Light grey for living room: 12 Light Gray Paint Colors for the Perfect Neutral

40 Grey Living Rooms That Help Your Lounge Look Effortlessly Stylish and Understated

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Need to revamp your living room, but not sure where to start? Pick grey to colour it. No longer associated with dungeons, dull office blocks or unpainted walls, grey is a hue perfectly understated, making your furniture look contemporary sans large risks in design. Cut Lego-style stairs into a shaft concrete wall, amidst relaxed L-chairs in the hue. Go fifty shades darker, with charcoal leather couches, LED-lit bookcases and a roaring fire all in tone. Brighten it up with light grey walls, framed monochrome prints and a cornered Corinthian column. Effortlessly achieve a cool, up-to-date edge with our forty grey living rooms as your inspiration.

• 1 |
• Visualizer: Thai Quang

Combine grey and green together for a look that’s fresh. The tropical leaves and pineapples in this grey and white interior make a splash upon an exposed brick wall, two grey ottomans and two Scandinavian nesting coffee tables built to match.

• 2 |
• Photographer: Anders Bergsted
• Source: Entrance

Grey living rooms take on many styles. This light grey number simulates Scandinavia with its six monochrome prints, two square leather chairs and structured, rectangular furniture. A Greek column fireplace in the corner adds a touch more character. Check out our 50 Inspirational Scandinavian-Style Living Rooms post for more interiors in this theme.

• 3 |
• Visualizer: aTng 糖

Prefer dark Scandinavian interior design? Paint a wall almost black, colour your floors in dark slate and pop a cat on its frontage, like this bold interior. A lighter grey couch, industrial light and a range of potted cacti provide items of interest.

• 4 |
• Designer: One Work

Go simple yet functional with a lounge in grey. The slick concrete feature wall of this black-and-grey interior is peppered with an artsy staircase, grey L-seater and abstract oval coffee tables.

• 5 |
• Source: Archvizer

Grey creates space for dominant features. Mis-matching wooden floors, grey couches and muted accessories make way for a large facial abstract on an exposed brick wall. Red-lined shelving and a miniature yacht help tie the artwork in.

• 6 |
• Visualizer: Roman Kolyada

Grey’s a great base for a modern living room. This decor employs dangling lights to illuminate a grey couch, floor and ottoman with a matching kitchen bench and sprinkles of red and blue. A Turkish rug and floral print add pattern to form.

• 7 |
• Designer: Zrobym

Grey walls need not be dark. This light and bright lounge is backgrounded by almost-white tiles, a snug suede L-seater, and pops of pastel in a pink seat and beige print. A multi-jointed lamp to the side stretches beside a paint-splashed table leg.

• 8 |
• Architect: Sreten Jovanovic & Maja Urh
• Visualizer: Anna Fedyukina

Use many shades of grey. This room combines fingerprint artwork, a grey-tiled floor, corrugated iron wall and marble fireplace to make grey with green creepers look effortlessly sophisticated.

• 9 |
• Visualizer: Rohit Aurora

Decorating a small space? Grey and white can make it look larger. This attic-roofed interior coats a wall and a half in mid-grey and a floor in splotches, amidst framed prints, photographs and square suede cushions. A potted tree in the corner speaks nature. The television rests almost fully camouflaged amongst the living room wall decor.

• 10 |
• Visualizer: Dekaa

Grey works fabulously as a minimalist shade. This smooth painted wall provides shelving behind a suede L-seater and simple grey rug. A swing arm lamp illuminates a scramble of white cushions and accessories.

• 11 |
• Visualizer: Eduard Caliman

Go dark for the ultimate in living room class. An inset modern fireplace, LED-lit shelving and charcoal leather couches frame a black velvet rug and acrylic coffee table. Lighter, textured wallpaper in the centre focuses the eye as windowed light streams in.

• 12 |
• Visualizer: Denis Fomin

Make your bookcase a feature. The stencilled lines of this lounge’s black shelving hold a multitude of reads, tribal statuettes and vases, as a soft block couch and ball light enhance their enjoyment. A concrete wall and polished grey floor form a slick backing canvas.

• 13 |
• Visualizer: Filip Sapojnicov

Grey works with pops of colour. Paired with many different patterns and shades in pink, the shade covers the base wall, pendant and shelving niche to avoid cluttering.

• 14 |
• Visualizer: Andrey Avdeenko

Use grey and a shape as your design staples. With grey colouring an exposed brick wall, rug, walls and couches, rectangles come to the party in an inset fireplace, ceiling LEDs and one of the longest L-seaters known to man.

• 15 |
• Visualizer: Sergrey Baskakov

Grey allows your living room to host more patterns and textures. This lounge spices it up with a wooden slat wall (next to the floating tv stand), quilted rug, smooth book cabinet and painterly canvases. A sprig of orchids to the side adds polish.

• 16 |
• Visualizer: Varayut Denthlordkarn

Let texture be your focal point. Showcasing an abstract artwork at its centre, this lounge’s grainy wall tiles, suede seating and woollen rug keep more than a hint of the cosy in a room wide and spacious. Check out our living room wall textures post for more focused inspiration.

• 17 |
• Visualizer: Andrew Skliarov

Accent grey furniture with wooden features. This structured living room seats its almost-futon sofas on a wooden floor, its ornaments on wooden shelves and a zigzagging floor lamp against wall-to-ceiling wooden panelling.

• 18 |
• Visualizer: Mirela Świerc

Draw the eye in with pops of dark grey. This mostly-wooden clad room paints a TV frame, coats an ottoman and offers a seat in charcoal colouring. Bursts of white in a matching quilted seat and foot stool match the foreground coffee table.

• 19 |
• Visualizer: Plasterlina

Grey can work with warmer colouring. This autumnal living room creates heat with an olive green feature wall and terracotta cushioning, as grey softens the scene with an L-seater couch, woolen rug and TV panel. The retro colors and mid century modern coffee table capture the charm of a bygone era. A roaring fire, wood stack and two Chinese lanterns make it feel like home.

• 20 |
• Visualizer: Now Design

Create a contemporary tribal look using white, green and grey. Mid-grey walls pair with a circular charcoal art piece, grey-wooden table and stretching hover lamp. A volcanic ash vase holds sprigs of bamboo, as lush green fernery hides behind the sofa.

• 21 |
• Visualizer: Hatice Unsal

Bring the outside in. This concrete living room uses large wall panels and a grey-tiled floor to make noise between two rows of creepers. A simple wooden coffee table boasting a stone corner mingles with grey armchairs and pot plants in this 21st Century scene.

• 22 |
• Source: Ditre Italia

Use grey to accentuate your lounge’s sense of the unusual. Ceiling-height olive trees stand tall in this two-level design, as brown leather couches catch their fall afront a stencil bookshelf. Grey colours the rug, floor, walls and chairs, creating coolness with a contemporary twist.

• 23 |
• Visualizer: Hotwalls

Grey lets brighter colours shine. This lounge’s orange accent chairs strikes a pose alongside hints of dusty pink and a rug, marble plinth, walls, blinds and sofa in grey.

• 24 |
• Visualizer: Svyatyuk Stanislav

After living rooms with large wall art? This darker grey room is a lesson in using shades, as its walls stretch seamlessly across light and dark panelling. The painterly canvas finds friends in two bright orange cushions and a stencil coffee table. The bowl and vase adds some shine to the mix.

• 25 |
• Visualizer: Nastya Ivanchuk & Marina Tsishyna

Monochrome prints are perfect for grey lounges. A full-length photographic decal meets our gaze beside a simple grey couch, differently-shaded cushions and a mottled rug. Black elements in a series of pipe lighting, a standing camera light and marble splashback make its contrasts seem natural.

• 26 |
• Visualizer: Maks Marukhin

Like your lounge clean and spacious? Keep it tidy with grey inset shelving, a woollen rug and leather L-seater beside exposed brick. A yellow and grey abstract adds creative edge.

• 27 |
• Visualizer: ATO Studio

Create contemporary drama with a living room in grey. The bold contrasts between the almost-black side wall and pendants, the light grey couch and kitchen appears almost monochrome in this design. A deep berry chair and resonating artwork avoid a clash in themes.

• 28 |
• Visualizer: Zrobym

A yellow accent living room nicely twists grey. Homer peeps from a cushion on a couch in the hue, as grey stretches behind and below the sofa. Relaxed wooden furniture holds pieces in white, allowing room for a sunny yellow panel.

• 29 |
• Visualizer: Marina Selivanova

Keep it light, bright and shiny. This almost-white living room introduces grey in a comfy corner seater, greyscale photography and zebra-striped cushions. An artistically-lined rug and black square fruit bowl tie the pieces in.

• 30 |
• Visualizer: Oporski Architektura

Grey is perfect for the minimalist living room. This space designs with angles only, bathing a block L-couch and exposed brick wall in grey. Stark monochrome finds in a TV, artwork and chair add drama to form.

• 31 |
• Visualizer: Tâm Võ

Grey and metallics are the best of friends. Lit up with firework living room chandeliers and a designer table lamp, here the luxurious Atollo lamp, this room screams luxury with mid-century modern pieces. Grey and gold wallpaper, a partly-living wall and a pea green armchair bring the antique to modern day.

• 32 |
• Visualizer: Tracy Ong

Grey can make double-height living rooms majestic. A dangling cluster of pendant lights make the most of high ceilings, amongst charcoal curtains and a many-tiled wall. A stacked stone fireplace and fluffy mushroom rug make the space warmer.

• 33 |
• Visualizer: Kholostova Olga

Pair grey with yellow for a personal touch. This lounge screams through a trio of buttercup pendants, a Greco-Roman bust, printed canvas of a rapper and modern wooden platform. Grey ensures it’s not busy with muted Roman blinds and a sofa half in colour.

• 34 |
• Visualizer: Filip Sapojnicov

Create a French boudoir feel with a contemporary twist. Accessorized with a small standing bust, white-bulb chandelier and swing arm wall lamp, French panelling gets moody aside simple grey furniture and white-bordered walls.

• 35 |
• Visualizer: Horizont Design

Grey can lend room to more dominant features. The glass bauble chandelier, zigzagging floors and turquoise couch of this living room are afforded coolness with light grey paint and wallpaper.

• 36 |
• Visualizer: Polygons

Going industrial? Grey is the perfect colour scheme. The rough wooden rafters and cabinetry of this lounge-come-kitchen are made modern with a soft grey L-seater, fluffy rug and floors. Walls and ceilings come to the party in full-scale concrete.

• 37 |
• Visualizer: S Marshall

Prefer the look of the artist’s retreat? With a ceiling and feature wall in shiny stone, grey wooden floors and slumped couches join to chill. An electric guitar and potted twisted cane hint at greater creativity.

• 38 |
• Visualizer: Serhii Seinov

Create a rustic living room in black and grey. Centred around a trio of tree trunk coffee tables, this grey winding sofa and ceiling-height bookcase are beautifully lit up by a train station window.

• 39 |
• Visualizer: Mihail Scherbak & Timothy Kalakutsky

Let yellow and wood add interior pizzazz. Set upon textured grey, wood forms into ceiling rafters, Scandinavian shelving and a rustic coffee table. Yellow bandages grey seats with striking lines of colours, as a metal TV cabinet and iron chandelier cement this industrial-style living room design.

• 40 |
• Visualizer: Romas Noreika

Grey acts inspirational in this industrial loft. As wood streamlines the space in rafters, couch frames and a winding staircase, grey adds polish in slick concrete, distressed walls and a darkened, piping-feature glass panel. A bouquet of lightbulbs completes the look.

Continuing with grey throughout the home? Do check out:

42 Gorgeous Grey Bedrooms
40 Gorgeous Grey Kitchens

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42 Beautiful Gray Living Room Ideas

By

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon

Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.

Learn more about The Spruce’s
Editorial Process

Updated on 12/20/21

@ashleygoforth

In a sea of maximalist living rooms filled with color galore, gray spaces don’t always receive the attention they deserve. You won’t want to mistake gray to be a dreary, dated color, or you’ll surely miss out on all of its benefits. Truthfully, gray is such a classic, versatile hue to use throughout the home, and with so many beautiful gray sofas and paint colors on the market, it’s a no-brainer when decorating your primary living space. “With such a wide range of blue, green, and brown undertones, gray is a great color for those who want to try something new without overdoing it,” designer Maggie Griffin says. “Whether you want to add a little drama or convey a sense of calm in your living room, it’s the perfect hue.”

If you paint the walls or purchase a gray sofa and feel tempted to add pops of color, note that textiles such as pillow covers are an excellent opportunity to go bold. Whether you’re craving a lot of gray or just a little, it’s a color that has stood the test of time for a good reason. Read on to gather tons of inspiration, and then tell us why you think gray is so special—we think the color is pretty incredible. And if incorporating gray in the living room alone just isn’t enough, we think it looks fantastic in bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms, too.

We continue to be inspired by the many ways designers and homeowners have used the color gray in their homes and are sharing 42 of our favorite gray living rooms below.

• 01
  of 42

  Vintage Gray Chairs

  @jordanadesign

  French country-style chairs covered in gray fabric are the star of the show in this living room. If you have a set of chairs with great bones but the upholstery could use a bit of a refresh, consider going with a timeless gray. Note that bolder hues like a deep blue can pair wonderfully with gray, as we see in terms of the above throw pillows. “Grey is a cool neutral that can take on different lives with multiple color combinations,” designer Gray Walker says. “It’s fun to switch pillows and throws out with the seasons.”

• 02
  of 42

  Gray and Warm Woods

  @victoria.lynndesigns

  A gray midcentury modern style sofa with a wood base cozies up this living space. Other wooden accents keep this gray space feeling lively and welcoming.

• 03
  of 42

  Artful Gray

  Jessica Nelson Design

  Black and white photography always looks fabulous in gray living rooms, and Walker agrees. She says: “Black and white photography and paintings with pops of black help pull a monochromatic backdrop with depth that make this color switch easy!”

  Whether you buy a print from a favorite artist or print out one of your own photos from a favorite trip, you can’t go wrong. Simply purchase an affordable frame, pop the picture right in, and transform your space in just one afternoon.

