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What colour paint goes with grey wallpaper


Grey Colour Schemes | Colours that Go with Grey

Emma shows you some of her favourite Grey colour combinations

One of the trendiest home interior colours, grey is extremely versatile and can be styled alongside other colours to suit any style of home. Like white, it is a neutral hue that offers balance. This means that a wide range of colours pair well with it, making it the ideal choice for walls, home accessories, furniture and curtains. Whether you're decorating your living room or bedroom, styling a colour with grey allows you to easily create a new and exciting look. And as it seems like grey is set to stay, we’ve put together our guide on what other colours look fabulous and stylish with it.

From darker greys that appear almost black to lighter tones that resemble white, its range of shades span the entire colour spectrum. But look underneath and you will find a set of colours that transforms its appearance completely.

Blue and green undertones generally make for a cooler, more contemporary greys whilst warmer beige or purples offer a more traditional tone. But even this breakdown is not so clear cut as the character of the room and how much natural light it gets can also be huge influencers on how your colours appear. Complimentary under-tones will ensure a harmonious relationship between the two and sampling your colours thoroughly will help you to find the perfect match. Take a look through our most popular colour partnerships to find the perfect combination for your space.

1. Red and Grey

If you are looking to create a dramatic scheme that evokes an energy and a hint of drama, then red and grey is a passionate colour combination. The mixture of patterns and plains causes your eyes to be drawn around the room as the appearance of the fabrics change from space to space. The impact of the red is intensified by the consistent use of a singular tone and the room is balanced by the introduction of both dark and light greys. Choosing a light grey wallpaper accentuates the rooms large proportions and the full-length curtains and light grey carpet extends the wallpapers reach. Dark grey upholstery and dark wood furnishings boldly define the functional spaces and introduces an extra shade that stops the room from feeling two tonal.

2. Mustard and Grey

Mustard yellow and grey is an influential colour scheme if you are looking to decorate a small room that doesn’t receive a lot of light. Moody and atmospheric, the marrying of these darker shades creates a space that feels expensive and opulent. The richness of the yellow adds a brightness and energy to the space that doesn’t feel too intense. When paired with a dark grey or taupe with brown undertones, the contrast between the two is striking. Layering patterns and plains will add depth to the room and choosing a busy wallpaper will also help the space feel bigger. Fabrics such as velvets and silks will also reflect much needed light around the room whilst also enhancing the feeling of luxury.

3. Green and Grey

Green and grey brings the colours of nature into the home and makes it feel fresh and funky. A powerful duo that enhance one another, the colour combination works best in a space with lots of natural light. The jewel tones of the dark green absorb the light so opting for fabrics with reflective qualities and choosing large scale patterns with plenty of white space will help to keep the room feeling bright and airy. The light grey textured wallpaper and glossy rug creates a calming foundation and is the perfect neutral tone for the bright green to pop against.

4. Teal Blue and Grey

A hansom shade of blue, teal is a sensual colour that feels calm and relaxing. Available as both punchy and strong or muted and sedate, it is important to style it alongside a grey that matches its illumination.

A bright teal and pale grey will create a room that feels modern and clean whereas a darker duo will evoke a richer and emotional reaction. Whichever you choose teal and grey is an attractive pairing when used in your home.

5. Blush Pink and Grey

Romantic and soothing, pink and grey is a lovable colour palette that is commonly featured in bedroom schemes. A match made in heaven, this pretty pairing of soft blush pink and dusky grey is especially popular.

Popular colours for home accessories, both pink and grey also look great on the walls. Mixing a patterned feature wallpaper with simple paintwork is a quick and easy way to instantly add designer style to your room.

6. Blue and Grey

Graceful and uplifting, combining blue and grey feels like a natural move as both exist together in the sky and across our coastlines. As blue is a colour that can sometimes feel overpowering, balancing it with light grey and white will create a comfortable scheme that feels light and airy. Choose a light grey for larger areas of the room such as the walls and bigger items of upholstery to create a neutral base on which you can build your scheme. By concentrating blue across smaller items such as cushions, home accessories and artwork, you will encourage admirers’ eyes to be drawn to these objects and the contrast between the two colours will be more powerful. Finish it off with glass furnishings and stylish lighting to broaden that weightless elegence.

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13 Colours That Go With Grey

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We asked interior stylists to share what colours look fabulous with grey.

