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Grey and white rooms ideas


10 stylish monochrome schemes |

(Image credit: Foawlkes Studio)

Grey and white living room ideas can be anything from restrained and restful to daring and glamorous. With such a vast array of white and grey tones to choose from, the scope for creating different looks and styles is endless.

As neutral colors, grey and white makes a brilliant pairing if you're looking to layer your living room with color, print and artwork, but a carefully considered monochrome scheme can also have wow-factor. 

If you're thinking of decorating with grey together with white then you're in the right place as we've gathered a host of different room ideas to help get you inspired as well as some handy advice from the interior experts. 

Grey and white living room ideas – 11 stylish monochrome schemes

While grey and white room living room ideas can be seen as a safe choice, there's no reason why they should be drab and boring. With the right treatment grey living rooms can be show-stopping, the key is in mastering tone and texture.

'Using a white or natural palette is all about adding depth and contrast in different layers and textures,' says Jane Landino, creative head of studio at Taylor Howes . ‘To make a neutral palette feel designed and considered it’s important to mix and match patterns, albeit neutral ones and occasional pops of color.

'Just because something is white doesn’t mean it has to be plain: think about the application – is the wallpaper silk or textured, as an example.' To bring extra interest to grey room ideas consider introducing, 'colorful art, accent soft furnishings and antique furniture and objects,' adds says Jane Landino.

1. Use dark grey with white for a cozy feel

(Image credit: Lisa Cohen / Future)

Choosing dark grey living room paint ideas may feel daunting, but they can be wonderfully effective for creating a cozy feel.

'Using dark charcoal greys or black shades can create a sense of intimacy, and an encompassing feel when used in an all-over scheme,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene.

With its white French doors and light wood floor, this dark living room remains feeling bright and welcoming. The large space also has the luxury of being flooded with light, which makes the deep walls less dramatic, however, 'don’t be afraid to use darker shades in spaces lacking natural light,' says Ruth, 'these can often be great places for creating impact and a real wrap-around feel.'

2. Layer light, warm greys for a tranquil feel

(Image credit: Future)

For a restful yet uplifting living room to retreat to at the end of a hard day you can't go wrong with a scheme of delicate greys and subtle off-whites with warm undertones. 

'Warm mid-greys and setting plaster tones are very calming and gentle in the summer, which evoke feelings of fresh open spaces. These colors also work really well in winter months as they don’t make a space feel cold,' says Martin Waller, founder of design brand Andrew Martin .

Elements of white introduced through the marble fireplace, lampshade, artwork and in the textured living room rug help lift and elevate this grey scheme, while hints of blush pink bring softness and elegance.

3. Add pattern with a grey and white carpet

(Image credit: Brintons)

White living rooms can run the risk of feeling cold and stark – adding a carpet in a light grey will instantly warm up the look and bring coziness underfoot while keeping the space relaxed and neutral. 

'A neutral color palette is best suited to rooms you spend a lot of time in, such as a bedroom or living room, where relaxing tones are key to creating a happy space. Neutrals are versatile with the ability to provide a platform and set the scene,' Jodie Hatton, design manager at Brintons .

When choosing a living room carpet for a neutral scheme you may want to consider a patterned design, not only will it bring extra texture and interest it can help disguise stains and wear and tear which is great for busy rooms.

4. Create a minimalist look 

(Image credit: Mark Alexander / Romo Group)

Monochrome palettes are a hallmark of minimalist living rooms, in which pared-pack and purity of design reign supreme.  

In this space the high-contrast combination of dark grey and white helps focus attention on the beautiful streamlined forms of the furniture, creating a head-turning and contemporary look. 'Natural qualities and understated design come together to form a stylish and minimalist space,' says Mark Butcher, head of Mark Alexander wallpapers of the look.

Elements of texture introduced through the Mark Alexander wallpaper and the large wool rug help bring warmth to the space and prevent it from feeling stark. 

5. Pair grey and white with gold

(Image credit: Davide Lovatti)

Introducing metallics into a grey and white living room will instantly lift the space and bring an element of glamor – perfect if you're looking to create a luxury living room.

Combining textured grey surfaces, dazzling gold detailing and a beautiful angular shape, this bespoke living room shelving unit by Bergman Design House radiates warmth into this cool space, but also serves as a piece of functional sculpture.  

6. Add an accent color

(Image credit: Anne Hepfer)

If you love bold colors but are cautious of using them in large quantities, consider using them as accents in a grey and white scheme. 

Thanffully, choosing accent colors for grey and white is easy, as being neutral shades they pair well with pretty much every color. Yellow is a popular choice which will bring instant zest to a grey and white living room. Choose mustards for a mid-century feel or zesty citrus shades to keep things cool and contemporary.

