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Grey living room ideas decor


30 inspiring ways to use this versatile shade |

(Image credit: Interior by Tracy Morris / photograph by Greg Powers)

Grey living room ideas are timeless and versatile, so it’s no wonder they’re also hugely popular. 

Used on walls, grey is a brilliant neutral base for layers color, print as part of a characterful scheme and can be used to create myriad living room looks from cozy and cocooning to chic and dramatic depending on the tone and temperature you choose. However it can also a popular choice for furniture, too. 

Whether you’re looking to redesign a room or update your living room ideas with a few key pieces then these grey living room ideas and expert tips are guaranteed to get you inspired. 

Grey living room ideas – 27 inspiring ways to use this versatile shade

When it comes to decorating a grey living room, choosing the warmth and the depth of grey is the best place to start – you can use the color wheel to achieve this effortlessly.

Shades of grey can range enormously, from cooler tones to warmer 'greige' hues – a mix of beige and grey – to those with yellow and red undertones. While cool greys dominated for some time, warmer greys are securing their place as the new neutral for those thinking of decorating with grey, explains Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene .

'Grey has universal appeal, serving as a timeless and elegant backdrop upon which to build character, however we are seeing a move towards warmer stone toned greys, which offer a sense of comfort. Dolphin, Serpentine, Grey Moss are becoming the go-to colors for creating a sense of cosiness in living rooms whilst still delivering the sophistication and elegance that grey offers.'

There's nothing more timeless than living room color scheme in this neutral shade. Here, we show you how to use grey in all its guises.

1. Go for a layered grey living room scheme

(Image credit: Cotswold Company)

An easy way to start with grey if you've never used it in a living room is to go with a procession of light greys. Start with your most dominant piece in the room, whether the sofa or, as here, the living room bookshelf, and choose the darkest grey you dare to.  

From there, layer the rest of the room with lighter greys. It's important that these greys are in the same tones as each other, whether that's cool or warm.

2. Opt for a dark brown grey for drama

(Image credit: Albion Nord)

Albion Nord interior design agency is well-known for its use of bold colors. Here, they have used the deepest and darkest of muddy greys in a living room to create an incredibly cozy feel.

'What I love about this grey living room is the attention to detail in the layering of the grey,' says Lucy Searle. 'The trim around the door and the baseboard are in a deeper, darker shade of grey, which makes the space feel both elegant and grown up and leads seamlessly into the grey hallway. 

'This is the type of color scheme you can easily recreate in a room with great natural daylight, or one that you really only use at night, and which will glow invitingly under lamp light.'

3. Pick a cool grey for a warmly-lit room

(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)

This grey room idea obviously has elements of warmth within it: the red sofa shouts heat, and the piles of books create a lovely, lived-in look. However, the rest of the surfaces are pared back, and even the artificial lighting is dramatically pared-back on materials.

So what makes it successful? 'The cool grey of the walls is the perfect match for the stone flooring and marble central table,' says Sarah Spiteri, Editorial Director of Homes & Gardens. This single-toned approach acts as a backdrop to and allows for more dramatic elements, such as the sofa and light, within the room. However, its success does to a degree rely on the natural daylight being warm, meaning it is ideal for a south- or west-facing room, but less so for coolly lit north-facing spaces.'

4. Create depth with greys in different tones

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

If you are looking for grey sofa ideas for living rooms, 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 color palette by layering tones to create a space that looks cohesive. By using the same color, 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 here.

5. Combine grays with black and white for a smart finish

(Image credit: Future / Michael Sinclair )

Living room paneling painted in soft gray provides a sophisticated backdrop for this scheme, which artfully balances black and white living room furniture. 

Blocks of pattern, in the form of tailored cushions and artwork, add interest and personality to the modern look.

6. Decorate with dark gray for a dramatic feel

(Image credit: Future / Richard Powers)

A rich wall color combined with walnut veneers and velvet fabric make this space a cosseting retreat.

Darker tones of charcoal can be used to add drama anywhere in the home. With clever living room lighting ideas you can create a look that is both strong and atmospheric. 

These dark greys are also a perfect strong background for accent color ideas such as warm mustard and cobalt blue.