• 04
  of 42

  Gray and Purple

  @evolveresidential

  Why not pair gray with purple? Though this color combination is a bit unexpected, it totally works in this cheerful space. If there’s a hue that you love, use it, even it involves a bit of risk-taking. We’re all for thinking outside the box, after all.

• 05
  of 42

  Gray Art

  Chelius House of Design

  We wouldn’t mind starting the day with a cup of coffee in this family-friendly living room that features a soothing ocean print with subtle gray tones.

• 06
  of 42

  Gray and Soft pink

  @sara.city.belle

  Blush isn’t just for nurseries or playrooms. Don’t feel the need to shy away from using soft pink in a main living space if it’s a color you happen to love. As we see here, light gray also looks lovely alongside blush pink—the curtains in this space cozy up this charming reading nook.

• 07
  of 42

  Gray Everywhere

  @thebestduvalltimes

  The more pops of gray, the merrier! We see touches of the color all throughout this welcoming living space—on the walls, in terms of the sofa fabric, and even in the form of a gourd-shaped lamp base.

• 08
  of 42

  Gray Velvet

  @annashome_

  Don’t forget to play with different textures within your living space. Here, a velvet gray pillow pays a nod to the wall color without being too matchy-matchy.

• 09
  of 42

  Dark Gray Tones

  @townandcountryliving

  This cozy gray living room makes us want to cuddle up with a good book and a blanket. Darker gray tones will result in a feel that’s both earthy and sophisticated.

• 10
  of 42

  Gray and Black

  @thestyledballerina

  Gray furniture is an excellent choice to pair with black walls—it’ll help lighten up the living space while still contributing to the luxe, dramatic feel.

• 11
  of 42

  Tropical Gray

  @cozyinteriorsbyxi

  Why, yes, you can enjoy tropical decor with a touch of gray—this room is proof that greens and peppy palm prints can fit in perfectly with more traditional furnishings. So go ahead, kick back, and relax in this nature-inspired space.

• 12
  of 42

  Gray, Blue, and White

  @craftedbythehunts

  An extra large gray sectional is the star of the show in this living room that’s ready for the whole crew to stop by. Blue and white curtains add color and charm to the space and make for an oh-so-sweet touch.

• 13
  of 42

  Gray Glam

  @dana_luv4decor

  Gray and silver make for an excellent combination, particularly for those who appreciate a glam aesthetic. Glass and metal furniture helps add an airy touch to any space.

• 14
  of 42

  Farmhouse Gray

  Brooke Larsen

  This rustic-style living room features a gray sofa and rug, and, in the corner, a vintage dresser painted in a blue-gray. The space is proof that mixing hues is a major go.

• 15
  of 42

  Gray and Sage Green

  Miranda Schroeder

  Can’t decide between a bold sage green or a more mild gray? Go ahead and embrace both. This mid-century style living room proves that the color combo can look majorly current and inviting.

• 16
  of 42

  Gray Transitional

  Ashley Montgomery Interiors

  Transitional style rooms look wonderful with touches of gray, too. Feel free to layer in warm leather tones and deep blues if you prefer to stay away from anything monochrome.

• 17
  of 42

  Airy Gray

  @houseofchais

  A light gray sofa is a great choice for those whose style leans coastal (and, no, you don’t need to live on the water to appreciate this aesthetic, we promise!). Add in some blue and white accessories, and that’s it, you’re golden.

• 18
  of 42

  Gray Sideboard

  Jenifer McNeil Baker for Maestri Studio

  In this space, which is illuminated by plenty of natural sunlight, a gray sideboard matches the accent wall paint color perfectly.

• 19
  of 42

  Eclectic Gray

  Jenifer McNeil Baker for Maestri Studio

  This eclectic living room is full of vintage-inspired touches. Gray shutters draw attention to the tall windows and complement the sofa fabric.

• 20
  of 42

  Gray Anchors

  Jessica Lagrange Interiors

  We’re all for kicking back and feeling as chill as possible at home. So why settle for an ordinary coffee table when you can place an ottoman in front of the sofa to keep feet comfortable and serve as extra seating when needed? Here, a blue ottoman proves that the hue looks stunning paired with gray furnishings.

• 21
  of 42

  A Fabulous Fireplace

  @ashleygoforth

  Lucky enough to have a functioning fireplace in your living room? Give it a bit of extra attention! Gray walls frame a beautiful black fireplace in this living room, that is a wonderful blend of contemporary and classic style. White furnishings allow the gray walls to really pop and make a statement.

• 22
  of 42

  Sleek Gray

  Jessica Lagrange Interiors

  A sleek high rise is outfitted with gray accents, while a jute rug and brass light fixtures warm up the space.

• 23
  of 42

  Gray Lounge Space

  Chad Mellon for Lindye Galloway Design Studio

  A long, narrow sofa fits perfectly in this living room that was practically designed for constant movie nights. A patterned wall covering adds an artistic touch to the space.

• 24
  of 42

  Cozy Gray

  Reagen Taylor Photography for JL Design

  Light gray walls make this small living room feel ultra cozy. Utilizing the windowsill to accommodate gorgeous wooden cabinets is a smart, stylish storage solution.

• 25
  of 42

  Gray Layers

  Chad Mellon for Lindye Galloway Design Studio

  Gray sofas face each other in this California cool living room filled with natural tones. Ample throw pillows and blankets add to the space’s lived-in, layered look.

• 26
  of 42

  Streamlined Gray

  JL Design

  A more streamlined living space contrasts with a brightly colored kitchen rug in the adjoining room. If you don’t wish to go overboard with vibrance but still want to include some pops of pattern, throw pillows are the answer.

• 27
  of 42

  Elegant Gray

  Jenifer McNeil Baker for Maestri Studio

  If your style leans more feminine and you prefer daintier furniture pieces, note that accent chairs don’t need to be bulky to make an impact. These gray beauties are petite and elegant yet still appear nice and comfortable thanks to their velvet finish.

• 28
  of 42

  Rustic Gray

  JL Design

  Rustic style homes look excellent with touches of gray, too. Here, exposed interior brick painted white looks gorgeous alongside gray furnishings and some black and white accents.

• 29
  of 42

  Green Gray

  Jane Beiles Photography for Design Lines Signature

  Not one for lighter shades? This gray has a greenish tone that makes for an earthy, sophisticated feel. It’s a great option for those who veer toward saturated hues.

• 30
  of 42

  Gray Built-Ins

  Aline Studio

  Built in shelving is an excellent way to showcase your favorite books, object, and art pieces. A classic color like gray makes for an excellent backdrop to allow metal and ceramic pieces to really shine. Be cautious as to not over-decorate your shelves, or they will easily appear too cluttered—and you won’t be able to fully appreciate their gorgeous hue, either.

• 31
  of 42

  Gray Stone

  Amy Leferink for Interior Impressions

  If your living room features a stunning stone fireplace, play up its gray tones by investing in a lovely gray sofa. Beige accents will also fit right in. Here, a checkered chair is a playful accent piece in this welcoming, sunlit living room.

• 32
  of 42

  Gray Oasis

  Think Chic Interiors

  This gray sectional is extra cloud-like and comfy, and a gray faux fur throw blanket encourages snuggling up and relaxing. Corresponding curtains match the sofa fabric to a T.

• 33
  of 42

  Gray and Vibrant

  Think Chic Interiors

  This space proves that color lovers can still have fun with gray hues. A gray sofa is excellent because it looks nice with any type of pillow shade or pattern—so why not experiment with cushions that are a bit bold, if that strikes your fancy?

• 34
  of 42

  Gray Accent

  Jenifer McNeil Baker for Maestri Studio

  Mixing wood wall paneling with a gray accent wall will create a focal point in a large living room like this one. Painting the wall behind a large television is a great way to add an artistic spin to a primarily functional area of a room. If you don’t wish to paint, you could also wallpaper this area.

• 35
  of 42

  Boho-Style Gray

  Arbor and Co

  A gray sofa shines in a boho-style living room, too. Pair yours with a leather ottoman, a shag rug, and of course, a bit of wicker, for a laid-back energy.

• 36
  of 42

  Gray and Neutrals

  Britt Design Studio

  Beige, black, and white continue to be no-fail supporting colors that look lovely alongside gray furnishings, as we see in this expansive living space.

• 37
  of 42

  Gray Grasscloth

  Britt Design Studio

  This calming space is another example of a gray living room with coastal flair. A grasscloth wall covering adds texture and style. Serene artwork draws the eye upward and anchors the space.

• 38
  of 42

  Gray and Orange

  Charbonneau Interiors

  Orange you feeling inspired by this bold pillow choice? (We couldn’t help ourselves with that one.) Once again, here is a gray living room where fun textiles are at play. Gray is the perfect sophisticated hue for a mod apartment like this one.

• 39
  of 42

  Gray Backdrop

  Gray Space Interiors

  White built-ins look nice and sleek against the gray wall in this living room. There’s no need to create a gallery wall of art when you can display favorite objects on shelves like these. Not sure how to create an artful setup that doesn’t look too cluttered? We put together a guide regarding built in shelf styling tips to help you get started.

• 40
  of 42

  Tufted Gray

  Jessica Nelson Design

  When you position sofas across from each other, you’ll want to ensure that the coffee table you select is large enough to accommodate guests on both sides. Here, a reclaimed wood style piece contrasts with the more traditional gray tufted velvet. Worried about caring for your velvet pieces in the event of stains and spills? We have a cleaning guide that will help ease your fears.

• 41
  of 42

  Gray Plaster

  Leclair Decor

  Plaster walls are having a major moment in design, and this one is a soft gray that complements the accompanying gray sectional. Plaster can help modernize a home and add intrigue and texture to any space.

• 42
  of 42

  Gray Molding

  Jessica Lagrange Interiors

  This traditional living room has beautiful wall molding that adds an elevated, storied look to the home. If you like this look but live in a more modern space, note that molding can easily be added—it can even be a rental friendly hack.

Get Inspired With These Fabulous Dining Rooms in Gray

Gray Paint Ideas | Benjamin Moore

Equal parts stylish and sensible, gray is a design favorite. From online inspiration to in-store advice, count on us to find the best gray paint colors for your bespoke project.

From crisp light gray paint to the drama of deep charcoal, gray delivers a range of smart design options. Gray is also a classic paint color–and a perennially popular color choice for interior walls and home exteriors alike.

“Gray provides balance to any room.”

—

ANDREA MAGNO

COLOR & DESIGN EXPERT

How to Find the Perfect Gray Paint

What is the “perfect gray?”—It’s a question we get regularly.

Given the wide range of undertones in gray paint colors, choosing a gray can be daunting. Cement Gray 2112-60, Gray Owl OC-52 and Coventry Gray HC-169 are three of our favorite recommendations.

Livable in most lighting conditions, these colors work in any room, including living rooms and bedrooms, where gray is one of the most popular paint color choices.

Gray Colors. Gray Luxury.

There is an undeniable sophistication to gray. Paired with almost any color, from scarlet to amethyst to sapphire, gray paint colors provide balance. Consider a combination of light and deep grays for a slick design element that doesn’t overwhelm the room.

Gray wall paint in higher sheen levels like semi-gloss or high gloss evokes a more luxurious vibe. Consider a high gloss silvery-gray paired with rich fabrics like velvet or silk. In addition to adding a design edge, glossy gray paint is durable and easy to clean.

If you love the look of a sleek modern farmhouse, gray paint colors are always a go-to for this popular style.

The Art of Dining, the Warmth of Gray

The just-right paint color can elevate your dining room, adding drama and elegance to a space that’s used everyday.

Consider a timeless color combination of gray and white paint in your dining space. Here, Silver Fox 2108-50, paired with Chantilly Lace OC-65 trim, is inviting, yet stylish. Versatile, Silver Fox 2108-50 provides a neutral backdrop throughout the day, appearing warm or cool depending on the lighting. Other gray paint colors we love in the dining room include Wish AF-680, Annapolis Gray HC-176, and Gray 2121-10.

Easily interchangeable elements like chairs or side tables allow the room to grow and evolve along with you. Here, a simple wooden table and touch of greenery bring the outside in, creating a fresh space to enjoy a meal.

Gray is also a sleek choice for hallways and open-space areas, acting as a neutral portal to other color rooms.

What is an Undertone?

Paint colors are often created by using two or more colors. If there is a higher percentage of one color over the other, that creates an undertone.

Tackle undertones by…

• Stacking gray color chips on top of one another to see brightness levels and undertones.
• Bringing color chips home and layering them on your home furnishings.
• Buy a color sample and testing on walls in different lighting conditions.

Choosing Between Warm and Cool Grays

To narrow the wide spectrum of gray, consider warm and cool grays. Warm grays, or brown-gray—commonly known as “greige”—are enveloping and welcoming, while cooler grays like green-gray and blue-gray, are elegant and modern.

A room with northern light tends to reveal more of a paint colors’ blue and green undertones, so many homeowners opt for a warmer gray in those spaces.

Southern facing light is typically more flattering, opening the door for a wider range of grays in your space.

Exteriors Go Gray

Gray is a popular choice for any type of home exterior, providing a transformative effect on your façade. Gray seamlessly complements most classic roof colors, as well as brick and stone. Consider gray paint on doors, trim or shutters if you are not ready to go entirely gray.

Whatever gray paint color you choose for your home’s exterior, Aura^® Exterior paint provides outstanding durability against even the harshest weather conditions–and comes with a lifetime-limited warranty.

Buy a Paint Sample

Test your paint colors from morning to evening, under both natural and artificial lighting conditions.

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The Best Light Gray Paint Colors for Walls • Interior Designer Des Moines Jillian Lare

This post was originally published in March 2015. It was updated in February 2020 to reflect my new favorite light gray paint colors for a fresh and updated interior.

The gray paint trend is still going strong, and I am often asked about my favorite light gray paint colors for walls. In this post, I’ve rounded up some of my top choices from both Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams.

It’s very important to read through the descriptions so that you can understand the undertone of each color and how it might work in your home. The other day I did a consult with a client to select paint colors for her open living room / dining room / kitchen. The home had been a builder spec home in a new development, and the client had re-painted when they moved in but felt the color, which was a very cool blue-gray, wasn’t quite right.