7. Use a two-tone palette to showcase the architecture

(Image credit: Fowlkes Studio)

Decorating with a pared-back palette of grey and white in a living room can be a great way to showcase the beautiful architecture of a space, as demonstrated in this two-tone living room design by Catherine Fowlkes of the DC-based architecture firm Fowlkes Studio.

'I like using warm greys to give depth to walls without dictating the room's furniture palette – light greys add a layer of softness while rich greys add depth,' says Fowlkes. 'Coating the windows, doors and trim in the same grey wall color further unifies the backdrop to a living room and can give the illusion of a higher ceiling when painted in a contrasting color. I gravitate towards greys with less blue and more brown in them.'

8. Layer greys with beige and brown 

(Image credit: MV Architects)

If you're fortunate enough to have a space flooded with light from large windows then decorating with white is a great way to enhance the light and airy feeling, however an all-white scheme can lack warmth.  

In this space by MV architects the a wooden floor in a honeyed tone helps warm up the space while furnishings and accessories in grey, taupe, oat and tan all combine to bring depth and interest.

9. Add texture with natural materials

(Image credit: Jenna Peffley)

When decorating with neutrals it's important to introduce plenty of texture to prevent the scheme feeling austere, and furnishing with natural materials can be a brilliant way to do this.

In this farmhouse living room, interior designer Julia Dempster has paired a chunky wool rug and a relaxed grey sofa in charcoal linen with wooden sculptural bowls to create a rustic feel. To finish the space Julia has added a selection of antiques to bring further character.

'In this living area I selected textural pieces such as a 3D Juju hat made of feathers from St. Frank and vintage tribal handwoven baskets from Fragments of Identity,' says Julia Dempster .

'The architectural features were curved, and I wanted the artwork emphasize the architectural elements, the three pieces were selected to reflect both the wall and the colors and textures within the sisal rug and the cushions on the sofa.'

10. Choose a grey and white wallpaper

(Image credit: Future)

Whether used wall-to-wall, or as single feature wall, patterned wallpapers are a wonderful way to bring interest to a grey and white living room. 

A large scale floral or statement mural is guaranteed to make an impact, but for something that's easier to live with you can't go wrong with a living room wallpaper in a stripe, plus it will endure across the years.

11. Pair grey and white with navy for a smart look

(Image credit: Joanna Wood)

A versatile and tranquil color, blue is a popular accent color for grey and white living rooms. While blue together with grey and white often conjure coastal decor ideas, the palette can be used to evoke a smart and sophisticated look. In this blue and grey living room, interior designer Joanna wood has combined layers of grey with deep navy velvet and glossy finished to achieve a luxe feel. 

'French doors call for light and bright colors but we wanted to add some darker tones to keep the room warm. I love navy with grey and there's something about a velvet sofa that is so luxurious,' says Joanna Wood . 

'If you've got paler colors on the walls and ceiling and color on the floor then have some tall table lamps so that the room doesn't seem split in half.'

How do you add warmth to a grey and white living room?

There are many ways to add warmth to a grey and white living room, from adding warm accent colors such as reds and terracottas to the addition of textural materials, cozy rugs and ambient living room lighting.  

'However, to bring a feeling of warmth to a living room the best place to start is to think carefully about the shade of white or grey you use on the walls, as the tone can have a big impact on the feel of the space,' advises Dominic Myland, director of Mylands paints .

'Shades of white can range enormously, from a bright, brilliant white like Pure White No. 1 to a warmer shade with hints of yellow or orange like Whitehall No. 9, and so choosing the right white is an important decision.'

'South-facing rooms with plenty of light can take cooler whites with their undertones of blue or green, like Greenwich Time No. 8, but we recommend warmer whites for darker, north-facing rooms. We always advise testing paint choices in situ first to see how they appear in different lights throughout the day.'   

A good lighting scheme can instantly lift the atmosphere of a monochrome space making it feel instantly warmer.

'Don’t forget the lighting, as this too plays a big part in a white room, says Simon Temprell, interior design manager at Neptune . 'Choose a light bulb color temperature of 2700K and it will draw out the warmer shades, making it feel inviting and cozy.'

What colors go best with grey and white?

As neutral colors grey and white make easy colors to decorate with as they pair brilliantly with many other shades on the color wheel. When paired with different colors, grey and white can be used to create all manner of different looks.

Combining light shades of grey and white with muted natural tones of beige, stone, cream and off-white is a brilliant way to create a calming, laid-back feel. Alternatively, consider pairing grey and white with bold colors like acid yellow, red or teal for a more energizing and dramatic look.

Grey white and navy is a great way to create a smart and sophisticated look, palette of grey, white and blue is a perfect base for cool coastal living room ideas. 

'Combining light and airy blues and greys also works effectively to create an elegant and sophisticated look that is soothing. The brighter shades and muted hues help create a calming space that can be updated time and time again with more affordable accessories to refresh the look,' says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director, Kelling Designs and KDLoves . 'You can add texture and dimension to this by layering light and airy linens and natural textures that pay homage to the nautical look.'