By Sophie Warren-Smith and Rachel Edwards

Carpetright

Grey is one of the most popular colours in interior design owing to its versatility and the myriad of shades available. Pale and lilac-toned greys are used in cool Scandinavian homes, deep graphite greys can be moody and romantic in traditional settings, whilst the beige-toned 'greige' is the go-to shade for minimalists. Whether you're decorating your living room or renovating a bathroom, grey is always a safe choice.

The versatility of grey can make it trickier to land on the right colour combination – there are few colours that don't sit well with grey – sunny mediterranean shades warm up cooler tones, a classic crisp white works wonders in a grey bathroom, whilst soft blush pinks offset the severity of graphite.

We asked interior stylist Sophie Warren-Smith, and House Beautiful's Style and Interiors Director, Sarah Keady, to share their expert tips on the best colours that go with grey. Read on for 13 ideas to try in your own home...

Grey & White

Original Style

Soft greys lend themselves to bathrooms and kitchens, or wherever you need a crisp and clean design scheme. 'You can't beat crisp brilliant white with a mid-toned grey. It has a fresh appeal that oozes sophistication and can be teamed with pale blonde wood (as seen here), with great results,' says Sophie.

Pictured: Grande Matte Glazed Tile at Original Style

Grey & Pink

Carpetright

This living room is a great example of using pastel colours to soften the severity of dark grey. 'You’d be right to think graphic shapes and gunmetal grey is a typically masculine look, so add curves with blush pink and plaster pink on the walls to soften the look and keep it the right side of pretty,' says Sarah.

Pictured: House Beautiful Luna Moonlight Rug at Carpetright

Grey & Yellow

Benjamin Moore

When designing calmer spaces like a bedroom, combine colours in similar tones, like this pale grey and buttercup yellow. 'Be on trend and incorporate yellow with a soft grey,' says Sophie. 'This yellow is a brighter tone that is "calmed" by the grey on the rest of the room. Accessorise with rustic wood and white to add contrast.'

Pictured: Baby Fawn Wall Paint and York Harbor Yellow, both by Benjamin Moore

Grey & Coral (and a hint of mint)

Sanderson Paint

'These beautiful colours work brilliantly together because they are all the same tone. The peg rail breaks up the expanse of grey and is perfect for hanging mirrors and towels from. The pretty pale mint bath adds a further dimension – team with accessories in these three colours for a lovely calming room,' says Sophie.

Pictured: Bastille matt emulsion at Sanderson Paint.

Grey & Pale Blue

Photography Simon Bevan, Styling Jennifer Haslam

'You might think that blue is too cool a colour to add to your bedroom but you'd be surprised. Team silver shades with chalky cornflower blue hues for a beautiful, dreamy look,' says Sarah.

This pairing makes the perfect backdrop for pale woods and rattan.

Pictured: House Beautiful Neva Bed at Dreams

Grey & Lilac

Sofa.com

'Pops of yellow give this grey and lilac combination a spring uplift that creates a prefect look that isn't too dull or too bright,' says Sophie. 'Choosing cushions that incorporate both the grey and yellow will bring the look together.'

This dark grey is a great choice in a lilac room – a lighter shade may look washed out, and wouldn't provide enough of a contrast to enable yellow to stand out.

Pictured: Bowie Sofa at Sofa.com

Grey & Mint

Olive & Barr

The temptation when designing with paler colours is to warm them up with brass or gold, but we love this fresh silver and mint green combination.

'Perfect for spring and summer, this scheme brings the colours of nature into the home,' says Sophie. 'The key is to create a look that is balanced, and this is achieved by keeping the colours similar in tone.'

Pictured: Bespoke Shaker Kitchen by Olive & Barr

Grey & Neutral

Photography Simon Bevan, Styling Jennifer Haslam

This living room fully embraces the popular beige-toned 'greige.' 'Texture is key to adding warmth to a neutral interior – woven rugs, velvet cushions and ceramic accessories will all bring depth and interest to your space so it feels cosy and inviting – ready to hunker down in the evening,' says Sarah.

Pictured: House Beautiful Freya 3 Seater Sofa at DFS

Grey & Grey

Dunelm

'Playing with shades like this can be a good option if you love two grey tones but can't decide which you like best,' says Sophie. Here, charcoal grey doors and window frames anchor an otherwise pale design scheme – and it's super easy to replicate in your own home.

Pictured: Amazonia Toile Duvet Cover, Farrah Palm Pendant Light, and Matilda Dove Grey Bed, all at Dunelm

Grey & Teal

Fired Earth

'For a completely different look, opt for a deeper pairing of colours,' says Sophie. 'Here, not only has the chimney wall been painted in a chalky matt grey, but also the fire surround and skirting too. The teal is the secondary colour and it gives a beautiful contrast whilst adding depth to the scheme at the same time. Team with dark wood furniture to complete this dramatic look.'