Her instincts were right, and I could definitely see how she’d had trouble selecting the right paint color. The builder had used a pretty stone on the fireplace with warm gray undertones, tan carpeting, medium dark wood floors (not too red, which was good), espresso colored cabinets, and then granite countertops that were mostly gold with flecks of burgundy. The fixed finishes were all over the place, and the gray they’d picked was too cool to coordinate with any of them.

I brought my Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore paint decks along with loose swatches of some of my favorite colors. I also brought drafting tape and a piece of white foam core. I like to tape the loose swatches to the foam core and then move the foam core around the room. Plus, the white of the foam keeps the existing wall color from distorting the color of the swatches.

We eventually settled on three options for the living area that were all warm grays and then three options for blue-greens in the kitchen and dining area. We discussed painting the cabinets ivory to better coordinate with the cottage style the client prefers.

These are my go-to, warm, light gray paint colors and my starting point in just about any room where I know I’m not doing a color or a beige.

Keep reading for my favorite light gray paint colors for walls…

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Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW7029

Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams is definitely one of my top favorite colors for walls. It’s a warm stony color right in between true gray and beige. The undertone of the color leans more towards yellow-orange than toward green.

Bathroom design by Jillian Lare

Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172

I know that everyone (on Pinterest) is loving Revere Pewter these days and with good reason. It has a little more pigment in it than the Sherwin-Williams light grays (second swatch down on the strip) and has a more yellow-green undertone

Living room design by Jillian Lare

I used Revere Pewter on the board and batten wainscot in my modern farmhouse bathroom remodel and paired it with Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist on the drywall above.

Bathroom remodel in progress by Jillian Lare

Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray SW7043

Worldly Gray is cooler than Agreeable Gray with more green in the undertone. It’s a beautiful color that looks lovely with natural wood.

Since so many of you have asked, the print in the photo below is actually a tea towel. You can purchase one online.

Kitchen remodel by Jillian Lare

Sherwin Williams Gossamer Veil SW9165

Without a doubt, Sherwin Williams Gossamer Veil is my new favorite go-to light gray paint color. I feel like it’s a well-kept secret, and I have been shamelessly using it on repeat for the last several months.

I love this particular shade of gray with slightly creamy white trim for creating a fresh and light space that isn’t all white. It has no strong undertone that I can perceive, but is probably a green gray. It’s stunning with natural wood tones.

Living room design by Jillian Lare

Benjamin Moore Classic Gray 1548

Classic Gray has become another staple of mine lately. It’s lighter than Revere Pewter and doesn’t tend to go as green. It’s a warmer light gray with a touch more pigment in it than Gossamer Veil.

Kitchen Remodel by Jillian Lare Bathroom remodel by Jillian Lare

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173

Edgecomb Gray is right below Revere Pewter in the Benjamin Moore paint deck, but Edgecomb Gray has more yellow in it than Revere Pewter and less pigment. It’s a wonderful alternative to beige and much more versatile.

Photo by Divine Custom Homes

Photo by KCS Architecture & Design

Sherwin Williams Useful Gray SW7050

Useful Gray has a yellow-green undertone to it and also looks great with natural wood. It’s light and fresh feeling.

Photo by Scovell Remodeling, Inc.

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray SW7050

Repose Gray is another versatile gray that is slightly deeper than some of the other grays on this list. It has a warm stoney undertone to it, and I particularly love it for bedrooms.

Photo by Homes by Tradition

Photo by house by JSD

Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist SW9166

Drift of Mist is another new favorite of mine. It’s on the same strip as Gossamer Veil in the Sherwin Williams paint deck, but the two colors are not variations on the same hue. Drift of Mist is ever so slightly cooler.

Photo by Elite Craft Homes

Photo by Kelsey Leigh Design Co.

All of these grays work really well for rooms with lighter hardwood floors and for rooms with wood trim. If you prefer darker colored walls or just a little more pigment than these light grays, you can always use the third swatch down on the Sherwin-Williams paint strip or the fourth or fifth swatch on the Benjamin Moore strip (for the non HC colors). I like to use the lightest color on the strip for the ceiling instead of stark white.

If you’d like a free printable PDF download with all of the paint colors I shared in this post with their respective numbers, click the button below. It’s a handy reference to take with you the next time you are headed to the paint store.

44 grey living room ideas from dove to charcoal to suit every scheme

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If there’s one interiors trend that’s showing no signs of leaving us anytime soon, it has to be the grey palette. It’s no surprise that grey living room ideas appeal to so many of us. An incredibly versatile colour, it comes in shades that work with every style.

Whichever style of living room ideas you’re looking for in your home, there’s sure to be a grey to suit your scheme. Grey can create a warm scheme as easily as a cool one; it can channel edgy modern and charming country; be calm and soothing or vivid, lively and energetic.

‘The term ‘grey’ covers a huge number of colours which are often not true greys but contain colours that create distinct warm or cool undertones,’ explains Joa Studholme, Colour Curator, Farrow & Ball .

‘When it comes to choosing grey, it is the temperature of the tone that is most important and will affect the feel of the space. Greys look different in different light and different size rooms so we have created some tried and tested groups of colours that each have a distinctive character.’

Just a quick peek at a Farrow & Ball paint chart suggests the myriad possibilities of this favourite decorating shade and explains its enduring appeal.

From the barely-there neutrals of Dimity and Ammonite, to the mid tones of Lamp Room Gray and Calluna, through the green-edged Mizzle and Pigeon, blue-hued Parma Gray and Lulworth Blue and out the other side to deep dark Down Pipe, Plummett and Brassica.

Grey living room ideas

From a colour drenched scheme, to perfect palette pairings, here are some of our favourite grey living room ideas

1. Make gallery walls pop

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Katie Leew)

We love the gallery wall look – mixing and matching prints, photography and even empty picture frames. Grey walls are the perfect backdrop for creating these. As it’s a neutral, this allows the gallery details to pop and create impact. Choosing a deep charcoal over a paler dove will make a cool contrast=, especially if you’re using gilt frames.

2. Pair with purple for a luxurious look

(Image credit: Future PLC/Rob Sanderson)

Think elegant luxe and combine grey with regal purple tones. This colour combination is a match made in interiors heaven, especially when used across sumptous materials like satins and velvets.

This combination works best using a paler grey, with creates a bold contrast with bright purples, and a soft effect with gentle lilacs.

3. Choose a two-tone style

(Image credit: Future PLC/ James French)

Can’t choose between light and dark grey? Simple. Use both. Paint the lower half, or two thirds of your wall in one shade, and finish with the other.

This works best when the darker shade is on the lower half. Lighter colours above will trick the eye into making the room appear larger than it is.

4. Paint architectural features

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)

If you have wall panels or other architectural details in your room, paint them the same grey as the wall. Not only does this create a cool colour drenched effect, but the ridges will pick up lights and shadows, adding interest and depth to your space.

5. Add colour with books and objets

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Anna Stathaki)

Grey living room ideas are the perfect way to decorate your home if you own a lot of colourful accessories. A warmer and more interesting background than white, this neutral allows your books and objets room to breathe and stand out, rather than clashing against yet another colour.

6. Paint all the woodwork

(Image credit: Pooky)

A super-soft dove grey living room colour scheme works as a gentle contrast to rosy toned upholstery and accents. Painting all of the woodwork in the same colour has created a chic, seamless look and creates the illusion of more space and an airy, open room.

Take care when picking the best grey paint for your walls – you’ll need to consider your room’s size and situation.

7. Use silvery tones

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Joanna Henderson)

The striking rough-luxe wall mural brings texture and movement to the space. The metallic highlights of the silky silver rug and wallcovering reflect the light, giving this glam living room even more of a lift.

A plush velvet sofa in a deeper grey punctuates the space and layers on the luxe. Combining touches of blush pink with the cool grey creates grown-up sophistication.

If you like this combination, or the previous look, our smart pink living room ideas will inspire you to introduce the shade into your home. 

8. Create a textured wall

(Image credit: Furniture Village)

Get creative with smart living room paint ideas such as paint effects, which are back in fashion! But things have moved on since the sponge effect championed on Changing Rooms. Textured emulsion paint such as the Craig & Rose Artisan Concrete Effect Paint and Crown ’s Suede paint will create a rustic, artfully imperfect finish. 

Alternatively, a limed effect can be created using watered down flat matt emulsion, chalk paint or a specialist limewash such as Bauwerk ‘s selection.  

Start by applying a bonding primer for plasterboard or previously painted walls. Then with a wide brush, apply the paint in random, sweeping strokes. A second and third coat needs to be watered down to allow the layers and textured effect to build.

Complement the walls with tactile velvet, layered in tonal hues for a vibe that’s calm, yet cost and oozes easy elegance.

9. Let architectural features pop

(Image credit: Dulux)

It’s common to want to hide architectural features such as RSJs. But in a grey room, letting them sing by painting them in white can create an interesting structural contrast. It also helps zone the space and therefore make it seem cosier – a neat trick, particularly if you’re using a cooler grey palette.

10. Integrate shelving

(Image credit: Dunelm)

Smart and sophisticated, charcoal grey brings depth to an elegant living room. Smart geometric designs on the cushions and rug along with polished chrome accents bring a timeless touch of boutique chic to the space.

Create the illusion of expensive, built-in storage by painting shelving the same colour as the walls. For example, alcoves can become a smart feature wall idea that’s easy to adjust. But sticking to a simple palette of black, white and silver reflects the pared back aesthetic of the room.

11. Use grey as an accent

(Image credit: Sofa.com)

If wall-to-wall grey isn’t for you, inject modern anthracite accents. A sofa in warm grey is not only a fail-safe style choice, it’s a practical option too. Tie in other features around the room such as fireplace surround, door or windows.

Floor to ceiling wooden framed windows are a striking feature, and grey will pick them out against neutral walls, highlighting the shape and detailing. If you don’t have wooden framed doors or windows, UPVC windows can also be painted, just look for a specialist primer or paint for durability. 

12. Lift your grey scheme with a mix of sorbet brights

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Joanna Henderson)

If you are not a fan of washed out sorbet tones but the idea of primary brights scare you to bits, why not try a punchy-pastel alternative. Think Primrose yellow, not lemon sorbet and blues that veer towards turquoise rather than soft powder blue.

Choose a neutral grey colour to allow you to experiment with the palette on artwork and accessories.

13. Add depth with different shades

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)

Use a variety of greys to give depth to your grey living room. Use a lighter, warmer grey when painting the walls and layer darker saturations with a painted fireplace surround and statement furniture pieces. Layering the same colour in different tones creates a calming atmosphere that feels cohesive.

Soft grey and dark charcoals are both equally enhanced with the addition of some natural greens, whether real foliage or as accent soft furnishings. The flourish of green helps to connect the space with a sense of nature.

14. Wow with brooding dark shades

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Colin Poole)

There’s no denying interior trends in recent years have very much embraced the dark side. As confidence in colour has grown homeowners have been looking to express their personalities more with bold colour choices. A striking almost-black charcoal grey is ideal for an attention-seeking statement, like with a striking fireplace idea.

A colour of this nature is not just for larger rooms either. Used wisely it can be a great small living room idea also – says Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Using dark paint to make a space feel bigger might seem counterintuitive, but Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen explains that particularly when you have a wall-mounted television, painting the space behind it will work much better.

15. Echo natural shades of grey

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Richard Gadsby)

Allow the colour of natural stone to inspire your grey colour choices. Use your paint samples on a piece of card to hold against the original walls to determine the perfect pairing to complement the natural warmth on the walls. Offset the light grey decorating with darker accents on the furniture to add depth, as shown in this rustic living room.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles)

Sometimes understated can have the biggest impact, especially when paired with bold furniture and furnishing choices. The light grey on the walls can help to act like a blank canvas, without being as stark as white.

‘Our most popular group of greys is made up of Wevet, Ammonite and Cornforth White – colours that are so relaxed and easy to live with you barely notice that they are there,’ explains Joa Studholme at Farrow & Ball.

‘They have a gossamer-like appearance so are perfect for those who prefer understated decoration which does not challenge us very much but gives a huge amount of versatility.’

17. Create a sanctuary with slate and wood accents

(Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore)

Slate grey walls look anything but cold when paired with rustic, natural woody furniture accents. Fill the room with plenty of textures such as a fluffy berber rug and straw basket for storing blankets to complete the relaxed living room scheme.

18. Cocoon yourself with a warming grey

(Image credit: Dulux)

Colours that whisper rather than shout are a must for rooms designed to promote relaxation. Deep greys like Stable Gates by Dulux gently cocoon and visually don’t distract, so you can focus on a film or good book.

Stable Grey’s warm make-up also means that it works as well with a terracotta or blush as it does with a pale or stonewashed blue – or indeed, a forest green living room. That versatility comes in handy if you like to switch up soft furnishings on a regular basis.

19. Warm up grey walls with bright prints

(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Parmiter)

A floor to ceiling pale grey colour palette is the perfect canvas to make a splash with brightly coloured wall display ideas. A floating picture shelf is a great non-permanent solution to displaying wall art. You can easily swap one print for another as your collection grows and changes.

Putty and blue-coloured patterned cushions and a geometric rug in dark navy add pops of muted colour for a sophisticated, yet cosy living room.

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Polly Eltes)

Pale grey walls create the perfect backdrop for statement patterns in this country living room. The warm undertones of grey absorbs busy patterns, meaning it’s less stark than, say, white walls. This quality allows pattern to sit more comfortably within the overall scheme. Want to see if white works better? Our white living room ideas show you how this shade can be used.

21. Create calming vibes with natural foliage

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Joanna Henderson)

Cool shades of grey can have a calming effect on an interior space. This can be enhanced further with the addition of natural house plants and foliage, a hugely popular accessory choice.

22. Take the colour from the floor to ceiling

(Image credit: Future PLC/ David Giles)

Colour drenching is having something of a moment right now, so why not go all out with grey. Paint your walls and ceiling in one shade, and select flooring in as close to a matching grey as possible. Keep things light and bright with pastel accessories.

23. Try a panelled wall

(Image credit: Sofology)

In addition to the cocooning deep, blue-toned grey, the fine ribbed panelling creates cosy texture. It’s a great trick for adding features to new builds and boxy rooms that don’t have any architectural interest.

