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Accent wall colors for gray


What Color Accent Wall Goes with Gray?

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.

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Updated on 02/08/22

Accent walls can be an excellent way to experiment with color in a space without going all out, but if you're dealing with an all-gray room, you may not be quite sure where to begin when it comes to picking a paint color for this focal area. The good news is that in speaking with designers, we learned that there are a number of appropriate color choices to pair with gray, whether you're feeling fun and fresh or prefer to stick with something a little more subdued.

Below, we walk you through the merits of different color choices for accent walls according to designers. Just note that there is a color combo you'll most likely want to avoid—but don't worry, we'll cover that, too!

Meet the Expert

The 10 Best Paints for Interior Walls of 2022

Jewel Tones

Bring on the emerald green, ruby red, turquoise, you name it—designer Christine Turknett is all about pairing jewel tones with gray walls. "They are bold enough to stand out but also keep the intimate feel that dark rooms can create," she comments.

Reagen Taylor Photography for JL Design

Deep Yellow

Why not go ahead and warm up a gray room with a dose of sunlight in the form of yellow paint? "We love a deep yellow accent wall or ceiling paired with gray walls," designer Shannon Eddings says. "We recently used Farrow and Ball India Yellow as an accent ceiling color in a home office. The room is calming with gray walls, but the yellow ceiling adds happy warmth and energy to the room."

Pastels

Not feeling jewel tones? On the opposite of the spectrum are pastel tones, and designers Katie DeWitte and Natalie Calderone of Unhinged Design Co. believe that those are fair game to incorporate alongside gray walls, too. "Blush tones work so well because they can pair with nearly every gray undertone—blue, yellow, and green," the DeWitte notes. "Blush pink has a way of complimenting many gray tones and can soften a room without it being too feminine."

Unhinged Design Co

Beige

Beige may sometimes have a difficult reputation, but it's far from bland when utilized in the right spaces, designers promise. Beige is a classic and sophisticated compliment to the warmer shades of gray," Calderone explains. Plus, beige can be seen as soothing in a space. "Muted monochromatic neutral tones have been a later trend and become a tranquil escape for the eye in our colorful and chaotic world," adds Dewitte. Beige as an accent in the bedroom? Sounds pretty ideal to us!

Greens

Go ahead and look to the natural world if you wish, Calderone says. "Certain shades of green can complement gray as well and create a tranquil and elegant feel of bringing the outdoors in."

Unhinged Design Co

Orange and Blue

Feeling bold and fun? Orange or blue may be the accent wall color for you. "For the more vibrant at heart, bright colors like oranges and blues can be exciting accents to give gray furniture and accessories life," DeWitte adds.

Cool Tones

Love beachy tones? You're in luck; they fit perfectly with gray spaces. "I love using shades of blue and green which are on the cooler side and relate to the gray," designer Nadia Watts says. "I select these colors because the base is gray before blue or green are added.  This combination is soothing to the eye and adds visual interest to the space."

The One Color Not to Use: Gray

This is something that DeWitte and Calderone feel pretty adamant about. "The previous trend of all-gray rooms is on its way out, so avoid using a dark grey to accent a lighter grey in the same room," Calderone shares. "The darker shade of the same color can create an illusion to the eye that a room is smaller than it is—something everyone should avoid. Adding a colorful accent can be a great way to transition into 2022 trends!"

What Color Accent Wall Goes with Gray? (16 Options)

Gray is a popular color for walls, but it can be difficult to know what color to paint the accent wall. There are many different colors that can be paired with gray, and it really depends on your personal preference.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best options for accent walls when you have gray walls. We will also provide some tips on how to choose the right color for your space. So if you’re looking for ideas on how to spruce up your gray walls, read on!

Related: What Color Furniture Goes with Gray Walls: 11 Best Options for a Cohesive Look

In this article:

Best accent wall colors to pair with gray

1.

