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.
‘Whilst the general trend for grey home décor may have waned slightly of late it can most definitely be modernised and brought up to date simply by adding an injection of colour,' says Tracey Hague, Director of Where Saints Go. 'The rule of thumb being match cool greys with other "chill" colours such as blue, pale greens and cool white. And match darker grey tones with warm tones such as burnt orange, mustard, and teal.'
We asked interior stylists and design experts to share their tips on the best colours that go with grey. Read on for 17 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 interior stylist, Sophie Warren-Smith.
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 House Beautiful's Style and Interiors Director, Sarah Keady.
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.
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.
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 & Terracotta
House Beautiful
‘2023 is the year for earthy and minimalistic tones, which is why we're not surprised that terracotta pairs so well with our all time favourite, grey,' says Yvonne Keal, Senior Product Manager at Hillarys. 'Give your grey living room a "glow up" this year and add a little terracotta through soft furnishings, like your window dressings or cushions. The splash of terracotta provides visual interest to a room not only warming up the space but making it feel positive and welcoming for entering guests.'
Pictured: House Beautiful Matchsticks Mono Blinds at Hillarys
Grey & Monochrome
Sofa.com
'For those who prefer a monochrome theme, incorporating different shades of grey, alongside accents of white and black, is an effective way to create depth and visual interest in a room,' says Jen Nash, Design Excellence Manager at Magnet.
Pictured: Coco Dining Chairs and Coco Bar Stools at Sofa.com
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.'
To soften the look, opt for accents of natural wood and lush green plants.
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 & Navy
Benjamin Moore
'Calming and understated in equal measures, grey and light blue can make rooms feel more contemporary and clean cut, whereas darker shades (e.g. navy) blue give rooms more depth,' says interiors stylist at ScS, Vicki Foster. 'Opting for grey over white as a combination also removes any nautical connotations so you can avoid over-styling whilst allowing the blue to stand out against a neutral colour.'
Pictured: Cabinets painted in Meteor Shower C 5443 at Benjamin Moore
Grey & Red
Furniture and Choice
'While these two colours may seem like more of a clash than a combination at first thought, it’s a pairing that makes an instant impression and creates a burst of refreshing energy,' says Vicki.
'Light grey walls and a dark sofa with red accessories can work in harmony together, so too can a light sofa with nearby artwork or cushions or plants or plant pots with a pop of bold red colour. Grey and red can also be partnered with a crisp white too, to bring a freshness to the decorated space.'
Pictured: Astor Grey Velvet Double Bed at Furniture and Choice
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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FAQs
What colors go with grey interior design? ›
'Cool greys are best paired with cooler colour schemes, such as blue, green, and light purple, while warm greys better complement reds, oranges, and yellows. For fans of the monochrome look, incorporate different shades of grey, alongside white and black, to create depth and visual interest.
What color combinations using grey? ›- Red and Grey. ...
- Mustard and Grey. ...
- Green and Grey. ...
- Teal Blue and Grey. ...
- Blush Pink and Grey. ...
- Blue and Grey.
Grey. Grey shades in colour psychology are thought to influence perceptions of security, intelligence and solidity. It can also blend a feeling of calm and composure which is ideal for homes with little kids. The impact of the colour depends mainly on the depth and the hue of the grey.
What is the new grey in interior design? ›Beige room ideas are the new gray in interior design, and it isn't too difficult to see why. The beauty of a neutral scheme is that it provides a wonderful scaffold upon which to hang accents of color, adds Deborah Bass, founder of Base Interior.
What colour goes with grey bedroom? ›Warm greys can be paired with shades of creamy whites, mustard or bright yellows; light greys can be contrasted with teals, blues, purples and pinks. Using combinations of colour, even if used on accent features or patterns, can help a room inspire or cosset the user, whatever the time of day.
What is the opposite color of grey? ›What is the opposite color of grey? A true, colorless gray has no opposite color. It doesn't exist on the color wheel, and therefore has no corresponding color on the other side of the wheel. Grey is a neutral color.
Do green and grey go together? ›Greens and greys combined create a refreshing colour palette of versatile hues, and can be complemented by a range of other colours when it comes to styling.
Does grey and beige go together? ›Yes, whether you're theming the whole room in a grey and beige combo or are just looking for a couple of areas to add in a grey accent to break up the beige, grey blinds with beige walls or vice versa produces a warm, cohesive, and smart but not overly formal look.
Why is grey so popular in interior design? ›The colour grey can look very sophisticated, and it is because it's a bit too simple! 5. It makes other colours pop. Another popular opinion that industry experts share, is about grey used as the backdrop, which highlights the rest of the accent colours in the room.
Why do interior designers use gray? ›1. Grey is the most versatile neutral. As a colour that's neither black nor white, grey is arguably the most popular neutral - and the most versatile! It's the go-between light and dark, making it the perfect match for other neutral shades such as beige, cream or taupe.
What is the color grey known for? ›
In Europe and North America, surveys show that grey is the color most commonly associated with neutrality, conformity, boredom, uncertainty, old age, indifference, and modesty.