A contemporary, corrugated wall panelling idea is totally on trend too. Pitch the line of panelling above key pieces of furniture. Ramp up the intimate feeling by painting above the panelling and the ceiling in a dramatic charcoal. 

24. Update a grey country scheme with paisley print

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)

Update the backdrop in a classic country scheme with paisley-print living room wallpaper ideas. Choose cushions and upholstery in opulent weaves, soft linens and plush damasks, with Moroccan-style metal tables to add glamour.

‘Be extravagant with finishing touches for an opulent look,’ advises Ideal Home’s Style Editor, Michela Collling. ‘For example, double up on fabrics so curtains feel fuller.’

25. Use grey as a base for soft geometrics

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Tim Young)

Team cool grey and geometrics with primrose yellow splashes for a vintage look with a modern twist. Keep the scheme contemporary with grey walls and furniture. Then add warmth with summer living room ideas such as hints of yellow in geometric prints and furnishings and character with a cool mix of retro accessories. Wooden cube tables and copper details complement the retro vibe.

26. Team warm grey with soft ivory for effortless elegance

(Image credit: Perch & Parrow)

Make a living room more inviting with a warm grey wall colour that mixes well with other neutrals. Pile up the sofa with cushions and throws in complementary shades, with a Berber rug as your anchor point.

If an all-grey scheme feels too flat and monotone, work in an extra layer of colour with an elegant ivory for a subtle lift. Flashes of mustard, olive green or softer tones of nude or blush work well with any yellow-toned greys.

27. Curate a grey scheme

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)

Who says grey can’t be cosy, warm and inviting? Duck egg living room schemes debunks that theory.

Opt for chunky knits, pattern and texture to give a grey living room a welcoming feel. Curate a wall with monochrome prints and photography for a chic. stylish space that you just won’t want to leave.

28. Bring grey to life with pops of yellow

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)

Worried grey alone might seem a bit dull? Then choose your accessories carefully. A blue sofa, yellow chair and tomato red lamp really sing out against a mid-grey backdrop. Pull everything together with a rug that features all the different shades that you are using, and voilà – decorating perfection!

29. Add warmth with vintage pieces

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Olly Gordon)

In a neutral living room, grey works beautifully when added in courtesy of carpets, curtains and squishy sofas. Adding in touches of blush and natural woods will introduce cosy tones, keeping things warm and feminine.

30. Combine colours

(Image credit: TBC)

Take the intimidation out of a grey colour scheme by warming up this look with oh-so-fashionable copper accessories. The rose-gold undertones have a lovely way of adding a glow to the scheme, making it warm and inviting.

If you don’t want to go grey-all-over, consider creating a winning colour combination by teaming grey with pink. This pretty duo packs a stylish punch.

31. Inject a shot of mustard tones

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore)

If you’ve already dipped your toe into the grey trend with pale walls, you may now be ready to take things a few shades darker. As you can see, it’s a sophisticated way to go, and will instantly make a room feel cosier.

However, if you’re nervous it will seem too dark, stick to one feature wall – you can always paint the others at a later date. Deep yellow accessories will also brighten things up, provided you choose a strong enough shade like mustards and ochres.

32. Give florals a trend twist

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)

There’s something almost regal about this deep grey living room, with pops of colour provided by the curtains, cushions and purple living room furniture and upholstery. Using such a dark backdrop really brings out the brighter tones, and it does something magical to a floral print, making it appear edgy and modern as opposed to mumsy or in any way old-fashioned.

33. Go global

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Simon Whitmore)

Grey makes a fine backdrop to energising Ikat patterns and hints of rich orange. Try this look with mid-century living room ideas, such as furniture. Add elegance with smooth, dark woods, or create a Wild-West feel with weathered wood and leather.

34. Start with a feature wall

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Lizzie Orme)

A feature wall is always a good jump-off point if you’re nervous of working with a new shade. You could even start by painting a chimney breast. Or you could take it to the next level and commission built-in furniture from a local carpenter, then finish it in a deep grey. Coordinate with carpets and upholstery in a paler shade.

35. Use grey furniture

(Image credit: Future PLC/ James Merrell)

Paint bookcases ad other built-in storage unit in the same grey paint as your walls, to allow them to blend seamlessly in with the rest of the room. Add this to grey seating and flooring to complete the look. The different materials across these surfaces will keep the look dynamic and stop it from feeling bland.

36. Mix grey with warmer neutrals

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Tim Young)

Create a relaxing living room with a tightly controlled palette of toning greys and neutrals. Mid-tone grey walls and flooring provide a warm, inviting backdrop for a neutral sofa and rug and delicately patterned cushions.

Touches of white will help to balance the darker grey accents, bringing the scheme together.

37. Introduce plenty of pattern and texture

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)

Stop all-grey from looking flat by adding texture and pattern. For a winter-proof living room you’ll want to hunker down in, texture is key. Furry cushions and super-soft blankets make this the perfect space to curl up in. Break up those shades of grey with some well-chosen patterned dainty curtains, a statement rug and chunky weaves are all it takes.

38. Start with a grey sofa

(Image credit: Swyft)

While dark blue and green sofas are gaining popularity, if you’re looking for a sofa you won’t tire of, grey is a strong choice.

While black living rooms might seem too dark for some, the light tone of this sofa along with the wooden flooring and natural light coming through the windows breaks up the otherwise dark scheme.

39. Keep it classic

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Nick Smith)

If you fancy a more traditional feel in your living room, don’t overdo the grey. For a wonderfully smart scheme, use a mid grey on walls style the rest of the space in browns and reds.

40. Play with trends

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)

Try a fusion of styles by contrasting rough industrial with global grandness. The grey-toned neutral colour palette is the starting point, teamed with a mix of geometric and Ikat print fabrics.

Follow this with contrasting furniture styles, from the grand Chesterfield sofa and retro leather armchair to the industrial steel shelving and coffee table.

41. Experiment with different depths of grey

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Paul Raeside)

Pick a plump sofa for lounging. This charcoal grey number adds elegance and interest to a minimal room. Explore the many depths of a grey colour palette by layering tones to create a scheme that looks cohesive.

By using the same colour, but in both its palest and deepest incarnations, you can create a rich, contrasting look that is co-ordinated. A glass coffee table and side table add a glamorous note.

42. Create a grey coastal scheme

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)

Try A take on a traditional coastal living room idea but instead of sea blues, use a cool wintry grey. Start with a pale wash of grey over the walls, then bring in pieces of weathered-wood furniture and faded linen upholstery to give the room a lived-in look.

Accessorise with whitewashed basketware, driftwood, smooth ceramics and opaque glassware to carry on the coastal theme.

43. Go smart with grey

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Dominic Blackmore)

Smarten up a family living room with a modern grey and monochrome scheme with a graphic linear wallpaper as the focal point. Worried that a modern scheme might look too grey?

Add pops of a bright accent colour on cushions and accessories. Bring in an informal element with a picture ledge positioned above the sofa – line with family photographs and favourite prints that you can add to and rearrange at your leisure.

44. Pretty up grey with pink

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Emma Lee)

Use the gentlest of greys as a springboard for blush pink, plum and buff tones. Mid century-style furniture rubs shoulders here with contemporary pieces in brilliant hi-gloss white.

The floor-to-ceiling living room curtain idea adds a lovely touch of dip-dyed pink, while cushions and floral displays channel rich plum tones. Grey and pink is a winning combination, particularly suited to modern living rooms, and works just as well as a grey bedroom idea.

What colours go with grey in a living room?

The ideal colour to go with grey in a living room will depend on the depth you’ve chosen. Generally speaking, warmer shades of grey will benefit from equally warm accent colours such as rich greens, vibrant yellows and pops of bright pink. Colder tones pair naturally well with paler colours such as blush pink and watery blues.

What are the best grey paints for a living room?

Each shade of grey paint is capable of creating a different look, feel and style of living room and the shade that you choose will be part and parcel of your own personal style. Modern living room schemes tend to call for cooler, darker, dramatic charcoals or near-blacks. While vintage and classic-inspired styles have a natural affinity with warmer blue and green-toned greys.

How do you add warmth to a grey living room?

How you add warmth to a grey living room is by choosing the right shade of paint for walls – depending on the light quality. Getting the right temperature of grey will help to instantly make the shade feel warmer in all lights.

‘If you have a south-facing room that you are using during the day then you can afford to choose virtually any grey,’ explains Joa from Farrow & Ball.

‘But you need to be wary in north-facing rooms where grey can appear cold and clinical, so you should opt for a shade with warmer or more beige undertones. Elephants Breath and Skimming Stone always come to the rescue in these circumstances.’

51 grey living room ideas that prove this hue never goes out of style

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(Image credit: Future)

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Grey living room ideas are just so classic. They suit any space and any style, which is precisely the reason why we have a whole gallery dedicated to them. Whether you are a lover of cool-toned greys that work amazingly in minimal homes or, if you’re keen to embrace the dark side with dark grey and deep charcoal hues for a cozy and enveloping finish – you’ll be able to find the perfect shade. 

After all, grey is here to stay and whether you want to go all out or simply add in grey accents to tone down a brighter decor scheme, there are so many ways that this said basic color can help you achieve the ambiance and interior decor scheme you have in mind. Fittingly, we’ve covered all the different grey color schemes possible for living rooms so that you can pick your perfect look.

Grey living room ideas that don’t age

‘The best way to perceive grey is as a neutral which can create the ideal canvas for spaces that require calm and relaxation such as the living room,’ says explains Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball .

‘With such a broad spectrum of greys from gentle soft versions to deeply dramatic darks, they work very successfully when layered with other grey tones.’ 

1. Introduce colorful accessories

(Image credit: Future)

An archway is a beautiful architectural feature that feels oh-so-inviting in a grey living room. But, if you want to have some fun, why not paint the inside of it, in a contrasting color (such as yellow) to an add a kid-friendly color pop? These are two paint colors for the living room that work in perfect harmony together.

Abstract art, jewel velvet cushions and tactile footstools all add to relaxed and free-spirited vibe. The look is unstuffy, welcoming to all and provides the perfect place for play dates.

2. Pair grey and dark navy

(Image credit: Future)

Pair a grey sofa with navy blue living room elements like shiplap wall paneling and upholstered chairs to create a cozy theme. We also enjoy the subtle celestial nods scattered around the space, ideal for a dreamy evening spent around the fire.

3. Zone an open-plan living room with a fireplace

(Image credit: Future)

If you’ve got an open-plan home it can sometimes be hard to designate a proper space that doesn’t spill into the kitchen and other areas of the home. But, by introducing a corner fireplace into your grey living room, you can carve out this area of relaxation.

In line with the wooden flooring and abundance of houseplants, this fireplace is built from grey brick to create a sense of bringing the outside in.

4. Paint alcove cabinetry grey

(Image credit: Future)

Modern living rooms can often be modest when it comes to decor, with only the best statement furniture making the cut. With out-there orange patterned armchairs and distressed antique-style mirror taking center stage, sometimes you’ll want storage to take a back seat.

Here, built-in cupboards have been painted in a very light grey so as not to distract from the other elements of the room.

(Image credit: Furniture Village)

Let your furniture do the talking with our industrial chic look, that’s perfect for urban living.

Combine pared back décor with Scandi-inspired tactile textures to create a stylish yet warm feel. Exposed brick walls, concrete and original floorboards are softened by natural materials such as linen, cotton and leather for a harmonious balance.

A neutral palette of grey, white and pale wood evokes a sense of stillness, giving a calm and mindful ambience. The delicate balance of faux fur on the armchairs and footstools plays with texture to create a restful space to chill out and relax.

Less is more with this look, so scale right back and only choose defined, purposeful accessories that will subtly complement the scheme.

6. Layer your mirrors

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

We know all about the benefits of layering living room lighting, but this duo of paned glass can really help to give the perception of a larger lounge space too. Choosing a cool grey like Benjamin Moore’s Metropolitan AF-690 will help as one expert explains:

‘Comforting, composed and effortlessly sophisticated, Metropolitan AF-690 exudes beauty and balance,’ says Ellen O’Neill, director of strategic design intelligence, Benjamin Moore .

‘It’s a color in the neutral spectrum that references a contemplative state of mind and design. Not arresting nor aggressive, this understated yet glamorous grey creates a soothing, impactful common ground.’

7. Paint your floorboards

(Image credit: Future)

Like with most things in the world, we need balance and equilibrium in our homes too. So if you’re going to go for a dark grey living room – keep the floors light. Now, if you have wooden floorboards, you can either strip them back to a very light wood or try painting floorboards in a lighter, softer grey.

8. Create the illusion of a large space with striped carpet

(Image credit: Carpetright)

Fashion has been responsible for teaching us the power that lines and stripes have to make us look slimmer or elongate our silhouette and the same discipline can be practiced in a grey living room.

Here, Carpetright’s Westmoreland Twist Carpet in Misty Zig-Zag will help to stretch out that floor plan to maximize the space you have. What’s more, a busy pattern like this will help to disguise spills and stains – which is perfect for whatever modern life throws at us.

Carpet is also one of the cheapest living room flooring options, so shop around to make sure you bag yourself a bargain.

(Image credit: Carpetright )

If you don’t want to commit to a full floor of the same design, carpet tiles are another type of flooring to try. Much easier than cutting reams of this fabric by the meter, you can have more control with this measurement – which is especially important if you’re doing the job yourself.  

We love the blue, grey and charcoal detail on the fireplace hearth in the center of the room which adds texture and interest, when combined with the other blue wall paint and soft furnishings in the room. 

10. Break up grey with art

(Image credit: Desenio)

Scandinavian interior design has taught us a lot about how to create a sophisticated and stylish grey living room that looks and feels homely too. And one of the best take-aways that we’ve introduced into our living spaces is the good old gallery wall.

Whether it’s finding pictures of the family to frame, or going online and picking up some budget-friendly reprints from Desenio – this is one of the more simple living room ideas that everyone can get on board with.

‘Looking to go all-in with a grey living room by keeping the ‘raw’ feel?’ asks Annica Wallin, executive creative director, Desenio.

‘Display your minimalist posters in black frames to create contrast with the grey walls. To maintain balance and a cozy vibe, add a grey-scale rug, or pillows in similar shades. A living room with a minimalist grey decor makes room for unique details and the motifs on the walls.’