Primary colors such as yellow, red and blue can work well with grey and white if you're looking to create a mid-century modern decor scheme, alternatively, for an elegant and feminine scheme you can't go wrong with pairing grey and white with blush pink or soft lilac. 

Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.

Grey and white living room ideas - how to pair this perfect colour combo

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(Image credit: Urban Avenue)

We all know that black and white makes a classic combo but our grey and white living room ideas feel a little more easygoing. It’s a flattering look for any age of property and it suits a myriad of styles, and is a slightly more design-y take on our ever popular grey living room ideas.

As the top two neutrals, white and grey make the perfect backdrop on which to introduce your favourite accent colour. They team equally well with warm-toned woods and stone for a natural feel or with cool metals and glass for a more elegant finish.

Grey and white offers plenty of options: you could go monochrome or pair with a standout accent to really pop; you could select icy cool or warm shades in soothing pales or cocooning darks; you could layer relaxing tonals or heighten the drama with deeply contrasting duos...

Whatever vibe you choose, grey and white are happy to oblige.

Get creative with tonal effects

Little Greene’s Loft White (bookcase) with Down, Rubine Ashes, Dash of Soot, Perennial Grey, Dolphin, Knightsbridge and Chimney Brick

(Image credit: Little Greene)

For a space-enhancing, airy effect, use your deepest grey on floorboards or skirting and step up the shades for the walls to white for the cornice and ceiling. This ombre effect is taken to heart on this shelving, where graduating greys create an elegant design feature. 

“This is a really artistic way to elevate a functional area,” says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene . “The greys and off white shades here are all based on the same pigment – red oxide – and they produce a calming, welcoming finish, from Rubine Ashes with its hint of pink to Down which is an off white with a slightly red base. ”

Soften the contrast

(c) Kristy Noble

(Image credit: Fentiman Design)

Adding some mid shades of grey and white in between your two most starkly opposing shades will create a more laid-back feel, as in this Victorian terrace extension by interior designer Ciara Ephson of Fentiman Design . Dark hardware and white ceilings are bridged with warm white walls and tone-on-tone furnishings. 

“Here I paired Mylands Ludgate Circus with Maugham White,” she says, “I’ve used a lot of Ludgate Circus recently – it’s a really versatile mid-tone neutral that looks great in so many different settings.”

Zoffany’s Double La Seine (walls) and Quarter La Seine (woodwork) 

(Image credit: Zoffany)

All colour schemes need a starting point, whether it’s an artwork, rug, view or wallpaper. Here a monochrome Fornasetti-inspired sideboard is the centrepiece of the scheme and its colours are repeated around the space, in the rug and wall colour.

Get the undertones right for your light

(Image credit: Johnston Parke Interiors (c) Alexis Hamilton)

There is a whole spectrum of greys and whites out there, but do experiment to ensure you get the shades right.  

“I tend to choose greys with a green or taupe base so they feel warm and welcoming, such as Farrow & Ball ’s Purbeck Stone, which I used on the walls here, with Wimborne White,” explains interior designer Fiona Parke of Johnston Parke Interiors who designed this living room. “My go-to grey is Farrow & Ball’s Ammonite – I find it suits nearly every space, modern and old, and it isn’t too dark or too pale. It’s very calming and works well with All White.”

Dare to go dark up above

(Image credit: Arteriors)

Why let the walls have all the fun? For design drama, try a deep grey ceiling teamed with paler walls. Although lighter colours make a ceiling look higher, dark ceilings can feel cosy rather than claustrophobic. 

And while you’re breaking a few design rules, don’t think you need to stick to a matt finish on the ceiling either. Try an eggshell or satin finish for a reflective sheen that that will help to brighten the room, just make sure you correct any surface flaws first.  

For a cohesive finish, echo the grey in furnishings somewhere else in the room, as in this living room by Arteriors where the charcoal grey of the ceiling is repeated in the furniture and window frames.

Cosy up with a Scandinavian vibe

(Image credit: Nordic House)

Layered tones of grey and white are the perfect base to create a dreamy Scandi style interior.

“Calm colours softened with a selection of tactile textures such as natural sheepskin, linens, candles and plants – all warmed with timber elements, will inspire that much sought- after Nordic simplicity,” advises Sandie Wallman, founder of Nordic House .

Colour block for definition

Little Greene’s Down and Knightsbridge

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Just as a rug can be used to demarcate a seating area, you can repurpose a quiet area of the living room as a space to work from home with the use of colour. “Consider Knightsbridge in an alcove or colour blocked against walls in Down, as here,” advises Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.  

“Both these shades have warm undertones so combine really well and make the space in a small living room inviting and focused. This pairing is versatile and easy on the eye, so is easy to incorporate into an overall scheme.”