Black accent walls

Black accent walls are a popular choice for gray walls. They provide a strong contrast and can really make the space stand out. If you’re looking for a dramatic look, black is definitely the way to go. However, it’s important to note that black can be quite overwhelming, so make sure that the other colors in the room are light and neutral.

2. Blue accent walls

Blue accent walls are a popular choice for gray rooms because they create a sense of calm and tranquility. Blue accent walls are a great way to add depth and texture in your gray room.

Blue accent wall colors include navy blue, royal blue, turquoise, sky blue and all shades of green.

They provide a nice contrast and can really make the space pop. However, it’s important to note that blue accent walls tend to stand out more than other colors, so make sure you have a good balance of color in your room before painting one area completely blue.

3. Brass accent walls

Brass accent walls are a popular choice for gray rooms because they create a sense of warmth and luxury. Brass accent walls offer a unique texture that can really make your gray room stand out.

Brass accent wall colors include gold, yellow, and orange. If you want to add a pop of color to your gray room, consider using one of these colors for your accent wall.

4. Brown accent walls

Brown accent walls are a great option for gray rooms because they create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Brown accent walls can be paired with any color, but work best with warmer colors like red, orange, or yellow.

If you’re looking for a classic look, consider using brown as your accent wall color.

5. Cerulean accent walls

Cerulean accent walls are a great choice for gray rooms because they add a touch of color and brightness. Cerulean is a versatile color that can be paired with many different colors, but looks best with complementary colors like orange or yellow.

If you want to inject some life into your gray room, consider using cerulean accent walls.

Related: What Color Trim Goes with Gray Walls? (25 Ideas)

6.

Cobalt accent walls

Cobalt accent walls are a great choice for gray rooms because they add depth and sophistication to any space. Cobalt accent wall colors include blue, violet, purple, and green.

7. Gold accent walls

Gold accent walls are a great choice for gray rooms because they add warmth and luxury. Gold accent wall colors include yellow, orange, red, pink or bronze.

If you’re looking for a classic look in your gray room, consider using gold accent walls!

8. Green accent walls

Green accent walls are a great choice for gray rooms because they add a touch of nature and freshness to any space. Green accent wall colors include olive green, hunter green, mint green, and lime green.

If you want to create a relaxing environment in your gray room, consider using green accent walls.

9. Navy accent walls

Navy accent walls are a great way to add some color to your gray room. They can really brighten up the space and make it feel more inviting. Plus, navy is such a versatile color that it will go with just about any other color you choose for your room.

10. Orange accent walls

If you want to add a pop of color to your gray room, an orange accent wall is a great option. It will add some warmth to the space and make it feel more cozy. Plus, orange is such a happy color that it will brighten up the whole room.

11. Pink accent walls

A pink accent wall is also versatile because it works well in both modern and traditional spaces, from the bedroom to the living room or dining area. If you want something bolder than an all-pink accent wall but are still looking for a rosy hue, try a dusty rose or salmon color. These shades add just the right amount of warmth and femininity to any room without being too overpowering.

12. Rose accent walls

If you are looking for something a bit more neutral, try an accent wall in rose gold or blush. These shades of pink will add warmth to your space without being too bold and can be paired with other colors like blue and green.

13. Sapphire accent walls

Sapphire accent walls are a great option for those who want something bold without being too bright. If you choose to go with this shade, be sure not to add any other color into the space; it will only accentuate what you already have going on there!

14. Taupe accent walls

Taupe is a great color to use as an accent wall because it pairs well with both warm and cool tones. This versatile hue can be used in spaces like the bedroom, living room, or kitchen without feeling too overpowering. If you want to add some interest to your accent wall, try using different textures or patterns on it!

15. White accent walls

White accent walls are a popular choice for many homes. They can brighten up a space and create a sense of openness. However, if your home already has a lot of white, you may want to consider going with another color for your accent wall.