7. Pick pink for a warm, on-trend contrast

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)

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

The floor-to-ceiling drape adds a lovely touch of dip-dyed pink, while cushions and floral displays channel rich plum tones. Gray and pink is a winning combination, particularly suited to modern living room ideas.

8. Introduce warmth with touchable textures

(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)

Adding woollen soft furnishings to an understated grey living room will transform it from cold to calming in an instant. 

The abundance of texture and pattern in the wool, plus the burst of bright yellow living room accents, prevent this room from looking too gloomy. Everything in the room is very tactile, from the pendant light cover to the footstool. Plus the wall-mounted sculptures add a certain je ne sais quoi.

9. Add warmth to a north-facing room with greige

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Dark colors can transform the mundane and ordinary by conjuring theatrical glamour, and gray paint creates the perfect backdrop for standout colors and pattern.

However, if your room is starved of warm daylight, choose a beige grey with a touch of warm brown in it, inspired by beige living room ideas – you'll get the elegance of a grey room without it feeling too cool. Opt for soft furnishings in your favorite colors – they will really sing out.

10. Go for glamor in with metallics

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Use gray to create a harmonious look that will make a great impression. Whether it's pale or slight darker, dove gray is a great all-rounder.

You can dress it up with silvers and metallic shades for a luxe look, or keep it simple with natural colors and earthy textures.

11. Contrast dark gray with hot neons for a contemporary feel

(Image credit: Future / Alicia Taylor)

Grey walls are the perfect canvas for a variety of bright, bold colors. A deep, dark grey will really make strong colors sing out. Think about decorating with art, electric pink fabric and patterned rugs.

12. Complement grays with blue for a serene scene

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Grey is one of those wonderfully versatile shades that works with just about any color. And what better color to mix it with than blue living room accents?

Blue is scientifically proven to be a subconsciously calming and, when paired with grey, it will make you relax without you even realizing it.

13. Use gray walls as the perfect backdrop

(Image credit: Future / Jonathan Gooch)

Jane Rockett, co-founder of the uber-trendy online interiors store Rockett St George is a huge fan of grey paint ideas.

‘Grey paint creates the perfect backdrop for treasures that fill a home, as items really "pop" against a dark background, creating great definition,’ Jane says.

14. Paint your walls a deeper shade of gray

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

There is something quite delightfully decadent about a dark, deep grey. It is cold yet warm at the same, and can be used a backdrop for wall decor ideas as well as a carefully-curated selection of wonderful curios and artwork. 

What's more, dark grey is perfect color choice if you have children, as it will hide any unsightly fingermarks on the walls. It is a win-win if you ask us.

15. Decorate with gray in a small space

(Image credit: Future / Richard Powers)

When planning decor for small living rooms, create a focal point – one area or feature that will draw the eye, so there’s less emphasis on the layout of the room 

In this cozy living room, the L-shape sofa, upholstered in a blue-grey color, is the star of the space.

16. Opt for a monochromatic color scheme

(Image credit: Future / Lisa Cohen)

A monochrome color platte doesn't have to mean black-and-white. Add some sunshine to your living room with splashes of yellow. 

This uplifting living room color combination has positive vibes that can pull of grandeur or contemporary as well as cozy, farmhouse chic.

17. Use the same color in a variety of hues

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

A monochromatic color scheme, using different tones of the same color, will help to make the furniture and other features recede and appear to take up less space. 

Soften the palette by adding warm blue furniture and accessories rather than harsh white or black living room accents.

18. Highlight a standout feature with gray

(Image credit: Future / Richard Powers)

If the rest of your room is a little on the pale side, use a deeper shade of grey to highlight your favorite feature. 

In this mid-century inspired apartment living room, a smokey yet pale gray can be seen on the built-in cabinet doors, which enhances rather than detracts from the interesting architectural detail.

19. Accessorize with gray

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

An unusual and less obvious way to add grey into your space, a tarnished gray living room mirror will instantly draw the eye upwards, making it the ideal addition to small apartment living room ideas. 

This mirror will reflect both natural and artificial light to make a room brighter during the day, and night it will bounce light deep into the room, making it appear larger.

20. Choose a warm tone of gray for a cozy snug

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside / Claudia Bryant)

Decorating with grey has a multitude of opportunities to select a shade of grey appropriate to your space and light. Cooler, paler shades may work well in a south facing room or a light and airy bedroom or kitchen. 