11. Bring the outdoors in with grey rattan

(Image credit: Future)

Grey rattan garden furniture is a great investment for the summer time, but as the evenings get a little chillier, and the nights get shorter, it risks becoming redundant until the next year’s signs of spring.

Repurpose your outdoor seating in an indoor space to get the most out of your purchase. We love this calming grey and white living room with shiplap walls and lots of indoor plants. Perfect for an all-year round botanical aesthetic.

12. Pick a plaid sofa for country vibes

(Image credit: Laura Ashley)

One very quick and easy way to inject country charm into your grey living room is through your choice of couch. The best grey sofas to serve this style could incorporate an all-over check, plaid or gingham pattern.

Mix it up with a contrasting print like Laura Ashley’s Beckworth table lamp for a more modern finish with the practical bonus of added task lighting also. Bringing in more pattern via the grey wallpaper helps balance out the space perfectly also.

13. Layer up different grey tones

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Use just one shade of grey and your room can feel flat and dull so it’s important to layer the shades, one on top of the other. Start with a base layer, a grey that really inspires you, and add different shades through furniture, soft furnishings and accessories. 

This sofa is deep and dark and works well against the backdrop of a dark wall and cooler grey flooring. The grey throws and grey cushions in add texture too.

14. Match the warmth of your lighting to the grey you choose

(Image credit: Neptune )

Grey is one of those colors that can completely change under different lights, so picking the perfect lighting for your space is important. 

As a general rule when it comes to grey living room ideas – the cooler the tone you choose, the warmer the lighting should be – think about the room at night, you’ll still want it to feel cozy and welcoming despite the cool grey color scheme.  

Pick out lampshades that give off a yellowish glow and always go for warm/soft white bulbs. Pick out different sources of light too. As with any living room, you’ll want to think about having a few different sources that all do different jobs. 

Typically you’ll want to cover ambient lighting (soft lighting usually from a pendant or living room wall lighting), task lighting (stronger, focused lights) and accent lighting (soft, but still focused lights that highlight certain areas of your room).

15. Choose grey living room furniture that’s minimal

(Image credit: Ikea)

Don’t limit your love affair with grey to just wall color, if you love this hue consider new furniture pieces in this shade to add a modern edge to your living room. Living room storage units are a great way to add in grey, and particularly good when you don’t want wood or white melamine.

16. Introduce greenery for height and depth

(Image credit: Neptune)

One of the big benefits of houseplants is that they can bring so much interest into even the simplest of color schemes. We love how the green looks against dark walls, giving this grey living room even more depth and drama.

Pick a larger plant like a fiddle leaf fig or a big fern to make a statement or for a more rustic look, dot smaller plants around the space at different heights.

17. Mix a cool toned grey with pink

(Image credit: Magnolia Network)

Pink and grey where the color power couple for a moment back there, but  we are loving this new, more grown up take on it. Mixing a pale, cooler grey with a lovely warm blush pink creates an almost neutral space, especially if paired with white walls and wooden furnishings as seen here. Add in a touch of muted light blue to bring out the cooler tones of the grey. Very chic.

‘To avoid giving off a ‘hard’ expression, which grey has a tendency to do, we recommend adding details such as softer colors like gold and pink,’ says Wallin.

‘Display black and white photo prints in gold frames, and add pink as an accent in the grey interior. A pink pouffe, pink pillows, or a throw makes the perfect accessory and lends a softer side to your living room.’

18. Add grey at the windows

(Image credit: Neptune)

If you want to add some more grey tones to your living room, this is a really easy and effective way to do so. Rather than go all out painting a grey accent wall, instead learn how to paint window frames. See how in this space the two tones of grey help bring out the cooler tones of the blue and complements the pale wood of the floors and ceiling also.  

19. Add darker hues to a light grey living room

(Image credit: Neptune)

Who doesn’t love a really light and airy grey living room? The palest of greys on the walls gives a space such a loft elegant feel, especially if you contrast it with a really deep grey or a black. 

It just grounds all those light colors and gives the room a bit of focus. Bring in those darker colors with cushions, throws rugs or even an accent armchair.  

20. Create a distressed wall effect 

(Image credit: Ikea)

We know what you are thinking, that distressed ‘shabby chic’ look can be very hit and miss. But when it goes right it can look very chic, and that kind of bare plaster look is bang on trend at the moment. 

It’s a really easy look to recreate using paint and a cloth to get that rustic, unfinished look. We have a whole step-by-step guide on creating this plaster paint effect that’ll get you concrete results.

21. Brighten up grey paint with metallic accessories 

(Image credit: lustliving.co.uk)

There’s nothing more glamorous than some beautiful gold accessories which, of course, pair well with a base palette of greys. Use different grey shades layered throughout a grey living room for your neutral backdrop, retaining the focus on the metallics and any other color you choose to introduce.

Keep it soft or add bold, bright accents; just ensure they don’t detract from the shine and sparkle of your metals.  

Olivia, blogger at Lust Living , has the most stunning living room pairing a  really pale grey on the walls with some beautiful gold metallics. 

22. Create the perfect backdrop with grey walls

(Image credit: Urban Avenue)

With its charm and appeal lying in the ability to offer the best neutral base for interior décor, grey is the ideal shade with which to decorate your living room walls. 

Using a living room wallpaper or paint won’t intrude on the brighter accent colors if you use them; darker greys give them depth; paler greys help them to pop.

23. Highlight grey walls with white floors and window dressings

(Image credit: Ikea)

If you’re keen to ensure that your living room stays light and bright, despite the grey walls, we’d really advise keeping the window area uncluttered and dressed in a light color. A white or pale-colored floor will make a big difference, too.

24. Warm things up with greige 

(Image credit: Cult furniture )

We will confess, we have previously mocked greige and what we liked to think of as its blandness, but alas, we have grown to love this neither grey nor brown nor beige color and think we owe it an apology. So, sorry greige. 

If you can’t decide between a beige room or a grey one, it’s actually a perfect warm-toned color that combines the two hues. We love how it’s been styled in this living room with splashes of sage green and pale mustard yellow. So what is the perfect greige shade? Well, we recommend Farrow and Ball Stony Ground.  

25. Add black to grey color schemes for living rooms

(Image credit: Cult Furniture)

Black and white doesn’t have to be a boring combination – when teamed with different layers of grey, it can look exceptionally striking. 

Use a deep grey on your living room wall, and then mix in plenty of black and white accessories to get the full impact of this dramatic scheme. 

26. Choose a simple (but chic) grey sofa

(Image credit: Sweet Pea and Willow)

We all love on-trend colorful sofas but sometimes we want to keep it simple and uncomplicated. That’s where a grey sofa really comes into its own. It suits all styles of living room, from country cottage to industrial to contemporary, and anything in between.  

Give it some life and add a few strong accent colors or simply layer your greys for a more monotone feel. 

Need some help finding your perfect sofa, grey or otherwise? We’ve put together the ultimate guide to choosing a sofa.

27. Add drama with a dark grey living room 

(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)

If you’re after more dark and atmospheric decorating ideas and not one to shy away from being bold and daring, then go for a dark grey living room. Painted on the walls and even the ceiling to it can act as a striking basis for bright colors and rock and roll décor. 

You’ll need to get your living room lighting right to make the space useable at night, but these darker charcoals make a room feel exceptionally moody and atmospheric.

28. Counteract cool tones with mustard

(Image credit: Kimberly Duran)

Greens and botanical prints work effortlessly with grey tones as shown here in this bright, light, grey and yellow living room.  

The homeowner has paired a subtle shade of grey with golds and greens allowing the features to shine, with a bold print that doesn’t impinge on the lighter feel of the space.

29. Mix soft grey with pretty pastels

(Image credit: Arianna Trapani)

Use soft warm greys and mix them with pastel decorating ideas for a pretty grey living room. Prevent it from feeling too sweet and sugary by accenting with darker, moodier shades seen here with black and white cushions and dark wood table. The result is a calm living room suitable for the whole family. 

Blogger, Arianna , has created a sumptuous, cozy and candy-hued space packed full of texture and warmth.

30. Make a dark grey living room feel warm and cozy

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

If you opt for a darker, charcoal grey on your walls yet don’t want the living room to feel all doom and gloom, lighten the space by using white-based artwork. 

Include pops of color through your soft furnishings and make the most of your cozy feel by adding layers of sheepskins for warmth and texture.

For a farmhouse touch, we love the look of this cow-print rug, but anything statement will do to add interest underfoot. Discover our round-up of the best living room rugs.

31. Add texture to a grey living room for an on-trend look

(Image credit: Maisons du Monde)

Palest greys and darkest blacks come together with stark whites to create the nomad look which has become rather popular in the last few seasons. Mix up your greys with a black and white pattern in shaggy textures. 

Add some natural materials like rattan and wicker plus lots of house plants, and you have a very on-trend living space. 

Love the vibes of this grey living room idea? Go and get some more inspiration from these brilliant boho design ideas. 

32. Don’t ignore the floor, pick out a grey rug

(Image credit: Argos)

When you’re not sure how to start designing a grey living room, look down. The floor is often the best place to begin when you’re building a scheme and if you want to include grey, this is a great kicking off point.  

Pick a larger grey rug as a centerpiece or layer up your rugs for a more laid-back, relaxed look. 

33. Want a more luxe living room? Add marble

(Image credit: Norsu Interiors)

Marble isn’t particularly revolutionary when it comes to home decor, we know, it’s pretty much an essential in the age of Pinterest and Instagram . 

But there is a reason we’re all so in love with is swirly, opulent, qualities, marble just brings elegance into a space like no other material. 

Give a grey living room a lift with a few pale marble accessories. The smooth and swishy finish works perfectly with lots of different shades of grey.

34. Choose multi-functional grey furniture 

(Image credit: Sofa.com)

If you are as obsessed with grey as we are, chances are you might not want to limit grey to your living room. So when choosing furniture, pick pieces that are versatile and can be put to use throughout the rest of your home too. 

Storage benches, day beds, sofa beds, grey ottomans, you get the idea, any pieces that can be shifted into a spare bedroom or a hallway.

If you’re stuck for ideas of where to go for said furniture – you needn’t trawl to the shops. Our best sofa beds are all available online for doorstep delivery.

35. Add interest to a grey living room with a mural 

(Image credit: Katie Lee)

Before we go on to talk about the many positive points of adding prints and murals to a grey living room, can we just appreciate the artful layering in this living room? That’s how it’s done, people.

Anyway, yes, murals – a great way to add even more texture to a living room with a limited color palette. They are also a fab option if you are decorating a rented home, because you can choose to hang a mural rather than paste it permanently to your wall.

In this small living room ideas, the use of a mural also expands the space as it stops an expanse of white wall making the room feel boxy. 

36. Go for a coastal vibe with a light grey living room

(Image credit: Maison du Monde)

You might live nowhere near the beach but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring some of those coastal vibes into your living room. Coastal interiors aren’t all about blue stripes and miniature ships in bottles. 

You can create a beach house-inspired interior using light greys and lots of layers of different fabrics and materials. 

Rugs, cushions, baskets, wall hangings can all be incorporated into your current space to create that relaxed, laid back feel that the coastal look is all about.

37. Choose a cool, green-toned grey for a contemporary look

(Image credit: Nest)

We love the modern vibe of this grey space and the borderline khaki green living room tones would work perfectly if you had a sunny, south-facing room that can take a moody shade. 

To copy the look, choose a grey paint with cooler tones (something like Farrow & Ball’s French Gray ) and, to further enhance the cool color, pair it with darker tones and furniture that has clear, sharp black lines. You can add in some warmth with throws, cushions and rugs. 

38. Highlight alcoves with grey paint

(Image credit: Neptune)

Use grey paint to highlight alcoves in a living room: it’s a neat trick for creating depth in the room, showing off artwork hung on the darker walls and exaggerating the height of the ceiling in the room.  

Light the alcoves with wall or table lamps so that the grey becomes a warmer tone at night. 

39. Create a very modern grey living room

(Image credit: Annie Sloan )

If you want those quite dramatic, contemporary vibes in your living room, keep the furniture very sculptural and slimline and enhance the drama of a dark space. 

The Mid-century modern furniture works so well in this minimal space and creates a really quirky contrast with the traditional design of the room. 

We just love the decorative stone horse on the living room fireplace which stops the mantel looking too bare, while also adding interest.

40. Pick a dramatic grey wallpaper 

(Image credit: Sandberg )

Wallpaper is such an easy grey living room idea, potentially the quickest way to add a dose of this stylish hue. 

Most of the time you will be able to find a shade of grey that will work with your current scheme, so it can be the simplest way to update your space.  

We love the dramatic mountain motif of the Midnatt wallpaper from Sandberg, but there are tonnes of other grey wallpaper ideas that will pique your interest.

41. Go for a moody vibe with inky greys 

(Image credit: Katie Lee)

Bluey grey is the grey that’s here to stay. It’s moody, atmospheric and dramatic but styled the right way is can be really soft and welcoming too. 

Mix it in with some natural materials and lots of textures for a really cool contemporary grey living room idea. 

42. Mix grey with slubby naturals

(Image credit: Colin Poole)

Grey living rooms run the risk of feeling a little cold, but if you mix it with rich textures: knotty, warm-colored wood, slubby linens and soft velvet, you’ll create a warm, welcoming feel. 

Loving how the sofa is color-matched to the walls here for a space-enhancing feel.

The living room in this gorgeous renovated home in Shrewsbury uses grey to a calming effect.

43. Choose light flooring in a dark grey living room 

(Image credit: Katie Lee)

Dark grey living rooms always work best if you choose a lighter flooring – lighter wooden flooring to be precise. 

The cheapest option is to go for a laminate version or vinyl. Pop down a rug to cozy up the room, plus some bright prints and greenery that will pop against that dark backdrop. 

44. Mix grey with warm browns  

(Image credit: Ikea)

The darker the grey, and the less yellow or even pink tints within it, the cooler the room begins to feel, so accessorizing or furnishing it in warm colors is essential. 

We really love warm, natural colors and textures or spice shades against grey – it brings out the best in both. 

However, any warmer color will help make a cool room feel instantly more welcoming. This tan leather sofa set for example is the perfect furniture if you want to create a vintage retro living room.