Keep it simple

The White Company’s Earlsfield sofa and Sheepskin chair and stool

(Image credit: The White Company)

For an enduring aesthetic, stick to a refined palette of white with its many subtle shades and variations. “I love the perfect simplicity and versatility of white,” says The White Company founder Chrissie Rucker. 

“It’s classic, yet modern and, just like a little black dress, it’s wonderfully timeless too. When decorating with white, I would always choose soft, soothing whites, off whites and some neutrals like grey. It’s a great canvas to build on when the walls throughout the house are painted either a warm white or very pale grey. Here we have used a mixture of neutral tones with natural materials and finishes to create texture and lovely character, introducing timber, stone, sisal and touches of greenery to bring hints of the outside world in. ”

Feel free to team up

Viaduct’s Moor Rug, Betty Chair and Cloud sofa and chair, viaduct.co.uk

(Image credit: Viaduct)

The perfect canvas to start a room – grey and white are easygoing neutrals so there aren’t many colours that won’t work with them. From olive and peach to teal and heather, accent away to your heart’s content! Here white walls, greige sofas and a grey and white terrazzo floor are combined with richly toned accents – an earthy red rug, maroon coloured chair and dark wooden tables – to deliver some warmth and energy to the scheme.

Update the classic coastal look

Studio McGee

(Image credit: Kate Osborne)

Switch out blue and white with charcoals and warm whites for a fresh take on ocean-inspired living. In this mountainside retreat designed by Studio McGee , timber and rattan elements warm this laid-back interior. 

“The wooden floor brings the space to life in the most natural way,” says designer Shea McGee. “Rustic elements and textural chairs are complemented with a soothing landscape artwork, with its earth tones that bring out all the elements and textures in this space.”

Keep it in the family

(Image credit: Zoffany)

White and grey come in a whole host of shades and it’s important to ensure they sit well together and suit the light in your living room. So be sure to test out your pairings so you can see how their undertones complement each other. Using paints from the same colour family makes life easier, as with Zoffany’s range. 

“Our collection includes tints of Zoffany’s most versatile neutrals, so you can use the same colour but achieve different depths to expand on within the room,” explains Peter Gomez lead designer at Zoffany . “This enables you to create dynamic schemes within one colour group, for example, using quarter, half and double tints on walls and woodwork.” 

Here walls and trim are in Architect’s White, which is a cool white with underlying silver tones, and the ceiling is in a lighter tint.

Use a picture or pattern to unite the tones

Urban Avenue’s Georg Jenson Damask throw urbanavenue.co.uk

(Image credit: Urban Avenue)

Choose an artwork or photo you love with grey and white tones to pull together the shades in your scheme, or commission an artist to create something bespoke for you. In this cool and modern living room, the paintings pick up on the grey tones used throughout the space, and are also reflected in the pattern of the woven throw.

Add vibrance with rich natural shades

Studio McGee

(Image credit: Studio McGee)

Mixing warm greys and whites with earthy browns and tans removes any trace of austerity and creates a comfortable and welcoming ambience for your living room. Be sure to use a variety of textures and tones for optimum effect. 

In her own family home, interior designer Shea McGee from Studio McGee has combined a variety of organic and neutral shades and added brass highlights to create a chic yet homely feel.  

“Creating an atmosphere is all about layers,” she says. “I really like to mix patterns, so every single pattern on the cushions here is different. We designed our Beckett Chairs to have a wooden frame and then this beautiful caned back. And my vintage rug is placed over a Girona woven jute rug so that together they create this warm, creamy look that ties everything together.”

What to think about when using grey living room wallpaper 

When planning your scheme, it’s often easier to choose the wallpaper first, before picking out complementary paint colours. It can be used to tie together multiple colours within a scheme and needn’t be purely for walls – shelving backs, wall panels and even ceilings can look great clad in wallpaper. As well as offering a myriad of patterns from delicate to daring, you can bring your walls to life by choosing wallpaper with added sparkle, sheen or texture. For cosiness and welcome, choose a warm grey or if you’re after a more modern edge, opt for cool tones. Grey has many undertones so always place a sample in your room and observe how the colour changes throughout the day and against your other furnishings to ensure you’re happy with it.

What to think about when decorating a grey and pink living room

There’s nothing like a dose of pink for an uplifting burst of colour in a grey scheme. There’s plenty of colour variation, from fun pastels or neon brights to more sophisticated plaster pinks and dusky roses. Both light and dark greys make the perfect partners for pink – If you want a high contrast look, opt for dark greys, and for a softer scheme err towards the lighter shades.

Use doses of pink sparingly as too much can be saccharine, and to soften the contrasts layer a few similar shades of pink in your details. This combo pairs well with white, wood, gold and silver finishes, as well as navy or green.

Which colour curtains go with grey walls? 