16. Yellow accent walls

Yellow accent walls are great for bringing warmth and cheerfulness into any room. Yellow is also an excellent accent color when paired with gray. For example, a light yellow accent wall would look amazing against dark gray walls!

What color accent wall goes with gray furniture?

If you have gray furniture, it’s important to choose an accent wall color that will complement it. Some good options include black, navy blue, or dark green. These colors can create a bold and sophisticated look in any room. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more subtle accent color, try light pink or beige.

Which accent wall color is best for a bedroom?

When it comes to accent walls, bedrooms are the perfect place to experiment! You can go with almost any color you want in a bedroom, but some of our favorites include blue, green, and purple. These colors can create a relaxing and soothing environment in your bedroom.

What color accent wall goes with gray floor?

If you have gray flooring, your accent wall color options are a bit more limited. However, black and dark brown are both excellent choices that will create a dramatic look in any room. Alternatively, if you want to add some contrast to your space, try light blue or pale pink. These colors can brighten up a room and make it seem larger.

Related: What Color Floors Go With Gray Walls? (25 Ideas)

What accent color goes with gray walls and brown furniture?

If you have gray walls, accent colors such as red or orange can add some excitement to your space. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more subtle accent color, try tan or beige. These colors will complement the brown furniture in your home and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

What color accent wall goes with gray in living room?

The best accent colors for living rooms are blue and green. These colors can create a relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for entertaining guests or watching TV with family members. If you want to add some contrast, try red accent walls instead of gray ones! Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more subtle accent color, try beige or tan accent walls instead.

What accent color goes with gray and black?

If you have gray walls, accent colors such as red, orange or yellow can add some excitement to your space.

What color accent wall goes with light gray?

If you have light gray accent walls, these are the colors that you should consider using to accent them:

-A pale pink or peach.

-A soft green, such as a light olive green or mint green.

-A muted lavender or purple color.

-A light blue, such as baby blue or powder blue.

What accent wall goes with gray carpet?

For accent walls, grey carpet goes well with dark accent walls to make the gray stand out against it; however, if you have light accent walls, a lighter shade of accent wall will go better.

What colors compliment gray walls?

There are lots of accent colors that compliment gray walls. They include: Deep reds, blues and yellows; Orange or pink accent colors.

How to choose the right color for the accent wall?

When choosing an accent color, it is important to consider the other colors in the room. If there are a lot of bright colors, then a dark accent wall would be best. If there are mostly neutrals with a few pops of color, then go for a light accent wall. No matter what color you choose, make sure that it is in line with the overall style of your home.

If you’re looking for a more subtle accent wall, try using a light blue or pale pink. These colors will still add some personality to the room without being too overpowering. Just make sure that the rest of the decor matches well with these accent walls so that your accent wall doesn’t look out of place.

Looking for a more dramatic accent wall? Try using a bold orange or red. These colors are sure to make an impact and will definitely be noticed by anyone who enters the room! You can even combine them together if you want something really unique and special.

design options, 75 photo ideas

Finishing materials

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is the most affordable wall decoration material, they hide uneven surfaces and light cracks. Wallpapers are plain, with a floral or other pattern in a contrasting color, liquid with gold threads and the addition of shiny crumbs. By density they are paper, vinyl and non-woven. If the walls are not smooth enough, you can apply glass wallpaper for painting and create your own design. nine0007

The photo shows the interior of the living room with non-woven wallpaper with decor that matches the curtains and textiles.

Wall mural

Wall mural in the interior on an accent wall in gray will suit with a pencil sketch, photograph, city, monochrome drawing.

Brick

Brick wall suitable for loft style and kitchen backsplash. Can be dyed or natural grey. It is better to limit yourself to brick finishing one wall and combine it with colored or white wallpaper. nine0007

Painting

Painting suitable for smooth walls in the kitchen, living room, bathroom and corridor. Latex, silicone, acrylic and modern eco-paints are suitable for an apartment.

The photo shows a plain interior with painted walls, white paintings and architraves, corner decorative lighting adds brightness.

