White subway tile with gray grout is a popular grid pattern that consists of rectangular tiles and clean lines with either a matte or a glossy finish. The so-called “perfect contrast” with gray grout lines emerges as the beautiful subtle blend that, unlike white tiles, makes a distinct tile design and separates each tile to be observed on its own. With gray grout, whatever the pattern is, herringbone, chevron, running bond, straight layout, vertical placement, and stacked arrangement, every design pattern is quite obvious. With this tile color combination, you can achieve a timeless and elegant beauty that can be cherished for ages to come.
The history of subway tiles is interesting. During the 20th century, it came out as a popular tile choice that was used in the walls of Subway Stations in New York. With dimensions of 3×6 inches, the tiles fitted nicely and rendered a classic visual aesthetic that was easy to clean and maintain. However, with the passing of time, white subway with gray grout transcended generations, and today, it stands as the top choice for all commercial and residential home projects where it covers the backsplash walls in kitchens, bathroom remodeling, and shower walls. The wear and tear on the station walls and the heavy foot traffic that the station walls experience make subway tiles remain durable for ages and last for years. It also has the ability to withstand the high pressure of the area. Also, especially with a glazed surface and glossy finish, the tiles are wiped off with only a damp cloth, so they are easy to clean and maintain. Herringbone, Chevron, double stacked, and various other design options make them stand out in every form.
The lining of gray grout to the white walls makes the perfect contrast and a soft color combo. It highlights and emphasizes the beautiful tile pattern, whatever you wish to focus attention on. It makes a clear note of the distinct design. Black grout also does the same job, but with gray grout, the pattern looks bright and soft, which complements a wide range of kitchen elements for all kitchen types, whether traditional or modern.
Some of the main points that we will cover in this article include different styles, rooms, and tips for using white subway tile with gray grout. The frequently asked questions and answer section will help you learn more about white subway tile with gray grout refresh!
What Are the Five Major Benefits of Using White Subway Tiles With Gray Grout?
White subway tiles and gray grout is the most vogue option to elevate the home interior. Here are some key benefits of using this color combination.
Visual contrast
Like other bold colors, a slightly lighter color combination with gray grout creates a striking contrast to white subway tiles. The brick-like pattern of the tiles makes the pattern apparent and visually appealing. Almost every kitchen has elements and accessories that are light-colored, and this gray grout will always complement the stainless steel work, textured marble countertops, and wooden cabinets.
Practicality
With a light hue, gray grout, unlike darker-colored grouts, shows less staining, dirt, grease, and watermarks. Therefore, there is no doubt that this makes the cleaning as well as the maintenance much more convenient for the house ladies.
The adaptability of this color duo
Ranging from contemporary to classic and vintage kitchen and bathroom designs, gray grout, with its neutral hue, pairs well with all kitchen décor and binds every element together.
Timeless appeal that lasts for a longer period of time
We have witnessed that the timeless appeal of the white subway tiles with gray grout has successfully maintained its timelessness and remained a popular trend at all times and with every passing year. The legacy continues, and the prestige stays unmatched.
Flexibility in design and huge color selections in stock!
The whole range of light and dark shades of gray enables home designers to customize each tile according to their preferences and keep in view the overall aesthetic of the kitchen and bathroom space. If you want a subtle and light color contrast, then opt for light gray, and for a darker matchup, consider darker shades of gray like charcoal or slate gray.
Choosing the Right Shade of Gray- A Must-Watch
Gray grout is a popular grout color that perfectly suits the white subway tiles and gives definition to the wall. This is to be kept in mind that if you choose the wrong shade of gray for your wall, it can land you in serious trouble and make your tiling experience worse than ever. So here we discuss some essential factors to note in your diaries when working with gray grouts.
The size and shape of your tiles
This is simple to start with. If you have thinner subway tiles, go for a darker grout shade to create an impact on the wall. Similarly, for comparatively thicker and dense tiles, lighter gray color variations will improve the wall aesthetics and provide a seamless view.
