skip to main content

Design Dilemma Polls Kitchens

Schluter Bright White or Matte White... and grout color decisions?

Elizabeth Alter

4 years ago

Hi!

I am picking final touches for a large kitchen backsplash -- it will go from counter to ceiling with floating shelves over it. I have purchased this Equipe tile that will be used like this. It is matte white in color (though I realize looks shiny here).

I have two vertical sides to the backsplash that I have decided to go with Schluter Jolly trim to finish. I know that there is some concern about white being not true white - but I also really want to be sure the Schluter edging is matte. Which color schluter trim do you all recommend to go with? I would usually go to see in a store, but obviously that is challenging at the moment.

Also - trying to decide final decision on grout color. I'd like light grey - both to make it easier to keep clean looking, and for a slight contrast - and love the look below. I am worried about going too dark, because I don't want it to be too overwhelming of a pattern. Our cabinets are similar to dark grey below (but counters are white quartz). My tile guy wants to use Custom Building Products Prism line - I hear Platinum is popular, but the contrast of the sample to the tile is so little (see pic - sorry for the dust) I'm worried it will look dingy. Is Platinum darker than the sample? or would Delorian or Cape Gray better or will it be too dark?

Schluter Bright White Jolly Trim

Schluter Matte White Jolly Trim

Featured Answer

PRO

Beth H. :

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

DeLorean leans lavender. looks great w/a cool marble like carrara.

Is your white tile really that 'off-white' in person? or would you call it a Bright white? It's hard to tell from your pics.

With your white tile like shown here, I like the Winter gray, and maybe Cape Gray. Maybe rolling fog. or Oyster. Your tile guy should have left over bags of these grout colors. ask him to do a quick sample of them using one of your tiles on a board. (If you were using Mapei, I'd say do the Warm Gray) I like the Bleached Wood color too if you want something close to the tile color

for the Jolly, there is an aluminum and a PVC.

this is the matte on the aluminum. I would strongly urge you to get both of them to see what they look like next to your tile (your tile looks off white) . order one of the metal ones too. you can always return what you don't use.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Kristin S
4 years ago
I would ask your tile guy to put up a few samples of the group options once the tile is up. Ours was more than happy to do that for us, and it helped a lot in choosing the right grout.

Similarly, I would ask your tile guy for samples of the schluter. I would think he would have them or be able to get them and leave them for you, and I would want to see them next to the tile before deciding.
Elizabeth Alter
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks Kristin! I think that's ideal, but trying to limit his visits, and the time it takes to get this done, so was hoping to just make the call before he starts work so we can have everything on hand.
Related Discussions
Grout color for 12x24 white tiles
Q
Comments (10)
We used TEC XT Bright White grout with our glossy white large format shower tiles and it still looks white 3-4 years later. We sealed it with a solvent based sealer (not necessary to do so, but can be if desired). Also, our tile is set with tight grout lines, so we were able to use un-sanded grout, which is whiter than the sanded version of the same color. We have moderately hard water BTW. We wipe down the tub surrounds with microfiber cloths after showering (hanging them on the towel bar to dry between uses), to prevent water spots on the tile, and prevent pooled water from sitting where the tile meets the tubs. This probably helps cut down on build-up. I clean the bathrooms every 1-1 1/2 weeks (I spray the tub surrounds with 7th Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, and then. wipe dry with a fresh microfiber cloth). I'm all about maintenance and prevention of future issues. :)
...See More
TEC Power Grout? What color grout for white subway tiles in bathroom
Q
Comments (6)
Guest bathroom shower surround, glossy white tiles, "regular" TEC grout, 2008 I think. MB and hall bathroom tub surrounds, glossy white tiles, TEC XT grout, 2011. No issues. The XT grout doesn't require sealing, but can be, using a solvent based sealer. We have moderately hard water. We wipe down the tub surrounds with a microfiber cloth after showering (to prevent water spots on the glossy tile). I clean the bathrooms pretty much weekly. I spray the tub surrounds with 7th Generation disinfecting bathroom cleaner spray. Let sit a few minutes, and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. Tile and grout look as they did when first installed.
...See More
white or grey grout with white subway tiles?
Q
Comments (14)
not contributing anything new-darker, or rather contrasting, grout when you want to emphasize the shape or the pattern of the tile, blending-close to the color of the given tile grout-if you don't here's another thought for you..light gray/bone will be probably fine. the darker you take it-the stronger the contrast. which might be amazing looking and all but take into consideration-not everybody is doing great with high contrast, especially very dark and very light together, colors and lines interchanging frequently as in with the grout and tiles..it makes a lot of people dizzy-not good for a space like a bathroom where you'd rather not feel dizzy if it was for your own enjoyment and you handle high contrast well-go for it if it's for resale-take into consideration a pretty big amount of people that will find it hard on their eyes i also wanted to go with contrasting grout..fortunately i realized i'd be the first to fall in my own shower, surrounded by this striking geometry again, if it's just a tad darker color though-it will probably look cool and still be fine with the majority of the buyers
...See More
Stumped on grout color for white subway tile in shower!!
Q
Comments (9)
A. White grout with white subway tile will look too stark/boring We had white on white and I agree with you, it looked a little stark. B. It will be harder to keep clean, even if sealed. It will not be harder to keep clean; however, when it is dark, how do you know when it is dirty? That's my biggest problem with dark grout is that you never know if it is mold/mildew or the dark grout. With white you know exactly when it is 'unclean.'
...See More
hemina
4 years ago
The tile looks a little creamy-warmer white to me; if so, the white schulter might be too cool or bright. Can you leave the tile out for the person to do the sample boards and then have him/her leave them for you to look at? I could have made some huge mistakes without seeing a sample. It might be worth it to be sure than to be disappointed later.
Elizabeth Alter
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks so much Beth! Helpful to know that Delorean leans lavender- I am also trying to avoid anything that leans brown.