Tiles

Used for decorating walls and floors in bathrooms and kitchens, sometimes with classic decor, frieze, puzzle pattern, mosaic. nine0007

Laminate

For additional noise insulation and unusual wall decor, laminate is used, which is an independent finish and is attached to liquid nails, kleimers or lathing.

Plaster

For the texture of walls, plaster is used, which does not absorb odors, is a durable material and effectively hides surface roughness. Suitable for interior art deco, minimalism, high-tech.

Decorative stone

Used for kitchen and hallway interiors, decoration in the living room or for creating panels. Lighter than natural stone and easily attached to the wall.

The photo shows the interior of the living room with an accent dark wall made of decorative slate and light plain wallpaper. Stone and fireplace harmoniously combine in a modern style.

Wall panels

Chipboard, MDF are resistant to moisture (with a wax coating), withstand the load of shelves, gray PVC panels have a high service life and fire resistance. nine0007

Interior photos

Kitchen

Gray walls are the backdrop for any set. A white kitchen with a black dining table or countertop looks classically inviting. The interior can be diluted with any colors, decorate the wall with paintings, hanging plates and photo wallpaper.

Bedroom

Will look good with light gray walls, pink or pale blue textiles, white door. Furniture should be selected lighter or darker than the walls so that it does not merge into one gray tone. nine0007

The photo shows the interior of the bedroom with plain walls and floral wallpaper border, which is separated by a molding. Dark shades are complemented by milky colors of textiles and furniture.

Living room

Any style living room with gray walls will look good. Dark gray walls should be combined with a white ceiling and a light floor. It is combined with green, scarlet, beige, white companion color for decor items and textiles. The main role is played by curtains, which should be lighter or brighter than the walls. nine0007

Bathroom

Bathroom with gray walls should be well lit and match with white installation, shower room, lighter floor.

Pictured is a contemporary style bathroom with gray rectangular tiles.

Nursery

Nursery pairs gray walls well with yellow, red, pale pink, orange or light green decor. Striped paper wallpaper will do, along with white furniture and a colored rug. nine0007

Entrance hall

Entrance hall in gray is a practical option, suitable for MDF or PVC panels, stone trim, vinyl wallpaper, plaster. Doors can be light or dark brown.

The photo on the right shows the entrance hall interior with striped wallpaper on the walls and white and gray floor with decorative ornamental tiles. The white ceiling and mirror make the hallway brighter.

Choice of style

Loft

Loft as a casual and practical style combines brick, wooden floor and gray plastered wall, which can be plain or with large ornaments. Gray walls are combined with the same large sofa or bed, gray table. It is combined in a loft style with white, red, turquoise and yellow.

Scandinavian style

The style emphasizes practicality, respect for objects and a penchant for natural finishing materials (wallpaper, laminate, plaster). A light gray shade is suitable, which is combined with pastel colors. Furniture is selected as practical as possible in white, gray, beige. nine0007

Modern style

Modern style is most often performed in gray walls, which are complemented by paintings, a mirror, framed photographs. Uniformity, striped decor, clarity of lines are welcome. Curtains are selected Roman or long from a practical mixed fabric.

Classic

Classic in a gray interior does not look boring, the walls are complemented by molding, it can be tapestries, silk-screen printing, gold monograms, white flowers and patterns. The walls will become the backdrop for wooden furniture, a light sofa, emerald curtains, a golden lambrequin. The decor is portraits, landscapes, wall candelabra. nine0007

Floor color

Light floor

Light floor with gray walls looks organic, the floor dilutes the dark undertone of gray. A painted board, a light laminate, a parquet board made of light wood are suitable. If the walls are dark in color, then the floor can be golden.

The photo shows the interior of the office with light parquet and gray walls, which looks bright due to the wide window and practical Roman blinds.

Dark floor

Available in bog oak or wenge, painted in dark blue, porcelain stoneware for the kitchen and bathroom, laminate for the bedroom and living room.

