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Ideas for grey living 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. 

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.

55 real photos, design ideas

Features of gray color

A few characteristic features:

Gray shades

The gray range has a fairly wide color range, which starts from almost whitened shades and ends with dark almost black tones. Thanks to this variability, it is possible to choose the right solution for any design. nine0005

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

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

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

Will bring light and air into a small room, as well as visually increase the space - light gray colors. Saturated dark gray shades will help to mask planning flaws and small irregularities of different planes. nine0005

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

Combination with other colors

Due to the numerous shades, gray can be perfectly combined with other tones.

Living room in gray and white

Similar monochrome colors form a very harmonious duet, giving the atmosphere a special charm. For a comfortable and cozy interior, snow-white tones can be replaced with milky or creamy ones. The gray and white combination is perfect for those who do not accept overly bright design. This tandem with the addition of black will look interesting. nine0005

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

Gray-blue interior

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

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

Grey-beige living room

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

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

Grey-pink interior of the hall

Regardless of the chosen shade of pink, the atmosphere becomes either discreet and feminine, or pompous and glamorous. Hot pink is best used as accent spots. For example, a gray sofa in the living room can be complemented with stylish fuchsia decorative pillows, and colorful posters or paintings can be placed on monochrome walls. Graceful vases with pale pink peonies or roses look very beautiful in a gray living room. nine0005

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

Design of a gray living room with bright accents

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

Pictured is a gray guest room with splashes of turquoise.

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

Gray design with lilac accents becomes truly elegant and mysterious, turquoise colors deserve special attention, which give the living room a royal look. nine0005

Living room decoration

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

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

If the surrounding cladding gets boring, thanks to the universal gray design, there is no need to resort to a major overhaul. You can radically change the interior with the help of accent decor, textiles or furniture elements. nine0005

Which furniture is suitable?

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

Gray wooden furniture looks great. Bedside tables, cabinets, racks and tables of a light gray shade, when the light flux falls at a certain angle, seem to look like marble or stone products. nine0005

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

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

Decor and lighting

For a laconic gray design, fixtures in the form of spotlights or a rich wrought chandelier with crystal elements are suitable. Thanks to soft lighting, it will be possible to add new colors and beautiful shimmer to the room. nine0005

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

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

To complete the design of the hall and deprive it of excessive severity and dullness, various decorative items will help. On a light gray background, silver, gold, glass and crystal elements will look sophisticated and elegant. You can modify the interior perception with the help of a variety of figurines, vases, wall mirrors or paintings. nine0005

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

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

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

Which curtains to choose?

For a more classic setting, choose sand, cream, beige, baby blue or pink peach curtains. Yellow or orange curtains harmonize well with the smoky interior palette, giving the hall a certain emotionality. nine0005

Patterned textiles with elegant stripes, floral prints or abstractions can be paired with a plain wallcovering.

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

Decorating the hall in various styles

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

Modern style in a gray living room

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

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

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

Monochrome gamma is almost an integral part of laconic minimalism. The interior is sometimes diluted with a bright accent in the form of a wall picture, sofa cushions or one armchair. nine0005

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

Classic style in the living room

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

For neoclassic, elegant gray-beige colors are supposed to be used. To create a truly aristocratic atmosphere, the living room is decorated with bronze decor, crystal lamps and furniture with golden or silver patination. nine0005

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

Photo gallery

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

Living room design in gray

Contents

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When choosing a color scheme for your living room, consider gray. It is practical and versatile. Perfect for rooms of different sizes, thanks to the huge number of shades. Gray color for the living room has a number of advantages:

Gray Living Room Design Gray Living Room Gray Living Room Gray Living Room Gray Living Room Gray Gray Living Room Living Room

Gray Living Room Design

To create a gray living room, consider the size of the room . The smaller it is, the lighter you need to choose a shade. So for a small living room, you can give preference to light gray, white-aluminum or smoky white. For a large room, you can choose darker shades of gray. At the same time, do not forget about the lighting, it should be enough so that the room does not seem too dark. And the ceiling is better to make white. nine0005 Living room design Living room design Living room design in gray gray living room design gray living room design Living room design in gray

Living room decor in gray

So that your living room design is not boring and monotonous, it can be diluted with bright accents and details. To do this, you can use:

Living room decor Living room decor Living room decor in gray living room decor gray living room decor Living room decor in gray living room decor

What colors go with gray tones

Gray is a versatile color, so it can be combined with almost any color. An example of such combinations can be:

1. A couple of dark grays on the walls and floors will work well with browns, blues and light blues.

Color combination with gray

2. If you use three shades of gray, yellow and mustard colors work well with them.

Color combination with gray

3. Lighter shades can be combined with yellow, blue and blue.

Combination of colors with gray

4. Pastel shades of beige and light brown will suit very light shades.

Color combination with gray

5. Bright colors of pink, yellow, blue and brown are great for creating a bright room.

Color combination with gray

What style is suitable for a gray living room?

If you have chosen gray for your living room, you should also think about the stylistic decision. Gray tones are taken as a basis in such styles:

Gray-white shades are commonly used for modern, art deco and classic styles. nine0339 Gray and brown are suitable for a "rustic" style. In this case, it is important to combine not only these colors, but also materials (stone and wood).
For a combination of gray and pink, loft and hi-tech styles are suitable. Here you can use both pastel and bright shades.
To design a living room in a Scandinavian style, a combination of gray and blue colors will be enough.
Combine gray with green, blue or red for a contemporary style.

Learn more