Grey colored rooms
44 grey living room ideas from dove to charcoal to suit every scheme
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.'
Amy Cutmore is Editor-in-Chief, Homes Audience, working across the Future Homes portfolio. She works on titles including Ideal Home, Homes & Gardens, Livingetc, Real Homes, Gardeningetc, Top Ten Reviews and Country Life.
And she's a winner of the PPA's Digital Content Leader of the Year. A homes journalist for two decades, she has a strong background in technology and appliances, and has a small portfolio of rental properties, so can offer advice to renters and rentees, alike.
35 Stylish Gray Rooms - Decorating with Gray
Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Honestly, gray is so hot right now.
By Sienna Livermore
Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt for Emily Henderson Designs
Gray might sound like the most boring wall color on the planet, but hear us out. It can be insanely chic—seriously—and pretty cozy, too. Plus, if you're going wild with color and pattern, you need a neutral wall to ground everything. Once you see these gray living rooms, you'll be convinced to try it out yourself.
Trust.
Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt
1 of 10
Add Paneling
Even though it's subtle, the added texture you get from wood paneling helps break up an all-gray wall. A bold, colorful rug adds even more dimension.
See more at Amber Interiors.
Courtesy of Tessa Neustadt for Emily Henderson Designs
2 of 10
Try A Warm Gray
A warmer shade of gray will generally feel cozier than a more stark, cool tone. Even though it might feel blah, if you're decorating with tons of pattern and color, you need a basic wall color.
See more at Emily Henderson.
Courtesy of Erin Gates Design
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Mix In White
White + gray is the soft and soothing color combo your living room needs. Add a shag rug and we're done for.
See more at Erin Gates.
Courtesy of Nicole Franzen
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Give It A Modern Touch
Blend neutral gray walls with sleek, modern furniture and lighting. It'll look chic rather than dated.
See more at Nicole Franzen.
Courtesy of Erin Gates Design
5 of 10
Mount A Gallery Wall
The easiest way to break up a neutral wall? That gallery wall you've always been wanting to try.
See more at Erin Gates.
Courtesy of Lark & Linen
6 of 10
Hang A Chandelier
A crystal chandelier can take gray from a little blah to totally glam. Keep the rest of the decor understated for a more relaxed feel.
See more at Lark & Linen.
Courtesy of Erin Gates Design
7 of 10
Combine It With Gold
Is there anything blah about gold? That'd be a hard no. This dark and saturated shade of gray has blue undertones, so it feels a little more impactful.
See more at Erin Gates.
FRANCESCO LAGNESE
8 of 10
Go Soft and Subtle
In order to make the large, open rooms of a northern California house more livable, the designer chose a white, monochromatic palette and mixed in lots of texture. It feels effortless, but still elegant.
Karyn R.
Millet
9 of 10
Create A Cozy Study
Go all in on a dark shade. Sherwin-Williams's Slate Tile envelops this New Jersey study from floor to ceiling.
Francois Dischinger
10 of 10
Mix Charcoal and Camel
A wide-open New York loft feels like home thanks to comfy furniture and eclectic decor. Camel curtains help warm up the gray walls.
The 18 Most Colorful Dining Rooms Ever
Sienna Livermore Senior Editor Sienna is a senior editor at Hearst.
psychology, combinations, application in design 0 Comments
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 clothing.
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.
Gray Color in the Interior (Psychology + Shades + Combinations)
Contents of the article interior solutions. And this is a big misconception! In fact, no other color is able to surpass it in versatility, variability of application. Gray color in the interior is used by various styles. Everything about the richness of its shades, the possibilities of combining them with other colors is known to designers. But non-professionals will find many pleasant discoveries!
Shades of gray in interiors
Gray is a real aristocrat among colors. Its shades are calm, elegant and refined. They do not irritate the eye, do not cause strong emotions, therefore they can be used for rooms of any purpose, from a functional kitchen to a bedroom for a teenager.
Look at the following photos of the interior in gray and see for yourself! In addition to this advantage, the gray scale has a unique ability to support almost any style in design. It is easily combined with bright and calm tones, warm, cold and neutral colors. Shades of gray are also a great choice if you want to create a design with an emphasis on drawings. For example, they are suitable for a living room with large photo wallpapers on the wall, they will serve as a backdrop for furniture decorated with ornaments of any kind.
Interestingly, shades of gray of different lightness are involved in styles that differ significantly in mood. So, luxurious dark gray tones can play a leading role in the design of a living room, kitchen, bathroom in techno, hi-tech, loft styles. The noble range is well suited for neoclassical interiors. Combinations based on dark gray also use extraordinary mix directions: eclecticism, fusion.
Graphite, marengo, anthracite, etc.
help create a stylish design. Both large areas of such shades are used, for example, the gray color of the walls in the interior, as well as furniture, decor, drawings on the wallpaper in a similar range. You should be more careful when decorating the bedroom. A large number of dark gray tones will deprive the room of comfort. Medium and light shades are universal. They play the role of main or auxiliary - it all depends on the idea of the project. These colors can be used in the same styles as their dark counterparts, but will not look as visually heavy. In general, such a range is relevant for almost any modern trend.
In the interiors of Provence, Italian, Mediterranean style, light and medium shades of gray allow you to create a mood of comfort and harmony, to support the natural theme. In Scandinavian and modern design, the whole range of grays is used, but dark and medium ones are most often used in furniture and decor. These shades bring contrast without disturbing the atmosphere of the style.
Inappropriate gray scale will be only for ethnic design trends, where warm colors dominate. Historical styles, due to their tendency to solemnity, also rarely create interiors in gray colors. The only exceptions are the variants of their modern reading.
Combination of gray color in the interior
Combining gray tones with shades of other colors is not difficult. Even people who are far from the subject of design cope with the task of selecting combinations, since the neutral gray scale is undemanding to partners. Nevertheless, there are some rules, recommendations for combining colors in the interior with gray:
- Light gray tones are delicate and gentle, great as a background color. However, they require bright and dark partners so that the interior does not look faded.
- Medium and dark grays can be depressing in large quantities. They should be diluted with shades of white, bright accents. Metallic details look beautiful against the background of medium and dark grays.
An excellent example is household appliances and chrome-colored accessories for the kitchen, bathroom in high-tech, techno styles. The gray color in the interior of the living room can be diluted with the help of bright or golden accents: figurines, paintings, pillows, carpet, etc. - Gray tones look harmoniously with any juicy shades. But if catchy tones are planned to be used in large enough quantities (for example, in the decor of one of the walls, furniture, etc.), then one or two accent colors should be limited.
- Grey-based combinations containing only the same neutral shades should not be made. Such interiors look boring, unfinished and uncomfortable. In some cases, an exception may be a gray bathroom or kitchen - in a techno, high-tech interior, such a solution is acceptable.
- There are a lot of colors that match gray in the interior. But there are actual combinations that look especially advantageous and are suitable for rooms of a certain purpose.
