Gray is considered a neutral color in interior design and decorating because it pairs well with many colors. Unlike warm colors like red, orange, and yellow or cool colors like blue, green, and purple, gray sits right in the middle of the color wheel, giving it an equal balance of warm and cool undertones. This versatility allows gray to act as a backdrop that lets other vibrant colors in the space sing. Gray also creates a soothing, peaceful ambiance that can make rooms feel relaxed and serene.
What colors are considered neutral grays?
There are many shades of gray that are considered neutral. Here are some of the most popular neutral gray paint colors:
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl – A soft, warm gray with brown undertones
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray – A light gray with a hint of green
- Behr Silver Drop – A cool, icy gray with blue-green undertones
- Valspar Kettle Gray – A medium charcoal gray
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter – A light gray with greige (gray-beige) undertones
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray – A luminous warm gray
- Behr Pewter Tankard – A deep charcoal gray
- Valspar Rocky River – A blue-gray with green undertones
These shades range from light to dark and cover the spectrum of warm grays with brown, red, or yellow undertones to cool grays with blue, green, or purple undertones. While the depth of color differs, they are all considered neutral because they do not lean extremely warm or cold on the color wheel.
How are neutral grays used in interior design?
Here are some of the most common and effective ways to use neutral gray tones in interior spaces:
- Walls – Grays make excellent background wall colors as they let other colors and patterns stand out. Lighter grays visually open up a room while darker charcoals can feel cozy and intimate.
- Trim/molding – Accentuating architectural details with gray creates contrast against walls and ceilings without overwhelming the space.
- Cabinets – In kitchens and bathrooms, gray cabinets create an elegant and timeless look.
- Furniture – Grays work for any style from modern to farmhouse. A gray dining table or sofa provides flexibility to switch up accent colors.
- Textiles – From pillows and throws to rugs and curtains, gray is a foolproof neutral that allows bolder patterns and prints to take center stage.
Grays are commonly used as a base upon which brighter accent colors like coral, yellow, teal can be layered to create visual interest. Different shades of gray can also be paired together across a room while maintaining harmony.
How do you choose the right shade of gray?
With so many gray options out there, how do you narrow down the perfect neutral? Here are a few tips:
- Analyze the existing colors and finishes in the space. Complementary grays should enhance these rather than compete.
- Consider the room’s architecture, lighting and intended use. Dark cinemas and bedrooms can handle deeper swatches while well-lit kitchens and offices need lighter tones.
- Decide on the desired ambiance – warm grays promote relaxation while cooler grays feel more energizing.
- Collect paint swatches and view them at different times of day to see how natural light affects the hue.
- View large paint samples on walls before fully committing to achieve the most accurate impression.
When evaluating gray paint colors, check that the tone does not clash with existing elements like tile, stone or wood finishes which can skew warm or cool. neutrals should blend seamlessly rather than fight with other finishes in the space.
How do you decorate with neutral gray tones?
Decorating with grays may feel intimidating if the shade is not properly balanced with other elements. Here are some tips for gracefully decorating with gray:
- Layer in metallics – Polished silver, mercury glass and chrome create lively contrast against gray backdrops.
- Introduce warm woods – Walnut, oak and bamboo furnishings add organic texture and prevent a space from feeling too cold.
- Incorporate pops of color – Vibrant art, pillows, flowers and other accent pieces keep rooms from becoming monochromatic.
- Mix up the textures – Velvet upholstery, nubby rugs and sleek surfaces provide visual interest when working with grays.
- Allow light to reflect – Glossy tiles, mirrored furniture and glass vases bounce light around gray spaces making the ambiance feel vibrant rather than flat.
With an artful mix of metals, organics, color and sheen any neutral gray shade can be elevated into a stylish, livable backdrop. Keep accessories fluid and rotate seasonal items to refresh the look.
How do you make a gray room feel warm and inviting?
Gray rooms may come across as drab or uninviting if not thoughtfully composed. Here are some tips for ensuring gray color schemes feel warm and welcoming:
- Choose grays with red, yellow or pink undertones which read as more warm and cozy.
- Incorporate touches of wood through furniture, floors or architectural beams to inject warmth.
- Use creamy off-whites on ceilings, trim and furnishings to soften cool grays.
- Add ceramic lamps, vases or trays for an earthy element.
- Select rich textures like wool, velvet and leather which feel comforting and familiar.
- Introduce touches of brass hardware, copper or gold tones to create warmth.
- Layer on natural fiber rugs and textiles like wool, cotton and cashmere.