Pictured: Nightingale Grey and Hummingbird matt emulsion, both Fired Earth.

Grey & Blush

Button & Sprung

'The subtle pink of this bed works really well with the geometric wallpaper and pale grey throws,' says Sophie. 'The dark triangles on the wallpaper sing out whilst the white square print bedding and barely pink cushions add a subtle yet decorative touch. '

Pictured: Daisy double bed frame in blush at Button & Sprung and Scion Lohko Modul Wallpaper in Blush at John Lewis.

Grey & Orange

Carpetright

'As grey can sometimes be seen as a cooler colour, it can work well when mixed with a warmer shade like burnt orange,' says Sophie. 'In this living room the plain and patterned cushions link the colour palette perfectly.' Soften with accents of natural wood and lush green plants.

Pictured: Tegola Elite Grey Oak Luxury Vinyl at Carpetright

Grey & Green

Delcor

'The green bed is upholstered with a fleck woven fabric that adds texture, this contrasts against the super smooth chalky grey walls. The yellow curtains and lamp act perfectly as accent colours and the crisp white bedding adds balance whilst the patterned cushions bring all the colours together,' says Sophie.

Pictured: Empire bed and footstool in Dolce & Gabbana Brecon Leaf fabric at Delcor.

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pros and cons, specifics, uses

11/19/2020

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Gray wallpapers are an interesting design move: they look impressive, emphasize the advantages of the interior composition and hide the disadvantages, and serve as a good background. It remains for you to take advantage of their opportunities.

Gray wallpaper in the interior has been used for a long time. Back in the 19th century in Europe, such design was a trend. Fashionable gray coloring was associated with aristocracy, luxury, spoke of the good taste of the owner of the house. She was especially loved in France. nine0003


Closer to the twentieth century, the gray color of the walls went out of fashion: it was considered gloomy and uncomfortable, replaced by brighter tones. However, modern designers have been able to take a different look at the situation and again see the benefits of gray wallpaper.

Benefits

The first and, perhaps, the most noticeable plus: the gray wallpaper allows you to hide the flaws in the composition.

This is especially valuable in a situation where there is no interior project, and the room is decorated spontaneously, that is, the items of the headset are purchased at different times. This type of housing arrangement is widespread. For example, old furniture may fail, and then it is replaced with a new one, but the interior is left the same. Or there are more tenants in the house - then you have to buy more furniture. With such purchases, there is a risk of not getting into the range. Even if you always purchase products from the same company, problems can arise. Gray wallpapers solve this issue: creating a neutral background, they smooth out contrasts and combine disparate elements into one composition. nine0003

Another interesting property of gray wallpapers is their ability to "adjust" to a different color. For example, in a room with an abundance of blue decor, a gray wall will take on a warm orange hue, and a yellow set will add purple tones to it. This allows you to beat the existing interior in a new way. Want more warmth? You don't need to make repairs at all - just add blue elements. Need rigor? Black and white will help. You can fantasize without fear. Even if you overdo it with one or another shade, the composition will look pleasing to the eye. nine0003


And another advantage: practicality. Gray wallpapers are non-staining, small dirt on them is invisible. It is not necessary to take care of them constantly, as is the case with white walls. This feature is important for the living room, where there are a lot of people, for the hallway - the most polluted part of the house, for the kitchen, where food is constantly being prepared ... And in any other room, gray-colored wallpapers will show their best side.

Color exposure

Despite all its advantages, gray wallpaper is an ambiguous option. This is worth remembering if you are going to decorate a room with them. nine0003

The color itself is considered neutral. Its influence on the human psyche is insignificant, the brain perceives the shade as the absence of color. And if you use only gray wallpapers for decoration, without adding any decor, this can provoke a feeling of uncertainty, implicit tension. A person prone to melancholy can easily develop a depressed state of mind and depression.

That's why it's worth adding decorative elements. Framed photos, paintings, flowers, handmade - anything. Please note: do not get too carried away with black decor - these two colors together, without additional accents, affect a person negatively. nine0003


If you don’t want to use the decor at all, you can purchase wallpaper with a pattern. Another good option is gray walls paired with furniture in a different color. In the Angstrem catalog you can find suitable headset items. The main thing is to choose the right balance of tones. Here are the best options.