What is the next color trend after gray? ›It's beige. Yes, beige is coming back in style after years of being synonymous with boring or bland. Warm neutral paint and upholstery colors are now taking favor over grays, with shades like tan, taupe, ivory and beige (even brown!) rising in popularity.
What is the color code for grey in design? ›Modern Gray is a WARM paint color that's more of a taupe than a warm gray (but this can be open to perception). In a south-facing room or room with western afternoon sun, Modern Gray will lean CONSIDERABLY into its warm base, looking almost beige-tan.
What colours brighten a grey bedroom? ›Yellow is a cheerful, decisive colour that can serve as a bright contrast against grey, while shades such as dark green and blue have classic, elegant appeal. Playing with patterns, such as a chequered or herringbone print, can also add personality and liveliness to a grey bedroom.
What colors go best with gray furniture? ›Choose Colors that Go with a Gray Sofa
Pair a warm, taupe-like gray with colors like mustard yellow, blush pink, coral, or gold. For a cooler shade of gray that leans more blue, look to hues such as teal, navy blue, mint, or hunter green.
And assuming your walls are already gray, adding accent colors is undoubtedly one of the BEST ways to add warmth to a cold, gray room. COOL COLOURS are blue, green, purple, and neutrals with these undertones. WARM COLOURS are yellow, orange, red, and neutrals with these undertones.
How do you add warmth to a gray room? ›- 1) Add natural wood elements. Wicker, jute and rattan are all on trend right now. ...
- 2) Warm toned lighting. ...
- 3) Bring in the green plants! ...
- 4) Use highly textured finishes. ...
- 5) Colours to use with grey. ...
- 6) Metal finishes.
Adding a pop of colour is an easy way to brighten up a grey kitchen. This could be anything from brights that pack a punch such as yellows and oranges to more subtle earthy tones like sage or duck egg. The great thing about grey is that anything goes!
How do I make my grey kitchen look warm? ›To warm up cooler greys, add in plenty of wooden tones, this can be in the form of something as big as a kitchen island or as small as a shelf. Pick woods that have warmer more orangey tones if you want a more rustic look, and cooler tones for a more Scandi vibe.
Can gray go with any color? ›
True to its "neutral" title, gray really goes with almost every other color.
How many different colors of grey are there? ›But if we want to get more specific, we can refer to the X Window System's definition of grey, which lists 101 different shades.
Where does gray fall on the color wheel? ›Gray is seen as a neutral color and as with all neutral colors, it can technically not be found on the color wheel. Your other neutral colors are white, black, and a few shades of brown. Your basic gray is a mixture of your neutral colors white and black.
Do teal and grey go together? ›In terms of colors that go with grey, teal is an easy pairing as they can both be quite cool in tone.
Does sage green go with grey? ›Sage green and soft grey
These neutral tones work together so well. In fact, sage green paint often has grey undertones. Our Greenstone™ No. 190 paint is actually a grey-green shade so it would look great alongside grey in a colour scheme.
Adobe Sand is also a great wall color for an open floor plan where the kitchen area flows into a living room or dining area. Even though in the beige spectrum, Adobe Sand walls look amazing when paired with gray and silver tones in the bedroom.
What bedding goes with gray walls? ›White. If you go around asking what color bed sheets go with gray walls, chances are the first recommendation you hear is white. Gray and white are among the best neutral colors that work well together, and pairing them together allows the space you're in to truly shine and showcase its beauty.
What colors go well with light gray? ›Pair it with white, pink, or soft blue, and it inspires a calming essence. Team it up with vibrant reds and yellows, and you'll instantly feel its energizing effects. Regardless of what you do with gray, you can count on the fact that it will fit in with just about any decorative style or space.
What is the color of the year for 2023? ›The Pantone Color Institute named Viva Magenta as its official color of the year for 2023 for its joyous yet powerful nature. A red with subtle notes of purple, magenta flawlessly complements many different color palettes from those on the richer, jewel-tone side of the spectrum to even a lighter, earthy palette.
Who looks best in grey? ›The general rule of thumb is that skin with cool undertones look best with greys, browns, blues, greens and purples. Skin with warm undertones look best with either bright or light colors. And skin with neutral undertones looks great in bold, bright colors.
What is the most popular color in interior design? ›
As the reigning champion of interior paint, white is a color that transcends both time and decorating styles. White can make a room feel bright, fresh and up-to-date in settings ranging from modern to traditional.
Is gray still in 2023? ›Experts agree that this color pairing will no longer dominate trends in 2023. It's hard to believe we could ever see the total end of gray and white – the two (seemingly timeless) tones that have been at the forefront of our decorating agendas for decades.
Is gray paint out for 2023? ›The consensus is that grey is out and warm neutrals will continue to dominate in 2023. “The color trends have gone from all white to warm neutrals, and in 2023 we will be warming up those neutrals even more,” says Brooke Moore, Interior Designer at Freemodel.
Is the grey trend over? ›After years of seeing all-gray-everything, it seems interior trends are officially shifting away from the palette that became a staple in the early 2000s. According to some experts, there isn't a moment too soon to say goodbye to gray. But, don't bust out the paintbrushes quite yet.