But for cozy living room ideas or a snug, a warmer putty shade of taupe grey will help to make the room feel warm and welcoming. It offers the perfect backdrop for an array of wonderfully colored and patterned upholstery, such as the stripes and geometrics here. This tone would work well in a traditional living room or contemporary space. 

21. Create a striking living room corner

(Image credit: Future / Michael Sinclair / Claudia Bryant)

A soft pale powdery grey wall offers a subtle backdrop for a gallery wall of monochrome framed prints. 

More interesting than white, pale grey feels like a chic choice for a quiet, understated scheme, allowing the furniture, lighting and artwork to stand out and take center stage. 

22. Pale grey and cool blues are a heavenly pairing 

(Image credit: Future)

A soft pale grey is a chic choice for a formal living room with a modern classic feel. Here it has been paired to great effect with a set of monochrome map prints and a metal and glass coffee table. 

The upholstery and rug underfoot in a mix of pale grays and soft blues all combine to create a cohesive feeling scheme. 

23. Use pale gray walls as a quiet backdrop for more colorful pieces

(Image credit: Future)

A pale dove grey is a great choice with wall paneling, for a modern classic look. It sets a calm tone in a living space.

As with most neutral living room ideas, pale grey allows other key players in the space to take center stage, as is the case here with the large framed map print and the vibrant blue velvet sofa with its contrasting yellow cushions. 

24. Go dark for a rich and dramatic look 

(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford / Sally Denning)

Navy, grey and red is a harmonious color combination. Dark living room ideas, such as the deep, almost blue-black charcoal walls here, create an intimate environment for lounging. This dark rich tone also works brilliantly as a canvas against which to allow statement pieces to sing out. 

Here the sculptural white hanging pendant light stands out against the dark background. And the vibrant pops of red from the coffee table, rug and cushions are made all the more vivid when seen in contrast to the dark, dense walls. 

25. Add texture for soft gray walls

(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford / Sally Denning)

Sometimes grey can feel like a flat or cold choice to use in the home, but textural wallpaper ideas offer the perfect solution by allowing this chic, neutral shade to do its job, but with the added softness and warmth from a textural grass-cloth like finish.  

It works really well here, in combination with the geometric lines of the wood sideboard, and the vibrant pop of apple green and dusty pink from the table lamp. 

26. Pair gray with blue for modern coastal look

(Image credit: Interior by Tracy Morris / photograph Greg Powers / walls in Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter)

Think of coastal decor and the idea of decorating with blue and white usually comes to mind. However, if you’re after a chic, contemporary take on the nautical look you may want to consider switching the white for grey. In this scheme interior designer Tracy Morris wanted to use a palette of watery hues to allude to the coastal hometown of owners, so chose a warm grey as a base to set them off.

‘Our clients were moving from a coastal location. I knew we were going to use many tones of blue in the house, so I needed a clean backdrop that would bring out the blue tones – Benjamin Moore ’s Revere Pewter was the perfect complement! This warm paint balanced the cool tones in the fabrics and rugs creating the perfect backdrop for this home. '

27. Use gray to create spaces to grow with

(Image credit: Zulu Fish)

If the way you use your living room is going to change over time then grey offers a versatile base on which to build – simply change up the accessories and you can create myriad new looks.

‘Grey is an ideal choice for creating a calming atmosphere in a living room and allowing for personality and detail to shine through with the choice of accessories, furniture and artwork,' says Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish .

'It’s a clever color choice for a space that may need to evolve and deliver multiple functions over time, for example, a living room snug that in turn could become a teenager’s den idea or a home office because it is very versatile and can be combined with a multitude of other colors.'

28. Highlight architectural features 

(Image credit: Fowlkes Studio)

If you have a large room with beautiful architectural details, then a grey and white palette is a wonderful way to highlight the beauty of a the space, however, consider a warm grey says 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.'

29. Liven-up gray rooms with plenty of pattern

(Image credit: Vanessa Arbuthnott)

If you love to decorate with patterned fabrics then a neutral grey living room is the ideal place to do so. Whether it's over sofas, chairs and ottomans, or curtains and cushions, there's plenty of opportunity to experiment with different combinations.