Which rooms can use gray wallpaper

This design is suitable for any room, but there are nuances that should be remembered.

In the kitchen, gray wallpaper looks elegant. In addition, they are practical: traces on them will not be noticeable. However, if the room is poorly lit, you should not choose this option, with all its advantages: the gray color will visually compress the space, the kitchen will seem cramped. Designers also recommend avoiding gray wallpaper in narrow, long kitchens with lots of furniture. nine0003


Gray wallpaper in the bedroom is what you need for relaxation. But you should be careful with the shade, because too dark walls will crush and oppress. It is better to stay in light colors, and if you want to add dark, you can paste over the wall behind the bed with anthracite or wet asphalt wallpaper.

In the nursery, gray wallpaper should be used with great care. It is believed that they suppress the imagination, slow down development, reduce empathy. But, firstly, everything is individual: if this color is close to the child, why not choose it? Secondly, gray goes well with bright colors, and in this way you can form a positive, life-affirming composition. In this case, make a special emphasis on the headset: the Angstrem company has a whole section of high-quality children's furniture that will help create a cozy atmosphere. nine0003

Gray wallpaper in the hallway is also an ambiguous decision. On the one hand, this is practical, but a small room decorated in this color can visually narrow even more. To avoid this, choose light shades of gray and preferably wallpaper without patterns. Visually expand the space will help bright tiles on the floor and light furniture with minimal decor.

Use of gray wallpaper in various styles

Most often, this wall decoration can be seen in the following interiors: nine0003

However, gray wallpaper “mimics” a given style, so they are used almost everywhere. nine0003

photos of design options, tips on choosing gray wallpaper for the walls of the living room, bedroom, kitchen, successful combination of gray with other colors

Pros and cons of wallpaper in the interior

this color, the first fear is boredom. How can a gray interior be pleasant?

Very well. Among the advantages of this choice is the possibility of constant experiments and additions, which can be changed depending on the wishes and mood. If you make bright accents in the form of textiles, then if necessary, they can be updated at any time without large investments. Such simple "backgrounds" really open up opportunities for "dynamic" design. nine0003

Among the shortcomings, there is a high chance of making the room too dark, especially if these shades prevail in the decoration of the walls. Our tips below will help you avoid such mistakes.

Design: Bureau ААarchitect

Gray wallpaper in design

Gray wallpaper in the kitchen is beautiful and fashionable, but requires following a number of rules before decorating the wall with them. For example, if the room under the kitchen is poorly lit and cramped enough, it is better not to choose dark shades. Also, designers do not recommend gluing plain wallpaper for narrow spaces. nine0003

In order to avoid gloom in the interior, experts often recommend using additional shades in the design of the walls. For example, yellow, pale pink, blue. They will make the gray kitchen more cheerful, and will help to zone the space, which is important.

Apartment in Stockholm

And a little more about zoning. Most often, it is required to separate the dining area separately, for which wall coverings are used. It is for this purpose that wallpaper with patterns is often used, and the decor can be chosen to match the pattern. nine0003

It is easy to decide on the color of furniture in such a kitchen - light shades or a bright color, for example, red or blue, will look best. If you choose the second option, do not make the "background" exclusively gray, white and blue colors will not interfere.

Design: Loven Skold

In the interior of the most intimate room, gray wallpaper will look very advantageous, but in most cases it is better to choose light shades. Gloomy colors can even be an irritant, which is not at all good for a bedroom, so designers often paste them on walls out of sight of a person. nine0003

Dark walls are relevant for the bedside area, namely behind its back. Classic designs also include wallpaper with patterns, perhaps in bright colors.

In order to dilute the "dullness", you can add beige, yellow, soft green and blue shades to the bedroom.

In spacious rooms, it is permissible to choose wall decoration with large ornaments and drawings; for small rooms, it is still better to abandon such an idea, the room will look even smaller. In modern interiors, photo wallpapers in gray tones look favorably. nine0003

In a children's bedroom, using gray is a rather bold decision, since it is believed that it does not contribute to the development of the imagination, but everything is individual, the light gray "background" allows you to apply any design ideas in the interior.

Gray wallpaper in the interior of the living room - the decision on such decoration should be made based on the style of the apartment. In modern interiors, this design will look good, they do not stand out against the general background, especially if they are made without ornaments and patterns. In styles such as hi-tech, minimalism or loft, silver-coated wallpapers will look good. nine0003

Patterned wallpaper can be used for Provence, Country, Classic and Art Deco styles. Their combination with other colors will allow you to profitably zone the space.