For a space-enhancing effect, team a grey window wall with similarly toned curtains, hanging the pole near to the ceiling to maximise their length for heightened elegance and to make the window appear larger. As grey is a neutral colour and windows are natural focal points, you may opt to use patterned or textured fabric - perhaps with some shimmer or metallic tones – to really frame the view, or to highlight them with a piped border or panel in your chosen accent colour. Fabric designs can incorporate other colours that are echoed around the space, giving a cohesive feel to the scheme. 

Another option is to go a couple of shades darker if you have pale grey walls to add depth to the room; likewise going a couple of shades lighter works particularly well with strong greys so that the space doesn’t feel too enclosed. “If you’ve chosen a dark grey all over, ensure the room is ambiently lit and finished with velvet fabrics in rich tones,” advises Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore UK . “Also consider a pattern to break up the dark colour and add to the luxe feel.”

Gray color in the interior: 90+ photos, design examples

Gray interior features

A number of color nuances:

Psychology of gray color

Gray color enhances confidence, pragmatism and intelligence in a person. From the point of view of psychology, this color scheme is the personification of calmness, balance and security.

Negative qualities include the possible occurrence of such emotions as feelings of melancholy, fatigue, reduced creativity and increased depression. Neutral light shades are conducive to relaxation and rest.

The photo shows the interior of a teenager's bedroom in the attic, made in gray tones.

Shades of gray

Modern design uses a wide variety of shades such as pearl grey, metallic, ash, linen, wet asphalt and many other tones, which are the perfect and unobtrusive backdrop for rich accents.

Pictured warm gray in a Scandinavian living room.

Especially fresh, stylish and solemn, silver tones look in the room. For those who like a discreet and non-irritating design, light gray colors are perfect. A very spectacular look is distinguished by a graphite shade in a matte finish without too much shine. Such a combination will be an advantageous addition to the chrome parts.

Furniture

See also

Gray sofa in the interior

An excellent basis for creating a beautiful and bold interior is gray furniture with a fashionable and functional design. A bed in such a noble color design will endow a bedroom with a mysterious eclecticism, a chest of drawers or a closet, bring soft elegance to the nursery, and all kinds of furniture sets will make the living room environment more sophisticated and refined.

A sofa with graphite leather upholstery will be a great addition to the decor. Items in the form of tables, chairs and other things can also have black, white, brown or coffee colors. As bright accents, objects in red, green, yellow or red tones are suitable.

The photo shows a white wardrobe in a gray room.

Textile

Restrained beauty, nobility, elegance and solidity, will give the interior a smoky palette. Light gray furnishings in combination with steel or anthracite curtains will create a mysterious and ambiguous atmosphere in the room. To noticeably ennoble the room and endow it with elegance and fashion, tulle, complemented by curtains of slate, mouse, gray or lead color, will allow.

A gray carpet or a black carpet will become a universal decor, which is a classic and win-win option. When harmoniously combined with the surrounding design, they will make it more holistic and thoughtful.

Pictured is a window in the bedroom, decorated with white tulle curtains with slate-colored curtains.

Finishes and materials

See also

Gray interior wallpaper

Gray ceiling

Gray doors in the interior

Gray walls look very noble and mysterious, they seem to envelop the room with mist and create a romantic mood. In order to shade the wall covering, it is combined with natural stone, concrete, rough brick or textured plaster.

In a room with rich dark walls, a floor with a more pronounced texture would be appropriate. The most popular materials for flooring are laminate, parquet, linoleum or carpet.

The photo shows a living room in gray tones with a glossy black stretch ceiling.

Doors in such an interior are most often made in dark gray, classic white, milky or beige colors. Sometimes canvases are used in light woody shades.

Pictured is a dark gray bedroom with hardwood flooring.

Staircase in gray tones, complete with artificial lighting, built-in lights around the perimeter or lamp lighting. Thus, it turns out to make the shape of the steps much more noticeable.

Pictured is a modern living room design with a light gray marble fireplace.

Rooms in gray tones

Subtleties of color decoration of rooms.

Kitchen

Kitchen space with a predominance of gray tones, helps to focus on the cooking process. This design is reminiscent of a production facility in an upscale restaurant, complete with steel furnishings. A home kitchen equipped with wooden furniture or stone countertops, due to this color scheme, becomes more practical and looks stylish.

The photo shows gray color in the interior of the neoclassical kitchen.

Living room

In a small living room, warm colors will be an excellent solution, while cool colors will suit a spacious room. A monochrome palette will add some complexity to the setting. The interior can be supplemented with bright accents, in the form of curtains, a sofa with pillows, armchairs and other things.

The photo shows a small guest room in gray and white.

Bedroom

Light gray colors with a matt or light and silky texture are especially suitable for finishing the bedroom. White or pink accessories will add even more tenderness to the room, and beige or brown elements will fill it with warmth.

Bathroom

This color scheme is quite a practical option for the bathroom, as dirt and stains are less visible on gray surfaces. When choosing a tint solution, pay attention to the dimensions of the room. In a room with a small area, it is better to use light-colored tiles, paint and other finishes, as well as use glossy and mirror surfaces.