When decorating with printed fabrics, be sure to use an array of designs, playing with scale and tone, to avoid the scheme looking too matchy-matchy.

With its warm undertones, this French Grey shade from Little Greene is ideal for period properties and cottage living rooms such as this which have an abundance timber and rustic features.

30. Warm-up gray with natural materials

(Image credit: Ti Archive)

If you have a dark living room which is north facing the space can run the risk of feeling cold, however, using a warm, pale grey on walls combined with plenty of textural natural materials will make the room feel comforting and cosy.

In this grey living room, furniture in rich tan leather and timber bring life and warmth, while a woollen, deep-pile living room rug adds softness and texture to the gray flooring.

What grey paint should I use?

If you hold together a fan of grey paint charts, you’ll see how widely the tones vary. The cool end of the spectrum has blue undertones, passing through tints of green and yellow, ending up at warm shades with red bases that give them brown, pink or purple tints.

Just a quick peek at a Farrow & Ball paint chart suggests the myriad possibilities of this favorite 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.

How can I make my grey living room look warm?

Your journey starts with deciding on the ‘temperature’ of color your room needs – cool or warm – then how far you dare to take it. From moody dark grey to light pastel grey, there are endless ways to update your living room with grey.

The first question you need to ask yourself is how much natural light does your room get? Does that light come from the north, south, east or west? 

'The orientation of your space will affect the way a color looks on the walls, and is the reason why exactly the same shade of grey paint can look completely different in different surroundings,' explains interiors expert Kate Watson-Smyth of Mad About The House .

What's the best color to go with grey?

As a neutral color, grey works well with many shades, making it a versatile choice for decorating with. Many of the best accent colors for gray include other neutrals. ‘Gray balances well with additional neutrals or graphic black and white, as well as brighter pops of color; creating a very different finish easily within the room without having to make radical changes to the four walls,' says Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish.

'When choosing greys, go for something well-balanced like our ‘French Gray’ family. These greys can be paired with other shades with ease, combining well with blues, greens and pinks,' adds Ruth Mottershead of Little Greene.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Continuing with grey throughout the home? Do check out:

42 Gorgeous Grey Bedrooms
40 Gorgeous Grey Kitchens

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65 living room design ideas in gray tones - photos of real interiors and tips

Gloomy and cold - these are the epithets that come to mind when it comes to monochrome interiors. However, if you choose the right textures and place accents, the living room in gray tones will look very cozy, stylish and not at all “gray”. How to do it? We tell.

All about decorating the living room in gray tones

Color highlights
Monochrome interior
Best color combinations
Design hacks to liven up the interior

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The first and main rule of any monochrome interior is a combination of shades. Due to this, he does not look boring. In this case, the choice is large: the palette contains more than 250 shades of gray! Plus black and white - the base.

Pay attention to the play of warm and cold tones, light and dark. Such an interior looks especially impressive in high-tech or minimalist style.

But, I must say, it is quite difficult to choose the tones on your own. It is better to turn to professionals, especially if there is little or no experience in coloring. A combination of prints is also referred to as a monochrome reception. And it's not just about textiles, but also about furniture upholstery. Today, there are no strict rules for choosing colors, and one set is even considered bad manners. The best solution is to choose several colors that blend seamlessly with each other.

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This is, frankly, not so easy to do. If you are not confident in your abilities, take note of the following rule: one active print and neutral around. Active prints include contrasting (in the case of monochrome - black and white) checks and stripes, animalistics, for example, a leopard or zebra, and other abstract patterns. Neutral - those in which there are no clear contrasting solutions.

By the way, metal looks equally good in monochrome interiors: yellow gold, red copper or white silver - to your taste. These can be metal parts: a table, a lamp or accessories, including paintings, figurines, various candlesticks, and so on.

Another trick is to play with textures. Everything is taken into account here: decoration of the ceiling, walls and floor, furniture and even textiles. If the walls are painted, matte, then the floor can be glossy. The options with wood also look impressive, and it doesn’t matter if it is light or dark. In general, this mix is ​​one of the most common among design solutions.

