Role Reversal: Black Tile with White Grout

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We know and love the old classic of black grout with white tile. But what about the reverse? Turns out, black tile with white grout can look a lot better than we ever expected:

In the subway tile proportion, just like its predecessor, black tile with white grout has a smart, chic look. We've always found black surfaces tough to keep clean (watermarks, fingerprints...) but this almost makes all of that worth it.

What do you think of the look?

(Images: 1, 2: Steven Gambrel, Roman and Williams)

Categories: Supplies, Kitchens, Kitchen, Tile

Posted by Regina Yunghans

Regina is an architect who lives with her husband and son in Lawrence, KS. As a LEED Accredited Professional and longtime contributor to Apartment Therapy and The Kitchn, her focus is on healthy, sustainable living through design.
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Comments (6)

Okay - pinned it! I love that and when I finally convince my husband to let me re-do the cracked and cheesy tile in the kitchen...I'm gonna make him let me do this. I LOVE it.

White grout shows dirt quickly. Easy-to-keep-clean decor is better: grey grout with mottled color tile on the walls and floor.
If you have kids, then match the local dirt color on your floors.

I absolutely cannot get behind the light tile dark grout thing. It looks like dirty grout to me every single time.

This reversal though, I kind of dig it! Just use a damn good sealer.

I usually don't comment but m_j_s nailed it. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to keep that white white.

I think that floor in the first shot is stunning!

I really like it. (It reminds me of Harry Potter, too. Nerd alert.) I'd make sure to do it on the backsplash and not the floor.