Entrance hall and corridor

This hallway interior looks noble and elegant. Due to the cladding and decor in pearl gray, aluminum or silver tones, it turns out to expand the corridor space and add light to it.

Children's room

Gray wall decoration in combination with light furniture, white ceiling plane and rich inclusions will be a worthy solution for a stylish nursery design.

Pictured is a children's room with grey-painted walls.

Toilet

The interior of a gray toilet will look much more original with additional contrasting accents, such as colorful mosaics, bright paintings or other decor. Graphite and anthracite shades can decorate one wall in the room. Thus, it will be possible to achieve the correct distribution of light and shadow in space, making it cozier and more organic.

Office

Smoky and steel colors that form a business atmosphere are considered indispensable in the design of the office. The gray-brown combination will give the room a certain solemnity.

Balcony

Light or warm gray as a main background, harmoniously complementing rich accents in lemon, red or orange. Such a palette is not subject to fading and ultraviolet radiation, therefore it is considered ideal for a loggia.

Design options

Almost any interior requires the creation of special zones for concentrating attention. Colorful blotches of the opposite color complement the overall picture, making it more balanced. Particularly harmonious grey, combined with wood finishes. It favorably emphasizes the natural texture and links all design elements into a single composition.

The photo shows a gray living room with bright accents, decorated in a loft style.

A truly aristocratic duo creates gray and gold. For such a combination, more noble silver or pearl tones, which have a barely noticeable shine, are better suited.

The photo shows a living room design in gray tones combined with golden decor and curtains.

Decor and Lighting

An interior in this color scheme requires proper lighting in the form of a main central chandelier, floor lamps, decorative and table lamps, sconces, spotlights, spotlights and more. It is desirable if the artificial light is more intense and of high quality, it is better if it has a warm, soft and yellowish glow.

Add a sparkle to your environment with metallic elements, steel, bronze or copper accessories. Breathe life into the room and decorate the surrounding space with green plants and flowers. For a refined and sophisticated design, glassware, crystal or mother-of-pearl decor will make the setting shine.

The photo shows the lighting design in the interior of the kitchen-living room in gray-white-brown colors.

What colors does it match?

Primary companion colors with which this color scheme is in harmony.

Grey-white

This interior base is a blank canvas for other elements. Basic shades combined with each other can be harmoniously complemented by a wide variety of tones. The combination of soft and natural warm with milky or caramel colors will create a light, unobtrusive atmosphere in the room.

The photo shows the design of a spacious gray and white living room.

Beige and gray combination

A gray-beige combination will provide a calmer and more natural atmosphere, which is suitable for those who seek relaxation and home comfort.

Photo of light gray patterned wallpaper combined with beige furnishings in the living room.

Grey-yellow interior

The ideal color to dilute the monotonous gray interior is yellow. Regardless of the proportions of mixing, these shades are organically combined with each other and fit perfectly into the design of any room.

Pictured is a smoky bedroom with bright yellow accents.

Pink and gray

Pink on gray will create a romantic and slightly frivolous atmosphere in the room. Such a coloristic solution is appropriate in the design of a women's interior or in the design of a children's room for a girl.

Combination with blue

The classic tandem of blue and gray sets you up for relaxation and rest and therefore fits especially harmoniously into the bedroom, living room or bathroom.

The photo shows the design of the living room, decorated in gray and blue colors.

Grey-turquoise

Monochrome and muted gray combined with refreshing turquoise has a very interesting look and is perfect for those who love non-standard interior solutions.

Grey-brown design

This range represents restraint and refined taste. Gray with brown or wenge has a very effective and stylish look, which gives the room a special presentability.

The photo shows a gray-brown color combination in the interior of a modern kitchen-living room.

Orange

Such a self-contained combination is rarely completed with accent colors. The gray will balance and soothe the orange and make the surrounding design look balanced and organic.

Grey-Green

Natural color duet evokes natural associations. The most beneficial for giving freshness to a monochrome interior is light green, mint or olive. To beat light gray or dark gray colors, a mustard shade will allow.

Grey Violet

Neutral smoky shade to take away the heaviness of a rich purple. Gray makes an excellent backdrop for luxurious purples or lilacs, which give the setting an interesting and compelling look.

Pictured is a bathroom in graphite with purple accents.

How does it look in different styles?

Some examples of interior design.

Scandinavian style

Northern European design is mostly done in light gray shades, which are diluted with pure white tones and bleached wood details. Folk decor in the form of woven rugs, knitted textiles or patchwork elements is chosen as bright inclusions.

Pictured is a Scandinavian style living room done in light gray.

Loft

In the industrial style, the gray palette occupies most of the space. Achromatic shades are found in concrete walls, cheap silicate brickwork, hog tiles, metal pipes and other communications. Thanks to the huge window openings, such an environment looks free and spacious.

