Grout Color Choice Regrets

8 years ago

Last year, I got new tile flooring installed and after going back and forth for far too long on what grout color to use with my dark gray porcelain tile that was installed in a herringbone pattern, I finally decided to play it safe and I chose a charcoal gray, which blends in closely to the color of the tile.

However, now that I've lived with my decision for a while, I have realized that this grout choice has made my herringbone pattern almost disappear. I was so worried about going too dark or too light that I now think I made the worst decision of making it appear like there is no herringbone pattern now.

I've always heard that light or white grout always stains or gets dirty too easily, so I was scared away from it. Recently, I did a quick mockup of what the lighter gray grout would have looked like if I had chosen it and I think it looks so much better and shows off the pattern. But I also keep thinking, would I still be happy with how the light gray looks if keeping it clean was much more difficult?

What do you all think? Did I make the wrong choice? Does lighter grout always cause more issues eventually to make it not worth it? Do you like the grout color I chose or my mockup with the lighter grout more? Photos attached for reference.

Featured Answer

tatts

8 years ago

Here's the thing--it's the floor. It's not a work of art nor a focal point. The installation looks really good and the floor is subtle. Next project...

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Comments (10)

Rawketgrl
8 years ago
The grout you chose looks great. Next project....
Ivy Lou thanked Rawketgrl
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OneRidgeOff
8 years ago
I much prefer the grout you chose over the lighter. It looks great and worry no more about it!
Ivy Lou thanked OneRidgeOff
Beth H. :
8 years ago
original looks better. if you wanted the herringbone pattern to really stand out, you should have chosen narrower tiles. these large tiles hide the pattern because they're so big. if it's a smaller room, smaller tiles should have been used.
Ivy Lou thanked Beth H. :
PRO
Christine Harrison Fine Art and Mosaics
8 years ago
I know how it feels to spend a lot of time on a project and then have the sense that something about it is disappointing, it really niggles! But I can only say that your floor looks great as it is and when I have this problem I ask myself, "will I really be worried about it in 6 months time?" The answer is usually no. So then I try and let it go - focus on enjoying living in your kitchen, choosing some delicious things to cook and great accessories, art etc.
Ivy Lou thanked Christine Harrison Fine Art and Mosaics
cpaul1
8 years ago
I think the grout color should be lighter to show the pattern in the floor. They have a grout color change and seal product that could rather easily fix that. groutshields.com
Ivy Lou thanked cpaul1
Ivy Lou
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks everyone for your input!

I definitely considered a smaller format tile but I love the 12x24 size the most. You could definitely see a nice herringbone pattern before they finished grouting (I attached another photo) even with how big the tile is. I actually picked the color Light Pewter before I chickened out and went a shade darker.

I just feel like now my floor looks very dark, especially now that I am redoing my countertops, cabinets and backsplash. I am painting my oak cabinets soon and thinking of doing white quartz countertops and a white marble herringbone backsplash.

I have heard of grout colorants and stains/sealers, but wasn't sure if it would be worth my time or even if it was durable (the grout they used on the floor is epoxy). As many of you said, it's just the floor and looks fine as is, so maybe updating everything else will make me forget my grout color regret anyway.
K. Holiday
8 years ago
The white countertops will lighten the space significantly. Try to accept the grout! I like it. And cleaning grout sucks.
Ivy Lou thanked K. Holiday
PRO
Bates Design Associates, LLC
8 years ago
I love what you chose! The design is subtle, but not lost. It is easier to keep the darker colors clean. Relax and enjoy your beautiful floor!
Ivy Lou thanked Bates Design Associates, LLC
roarah
8 years ago
I not only prefer the lower contrast grout with a herringbone pattern it is also what I choose to do for my own herringbone grey floor. It wears better and in my opinion looks better than white grout.
Ivy Lou thanked roarah