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The brightness of the color depends on the overall tone of the range. But, since some of them are quite “dirty”, the main question is obviously: how not to turn the house into a solid dark spot? Start small. You can purchase one accessory. For example, a blanket on a sofa, an emerald or dark pink pillow. By the way, pink and gray is one of the classic combinations. And it is better to choose not light textiles, but with texture: velvet, velor or tapestry. In such shades, the fabrics look royal.

When decorating a small living room, you should carefully choose the colors of the finishes. As you know, light colors visually expand the space. This is also true for rooms with insufficient natural light. The rule is simple: the walls are lighter than the floor, and the ceiling is lighter than the walls.

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  • In a more strict style, such as minimalism, glass accessories look chic: an intricate multi-level chandelier or a neat transparent table. If you do not like glass, use its substitute - plastic. This solution is suitable for living rooms combined with a kitchen, transparent chairs are another trend.
  • Accessories in the form of various frames, baguettes and paintings can support the color spots of textiles. Aerobatics: choose a complex shade so that it gradually meets throughout the room.
  • In small living rooms, do not get carried away with small details. It is better to choose one accent zone. It can be a group for relaxation: a corner sofa, a table and chairs. And add color spots right here.
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    Grey colour

    🔥 Living room design in gray tones (246 photos) - see the best ideas for your apartment from a design studio in Moscow!

    For example, black absorbs all light in the visible range. If this color is used incorrectly, the room can become depressing and gloomy. The abundance of white tones in the interior of the apartment, on the contrary, can make the room faceless and dull. Gray can be called the new golden mean, which will suit those who do not want to use black or white indoors. This is a versatile color that goes well with absolutely any shades.


    Living room gray . This is the most discreet and neutral color.

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    246 photos of the best ideas!

    Gray Living Room Design

    Looking for Gray Living Room Design? I tried and picked up for you not just a selection of ideas from the Internet, but the best works of interior designers from our studio!

    Other colors

    Living room design

    White color in the living room

    Blue in the living room

    Dark living room design

    The place of the sofa

    in the design of a gray living room

    Creating a visual design project . Create a plan for the future living room with the arrangement of furniture and compliance with all the correct dimensions. Visual planning is essential to see the finished product before redesigning the room. It is possible that it will change all your initial ideas.

    Even if you don't feel the wind, you still can't put the sofa in a draft. To find the right place for it, take a look at the finished room plan and trace an imaginary line from the door window. It is on this line that the sofa cannot be placed.

    Sofa arrangement in the living room . Next, you can see several layouts with a sofa in the interior of the living room. Looking at the pictures, you will understand that the location of the sofa in this room will change depending on the task.

    1. Placement of the sofa diagonally from the doorway, opposite the TV. This is a very good location. As if inviting you to sit on the couch watching a movie.

    2. Sofa position near the door. If guests often stay in your house, then this decision will be especially important for you.

    3. The location of the corner sofa in the living room. It is advisable to put the sofa in the far corner from the door to make the room more spacious.

    Correct opening of the living room door

    In or out?

    Living room door opening . In order not to draw attention to the doorway, choose an invisible door without platbands. Having painted it in one tone with the walls, the door will become as invisible as possible.

    Should the door open outward or inward? There are no rules here, since everything depends on the layout of the room and the arrangement of furniture. It is important that you feel comfortable opening and closing doors and entering and exiting the room. Also, the door should not interfere with the passage to the closet or wardrobe. In some cases, there is only one solution left - to move the doorway. You can also put a sliding sliding door or a folding door-book.

    1. Excellent door opening. When opened, the door will not block the entire corridor. Also, the figure clearly shows that this option does not interfere with visiting the room. However, there are also disadvantages - when opening the door, the cabinet will touch.

    2. Not a very good option. The door will take up a lot of space and block the entrance to the living room. It is advisable to change the direction of the door or install a door-book or accordion.

    3. Bad decision. In order to open the door, you will need to constantly step back. This will be especially inconvenient if the apartment has a small narrow corridor. In this case, it is best to give preference to folding or sliding models.

    4. The most convenient solution. So the door will not interfere with the passage to the room. In addition, this is a convenient solution in terms of fire safety.

    TV in the living room

    size and location

    Placement of the TV in the living room . A TV with a large diagonal will look much more beautiful in the interior of the living room.