The tile is not the brightest white -not quite cool undertone. But also not offwhite either. The quartz sample to the left reads more bright white on it's own, and you can see it isn't that different from the tile.
PRO
Monica Harmon
2 years ago
We just ordered the Schluter Rondec PVC in matte white and it was a perfect match to our glossy but off white subway tile. Basically a creamy white. Not bright white and not ivory. I found the same color in Daltile Colorwheel and they call it Buscuit. (Throwing this all out there in case someone has as much trouble as we did, matching an off white subway tile.)

Related Stories

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: A White-on-White Home Radiates Scandinavian Charm

Pale woods, black accents and an abundance of white shine in this Australian-Swedish family’s renovated row house

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Keep Your White Kitchen White

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Sure, white kitchens are beautiful — when they’re sparkling clean. Here’s how to keep them that way

MOST POPULAR Must-Try Color Combo: White With Warm Off-White

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Avoid going too traditional and too clean by introducing an off-white palette that brings a touch of warmth and elegance

HOUZZ TV LIVE Bright, White and Open Kitchen for a Michigan Family

By Jeannie Matteucci

Watch and read how a design-build couple knocked down walls and added fresh style to create a light and airy great room

WHITE KITCHENS 4 Dreamy White-and-Wood Kitchens to Learn From

By Mitchell Parker

White too bright in your kitchen? Introduce wood beams, countertops, furniture and more

BATHROOM OF THE WEEK Bathroom of the Week: A New Master Bath in Black and White

By Mitchell Parker

In Pennsylvania, a bedroom is converted into a bright, airy and budget-friendly bathroom

BEDROOMS Serene Master Suite Awash in Warm Whites

By Bryan Anthony

See how cream tones, matte black finishes and pops of brass make this Boston master bedroom and bathroom come to life

BEFORE AND AFTERS Kitchen of the Week: Classic White Space With Layered Style

By Jeannie Matteucci

A designer helps an Illinois couple create a bright, fresh kitchen with subtle texture, custom details and a new layout

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Bathroom of the Week: Calm and Serene in White, Navy and Brass

By Jeannie Matteucci

A designer reconfigures a layout to give a homeowner a light and airy space in a bright transitional style

BATHROOM DESIGN 10 Beautiful White-and-Wood Bathrooms

By Annie Thornton

Designers hit the mark with this popular pairing in makeovers of bathrooms in many sizes and styles

Sponsored

EK Interior Design

5 Reviews

TIMELESS INTERIOR DESIGN FOR ENDLESS MEMORIES

More Discussions

Formal living room

155

why is so hard to choose backsplash ?

8

bathroom ideas for long floorplan

35

Updating bedroom..Help with bed choice please?

2

Main Bedroom Lamps- HELP!

5