45. Go for a cool Mid-century style grey living room 

(Image credit: Ikea/Lina Ikse)

You can still keep things feeling bright and fresh in a grey living room, just be selective about where you add the grey.  

Here one cool-toned grey wall works really well to differentiate between two ‘rooms’ in an open-plan space. 

The grey also looks great mixed with the fresh, clean white and the warm dark woods of the Mid-century style furniture. 

46. Go grey in a traditional living room 

(Image credit: Colin Poole)

If you have a more traditional living room and are looking for grey living room ideas, this picture provides all the inspiration you need. 

The mid-tone grey works so well with the lighter wooden floors and the gold accents and it’s all softened up with cozy soft furnishings. 

We love how the paneling in the lighter grey breaks up the darker grey of the walls which could risk looking quite flat if it wasn’t contrasted with the warmer, greige.

47. Make a grey living room cozy with plenty of soft furnishings

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

What we love about grey living rooms, is they can be both fresh and chic but really cozy and inviting at the same time.  

In this space, the pale grey walls work perfectly as this room isn’t huge to great for making it feel lighter and bigger, and the darker grey sofa is a nice contrast. 

Then it’s just a case of making the space softer with plenty of cushions, throws and even house plants can help add a kind of cocooning feel. 

If you want more inspiring home decor ideas, make sure you take a tour of this first time buyer’s Scandi-style house renovation. 

48. Mix grey walls with leather furniture for a retro feel

(Image credit: Farrow and Ball)

What a cool grey living room, very Mid-century, and see how the cool-toned grey worked with the very orange hue of all the furniture. 

The walls in this space are painted with Manor House Gray from Farrow & Ball. It’s a favorite in contemporary homes and does need quite a bit of light so as not to look flat but it the right space paired with warmer colors it looks so chic. 

49. Create a luxury feel with plush grey velvet furniture

(Image credit: Paul Craig)

If you want to add a touch of luxury to a grey living room, velvet is the way to do it. The obvious choice is to go for a gorgeous grey velvet sofa, that will be the focus of your space. Opt for a deep charcoal – practical and pretty.

You could add in some velvet curtains or even just a few cushions too if you are looking for a quicker, more affordable living room update.

50. Create a clean look with white and charcoal grey

(Image credit: James Balston)

A slightly softer version of monochrome is to pair white with a deep charcoal. We love this grey living room because it feels so light and fresh but there’s warmth here too with the light woods and Berber rug. 

The walls might look white but they are actually a very, very light grey which brings more dimension that just a brilliant white would. 

51. Paint all five walls grey

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

We all have a tendency to stick with white when it comes to ceilings, but why not be bolder with your ceiling and give them the attention they deserve. 

Painting walls and the ceiling gives a lovely cocooning effect to a room and works especially well if you have a larger room with high ceilings and want the space to feel more coz

How do you decorate a grey living room?

‘Decorate your living room with grey paired with natural elements,’ advises Wallin.  

‘Display your black and white posters in a collage, and mix in oak frames to elegantly add wood details to the grey decor. Oak frames paired with other accessories, such as wooden side tables, brown leather pillows, and green plants, make a living room more lively while contributing an elegant balance.’

What colors go with grey in a living room?

(Image credit: Rachael Smith)

This depends on the vibe you are trying to create – if you want to play it safe and like a neutral scheme, then layering greys with creams and whites is always a classic look. You could however be a bit bolder and throw in some contrasting colors like oranges and yellows.

‘Bluer-based greys will team wonderfully with rich blue tones, brick reds and terracotta shades. Whilst browner greys look beautiful with an added punch of warm burnt orange and chartreuse yellow in your accessories through to more restful layering of caramel and chocolate tones,’ explains O’Donnell.

Is grey a good color for a living room?

We actually did had a recent debate over is grey still in style? And the overwhelming majority said yes. Thank god, because it’s our personal fave color to decorate with and we think it works in every room of the home. There is however a trend towards much warmer greigey greys recently, so consider choosing a grey that has a more earthy undertone.

How do you add warmth to a grey living room?

(Image credit: Darren Chung)

Easy, pick warmer greys! If you are planning on painting your walls grey, choose a paint that has pinkish undertones, avoid anything to blue as that might make a room feel cooler, especially if it’s north-facing.

You can always warm up a grey living room with accessories too. Pick our warm wooden furniture, add in some cute rattan baskets, pick out cane lampshades too. Oh, and nice slubby linen cushions will help – check out H&M Home for our fave picks.

Hebe joined the Real Homes team in early 2018 as Staff Writer before moving to the Livingetc team in 2021 where she took on a role as Digital Editor. She loves boho and 70’s style and is a big fan of Instagram as a source of interiors inspiration. When she isn’t writing about interiors, she is renovating her own spaces – be it wallpapering a hallway, painting kitchen cupboards or converting a van.

design rules, color accents and combinations

11/06/2019

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The living room is both a reception area and a place where family members gather. Elegant style, even some solemnity, and comfort should be harmoniously combined here. A living room in gray tones is one of the proven solutions to a difficult task. This is a fashionable and stylish option, which is worth a closer look.

Not at all dull gray

Gray is not just one color. In addition to monochrome gradations obtained by combining pure white with black, designers use cool and warm shades of gray to create the right mood:

• cold – steel (with a bluish tint), anthracite, marengo, lead;
• warm – pearl gray, pearl gray, smoky, ashy.

Depending on the lighting, the size of the living room, the chosen style, you can choose either achromatic shades of different saturation, or their variations.

When using gray in the design of the walls, the use of textures looks advantageous – rough, convex ornaments.

The use of gray is not only a fashion trend. It is also practical, because it does not fade, traces of pollution are least visible on it.

Living room Country

Gray rules

Achromatic gray is more versatile, it can be made the basis of any interior style. Neutral gray is perfect for a classic and high-tech living room. Warm shades of gray are closer to a rustic style, while cool shades will look great in a Mediterranean or Scandinavian version of the room.

Light and cold shades will visually expand the space of a small living room. The use of fragments of contrasting saturation, on the contrary, will allow zoning a spacious living room, highlighting private corners.

Do not make the ceiling darker than the floor: this creates an effect of pressure from above, especially with a standard ceiling height.

If your living room has unfortunate proportions, in an overly long room, the end wall can be made a few tones darker than the side walls, visually bringing it closer.

Gray living room furniture should not be bought exactly to match the walls, it is better to choose a darker or lighter tone of the same shade. At the same time, if you want to visually enlarge the room, furniture that exactly matches the tone of the walls can be a good solution, without visually standing out and expanding the room.

Keep in mind that gray loves neatness and restraint: an excess of complementary colors can spoil the most elegant image created by the designer, so you should not arrange a warehouse of colorful knick-knacks in the living room.

Gray as an ideal background can be used by collectors. If your collection of paintings, posters, ceramics, etc. is placed on a neutral background, it becomes more visible, attracts the eye, without creating disharmonious combinations.

Highlights

A living room in gray tones with bright accents is not only a stylish solution, but also an opportunity to change the appearance of the room almost beyond recognition with minimal effort and investment. It is enough just to replace curtains, sofa cushions or other bright accessories by choosing a different color accent – and now, instead of a frivolous Mediterranean style, laconic Scandinavian simplicity dominates in your living room.

The magic of color in action. Neutral gray makes the perfect backdrop for color-rich items that set the mood. Royal burgundy will give solemnity and sophistication, cream and pink shades – tenderness and lightness.

Gray has the ability to emphasize the saturation of other colors. Therefore, an unusual, for example, oriental, rug will sparkle in such a living room with all its colors, lamps and vases will complement the design, and fresh flowers, even the most modest ones, will not let go of your eyes.

Just a few bright spots can completely change the mood of a living room made in shades of gray. The book is on the table in a bright red cover, as if by chance a forgotten red plaid on the back of the sofa. And now playfulness appears, mood rises, a surge of energy is felt.

Looking for peace and serenity? We replace the red with a bluish-gray, swampy one – and the living room breathes coolness, which is so nice to plunge into after a hot, busy day.

Harmony

The combination of gray and white gives rise to the Scandinavian style, where knitted and woven textures play a special role, spectacular combinations of glossy and matte surfaces. Possible variations are an almost white main background with graphite or asphalt shades of furniture and textiles. Or, on the contrary, dark walls are emphasized by dazzling white finishing elements – borders, curtains, textiles.

The combination of gray walls with natural wood furniture is used in a rustic style. However, one should not think that the rustic style is a grandmother’s “hall” with a lurid wardrobe and a sideboard. Modern design solutions give rustic style a modern touch. Here, natural colors and materials, simple shapes, coarse textiles play a role.

In combination with blue or light blue, gray can be presented in a high-tech style, where cold blue with steel notes will create the illusion of fantastic materials of the future. More saturated blue notes will give the interior already some notes of the Mediterranean style, associating with the coolness of the sea waves. It is important that color schemes are complemented by the use of appropriate shapes and textures. The Mediterranean style, unlike hi-tech, requires soft lines that are close to natural natural forms.

The loft style, imitating an industrial interior, is characterized by the use of steel shades, complemented by brick, brown.

If the light gray base is supplemented with textiles and decorative elements of purple and lavender shades, you will see the Provence style. Mystical lilac will create an atmosphere of mystery. A rich purple will be an elegant expression of the classic style, like deep blue, purple.

If gray still seems a little dull to you, dilute it with sunny yellow. Such a bold decision will make your living room bright and unusual. And the gray-beige interior will give the room warmth and comfort.

A combination with pink, depending on the shades of the latter, can create a modern or high-tech style if pink is chosen in cold tones with a metallic sheen. At the same time, warm pink elements soften the strict gray, making the living room very tender, feminine, touching.

Green color gives a lot of design options in combination with its natural natural shades, where live plants will look very harmonious, creating a relaxation zone in the living room. And dark green can look solemn, giving a formal touch.

Gray living room materials

For wall decoration, classic paper wallpapers are most often used, which can be almost plain with a textured pattern or have a floral, geometric ornament. In the loft style, monochrome wallpapers can be used that imitate old newspapers. More expensive solutions can be decorated with various types of decorative plasters.

In the design of the walls, contrasting inserts in the form of rosettes or a horizontal, vertical division of areas contrasting in saturation are used.

Floors can be made of any material from natural stone and tiles, laminate imitating them, to carpeting. Often, a base tone coating is used with irregularly shaped colored rugs, arranged taking into account the geometry of the room.

The ceiling in a gray living room rarely becomes the centerpiece. It can be classic, plastered or suspended. But at the same time, it is rarely emphasized.

Furniture can be classic wood, but painted surfaces are more commonly used, with the exception of Scandinavian and rustic styles, where furniture in natural colors creates the desired effect. More extravagant stylistic solutions include leather, shiny metal, glass in furniture materials.

Thus, a gray living room does not mean dreary and boring. Many options for both the color itself and the additions allow you to create mood and style. Gray is the choice of modern and practical, those who are not afraid of experiments or prefer the classics.

psychology, combinations, application in design

02/18/2020

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The interior in gray tones can be called one of the classic and time-tested options for interior design. This color, as one of the basic tones of the palette, goes well with various shades and can be successfully applied in a variety of style solutions.

The psychology of gray and its possibilities in the interior

Gray color in the interior, according to psychologists, tend to choose calm and balanced personalities, for whom inner peace and tranquility have special weight. This color is ideal for decorating bedrooms, recreation areas and relaxation. It does not irritate the human visual receptors, allows the brain to relax and reduces the level of anxiety and stress.

The gray color in the design provides a lot of scope for the use of various bright accents. It is not only an excellent background for them, but also to a large extent muffles excessive variegation and softens even the richest colors in the decor. For this reason, it is quite common as a base tone in the design of not only rooms, but also clothes.

When creating an interior with the inclusion of the color in question, the level of illumination of the room is of paramount importance. The lack of natural light and ill-conceived artificial lighting will make the room gloomy and depressing. Therefore, when working on a project, special attention should be paid to the study of the lighting scenario of the interior.

Gray shades and combinations

Gray has many gradations, each of which is able to reveal the interior in its own way:

• The light shade refers to the basic tones that are easy to fit into almost any style. It visually expands the room, fills it with air and light. It is ideal for creating a room in the style of a classic, Provence, minimalism, hi-tech.
• The dark version, on the contrary, narrows the room, gives it intimacy and intimacy. Recommended for large rooms or as a highlight of one accent wall. Fits into a minimalist, modern or loft interior.
• The addition of blue and purple gives complex mix combinations, the abundance of which in a room can make it difficult to perceive. It is better to use such shades as additional ones, for example, for textiles.
• Silver is associated with a space theme, can be used in the design of high-tech rooms or a themed children’s room for a young explorer and inventor.

Gray is one of the friendliest shades and is successfully combined with almost the entire palette of colors. Each new combination of gray in the interior will have its own visual and psychological effect, which should be considered when creating a room design project:

• With blue, turquoise. A calm combination that brings a feeling of coolness and freshness. Ideal for bedrooms.
• Purple, pink. A delicate palette for creating relaxing and sensual interiors. Suitable for decorating private rooms for girls or young women.
• With red, orange. An inspiring and passionate combination. It will be acceptable in the kitchen, living room in retro style or modern interiors.
• With yellow, mustard. The optimistic combination, brightness and sunshine of yellow shades against the background of a gray base is revealed in the best way. A good combination to decorate any room.
• With beige, green. Soothing ecological combinations. Good for classic or Scandinavian styles.

Use of gray in various styles

Shades of gray belong to the basic tones, which allows them to be included in almost all existing interior styles. The undoubted advantage is neutrality and good compatibility with other tones. By choosing gray as the basis of the interior and diluting it with new shades each time, it will be possible to update the interior of the room in fairly simple and economical ways.

In every interior style, the use of shades of gray has its own characteristics.

Hi-tech

A modern high-tech interior implies an abundance of grayish tones in various shades and textures:

• metal;
• glass;
• stone;
• concrete.

Modern designers actively complement a diverse palette from light to dark shades with natural wood and living plants to create a warmer and more comfortable space.

Loft

The urban style, which represents the adaptation of factory premises to residential apartments, includes shades of gray in its main palette along with brick ocher. In a loft interior, you can allow the use of fairly dark shades, such as graphite.