    Location . The most suitable and successful location of the TV will be the location on the opposite wall from the sofa. Note that the distance from the sofa to the TV does not matter, because new models can be placed even close to the screen.

    Cabinet or bracket? As you wish. It is very important to concisely and beautifully design the television zone. Think in advance about the cable channel, in which all the wires and all the necessary sockets will be hidden. In order not to spoil the design of the living room, all communications should be hidden.

    Height from floor . The optimal location of the TV is 1 m from the floor to the middle of the TV. It is at this location that the eye level of a seated person is located.

    Diagonal size . If you can afford not to save on a TV, then choose models from 50 inches. TVs with small screens look lonely and even a little out of place on a blank wall.

    Movie projector as an alternative to . A movie projector will not need a screen if you have light and even walls. It can be lowered by itself, but you can also purchase a model with an electric drive. Electric models will require power. Do not forget that all wires must be hidden. It is also very important to decide on a place for the projector. Decide whether you need a permanent mount or a removable mount that will only be used during movie viewing will suffice. In order to enjoy a bright and high-quality picture, do not forget about blackout curtains.

    Living room furniture

    Living room furniture . For a pastel neoclassical interior, an armchair in blue tones is used as a color accent. It turned out a very comfortable and soft color accent.

    Kitchen-living room

    Today, more and more projects are removing the wall between the kitchen and the living room. This is especially true for small apartments. This solution allows you to get a bright and spacious space. However, it is not always relevant. Since this layout is very popular today, we will consider it in more detail below.

    Kitchen-living room design . In interior design, it is not at all necessary to be limited to one bright accent - you can safely use several colors.

    Combining the kitchen with the living room will give you a spacious room filled with light and fresh air. In addition, such a layout will give you a place to organize a full-fledged dining area, which can not always be placed even in a separate kitchen. By the way, when choosing a dining table, calculate a place for each family member (about 70 cm).

    Ideas for a kitchen-living room

    Bedroom-living room

    It is not very common to see a living room combined with a kitchen. This option is unlikely to be used in two-room or three-room apartments. In a large family, such a layout will not take root. However, owners of small apartments may consider using such a layout in their apartment. To zone the space, use the rack. This lightweight partition doesn't take away natural light and gives you extra storage space.

    Bedroom design with living room . A good example of a combined bedroom-living room in a odnushka!


    Living room-study

    Owners of small apartments know how hard it is to find a place to work. That is why for the location of the desktop in such apartments choose a bedroom or living room. You need to choose the place and size of the desktop, taking into account how often you plan to use it. If you are using a laptop, then a table with a width of 50-60 would be an excellent option, but for a desktop computer, you need to choose wider models - from 70 cm.

    Living-study design . This project is a clear proof that the work area can be made as invisible as possible with the help of color. Shelves and a work table are almost merged with the wall, and a chair is used as a color accent.

    Below you will see several comfortable layouts with a working area in the living room.

    1. The location of the desktop in the far corner. If you do not often work in the living room, then this arrangement will definitely suit you. To make the workplace less conspicuous, use a rack or a screen, and you can also choose a table of the same color as the walls.

    2. A window seat is one of the best solutions for freelancers. This table with an elongated window sill is perfect for working with a desktop computer. Especially this solution will appeal to those who have an elongated and narrow living room, as such a table will visually make the room larger.

    3. Work table in the cabinet niche. An excellent solution to prevent chaos in the room due to the creative mess. After work, you can immediately hide your workplace.

    Interior work desk

    Air conditioner

    in a gray living room

    It is very important that the cold air flow is not directed towards the sofa or table where people are sitting. By the way, the farther from the window you place the indoor unit, the more expensive and difficult it will be to install.

    The air conditioner indoor unit is not the best decoration for a living room interior. At the sight of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, there is always a desire to somehow hide it. By the way, it will be easier to hide a white block on a white wall.

    Consider some of the most common indoor unit locations in the living room.

    1. Ideal location for the indoor unit of the air conditioner - location above the doorway.

    2. The location of the air conditioner near the window. A great solution if you want to save on a strobe for installing an air conditioner.

    3. Inappropriate location of the air conditioner. The flow of cold air will be directed to people sitting on the sofa or at the table.

