7
   

Selecting grout colors

 
 
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 05:05 pm
I have to go pick up the tile we ordered tomorrow and while there I'm supposed to pick up some grout.

I'm not sure about what color to pick.

The tile was a little spendy so I can't muck this up.

Here's the tile:

http://www.tileforlessnw.com/productcart/pc/catalog/DSC_0946_300.jpg

I don't know if you can tell from the photo, the tile is made of copper.

It's to be on our hearth. We have a wood stove insert that is black so I'm thinking black grout.

What color would you pick?
 
ossobuco
 
  2  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 06:19 pm
@boomerang,
I'm the opposite, as I like grout to read away, thus I'd like a color very close to the tile color, or possibly a gray in the same color value (lightness/darkness)., sort of like that wall color behind the tile. Otherwise, to me, your eye goes to the tile pattern instead of the stove.
Tai Chi
 
  2  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 07:00 pm
Well, because I'm lazy, I'd go with ash-coloured. Very Happy

0 Replies
 
mismi
 
  2  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 07:06 pm
@ossobuco,
That's the way I lean too. I like the copper tile...I think black grout might detract from that. But sometimes I am not too good at visualizing. That is just my first thought. Those copper tiles are beautiful though. Love them.

Tai Chi - I'm with you there.
0 Replies
 
CalamityJane
 
  2  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 07:09 pm
I would not choose a dark color. Copper shines more with a lighter grout
http://www.bathroomdecor.info/bathroomtiles/bathroom_tiles_copper.jpg

tsarstepan
 
  2  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 07:50 pm
@boomerang,
I guess fluorescent green or pink are out. http://i48.tinypic.com/1es3zq.jpg
mismi
 
  1  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 08:15 pm
@tsarstepan,
uhhh....yah.

Wink

Like the white Jane.
0 Replies
 
boomerang
 
  1  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 08:17 pm
@ossobuco,
Ususally I agree, osso. In this case I'm not so sure.

I worry that same colored grout (provided we could even come close to matching the color) would be blah.

This tile was a REAL splurge for us. It will be the room's "jewelry". I want it to really pop.
boomerang
 
  1  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 08:20 pm
Re: ash colors to Tai and mismi. We live in a rainy climate and have a rule against grey. I worry that it will feel to "cold" against the metal. I'd go for that if we live someplace sunny.
0 Replies
 
boomerang
 
  1  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 08:24 pm
@CalamityJane,
Do you think an ivory white would work?

The room is very "lodgey". I'm just not sure that the white would scream.
0 Replies
 
ossobuco
 
  2  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 08:25 pm
@boomerang,
I see your point. Can you play around with some grout samples and some tiles?
I'm thinking peach or somepin'.. You can use the tiles, and would just be out some grout thingies (if they make those - I forget).
boomerang
 
  1  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 08:26 pm
@tsarstepan,
I have actually considered a really deep green but then I worried about the eventual patina on the copper. Would it clash?

What about a really dark brown?

The walls in the room are kind of a milk chocolate color. Trim is ivory. Floors are read oak. The mantle is a huge slab of walnut with natural edges. The room is pretty "rustic".
0 Replies
 
mismi
 
  1  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 08:26 pm
@ossobuco,
that was more what I was thinking...or maybe terra cotta?
0 Replies
 
boomerang
 
  1  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 08:28 pm
@ossobuco,
Ohhhh.... peachy.

That's something I hadn't considered and it really sounds kind of lovely.
0 Replies
 
ehBeth
 
  3  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 08:33 pm
@ossobuco,
White? no. You want it to look luxurious.

Black? mebbe, but I'd tend more toward a deep chocolate with an undertone of red. I'd want the grout to just be a background to the tile - accentuate it - not fight with it like a stark colour would.

http://www.luxuryhousingtrends.com/hand-hammered-copper-tile-backsplash.jpg

You can buy custom grout colorant from places like Home Depot up through more architectural locations.
boomerang
 
  1  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 08:45 pm
@ehBeth,
Yeah, ehBeth. That's kind of the feel I was going for.

Maybe a burnt umber -- a super dark peachy brown?

mismi
 
  1  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 08:45 pm
@ehBeth,
OH I LIKE THAT BETH. I go with that.
0 Replies
 
ehBeth
 
  1  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 08:51 pm
@boomerang,
Yeah - I think it's sort of a matter of language whether it's dark brown with a red undertone or a super dark peachy brown (especially since I "read" peach as something that is/has a red undertone).

Where is kickycan when you really need him? that guy knows colour better than just about anyone.
0 Replies
 
ehBeth
 
  1  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 08:58 pm
I know this will read differently on everyone's monitors, but I'd think about something like the nutmeg in this sample (based simply on how it looks on my monitor)

http://www.balboaflooring.com/images/collateral/PolyblendGroutOnline.jpg


these are floor grouts, but pretty much all grout can be custom-tinted
Butrflynet
 
  1  
Reply Wed 3 Mar, 2010 09:00 pm
One thing to consider is whether you intend for the copper tile to eventually tarnish to the usual blue-greenish patina that copper naturally acquires, or if you will keep it as shiny, polished copper.

Your answer to that will better define the color choices that will look the best.
 

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