The style and decor of your space
These two things make up for the grout color choice. A modern and sleek kitchen space requires nothing but a cool gray shade of grout that tones up with the other kitchen stainless steel appliances and fixtures. It could be silver gray, dove gray, or a cloud gray grout to go with white subway tiles.
Consider lights and color scheme.
If your kitchen has a window with all the natural light pouring in during the day, then it is a wise option to select lighter gray shades to reflect light and make the ambiance bright and airy. With artificial lighting, like wall sconces or pendant lights, you can choose slightly darker grout for a fun-filled and dramatic effect on the walls.
Here, we present you with some popular options for gray grouts. Check them out!
Silver
For a less impactful look and for a soft and calming appearance, this silvery light gray shade works well with porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone subway tiles.
Pewter
This is yet another medium gray shade for a modest contrast against the white color of the subway tiles. It is suitable for stone and glass tiles.
Gray
This is a true gray shade with a color that lies somewhere between light and dark but leaning more towards the darker gray side. This color grout is perfect for a timeless addition to your kitchen or bathroom walls.
Charcoal
This one is a true dark gray shade that fills the subway grout for a bold contrast. It looks absolutely a stunner to go with the white tiles and makes a strong visual transformation.
We’re obsessed with the clean and modern look of the white subway tiles and beautiful marble countertop that steals the show! We added some warmth with the wood elements and a pop of glam with the gold mirror. This powder bath is now the perfect mix of sophistication and simplicity.
Way to go! It is a perfect show of the simplicity of white subway tiles with light gray unsanded grout. This office bathroom is a great example of saving on the overall budget with tile and plumbing but making sure there is still some pattern and personality to keep it fun. The floors are in monochrome and beige prints, and the black and white printed stool suits the look.
Are you ready to start cooking up some luxe kitchen magic? This latest kitchen renovation has left us all inspired with its look-white backsplash, white cabinets, expansive range, and pot filler. We can’t wait to make you feel like a 5-star chef! We are head to foot with these white subway tiles with gray grout accent backsplash!
For some added whimsy, don’t be afraid to mix your white subway tiles with gray grout! Pairing this subtle new subway-style fashion in your everyday bathroom is a great way to keep the bathroom fresh and light. The navy wall, the dark solid floor, and the matching towel have really done their part to elevate the bathroom’s aesthetics.
Doesn’t this space feel quiet? Well, this kitchen bar is created to give that pleasant and serene atmosphere with subway tiles having a gray grout filling that looks classic and timeless, with clean lines that achieve your version of modern living. For creating highly functional kitchen space incorporating floating shelves and wall sconces, our thoughtfully designed spaces enhance and help you feel at peace in your home.
Let’s make some cosmetic changes to your outdated kitchen and bring some life to your kitchen space. With this kitchen transformation, you will witness the charm and elegance of white subway tile, hexagon tile, farmhouse sink, quartz countertops, green kitchen cabinets, hand-loomed rug, wooden cutting boards, and black faucet. Nothing fancy, though, just a little facelift!
This shows a beautiful mix of modern tiles- white subway and patterned floor tiles. Having a dedicated niche in the kitchen backsplash is a small luxury with big benefits. Kudos to the design. Now, you can put all your kitchen accessories and crockery on these open shelves. White oak cabinetry is arranged in a U-shaped format around the space.
This bathroom gives us an overview of the different patterns of subway tiles. One with a dark gray color and white grout, and the other in the shower features white subway tiles with gray grout arranged in a herringbone pattern. The shower floor is a Carrara white hexagon design.
The beautiful mix of crisp white subway tiles with dark gray grout, white quartz countertops, and wooden accents perfectly blends everything together in this enchanted farmhouse kitchen. The rattan bar stools are in contrast with the dark stained wooden floor and the floating shelves. What do you think of this contrast? Is it your jam?
A black & white palette makes bathrooms bright and fresh whilst moody at the same time. This great country bathroom showcases the perfect balance of black and white. White subway tiles with gray grout have made us all enamored with their contrast with the black and white patterned tiles on the floor. It can’t be made much more exquisite than this.