- Incorporate green leafy plants or floral arrangements to bring in organic life.
Painting ceilings and woodwork in a brighter white versus the same gray as walls also makes the space feel less monochromatic. Warm lighting choices like amber, yellow or Edison bulbs also counteract the sterile quality some grays can convey. Focus on textures, metals and accessories to breathe life into a gray palette.
What are some gray color combination ideas?
Gray boasts incredible versatility when it comes to color pairing options. Here are some sophisticated gray color combinations:
- Gray and yellow – From pale sunshine tones to deep mustard and gold, yellow enlivens spaces anchored in gray.
- Gray and navy blue – Classic and nautical, the navy and gray color palette exudes timeless appeal.
- Gray and blush pink – Sweet yet stylish, gray softened by a touch of rosy pink feels fresh yet romantic.
- Gray and emerald green – Earthy and relaxing, emerald’s richness pops against a gray backdrop.
- Gray and crimson – Sophisticated and moody, the combination of gray and crimson creates dramatic contrast.
- Gray and teal – Gray grounds bright teal’s punchy personality for a stylish modern pairing.
Whether you want a look that’s vintage, contemporary or minimalist, gray can be adapted to suit. For neutrals that coordinate seamlessly with gray try layering in shades of white, cream, beige, taupe or charcoal.
What colors should be avoided with gray?
While gray complements a vast range of hues, there are a few shades that do not pair naturally well and can make spaces feel “off.” Colors to avoid pairing with gray include:
- Bright white – A stark white can make gray walls or furnishings feel dirty, dingy or industrial.
- Bold orange – Without a complementary color bridge, orange and gray can feel jarring and overwhelming.
- Hot pink – Barbie pink overwhelms gray’s quiet elegance resulting in a cheap, bubblegum look.
- Lime green – The high-voltage green overwhelms gray’s softness unless applied judiciously as an accent.
Some people also find pairing gray with similar grays, beiges or browns to be tedious and uninspiring. While using gray as a base, introduce splashes of brighter, livelier hues to liven up the aesthetic.
What are the different gray undertones?
Gray paint colors feature undertones that alter their temperature and appearance. Here are the main gray undertone varieties:
| Undertone | Description |
|---|---|
| Warm grays | Contain red, yellow, pink or brown undertones. Feel cozy and inviting. |
| Cool grays | Contain blue, green, or purple undertones. Crisp and relaxing. |
| Greige | A blend of gray and beige for a sophisticated neutral. |
| Charcoal | Very deep, dark gray that reads as black in some lighting. |
When evaluating grays, observe how the paint color shifts in different lighting at various times of day. Undertones become most visible in natural light. Cool-toned grays may appear stark in shadow while warm grays can read muddy in overcast lighting. Test out swatches to see how the gray truly presents before committing.
What colors go with light gray?
Light gray is incredibly versatile. Here are some great color pairings:
- Sage green – Earthy green pops against light gray backgrounds
- Pastel pink – Soft and feminine pink provides contrast
- Bright white – Crisp white trim energizes light gray walls
- Pale blue – Serene and relaxing color combination
- Sunny yellow – Cheerful yellow creates lively energy
- Navy blue – Nautical vibe with navy and light gray
For light gray furnishings like sofas or bedroom sets, inject bright pops of color with decorative pillows, art and accessories. Layer light gray with contrasting woods, black accents and plenty of texture.
What colors go with charcoal gray?
Deep charcoal grays pair beautifully with jewel tones and brights. Try combining charcoal with:
- Emerald green – Vibrant green provides fresh contrast
- Sapphire blue – Rich blue with charcoal is stylish and moody
- Eggplant purple – Regal eggplant pops against charcoal backdrop
- Sunflower yellow – Cheery yellow keeps charcoal feeling warm
- Scarlet red – Striking blend of red and gray for drama
- Royal blue – Crisp, preppy look with charcoal and royal blue
For furniture or accent walls in deep charcoals, pair with light ceiling, trim and furnishings to keep the space feeling open. Metallic finishes also illuminate and balance out the intensity of charcoal.
Conclusion
Gray is a versatile neutral that adds stylish sophistication to any space when thoughtfully used. From light, airy tones to deep, cozy charcoals the gray color palette offers incredible range. Pair gray with contrasting woods, pops of color, metal accents and a mix of textures for a layered look. Consider the room’s existing elements and lighting when selecting the perfect neutral gray. With an elegant array of grays to choose from, you can create a refined interior that is still livable and bright.