The loft makes it possible to use almost unlimited shades of the discussed color in the interior, not only as decoration for walls, floors and ceilings, but also in furniture, accessories and textiles.

Classic

The classic interior, with its restraint in textures and shades, tends to use light tones of the color in question. They can be used as wall cladding or upholstered furniture. The most common combinations for a classic style will be combinations with beige, pastel shades of green, pink and blue.

Scandinavian Eco

The traditional Scandinavian interior involves painting the plastered walls with white paint with the addition of gray and yellow colors. The resulting light shade perfectly reflects sunlight, creates the illusion of a large and bright space. Living plants, natural wood furniture, cotton and wool textiles are in perfect harmony with it.

Often used in Scandinavian interiors and dark shades of gray. They are used for furniture and interior items, bringing contrast to the overall bright image of the room.

Country and Provence

Styles close to nature actively include natural shades of gray in their palettes. As a rule, these are quite light gradations of color, acting as a basic background for painting walls or furniture. To create a rustic style, it is diluted with traditional textiles with printed patterns or small checks, an abundance of small decor and paintings.

Rich burgundy and green colors will be good companions to gray shades in Provence or country style. Such combinations are classic for these interiors.

Gray interior in various rooms

The use of gray has its own characteristics depending on the purpose of the room:

• The living room should be comfortable, conducive to rest and relaxation. Combinations with beige, green shades are suitable. Particular attention should be paid to the lighting of the room, having worked out spot light options to create various lighting scenarios: from solemn to intimate.
• A kitchen in shades of gray can be both modern and classic. It is worthwhile to carefully consider the style solution of household appliances and pay attention to the color palette of decorative elements. The mood of the kitchen will depend on their choice: from relaxing to energetic.
• The bedroom in this color will be the perfect place to sleep and relax. It is recommended to use combinations with muted pastel shades and avoid excessively dark color spots.
• The children’s room should be bright, so you should not use dark shades of color. The advantage of gray walls in a child’s room will be the special ability of this color to smooth out the variegation of the decor used in the room. Even the abundance of multi-colored toys against the background of gray walls will not cause a feeling of chaos and disorder.
• The entrance area in grayish shades can be created in a modern or loft design. It will be interesting to combine the color in question with the texture of brick or natural stone.
• A bathroom in muted greyish shades can become an oasis of peace. It is not recommended to create the interior of this room completely in this color with a small area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room, as it will create a feeling of tightness and pressure.

When creating an interior with the inclusion of gray, it is worth remembering both the advantages of the shade and the complexities that it brings. A competent approach to interior design and following our advice will help create an unforgettable and harmonious project for any room.

55 real photos, design ideas

Gray highlights

A few highlights:

• Fits into any style solution.
• It is an ideal base color that can be complemented with color or graphic accents.
• Many designers consider this color to be versatile and practical.
• Gray in abundance creates a relaxing atmosphere.

Gray shades

Gray range has a fairly wide color range, which starts from almost whitened shades and ends with dark, almost black tones. Thanks to this variability, it is possible to choose the right solution for any design.

The hall in warm gray tones looks truly luxurious and noble, and the living room decorated in cool steel colors can evoke associations with a factory room.

Despite the monotony, gray colors, due to properly selected textures, create a picturesque and deep design, rather than a boring and empty one.

The photo shows a light gray living room interior in a Scandinavian style.

Will bring light and air into a small room, as well as visually enlarge the space – light gray colors. Saturated dark gray shades will help to mask planning flaws and small irregularities of different planes.

The photo shows the design of a small dark gray living room with a fireplace.

Combination with other colors

Due to the numerous shades, gray is ideally combined with other tones.

Living room in gray and white

Similar monochrome colors form a very harmonious duet, giving the atmosphere a special charm. For a comfortable and cozy interior, snow-white tones can be replaced with milky or creamy ones. The gray and white combination is perfect for those who do not accept overly bright design. This tandem with the addition of black will look interesting.

The photo shows the Nordic interior of the hall in gray and white.

Grey-blue interior

Cool blue color fills the living room with pleasant freshness and attracts attention. Silver or smoky colors will look good in combination with a delicate cornflower blue and blue tint.

Pictured is a spacious gray guest room with blue accent walls.

Grey-beige living room

Beige makes gray more warm and cozy. A good solution would be an alliance with sand or powdery flowers. Neutral and noble tones combine to form an elegant and sober design that fits perfectly into the living room.

The photo shows a gray-white-beige interior of a small guest room.

Grey-pink interior of the hall

Regardless of the chosen shade of pink, the atmosphere becomes either discreet and feminine, or pompous and glamorous. Hot pink is best used as accent spots. For example, a gray sofa in the living room can be complemented with stylish fuchsia decorative pillows, and colorful posters or paintings can be placed on monochrome walls. Graceful vases with pale pink peonies or roses look very beautiful in a gray living room.

The photo shows the interior of the hall in light gray colors with pastel pink upholstered furniture.

Design of a gray living room with bright accents

The gray interior of the living room will be perfectly diluted with sunny and cheerful yellow blotches. Canary-colored sofa upholstery, golden-colored curtains, a lamp with a mustard-colored lampshade, paintings or mirrors in bright lemon frames will add positive notes to the monotonous atmosphere.

Pictured is a gray guest room with splashes of turquoise.

Green allows you to fill the gray living room with harmony and peace. Cold emerald or jade colors evoke a feeling of relaxation, while warm pistachio, herbal or light green tones create an invigorating atmosphere.

Gray design with lilac accents becomes truly elegant and mysterious, turquoise colors deserve special attention, which give the living room a royal look.

Living room decoration

Certain finishing materials can create both a businesslike and austere design, as well as a homely and cozy living room design.

• Walls. A decent entourage will give the room textured wallpaper or decorative plaster. A modern interior solution will be the creation of a darker accent plane against the background of light gray walls painted or pasted over with plain wallpaper.
• Floor. Graphite colors harmonize perfectly with beige, brown or white shades that can be reflected in wood flooring. The living room looks no less stylish with a floor finished with gray laminate, parquet or linoleum.
• Ceiling. For the ceiling plane, you can choose pearl, pastel gray or silver. In this case, it is not recommended to choose complex multi-level ceilings, as they will create unnecessary shadows.

The photo shows brickwork and wooden flooring in a gray and white living room.

If the surrounding cladding gets boring, thanks to the universal gray design, there is no need to resort to a major overhaul. You can radically change the interior with the help of accent decor, textiles or furniture elements.

Which furniture is suitable?

Gray furniture items will not overload the living room and at the same time make it elegant. Perfectly fit into the design of white or black furniture. As a stylish accessory, a monochrome room can also be supplemented with a red armchair or other bright element.

Gray wooden furniture looks great. Bedside tables, cabinets, racks and tables of a light gray shade, when the light flux falls at a certain angle, seem to look like marble or stone products.

The photo shows the interior of a gray room with contrasting red furniture.

In the living room, you can install a sofa with exquisite upholstery in a metallic shade or wet asphalt color. Genuine leather, leatherette or luxurious tapestry are chosen as sheathing material.

Decor and lighting

For a laconic gray design, spotlights or a rich wrought chandelier with crystal elements are suitable. Thanks to soft lighting, it will be possible to add new colors and beautiful shimmer to the room.

Lamps with colorful shades or colored lighting will also be appropriate here, which can become an incredible rich accent of the living room and completely transform the interior.

The photo shows ceiling lighting in the design of a small white and gray room.

To complete the design of the hall and deprive it of excessive severity and dullness, various decorative items will help. On a light gray background, silver, gold, glass and crystal elements will look sophisticated and elegant. You can modify the interior perception with the help of a variety of figurines, vases, wall mirrors or paintings.

For the most calm design, decor in muted colors is used, and for a contrasting and emotional environment, accessories in bright colors are used.

Furniture in a gray living room is complemented with fur capes and decorate the room with live potted plants, vases with fresh cut flowers or tubs with mini trees.

The photo shows a gray living room with bright wall posters in black frames.

Which curtains to choose?

For a more classic setting, choose sand, cream, beige, baby blue or pink peach curtains. Yellow or orange curtains harmonize well with the smoky interior palette, giving the hall a certain emotionality.

You can match patterned textiles with elegant stripes, floral prints or abstraction to a plain wall covering.

The photo shows a room in gray colors with orange roller blinds on the window.

Decorating the hall in various styles

Quartz, charcoal, anthracite, granite and other gray colors best reveal the specifics of various style solutions.

Modern style in a gray living room interior

For example, for the hi-tech direction, a silver and steel palette is especially often used, which is combined with white, black, red color, metal and gloss elements.

Authentic Scandinavian homes feature pearl grays, while French interiors feature warm and soft grays.

The photo shows the interior of the gray kitchen of the living room, made in an industrial loft style.

Monochrome gamma is almost an integral part of laconic minimalism. The interior is sometimes diluted with a bright accent in the form of a wall picture, sofa cushions or one armchair.

Gray is no less popular in industrial loft style. Concrete, brick or stucco surfaces pair well with light gray curtains and a mouse-colored upholstery sofa.

Classic style in the living room

Light gray shades of Gainsboro or zircon merge into the classic design and blend perfectly with snow-white stucco decor and wooden furniture items with carvings or forgings.

For neoclassic, elegant gray-beige colors are supposed to be used. To create a truly aristocratic atmosphere, the living room is decorated with bronze decor, crystal lamps and furniture with golden or silver patination.

The photo shows a neoclassical room decorated in light gray colors.

Photo gallery

A sober, elegant and sophisticated gray hue that emphasizes the beauty, original shapes and textures of the living room.

Gray in the interior > color combination (psychology, range of color combinations)

Let’s break the stereotype about 50 shades of gray and tell you what and how to combine it better.

For a long time, gray was associated with boring offices and government offices, but modern designers have found its secret power – to reveal muted shades and dull too bright ones. Simply put, be the perfect backdrop. Today gray is a welcome guest in the house. Like any other guest, he has his own characteristics. We will talk about them further.

Psychological perception of gray

(source: In Color Balance)

Until the beginning of the 19th century, gray was a favorite color of aristocrats and was associated with noble luxury. Today it evokes conflicting feelings: on the one hand, it is harmony, calmness and stability, on the other, fatigue, boredom and melancholy.

Gray suits people with a fast pace of life. It slows down the nervous system and calms. Color affects the functioning of the brain, helps to look at the problem without emotions, with a clear head. The design of offices is the best proof of this.

The color gray has few devoted admirers and ardent haters – even here it remains neutral. Although pragmatists and rationalists sometimes prefer gray to everything else. But for people prone to depression, gray should be avoided – it will not give them anything but an oppressed state.

Shades of gray

Gray is infinitely versatile. For proof, we suggest refreshing the memory of school drawing lessons. Neutral gray is obtained by mixing black and white. This border color is associated with purity and freshness. Depending on the proportions, we get darker or lighter shades.

To get warm and cold shades of gray, add a mixture of diametrically opposite colors to black and white – red and blue, blue and orange, yellow and purple, or let’s combine the famous trio of red, green and blue.

As promised, we are destroying the ingrained stereotype – there are more than 50 shades of gray. And even more than 250. Alas, their exact number cannot be calculated using the most cunning mathematical calculations. But most of the shades have very poetic names, which arose mainly due to associations: London fog, thundercloud, wet stone, river mother-of-pearl.

What colors go with

Gray is the new beige, designers say. It, like other neutral colors (white, black, beige, brown, ivory) is combined with all shades of the color wheel. Moreover, gray brings harmony to the interior – it highlights muted tones, and balances too saturated tones. Let’s look at the most popular combinations and solutions.

1. Gray and beige

Combination of practical gray and warm beige at the peak of popularity. Their mixture gave the world a new fashionable color – greydzh (from the English gray – gray and beige – beige). It looks best in the bedroom or living room, creating a cozy and calm atmosphere.

We love the combination of light gray and ivory. It turns out soft and sophisticated. If desired, it can be diluted with color accents, interesting textures or patterned textiles.

2. Gray and pink

Gray and pink complement and emphasize each other: the first becomes less formal, the second acquires the missing expressiveness.

The combination of caramel pink and light gray is perfect for a nursery or a small living room. White and beige will help to shade the primary colors.

Do you want to express your interior? Graphite and mauve will help you out. Usually gray is the background, but in this case, distribute the saturated active colors evenly.

3. Gray and yellow

Gray and yellow must be handled with care. They look good together, but in some combinations they are not friendly with each other. Designers have been trying to reconcile this couple since the 60s of the last century.

Yellow color improves brain activity and improves mood, so diluting it with a neutral gray interior is a great solution. However, the combination of bright yellow and dark gray can create a tense atmosphere, while the combination of light gray and pastel yellow can look dull, as seen in the photo above.

Yellow catches the eye. Make it an accent and dilute it with another color (for example, green or black), and diversify the gray background with white. You get an impressive combination of two primary and two accent colors.

4. Gray and blue

Gray and blue is a rather strict combination. It looks great in your home office or bathroom. Blue color calms and suppresses aggression, and also increases concentration. Take note – the darker the blue, the lighter the gray should be. And vice versa.

5. Gray and red

Red is quite aggressive and can cause irritation, so the combination of gray and red also requires caution. It’s for an amateur. For example, the union of dark red and graphite looks very beautiful and elegant, but it does not smell of comfort here. Try to add details – the result will surprise you.

Gray and red are suitable for bathroom decoration. The combination of a gray background, red accessories and white glossy plumbing looks impressive. Most importantly, keep in mind the rule – accent red should occupy about 10% of the color gamut.

Another successful combination is cream/beige/coffee au lait + light gray + shallow shades of red. This is a simple recipe for creating a very delicate and unusual interior.

Gray in the kitchen interior

For a small kitchen, choose light gray, gray-blue or gray-beige tones. They visually increase the space and refresh the interior. Dark shades are best not to use. The exception is an accent wall in a well-lit room.

Gray walls and floors make a great backdrop for bright furniture. Warm colors (especially yellow, orange and olive) create a cozy atmosphere and promote appetite. Dishes and textiles will help to add more rich colors.

Decorating a gray kitchen has many advantages, but there are also disadvantages. For convenience, we have compiled a small table.