Black, white, and wood tones forever! The greenery outside the window can be a pop of color. Sometimes, simple white tiles are all that’s needed to achieve the desired effect. A peaceful display of white subway tiles with gray grout on the backsplash wall. This space is truly the heart of the home, and there is no denying that.
The finishing of kitchen cabinets with a trendy Fresh Mint paint and the forever charm of the bevel white subway tile featured on the backsplash is all you can talk about this kitchen transformation. Additional updates include new quartz countertops, a Kraus 31-1/2″ single basin undermount granite composite kitchen sink, a high arc pulldown faucet, and gold hardware.
Designing and Todd building this beautiful hickory shelving unit in lieu of lower cabinets is a style we have loved even more! The combination has an eye for design. The white backsplash consists of gray grout white subway tiles, and the countertop features white quartz. Altogether, this kitchen reno is a beauty to the eyes.
What a gorgeous kitchen view with perfect details! How pretty does the backsplash look with white subway tiles and dark gray grout? That cute Zara mat in the Stoney white color is nicely laid on the barn wood floor. White cabinets with a mix of gold and black hardware and the quartz countertop are the focal points of the kitchen.
The Carrara marble kitchen countertop and white subway tile all over the walls are a beauty unmatched! Wooden floor, black accent door in grid design for a dramatic look, and white cabinets with brass hardware are the highlights of this featured kitchen. This is one of the kitchen goals that we look forward to.
Daydreaming of a perfect backsplash tile. White subway tile seems like a perfect match for any kitchen decor! Light gray grouting has made the tiles appear even more stylish and clean. Turquoise kitchen accessories fit the modern kitchen design, providing a luxe feel and elegance while maintaining the simplicity of the subway!
Laundry room dreams! I don’t dream of doing laundry, but if I did, it would be in this space! A great work of white subway tiles, gray grout, choosing a black washer and dryer for bold contrast and stacking them to save up space and bring alignment and using wood countertop-peak of geniuses.
This shower space features a minimal interior with white subway tiles that cover all the shower walls and a black grid-style sliding door to separate the shower space from the rest of the bathroom. Nichrome shower fittings and gray floor are chosen to blend in with the tile and grout color combination.
Whilst there still may be some snow on the trees, start decorating your home with spring greenery. This white kitchen is styled with classic white subway tile elevated with the power of medium gray grout to create a sharp and modern contrast. Wall painted in repose gray and pure white on the trim of the windows looks so sleek.
We like the warmth of walnut against the white cabinetry and how stunning is that shiplap ceiling in this country home. The clever use of running bond subway tiles creates little movement on the walls in this stunning living area. Accents of wood bring warmth to the space. Enjoy cozying up on the couch while it snows outside!
Our love for white subways will never go out of fashion! The kitchen area exhibits a clean look of white subway backsplash along with a white shiplap ceiling. Black accents in the frosty cabinetry and hanging light fixture have transformed the entire look of the kitchen. Live beautifully with subway tiles.
Bold Colors and Classic Elements are the perfect combination in this His and Her bath. The use of quartz countertops, gold wall sconces and hardware, blue cabinetry, pink flowers, white towels, and frameless mirrors lifts up the bathroom space and gives it that pure, luxurious feel that we all desire!
Terrazzo’s timeless beauty has been reimagined in this lovely soothing gray porcelain tile in Light Gray Matt 600x600mm. Flowing seamlessly across the floor and up to the ceiling in the shower, the Terrazzo adds a beautiful textural effect with mixed aggregate sizes and shades of gray. Paired with a simple white subway tile that has a contrasting glossy rippled finish, the ensuite is a calming and inviting space.
It was fun seeing those frying pans hanging in this culinary space and making it into one of the shots here. So Snappy! It makes you want to sauté something for sure! The white kitchen is presented with white subway tiles spread out from the countertop to the ceiling alongside dark cabinets and the marble countertop.