Bright floor

Bright tile or sectional painted board, plain laminate floor to match gray interiors. Also, the carpet or track will add brightness.

To match the walls

The floor to match the walls will create a transition effect without borders and merge into one scale.

Ceiling color

Light ceiling

Used more often than others, decorated with molding, stucco, white plaster, paint, stretch ceiling are used for finishing.

Pictured is a modern interior with a flat white ceiling that echoes the white wood paneling, making the dining room pop despite the dark floor and black table.

Dark color

Suitable for a spacious room and high ceilings, as dark will make it visually lower. nine0007

Bright

Can be created in a plain or gray-white interior using wallpaper, panels, paint, stretch ceiling.

To match the walls

The ceiling will be a continuation of the walls and can be decorated with stucco.

Combination of gray walls and doors

It is recommended not to match the doors to the color of the walls, there should be a contrast in the interior, the architraves can act as a color frame for the door or be combined with it.

The white glass doors in the classic interior of the apartment match the wooden floor, tile floor and gray wallpaper with geometric patterns.

Furniture color

Furniture color can be of different saturation, all bright shades of red, green, orange and turquoise will do.

Cold blue and blue are best used as the color of puffs, small chairs. A gray sofa and bed will fit into a gray interior, complemented by bright pillows.

The photo shows a gray sofa in a modern living room interior with dark gray curtains and walls, the gloss of the picture and daylight fill the room with freshness.

Chest of drawers, wardrobe and shelves are best chosen in the same shade. White, mint, light gray, black, wenge will suit the interior.

Curtain selection

When choosing curtains, it is important to take into account the natural composition (linen, cotton), synthetic additives and the tendency of the material to fade. In length, they can be short classical, Roman, Austrian, rolled, long.

The color is selected based on the shade of the walls and the pattern. Cold shades, pale pink, lemon, lilac are suitable for a light tone. White translucent fabrics, bright tones of red, yellow are suitable for a dark tone. A neutral option would be beige curtains with a gray pattern. nine0007

Gray wall decor

Stone inserts, fabric panels, photos, 3D wallpapers, mirrors, bright flags and pompoms in the nursery, sconces, portraits in the living room, paintings and reproductions in the bedroom are used for decoration.

The photo shows the interior of the living room with wall decor: colored abstraction, shelves with souvenirs that make the walls brighter and remove monotony.

If the walls are plain, you can use 2 types of decor, if it is wallpaper with decor, then it is better to refuse additional accessories. nine0007

Combination with other colors

Grey-white

Combined more often than others in modern interiors, white adds space, suitable as a stripe color.

The photo shows a gray and white interior of a modern bedroom with color accents and white translucent curtains.

Grey-beige

Suitable for bedroom and living room, can be combined in patterns.

Blue Grey

Cools the room, suitable for bedroom, classic hall, boy's bedroom.

Grey-brown

Looks strict and stylish, shades complement each other.

Yellow-grey

Gives a combination of energy and calmness, suitable for nursery and kitchen.

The photo shows the interior of the kitchen-dining room in gray tones with yellow accents on the wall in the form of stripes and yellow chairs.

Grey-green

Calms and relaxes at the same time.

Grey-pink

Often used in modern style, decorating the nursery and bedroom.

Grey-blue

Suitable for Scandinavian and nautical style, used in hot rooms with white or blue curtains.

The photo shows a living room interior in a modern style with gray-white-blue patterned wallpaper.

Red-grey

Energizes the interior, red is an accent. nine0007

Gray Violet

Gives a magical combination balanced by calmness.

Grey-lilac

Suitable for nursery and bedroom, lilac reveals itself against the background of gray.

Grey-Turquoise

Used in Provence or Marine style.

Orange gray

Matches well, can be complemented with white in the interior of the hallway or kitchen.

Gray walls are a versatile finish that will fit into any interior and go with all colors. Light or dark shade will decorate the classic or modern style of the apartment.