    Sockets

    in the living room in gray

    It is advisable to make sockets with a margin and take care of their location in advance. Decide on the location of the floor lamp, table lamps and their number. It is very important to remember about the television zone. After all, there should be a lot of outlets that must be hidden. You can do this with a cabinet or TV. The same can be said about the electric fireplace. By the way, you can think about placing a Christmas tree in advance. Or rather, about where the New Year's garlands will be included. About 15 outlets will suffice for this room.

    Lighting

    in a gray living room

    Lighting in the living room should be given special attention, because it is from this that your coziness and comfort. There should be a lot of light in this room. Think in advance about providing several different light sources at once.

    Living room lighting . Minimalistic lamps were matched to the brick wall. Although they are from different collections, they are united by one style - a loft.

    Luminaires - are part of the decor and should be combined with the overall style of the living room. Today it is very fashionable to use lamps from different styles in the same room, but in the same style. It is desirable that the living room has several types of lighting at once: local, basic and intimate. After all, with a change in lighting, the general mood of the room also changes.

    Ceiling light is the main type of lighting, which includes a task light and a chandelier. By the way, it is not necessary that the chandelier shines brightly, as long as it supports the overall style of the room. /p>

    Local light includes various floor lamps, lamps and sconces. However, with regard to the latter option, you should be aware that sconces are rarely used in modern interiors. As an alternative to this type of fixture, choose stylish lamps.

    Intimate light - this category includes candles and garlands. The garlands used in the interior give an even warm light. With their help, you can make the living room more comfortable. Also garlands can be used as a night light.

    Candles . Here it is necessary to tell only about the choice of candles. For the interior, large plain candles are best suited. The best options are white candles with a matte or rough structure.

    Zoning . Lamps are a great solution for visually dividing a space. This solution is especially relevant in the combined rooms. For kitchens combined with living rooms, it is imperative to provide working lighting (for the cooking area), as well as several hanging models (above the dining area or above the bar counter). As for the living area, here you can’t do without the main and local light. Cozy lamps near the sofa are perfect for this zone, and it would be best to put a floor lamp near the chair.

    Modern style in the living room

    This is an interesting and versatile trend that will be relevant even in the smallest rooms. This direction is characterized by its simplicity and conciseness. Modern style about comfort, functionality and beauty!

    Contemporary living room design . Strict forms, clear geometry - all this characterizes the modern style.

    Style . The main colors in modern style are black and white, gray and beige. It is also very important to add bright accents to the interior that will help your living room not become monotonous and boring. Large paintings and posters are especially welcome in this direction. With decorative elements it is very important not to overdo it. Give preference only to original and bright decor items that will fit perfectly into the style of a gray living room. Furniture should be chosen practical and comfortable. You should also pay attention to simple forms and minimalism when choosing furniture.

    Lots of modern living rooms

    Neoclassical style in the living room

    Our design studio especially has a lot of orders for projects in the delicate neoclassical style. This direction cannot be described in a nutshell. But in short, neoclassicism is a fresh and new look at the well-known classics. Stylish lamps, "carriage tie" in the upholstery of upholstered furniture, pastel colors, wall moldings - all this perfectly characterizes this direction.

    Neoclassical living room . Pillows of different sizes and shapes, but in the general color scheme of the interior, will look great in the design of the living room.

    Style . Neoclassical and classical styles combine the rules of symmetry in the arrangement of furniture and in the arrangement of decor items. Neoclassic welcomes laconic complex facades, stucco, wall moldings and draped curtains.

    Neoclassical living rooms

    Other living room styles

    Scandinavian style

    Fusion

    Loft

    Finishing materials

    Today, a living room in gray colors can hardly be called gloomy or boring, because with the help of the right finishing materials and decor, a sophisticated and stylish space will turn out. Shades of gray look great paired with white trim and ceilings, and to give the space a luxurious feel, use glossy finishes when renovating. Also, to decorate a gray living room, many designers advise combining finishing materials of different textures, for example, raw wood materials will look very interesting in such an interior.

    10 tips for decorating

    Decor

    It is not difficult to choose the right decor for a living room interior in gray colors, do not forget to follow the designers' advice and use your imagination. Gold accents and bright throw pillows will warm up a gray living room.

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