The perfect Zen look for a relaxing weekend! White with a touch of greenery and shades of natural wood. Do you happen to notice the diagonal pattern of the white subway tiles? It makes so much difference on the wall. An arched mirror on the wall, nichrome tapware, and a white ceramic sink bowl are all paired up with white subway tiles.
White subway tiles with light gray grout rest peacefully against the wooden floating shelves in this corner of the kitchen. With sunlight coming in through the window, the area is well-lit up, and the subway tiles look even more bright and clean. Green plants and several bowls lay on the open shelves, making it a practical element.
Natural and Modern aesthetic that combines the simplicity of modern design with natural warmth. White subway tiles with a light grout color look modern, while the wooden shower floor adds warmth to the whole space. Gold hardware and a soaking tub make up this beautiful ensuite.
Subway tiles are so versatile. How cool is this vertical brickwork pattern? From the floor to the ceiling, these white subway tiles look so classic and breathtakingly good. Black framed mirrors and black hardware look bold and add interesting colors to the neutral palette. The wood slab countertop has its own charm in this bathroom.
In this royal bathroom, we have mixed the metal finishes (polished chrome and brushed brass), and we are happy with the result. It feels much more interesting than using only one metal finish. White subway tiles in the background provide a perfect backdrop for the ice-blue vanity. The towel embraces all colors of this bathroom decor.
How good is this kitchen designed with classic and timeless white subway tile with gray grout? A look that will never look old Using Costa Allegra 3”x6” in White Sand. Such a crisp, clean look. We personally love how the cabinet color is picked up on the walls above the tile. So sharp!
Delorean gray grout for the white subway backsplash rocks in this kitchen space. The contrasting colors in the granite countertop, the double sink, and the backsplash all go together. And the fall decorations just add color to the room and transform the space into a fresh and delightful space.
It’s simple yet cozy! It’s easy to spot vintage pieces in this bathroom. That is an awesome repurpose of an old farmhouse table! Small Carrara hexagon tiles spread all over the bathroom floor, and white subway tiles with light gray grout provide coverage to the shower walls. This is indeed a guest bathroom that might tempt you to overstay your welcome.
We totally love the color scheme in this bathroom setup! It’s made such a difference changing the layout. It looks much bigger! The color green and that mirror are a little bit extra detail. Frosted glass on the window makes the window look so much cooler. White subway tiles with the dark grout have made things interesting here.
Matte white subway tile for the walls, matte hexagon tiles for the floor, a mix of black and frost grout, black exposed plumbing, and a black custom frame for the shower glass. All have worked together flawlessly and created the bathroom aesthetic that we see in this shot. It is the black and white interior that has never gone this well.
FAQs
What Is the Best Grout Color for White Subway Tiles?
The two colors for the grout that will always stay and stand the test of time are white and gray. No other grout colors can possibly do what these colors achieve. With a seamless view of the white grout with white subway tiles, it renders the surface a clean, bright, continuous, and classic appeal. While talking about gray grout, it makes it easier to visualize each tile separately and also to notice the tile patterns and designs quite effectively. It is up to your preferences and style that you choose for the gray grout, either light, medium, or dark.
How About a Gray Grout and White Tile Combination? Is It Worth a Try?
Well, the color combination is fantastic! This works well in cases when you have made interesting tile patterns and you want to visualize those designs. In this case, the gray grout focuses on individual tiles and gives definition to the overall tile patterns herringbone, chevron, horizontal or vertical layout. From a practical and maintenance point of view, gray grout hides potential stains, dirt, and grease, so it is easy to wipe the dust off the surface and clean the tiles quite effortlessly.
Why Are White Subway Tiles with Gray Grout So Popular in Home Renovations?
The three factors of appeal, versatility, and practicality are involved in the popularity of white subway tiles with gray grout. The white color looks clean and bright, while the gray grout adds depth and character to the tiles, highlighting the exciting tile patterns. Moreover, this color combination works for different styles, modern and traditional. In contrast to white grout and other darker grouts, gray grout is more forgiving in terms of hiding dust and stains, making cleaning easier.