Minimalism

This trend is almost impossible to imagine without a gray color palette. Minimalism involves the use of warm and light gray tones as cladding, sofa upholstery, furniture elements and more.

The photo shows a minimalist design of the kitchen in shades of gray.

Hi-tech

For hi-tech, mostly mirrored or plain textures in gray are appropriate. A technological design solution is emphasized by silver or dark gray colors.

Classic

In a calm and discreet classic interior, gray is equally well suited for wall decoration, furniture items, textiles or fittings. Luxurious furniture, subdued lighting and expensive decor will perfectly match the granite or gray-blue color scheme.

Photo gallery

Multifaceted and deep gray is the perfect solution for creating an unobtrusive, yet sophisticated interior that can be complemented with both pastel and bright accents.

interior for a nursery, a bedroom and a corridor with bright accents, photo

People approach the creation of the interior of the room responsibly, so that the room is not cramped, uncomfortable, conducive to rest or work. The main role in the design is played by the choice of colors. It is better to stay on gray for those who work hard mentally. Just do not forget to correctly arrange color and light accents so that it is not gloomy. But for people prone to depression, it is better to abandon the gray room. Gray is a universal color for any room, you just need to correctly fit it into the interior.

If you think the gray interior is boring, the photos say otherwise.

The main features and nuances of gray color in the interior of the room

Content

A room in gray tones will look advantageous only if you choose the right finishes. Somewhere it is better to stop not at pure gray, but light, pearly, with sparkles, but somewhere darker shades will be more appropriate.

Walls

When decorating walls, people either glue wallpaper or paint. In the first case, there are no special rules and criteria for the choice of material. If you want to take wallpaper with a pattern, then look at sq.m. premises. For small rooms it is better to take small patterns (ornament, petals, stripes), and for large rooms - large and sweeping.

This color is a fashion trend for modern life.

It is not recommended to paint all walls gray. It is better to make one wall gray and add contrasting details (stucco, paintings, lamps), and paint the other three in a light color.

Important! When painting, do not choose dark gray, it is difficult to dilute it and achieve comfort.

Ceiling

Designers do not recommend using deep gray tones for ceiling decoration. It is better to take either the warmest colors, or even white to create an accent. If the room has multi-level ceilings, then you can mix gray and white. You will have to completely abandon this shade if the room is small and low.

Do not think that the gray color evokes melancholy and makes the interior faceless.

Flooring

The flooring should be a few shades darker than the wall finishes. A good solution would be to put a laminate with gray patches or a light pattern. Also, porcelain tiles with a natural wood finish will be no less advantageously combined with gray walls.

Experts consider different shades of gray to be a wonderful backdrop for interior items and furniture.

Doors and windows

Finding the right colors in this tone for window frames and doors is extremely difficult. This can be done if the room itself is made in a different color, and gray only performs a contrasting function. Moreover, the fashion to cover doors and frames with paint is already outdated, and double-glazed windows are white according to the standard.

Advantages and disadvantages of using gray in the interior of a room

When choosing a color solution, psychology and an individual approach are necessary. Gray is versatile and highly sought after due to its merits:

Gray is non-irritating, non-distracting, suitable for a variety of styles.

The only drawback is that it is not suitable for creating an interior in small rooms.

Please note! Insufficient natural and artificial lighting in a gray room can cause discomfort and a feeling of tightness in a person.

Options for combining a room in gray tones with other color shades

If the apartment is planned to be repaired and the subsequent finishing of one or more rooms in gray tones, then you need to think in advance what will be best combined with. Fortunately, people have a choice, as this is a universal option.

White

A gray and white room is elegant, simple and tasteful. This combination does not tire, makes the room airy and calm. Ideal for living room, kitchen, hallway and study.

Gray looks good in combination with white or light gray.

Green

If you want to create harmony in your home that nothing will disturb, choose a gray base and green details for dilution. The feeling of spring freshness and eternal rest is guaranteed.

The combination of gray and green gives a psychologically comfortable interior, ideal for rest and relaxation.

Lilac

The tenderness of lilac will be perfectly emphasized. In such a room there is intimacy, lightness, sensuality. This is a good option for the bedroom.

In such an alliance, gray looks the warmest.

Pink

When choosing a bright combination, it is easy to create an atmosphere where activity, playfulness and the rejection of stereotypes reign. People choose this combination for open spaces where they plan to meet guests and have fun.

These combinations fit into the retro style or the latest style.

Violet

Depending on the shade of violet, you can give a room a calm or lively look. Gray will support both options well, and will not allow the room to become overly colorful or boring.

Violet will add elegance, freshness and lightness to an apartment in gray tones.

Yellow

Yellow pattern on gray wallpaper, matching pillows, bright lamps - all this will make you feel joy and summer mood. This combination invigorates and increases the supply of vitality.

Gray and yellow give the interior joy and optimism.

