Is dark grout outdated?

Author: Hildegard McLaughlin  |  Last update: Friday, May 2, 2025

Tile with dark grout is becoming increasingly popular in many design styles, from modern farmhouse bathroom walls to minimalistic kitchen backsplashes.

Is dark grout out of style?

Dark grout can be a stunning design choice. Black grout offers a striking contrast that can make a space feel modern while gray and brown grout can offer a more slight contrast, yet still beautiful. I've discussed the timelessness of the combination of black and white in design before. It truly doesn't go out of style.

Is it better to have light or dark grout?

Choosing lighter colors blends your design together. Darker colors create a more dramatic effect. 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.

What is the most popular color of grout?

White grout is always a popular choice and creates a fresh look when used with any tile colour. As you can see below on the left, used alongside darker tiles such as Manton Hollow from our Savernake collection, white grout accentuates the grid pattern of the tiles.

What does it mean when grout is dark?

Darker grout can outline each tile, emphasizing the grid-like arrangement or specific patterns within the tiles. This approach can add visual interest and architectural detail to the overall design.

This Grouting Mistake will Ruin Your Tile Job

Can you change dark grout to light grout?

Yes, you can absolutely stain grout a different color.

How do you fix grout that is too dark?

Remove and Replace Grout

The most thorough and complete solution is to remove the grout and install new, grout in the color of your choice. In small areas, such as backsplashes and tub or shower surrounds, this project can be less difficult than you might imagine.

What color tile goes with dark grout?

There's something so stylish and innovative about pairing white tiles with black grout. Bold yet minimalist, they offer a distinct design element without overwhelming the space. Perfect for bathroom installations and kitchen backsplashes, they offer a sleek, contemporary look that's harmonious and calming.

What color grout doesn't look dirty?

For balancing aesthetics and upkeep, you can't go wrong with a neutral grey or beige grout. These lightly pigmented grouts will enhance the pattern of both light and dark colored tiles, have less risk of staining your tile compared to a dark grout and will conceal dirt and stains better than a white grout.

What grout do professionals use?

Jim Whitfield, manager of Technical Services at Mapei told industry professionals, “Because epoxy grout is so tough, it wears extremely well. It doesn't wear down over time and become a tile gutter—like cement grout can—where all the dirt and liquid and junk collects.”

Does dark grout show imperfections?

Black grout can work well in high-traffic rooms. The dark color can conceal dirt, grease, and grime, making it perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. However, you have to be careful with installation as imperfections show easily.

What is the lowest maintenance color grout?

Neutral grout colours are lower maintenance

Dark and light grout tend to show more dirt and stains over time, while a neutral grout such as beige or grey won't show dirt as readily.

Is dark grout hard to clean?

It's important to remember that black grout can be very messy and difficult to clean up.

Is it better to go with lighter or darker grout?

For instance, dark grout will give a defined edge to light tiles and lighter grout will highlight dark tiles more (black and white is a classic version of this and works especially well to give a bold, geometric look to subway tiles).

What is an alternative to black grout?

Our Medium Grey grout is a classic choice and a softer, more subtle alternative to black grout. Use medium grey grout alongside white and off-white tiles for a traditional, vintage look, or pair it with greys and light blues to blend tile and grout perfectly.

Is white floor grout a bad idea?

But the most obvious drawback to white grout is that it will get dirty in no time! It will show stains and will be difficult to keep clean.

How can I make my old grout look better?

Use Hydrogen Peroxide
  1. Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda into a bowl and form a thick paste.
  2. Apply it to grout with the help of a brush and let it sit for a further 7-10 minutes.
  3. Scrub the grout thoroughly with a brush.
  4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 again if the grout is still not clean.

What is the best color grout to use in a bathroom?

Selecting neutral grout is often the safest choice for many bathrooms. Instead of selecting classic white or a bold blue, opting for tans, beiges, grays, or creams will add a hint of color without going overboard.

Is black grout trendy?

Timeless, Versatile Appeal

With black hardware becoming increasingly popular, black grout is a natural extension of this trend, creating a cohesive, up-to-date look that integrates seamlessly into kitchens and bathrooms.

How do you change dark grout to light grout?

Grout can be recolored by removing the grout and replacing it with new grout that has been tinted the color you want.

Should grout match wall color?

Sometimes you need something that will tie the whole room together. Matching your grout color to another element in the room is a great way to make the overall design flow well together. In the picture on the left, the grout was chosen to match the paint color above the tiles.

Do grout pens work?

This really works! The grouting around the tiles in our kitchen and bathroom was looking very tried with several black damp spots. The grout pen covered it all in one coat and was very simple and quick to use. We added an extra coat on the very stained sections and now it all looks like fresh grouting.

Can you put new grout over old grout?

You don't have to remove all of your old grout to apply the new grout. The new grout can be applied right over the top of the existing grout. You will need a grout removal tool, which is a small tool with a sharp blade capable of chipping away the grout.

What to do if you hate grout color?

Replacing grout is certainly one way to fix the problem. Instead, use UltraCare Grout Refresh, a water-based color seal, available in 40 standard grout colors. It's made for refreshing the look of old, discolored grout, or completely changing the color of the existing grout.

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