Furniture will help to give such a room liveliness and brightness. It is better to choose bright colors or light wood. If, nevertheless, it is decided to add brightness, then it is better to make sure that the chosen color can also be traced in the decor, then the interior will look complete.

As a rule, there is little natural light in hallways, and therefore they are often made with light finishes to somehow compensate for the lack. Gray wallpaper in the hallway is a rather controversial decision, but if you choose light shades and apply design solutions such as beautiful tiles on the floor for zoning, it can look very good.

In such a hallway, not massive furniture made of light material will look good, to enliven the interior, use bright decor.

Successful combinations of wallpaper with other colors

Before making a choice in favor of a particular color, you should pay attention to the saturation of gray wall papers. If the tones are dark, they need to be lightened, which means that preference is given to warm pastel colors. Light gray shades are favorably combined with bright colors. Our detailed guide is below.

Avoid dark colors. Brown, burgundy, blue may be present, but in a minimal amount, for example, in patterns or in the color of sofa cushions. Their overabundance will make the room too gloomy. nine0003

Traditional white and black look quite harmonious with gray, but the combination still looks too simple - suitable for minimalism or hi-tech.

Design: Kameleono

Violet and red are eccentric colors, but they are surprisingly friendly with gray. The room in such a range looks lively and emotional, but you should not overload the interior with bright inserts. Gray should dominate.

Shades of pink add harmony, especially if it is a delicate range or fashionable dusty pink today. Such colors will make the room less dull. It will turn out a very gentle interior, successful for the bedroom of a young girl. nine0003

Blue and gray is an advantageous combination, suitable for those who seek tranquility and do not strive for brightness in the interior. The combination is harmonious, but still somewhat cold, if you want to add warmth, you can turn on beige.

Does gray go well with warm yellows and oranges? Yes, this way you can make the room very lively and emotional. As a rule, such active colors are more often chosen for living rooms; in the bedroom, you still want more tranquility. Can also be used in the kitchen. nine0003

In addition to the above colors, gray wallpapers can be harmoniously combined with gold, olive, green and other colors.

Design: Nika Rusanova

Furniture for the room

Before choosing furniture, we again pay attention to the saturation of gray in the selected wallpaper. Too dark shades require clarification with light ones, and for light wallpapers, you can choose saturated colors, including brown. This applies to furniture and accessories as well.

If you want to design an interior with wooden furniture, it is better to give preference to light woods or bleached wood, which, in combination with cold shades, will help brighten the interior. nine0003

Dark furniture can be chosen if the shade of gray wallpaper is very light, then the contrast looks good and it will be pleasant to be in such a room.

Design: Cubiq Studio

How to choose curtains

Choosing curtains will not be difficult. Gray is a universal color, and any type of textile will look good with it.

If there is a desire for lightness and airiness, give preference to fabrics in pastel shades, you can choose transparent tulle. In the bedroom, for example, white, blue, purple curtains will look good. nine0003

Bright hues, regardless of the texture of the fabric, will always accentuate the window, and colors such as red, brown, green and the like are best used only in modern interiors.

Design: Bureau AAarchitect

If you want contrasts, you can “play” with dense light fabrics against the background of dark walls. For example, in the bedroom it would be nice to choose cream or white curtains.

Dark curtains will look good only in spacious rooms with light walls, if you can afford it - feel free to experiment. nine0003

The shade does not require any particular style or type of curtains. You can choose any: tulle, rolled, filament, Austrian - in general, all types of curtains and curtains that you want.

Design: Cubiq Studio

Bright accents in a gray room

Once the curtains and furniture are chosen, it's time to choose bright accents for a room with a gray "background". How to saturate the interior with colors and do it successfully?

As mentioned above, the choice depends on the shade of gray and the amount of light in the room. But to support the interior with bright textiles is always a good idea. nine0003

Combinations with silver tones will look advantageous, so you can add luxury to the interior without much effort.

The easiest way to add brightness to the interior is to put a bouquet of flowers. This, by the way, is another method to add chic to a room without a large financial investment.

Textiles are a piece of furniture with which you can always experiment, especially in rooms with neutral finishes. Having chosen an accent color, you can use it, for example, in chair covers, choose pillows of this shade, and hang the same curtains. The interior will already become much more harmonious and better. nine0003

Decorative items such as paintings can also be a way to brighten up a gray interior. In general, for some reason it is not customary to decorate walls in Russian reality, unlike Western interiors.

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