46 photos, ideas for the living room, bedroom and kitchen

Why is it stylish and fashionable?

Today, many people create apartment designs using this technique, but what is the reason for such popularity?

  1. The emphasis on one wall in the interior visually corrects the room and levels out its shortcomings - it will make a narrow room wider, a long one - shorter. nine0228
  2. Creating an accent wall energizes the apartment, enlivens it. Finishing looks more textured.
  3. The use of different colors and textures zones multifunctional spaces.
  4. The distinctive plane is a decorative element in itself and helps to save on additional accessories.

What materials are they made from?

Basic materials for accent wall design:

The photo shows the use of red brick in the decoration

The last option does not apply to decoration, but it must be said about it: furniture. If you place an unusual cabinet or shelving, it will also help to design an accent wall.

Which color should I choose?

There are three color schemes - lighter contrasting, darker contrasting and matching the rest of the surfaces, but with an ornament.

The color palette also affects the perception of space:

Pictured highlighting the area behind the bed

Choose a contrasting shade using the color wheel. He will also suggest harmonious combinations. There are 3 schemes for combining two colors:

  1. Opposite each other. These are the most active pairs: yellow + purple, orange + blue, red + green.
  2. Side. Minimal extravagant couples - yellow + green, blue + purple, red + orange.
  3. Bottom. The closer to the center, the lighter the shades. That is, combine the same color, but with different degrees of brightness.

Which texture or pattern is best?

Concluding the theme of color, it should be noted: the accent wall in the interior can be the same tone as the rest, but it should be distinguished by the texture. The most advantageous option in this case is a combination of opposites. Smooth with embossed, plain with patterned, warm with cold. For example, paint with brick, plain wallpaper with drawings, stone or paint with wood. nine0007

Pictured is stone imitation

There are different visual effects to consider when choosing printed materials:

Which wall to accent?

The accent wall in the interior should be visible at the entrance to the room, therefore it is best if it is located opposite the door.

The living room uses the space behind the sofa or TV. The same applies to the bedroom - behind the head of the bed, or opposite it. At the entrance, two accent walls are often made, highlighting the area with the door and adjacent to it. nine0007

The photo shows a decoration made of plaster blocks

The choice also depends on the geometric shape. In narrow, elongated rooms, do not focus on the long sides. On the contrary, a short black accent wall with or without a window contributes to the visual alignment of the space.

Partial decoration of the accent wall is used for zoning - with the help of a narrow strip, a dining or work table, a TV, a shower cabin are distinguished.

Pictured is a panel made of wooden hexagons

Ideas in the interior of rooms

Materials and techniques depend on the purpose of the premises in the apartment.

Accent wall in the living room

We have already mentioned that most often allocate space behind the sofa or TV.

The photo shows a black and white fresco behind the sofa

Do not choose too bright, flashy designs and shades for plasma, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to watch TV shows. Behind the seats, on the contrary, you can experiment with the design, because you will not see this area while you are in the hall. nine0007

Bedroom accent wall

Decorate the entire area behind the bed in a small room or line the width of the headboard in a large one. In the second case, soft or wooden panels look original, as well as other headboard options for the ceiling.

The photo shows an example of an accent wall in a bright bedroom

If the surface is textured, lighting from below or above will achieve an interesting effect and emphasize texture. nine0007

Photo of the accent wall in the kitchen

The most practical solution is a full width and height kitchen backsplash. It is mainly made of tiles, but panels, stone, brick are also suitable.

On the photo is a full-width apron in the kitchen

The second possible area is the dining area. A different finish around the table zones the room.

Children's room interior with accent wall

There are practically no rules in decorating a nursery or a teenager's room. Use decor for learning (geographic maps for a schoolboy, pictures with letters and numbers for a kid), entertainment (black and white coloring or slate surface) or decoration (3D wallpapers, photo wallpapers with heroes of your favorite fairy tales and cartoons).

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