obvious dark grout color is black. There is a wide range of shades of black and gray, however. Brown is another dark grout color option.
Pros of a Dark Contrasting Grout Color
Darker grout colors are usually the best for hiding dirt! They also require less regular cleaning and maintenance and are great for high-traffic areas. A dark-colored grout can be very eye-catching and make a home design statement.
Cons of a Dark Contrasting Grout Color
Dark grout may be easier to clean, but it will discolor over time, especially if you use an abrasive cleaner. Grout is a porous material, so some fading is natural. Dark grout can also make the room look dark and small.
Best Dark Color for Beige Tile
While black is the darkest color, it is not always the best choice for beige tile. Dark brown grout is a good option with beige tile. The brown tones are warm enough to not look jarring with beige. Look for a color with a shade like walnut, pecan, or mocha.
Picking a Lighter Color
White or a white shade is a great choice for grout. White grout is usually readily available online or at most major retailers, especially if you pick a stark white shade. More subtle variations of white are also popular.
Pros of a Light Contrasting Grout Color
The major benefit of a light grout color is that it will not fade with time, sun exposure, or cleaning. White or off-white grout also creates a timeless, elegant look.
Cons of a Light Contrasting Grout Color
Unfortunately, light grout colors also show dirt and stains. If light grout is not kept clean and sealed, it can stain and look dingy. It requires more work to keep it looking clean than dark colors.
White grout can also have a tendency to turn yellow with age. Certain cleaners can make the grout turn yellow or discolored as well.
Best Light Color for Beige Tile
While bright white may seem like the obvious choice, off-white grout can still create the contrast you desire, but be a little less stark. Compare different shades of white and see which creates the desired effect with your tile choice.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose a neutral, light, or dark grout color, the most important factor is you! What look do you want for your home? There are pros and cons to each option. Evaluate your lifestyle, your desired look, and your options, then proceed. Install the tile and grout, maintain and seal it, and enjoy it for years to come!