Gray living room interior

The atmosphere of the living room should be conducive to rest, relaxation and unhurried conversations. Gray does a great job with these functions, but there is a risk of making the environment dull.

3-4 bright spots of color are enough to solve the problem. It can be furniture, indoor plants, paintings, figurines. For the greatest contrast, use bright and juicy shades: orange, red, green, purple, blue.

Gray is the color of metal and concrete. These materials look good in contrast with upholstered furniture, carpets and wooden textures, so it is suitable for decorating a living room in a minimalist, loft or high-tech style.

Gray color in the interior of the bedroom

Neutral, calm gray color protects from external negative influences and strong irritants, and also reduces stress levels. What is not a weighty reason to choose it for decorating a bedroom?

We already know that gray is the perfect partner for brighter shades. However, each combination is unique and affects the individual differently. When choosing a color scheme, first of all think about the atmosphere you want to create. Here are some popular bedroom combinations:

• gray + green soothe
• gray + blue create a harmonious atmosphere
• gray + yellow fill the room with warmth, cheer up
• gray + white create a feeling of cleanliness and freshness
• gray + pink create a slightly playful, romantic atmosphere

Despite its reputation, gray is versatile, practical, has many shades and goes well with most colors. Yes, sometimes he is capricious and requires a competent approach. But which one of us is perfect? Just pay attention to his humble persona and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Gray color in the interior: shades, combinations, design tips

Perhaps, the gray color in the interior is underestimated. It seems boring, monotonous and static, but this is only at first glance. In fact, it reveals itself in dozens of complex shades and allows you to create a luxurious, noble interior.

This color is back in fashion and is now present not only in offices but also in private interiors. Without it, it is difficult to imagine loft, hi-tech and urban styles, but it fits into other styles with no less success. In modern interiors, gray is a luxury color that embodies success, stability and prosperity.

Gray is chosen by practical and busy people who want to create an island of calm in their apartment or house, where they can take a break after a busy day and concentrate on their thoughts without being distracted by bright color spots.

When working with gray, several factors should be taken into account: the laws of color, the size of rooms and their location relative to the cardinal points, the lighting scheme. In this article, we will give detailed recommendations on how to work with it, and what are the main mistakes.

Gray color in the interior and its shades

In fact, gray is the middle between black and white. It belongs to the neutral range, does not catch the eye and does not attract attention to itself.

The richness of the palette is revealed through many shades.

By mixing with other colors, gray forms warm and cold shades. yellowish and brownish-gray can be classified as warm, greenish-, bluish- and violet-gray 9 can be classified as cold0487 .

Marvel at the many shades of grey, some of which have romantic names:

• steel
• silver
• lead
• asphalt
• gray
• shade of wet asphalt
• pearl gray
• smoky
• mother-of-pearl
• anthracite
• mouse
• slate
• ash
• mountain mist shade
• lead white shade
• linen
• shade of tinplate
• lime
• stone white shade
• french gray
• pewter
• coal
• shade of thunderclouds
• wet stone shade
• iron
• shade of autumn clouds
• Venetian marble shade
• foggy
• shade of sea foam

The list does not end there. The more you learn about gray, the more interesting names will replenish it.

with which colors are combined gray in the interior

Gray combined both with other neutral ones – White and Beige , and with bright active colors, raising from blue blue of the blue blue to pink , lilac , orange , yellow . .

Let’s look at popular and unusual combinations of gray with other colors in the interior.

Grey+Red

Red is the primary color in the spectrum. By nature, he is aggressive and energetically strong. Designers use it as an accent. Red is combined with both light and dark shades of the main color (charcoal, anthracite). For example, in the interior solution of the living room, you can choose gray walls and pick up decorative pillows in rich red shades.

The third in this pair is often white. It defuses the atmosphere and visually expands the space, which can be narrowed by an excessive amount of dark gray and red.

The combination of gray and red is used in high-tech, minimalism, loft, constructivism styles. It produces an impressive effect, and red, due to the neutral partner, does not have an irritating effect.

Grey+Blue

Blue is also a primary color. Gray acts in alliance with both pure blue and shades close to it, turquoise and blue.

Special mention turquoise . In combination with a neutral gray color in the interior, it looks like a king. If you want to take these two colors, then remember the rule that the shades must be in the same tone in terms of saturation, brightness, depth and purity.

If you are decorating an apartment in a high-tech style, then a good solution would be to purchase a kitchen with bright blue facades. The impression is complemented by elements of chrome-plated metal.

The use of color is not limited to modern technological styles. In the interior classics, discreet gray shades are in harmony with natural materials.

Grey+White

Two neutral colors that are set to harmonize with each other. The only thing – it is worth considering that if the room overlooks the north side and has a small area, then it is better to choose warm shades close to white (milky, creamy, cream).

You can add one more neutral color to this pair – black. The combination with white and black is often found in the Scandinavian style.

Grey+pink

Choose the shade of pink according to the impression you want to make. Light pink tones look restrained, feminine and gentle. Dark pink shades add glamour.

Warm shades of both colors are recommended for a small room. Cold will overload the visual impression.

If you work in a minimalist style, choose dark shades for the walls (iron, wet asphalt, anthracite), and in accessories and furniture, give preference to lilac and plum tones.

Grey+orange/yellow

Orange and yellow fill the interior in gray colors with light and bring a bit of summer mood even in the cold season. Against a neutral background, orange and yellow spots seem to glow. Furniture and decorative pillows in these colors will make the atmosphere more casual. And when your mood changes, accessories can be easily replaced with others by changing color accents.

Grey+Beige

Another pair of neutrals that make for a sophisticated combination, but be careful here. It is not recommended to select shades of the same tone, otherwise the overall picture will become blurry.

Choose a cool base color (graphite, storm clouds) and add soft beige to it. Accents of blue, green or purple colors will complement the decor.

Grey+Lilac

Bright lilac should be paired with darker shades such as anthracite or charcoal. The brighter the lilac shade, the darker the main one should be. If you do not like too bright lilac tones, take a more restrained one and match them with a light gray shade (Venetian marble, foggy, sea foam).

Grey+brown

Relationships in this couple should be built on contrast. It is recommended to combine dark cold gray and warm light brown. Against the background of the gray walls in the interior, light golden furniture looks great. Just keep in mind that bulky monumental furniture does not fit here. It is better to give preference to light items, such as rattan products.

Burgundy and green will not be superfluous in this union. They can be introduced into accent details.

Monochrome

The richness of gray allows you to create an interior in monochrome. Silvery accessories and metal elements look elegant against a light background.

When implementing such a color scheme, we recommend experimenting with textures. The combination of different textures will only emphasize the richness of the palette.

Gray color in the interior of the rooms

Interior living room in gray is a worthy choice. With the right distribution of shades, you can create a cozy and calm environment. And cheerful notes will bring bright accessories: pillows, curtains, paintings, lamps. If you choose to pair with red, add accessories in ruby, scarlet or cherry shades.

Many people are attracted by the idea of ​​ gray kitchen in the interior – this is a practical solution, since the color is non-staining, and pollution will not be as much visible as on white. A light gray tile will emphasize the cleanliness of the kitchen. You can choose a kitchen with a backsplash and a mountain mist shade countertop. For a large kitchen, cool shades (graphite, stone) are relevant.

For children’s room gray is usually not recommended, but if the child is hyperactive, then this color will help him tune in to a more relaxed way. To make the room look more cheerful, add some bright contrasting elements.

For cabinet gray is just perfect. No wonder it is an office color. In the office, nothing should distract employees from their work tasks, and gray is the best fit for this requirement. A conservative neutral color creates a businesslike atmosphere. Properly selected shades add a little more solemnity. Smoky and steel shades symbolize maturity, experience.

Light gray interior bedroom pairs with matching blue details. It is not recommended to introduce dark shades (lead, graphite, mouse). Take light pearl, mother-of-pearl, silvery tones.

Designer’s Tips:

1. Don’t go overboard with gloomy shades.

Well-chosen shades of gray create a sophisticated and elegant style. But an excessive amount of gloomy tones will spoil the impression. The room will lose its attractiveness and become too strict conservative look.

In general, dark shades should be used with caution. You can not paint all the walls in dark gray, from this the space is visually reduced, which is detrimental to small rooms. Even the bright details of active colors will not save the situation. Dark shades in the living room or bedroom should be diluted with light ones or bright accessories should be added.

2. Combine gray with other neutrals.

Combinations with black, white or brown are a win-win solution, and it’s hard to go wrong here.

3. Select the desired key.

Cool shades of gray look refined and sophisticated. And if you want home comfort, then take warm colors.

A dark shade, when used skillfully, adds depth to the overall picture and creates a chamber effect. Light colors act differently – they visually expand the space.

4. Consider the location of the room.

If the room faces north, you can add a taupe or taupe olive hue. The room will become warmer and more comfortable.

5. Purchase gray furniture and accessories to neutralize bright walls.

If your eyes are tired of bright walls, put gray furniture and balance will be achieved. Moreover, gray furniture looks respectable and expensive, winning in comparison with black or beige. Bright pillows will help reveal the depth of color.

Accessories in a neutral color will also dilute the atmosphere and bring the desired coolness. Silvery pillows, bedspreads, floor lamps, sconces, vases will help to cope with an excess of bright color.

6. Combine color with natural materials.

Gray, like other neutral colors, combines natural materials. Wooden furniture elements will create home comfort. When choosing wood species, consider the following options: alder, beech, light oak, walnut, birch.

Wicker rattan furniture, stonework, pebble decor, fur chair covers: all this will suit a gray interior. Don’t forget about living vegetation. Houseplants in pots and trees in tubs bring cosiness, while freshly cut flowers look sophisticated.

See also:

• Living room colors
• Kitchen colors
• Bedroom colors
• Children’s colors

♦  Heading: Colors in the interior.

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Gray living room design ideas (PHOTO)

Gray can be adapted to any interior style, so we have compiled a list of simple gray living room ideas that are sure to inspire you.

Gray living room with cactus, white fluffy bedspreads and cushions in black and brown. Gray easily adapts to any interior style and is the best color for a living room with all the versatility of white. It’s great on its own, but it’s incredibly easy to create a unique palette with it. If you’re looking for some inspiration, we’ve put together a list of simple gray living room ideas below that are sure to help.

1. Use light gray on the walls

If this is your first time using gray profusely, choose a light shade to calm your nerves. Light colors are beautiful and safe to keep walls bright and calming.

Dzherelo: https://www.istockphoto.com

2. Stack layers of different shades of gray

Slate gray sofa in a monochrome living room. The choice of furniture is a sofa in slate kansas gray fabric. Do you have more than one great gray that you want to use? Go ahead, continue. Start with a light tone for the walls and floor (or carpets) and opt for a darker gray sofa to add depth and contrast. Then mix things with white and gray from light to almost black in the form of blankets, ottomans and pillows. Maintain a monochrome setting by sticking to artwork that follows the same color scheme – black, white, and gray.

Dzherelo: https://www.istockphoto.com/ru

3. Add some metallic sheen

A gray armchair next to a gold bedside table with thin legs. Add some metallic details to your gray living room to give it a luxurious feel. Gold, chrome, or rose gold will all work, but it’s best to stick to one color choice to maintain visual consistency. As light bounces off these surfaces to brighten and visually enlarge the space, thin-legged furniture with a metallic finish will create an open and clean look.

Dzherelo: https://www.istockphoto.com

4. Warm up a gray room with organic materials and soft lighting

A gray living room with plants and a gray sofa with pillows and bedspreads. Scatter a mixture of soft coverings and fluffy pillows, light a few candles, and arrange potted plants for a sense of life and warmth. Also let in as much natural light as possible. When it comes to interior lighting, the soft yellow shade of a floor lamp or wall lamp helps create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

Dzherelo: https://www.istockphoto.com

5. Create an elegant contemporary masculine space

A minimalist, contemporary charcoal sofa with slender-legged coffee table in a wood-paneled living room. Darker shades of gray work well for creating an elegant and modern living room with a masculine touch. In the minimal space upstairs, a charcoal sofa is framed by industrial-style ceilings and wood-paneled surfaces, while an ultra-simple coffee table with a thin metal frame adds edge and completes the look. If you want to create such an atmosphere, do not clutter up the space with a minimum amount of lint.

Dzherelo: https://www.istockphoto.com

6. Pair warm shades of gray with hints of blush for a feminine touch.

A light gray sofa in a light pink room. In combination with pink shades, warm gray takes on a feminine character, soft, stylish and attractive. Metallic accents like the rose gold lamp and copper flower pot brighten up the room and add personality. Add some leafy green plants to spice up the room with freshness.

Dzherelo: https://www.istockphoto.com

Dzherelo: https://www.istockphoto.com

7. Mix bright touches

A yellow chair and a gray sofa in a colorful living room. As a versatile neutral, gray pairs well with bright colors like teal, purple, yellow, and red in a living room. However, when combining multiple shades, it is best to use no more than 4 secondary colors to maintain consistency. Distribute the colors between different elements, such as a yellow armchair on one side and yellow cushions on the other sofa.

Dzherelo: https://www.istockphoto.com

8. Refresh shabby chic style with gray accents

A large gray farmhouse style clock in a classic living room. A charming choice for a shabby chic interior, gray is the perfect backdrop for wood accents and soothing neutrals. Alternatively, make a statement with a large gray wall clock or paint the walls a darker shade for a more somber elegance.

Dzherelo: https://www.istockphoto.com

9. Create a coastal vibe by pairing gray with blue or neutrals

Gray rooms with blue and ivory furnishings respectively. Whether you want to create a seaside living room in cool blues or warmer neutrals, gray is a great color to bring the palette together. Add some shades of gray through different textures like wool or cotton to create a cozy atmosphere. You can also update the inside of the cabinets to match the gray of your choice, or use a nice gray rug for extra warmth.

Dzherelo: https://www.istockphoto.com

10. Take a minimalist approach or try Scandinavian style

A gray Scandinavian living room with a gray sofa. The choice of furniture is an L-shaped corner sofa in gray plush fabric.

Gray is the second color after white for a minimalist interior – understated yet irresistibly elegant, soothing and clean, fully in line with the philosophy of minimalism in the home.