What is the most popular color of gray? ›Agreeable Gray is one of the most popular gray paint colors for a reason. It's a beautiful, natural, soft color that works with a variety of different design styles. It's versatile, too, looking great in both light and dark rooms.
What color is popular grey? ›Popular Gray is more of a greige with its particular blend of warmth and undertones and even borders on the edge of taupe (which we'll get at shortly). If you want to encourage the grayer side of Popular Gray, put it in a north-facing room or one with east-facing afternoon light.
What are positive things about the color gray? ›Gray color too has its share of positives and negatives that are mentioned below: The Bright Side: Dignity, impartiality, conservativeness, stability, dependability, maturity, intelligence, calming nature and classic look.
What is the new grey called? ›Over the next ten years, the Nardo Gray color became insanely popular and ubiquitous. People connected with its bold yet dignified demeanor. While some refer to this color as a “flat gray”, this is incorrect.
Should you paint a room all one color? ›Most interior designers will say, as a general rule of design, that you should never paint your entire home one singular color. That isn't to say that you can't use the same color palette throughout your entire home.
What color goes with gray and white? ›Neutrals – If you want to create a soothing vibe, try combining gray with a neutral color palette of white and off-white shades, beiges, tans, blacks, and browns. These are colors that go well with gray of all shades, both lighter shades and darker shades.
What is the universal gray color code? ›
The RGB values for Glidden 00NN62/000 Universal Grey are 204, 204, 203 and the HEX code is #CCCCCB.
What is the Colour code for timeless grey? ›Timeless Grey SN4G4 | Popular interiors, Dulux, White paint colors.
What is grey neutral color code? ›Neutral color grays will use equivalent amounts of all 3 colors of light. The hue called Gray on the web has the #808080 color hex. This means that red, green, and blue light are each set to about 50% of full. To be exact, the RGB percentage is 50.2, 50.2, 50.2.
What color compliments Sherwin Williams modern gray? ›Great Coordinating Colors for Modern Gray
Use off-whites that are subtle and don't strongly lean one way or the other. This color can work well with paints that have green undertones, but when using them, go with darker gray and greige shades. Gray-blue colors often complement Modern Gray very well.
Joanna loves using grays in her homes for the main living spaces. Some of her favorites are Sherwin Williams Mindful gray, Oyster Pearl, and Passive Gray. Repose Gray is one shade lighter than Mindful and would look fabulous for an open living space.
What color is vintage gray? ›Neutral Grey leaning towards the Taupe color family has a blue and green hues certain lighting and accent wall paint can make this finish look different. Vintage Grey is a classic and timeless grey ideal for classic furniture styles. Vintage Grey goes in pair with Pewter and Bronze accessories as well.
What wall color goes with grey cabinets? ›White, light gray, beige or taupe, blue, and green are all excellent options that complement gray cabinets well. Ultimately, the best wall color for your kitchen will depend on your personal style and preferences, as well as the overall look and feel you want to create in your home.
What colors make a room look bigger and brighter? ›Lighter paint colors like off-whites, light neutrals, pales, and pastels give the illusion of larger, brighter rooms.
What is the bold accent color for gray? ›Modern Gray Color Scheme
Deeper hues such as black and navy offer bold contrast to the muted walls and light wood finishes.
Bright blue and turquoise accessories look great against slate grey, and they'll inject some welcome colour onto a grey feature wall.
What is the color code for accent gray? ›
#888c91 Hex Color Code.
What is the best color for gray cabinets? ›What color goes well with gray kitchen cabinets? The neutrality of gray means it pairs well with color. Match white uppers with gray lowers to maintain a clean look, but soften the starkness of all-white. A green, blue, or wood-toned island adds interest and a connection to nature.
What color floor goes with gray cabinets? ›Light brown wood floor and gray cabinets
This wood floor and cabinet color combination is often overlooked — but it doesn't make it any less great. A light gray cabinet paired with light brown wood flooring looks simple, clean, and beautiful.
Silver is the most common color of hardware used with gray kitchen cabinets, but many other metallic finishes also mesh well. If you have a warm-tone gray, gold or brass drawer pulls are very flattering, especially if they're paired with a matching sink faucet.
Do grey and cream go together? ›Cream & Light Grey
You can afford to feature grey a bit more heavily too as it doesn't need to work as just an accent colour. Cream is considered a warm neutral, and as grey is a cooler colour, this is why the two balance each other well.
Grey sofas go with neutral carpets
For an understated and versatile living room design, we suggest pairing your grey sofa with a beige carpet. Neutral beige, cream and off-white tones will match the tone of your grey sofa perfectly and creates the perfect base for a versatile room.
Cool Gray. A great alternative to a white paint color is a light cool gray, which can feel fresh and bright without the starkness of pure white. Cool colors feel fresher and brighter than warm ones, so it helps visually create the appearance of more space.
What color makes the house look the biggest? ›Making the exterior of your home a light color is the best way to make your home look larger, brighter, and more inviting. Light colors such as white, ivory, pale gray, and sage green reflect higher amounts of light than dark colors, tricking the eye into perceiving the home as larger than it is.