And others

Gray with blue is another interesting solution. This will make the room look elegant and chic, giving a refreshing effect. And if you choose blue as a partner, it will turn out more stylish and lively. A duet of beige and gray will also please the eye, which is suitable for any room. But with black you have to be careful. You overdo it a little and already no lamps and multi-level lamps will make the room comfortable.

The use of gray in the design of different rooms

Without turning to designers, you can furnish any room in gray on your own. But you have to take into account its purpose in order to create a harmonious environment.

In a nursery for a boy

When creating a nursery in gray tones for a boy, objects and furniture in blue and blue can be successfully entered. They interact well with each other, will not strain the eyes of the child and will allow the baby to actively grow and develop in comfort.

If the child is hyperactive, then this color will calm him down.

In the nursery for a girl

A truly feminine color - pink. Therefore, a combination of pink and gray will be good for a girl. And even if later colorful toys and other furniture appear in the room, the base will remain appropriate.

Will look good in combination with red or pink.

In the living room

Only light shades, because the purpose of the room is relaxation and pleasant communication with guests. Gloomy colors and contrasts do not contribute to this. Therefore, choose curtains, furniture, carpet, etc. in beige, cream, yellow tones.

Gray keeps the room from being too crowded.

In the bedroom

An exceptionally gray bedroom is the choice of brave people, because not everyone will be comfortable in a monochrome room. Designers advise no more than 50% of the room to be done in this tone, and to give preference to several shades of gray at once, so as not to “force” the situation. Soft transitions are simply required here (light bed, warm lamps, etc.) if you want to relax in the bedroom after a hard day.

Thanks to the gray color, comfort and harmony are created in the room.

In the office

The office is never empty - a table, a chair, bookshelves, armchairs and a small table, so here you can safely take gray as a basis. It will look expensive and not distract from the working mood.

Ash and steel shades are considered the best tones for creating a business atmosphere.

Important information! If a person spends most of his time at the computer, this will give his eyes a relaxation.

In the hallway, hallway

If you are designing a hallway in a modern style, you don't have to worry about the appropriateness of color. And in the hallway you will also get a bonus - non-staining walls and ceiling, which is especially important for families with children and a dog.

The combination of gray walls and white doors looks noble and rich in the interior of the hallway.

In the bathroom

Dark tiles in the bathroom, light-colored walls and sanitary ware matched to the theme - simple and elegant, always appropriate and beautiful.

Gray walls will help to give the room peace and relaxation.

In the toilet

It's practical, comfortable and looks neat. Don't need a lot of contrasts or accents, stick to monochrome.

Grey, ceramic tiles are less visible for streaks and water splashes.

In the kitchen

In the kitchen interior, this color solution can create a relaxed atmosphere. The main thing is to choose the appropriate style and stick to it at the time of buying household appliances and furniture.

Monochrome kitchens are popular not only in modern styles, but also in other, even the most sophisticated ones.

Choosing a style when decorating a room in gray tones

Not all styles can be represented in such a range. Therefore, before creating a design project, you need to think about what design will be pleasing to the eye.

Scandinavian style

Why are Scandinavian-style rooms always so warm and cozy? Because a mixture of white, gray and yellow is used to decorate the walls and ceiling. But interior items already create contrast. In sum, it turns out an unusual and very light room.

The interior is being redesigned to match the current environmental trend.

High-tech style

Where else, if not in high-tech, use silver and steel? If you want a trendy home full of modern zest, then feel free to stop at this option.

Hi-tech lovers will appreciate this color because it harmonizes well with nickel-plated parts, lighting fixtures.

Loft style

The basis of the style is steel and brick finishing, plus an admixture of “wood”. If you correctly combine these natural colors, you can get extraordinary housing.

This style combines natural stone or brickwork with smooth gray walls.

Art Nouveau style

Another modern style that emphasizes wood finishes and ornate lines. It is in the latter that gray color can help. It will complement the picture well, but it is not recommended to take it as a basis.

Sophisticated modernity is easy to implement even in small spaces.

And others

It would be nice to look for ideas in art deco, antique, retro, Provence and French classic styles. All of them will easily include a gray color, both primary and secondary.

Tips for choosing furniture and lighting when decorating a room in gray tones

If you choose an interior in gray tones, then furniture will be much easier. The most popular options are white, black and chocolate. They fit into any style, look luxurious, do not repel or depress, they suit everyone (teenagers, respectable men, gentle girls). Feel free to order a large bed and wardrobe in the bedroom, this will not visually reduce the room. In the kitchen, choose a glossy set of any color - from bright red to nude. And in the nursery, buy a light table and bed, a chest of drawers and a wardrobe.

The flight of fancy is unlimited here, any color and material, everything to your liking.

The issue of lighting such rooms should be approached more strictly. If there is not enough natural light, then you will have to take care of a sufficient number of lamps. One chandelier will not be enough, install floor lamps or lamps built into the ceiling in different areas.

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