Grey is a versatile neutral color that can work with a variety of furniture colors and styles. When decorating with grey, it’s important to consider the undertones of the grey and the overall style you want to achieve. Cool greys work well with blues and greens, while warm greys pair nicely with tans, browns, reds and yellows. Going with monochromatic shades of grey can create a sleek, modern look, while adding pops of color makes for a more lively, eclectic style. Ultimately the furniture colors you choose to go with grey depend on personal preference and the ambiance you hope to create.
Furniture Colors That Complement Cool Grey Tones
Cool greys have blue, green or purple undertones. These undertones allow cool greys to blend seamlessly with other cool colors in the same color family. Here are some furniture colors that look beautiful when paired with cool greys:
– Blue – From navy to light blue, different shades of blue complement grey nicely. The combo evokes feelings of tranquility.
– Green – Sage green, mint green and seafoam green are pleasing accent colors with light to mid-tone grey walls or larger furniture pieces. Deep green hues like emerald and forest green also pop against dark charcoal greys.
– Purple – Lavender, lilac and plum purple make harmonious partners for grey walls and larger furnishings. Pale purples are dreamy with light grey, while jewel tones like amethyst stand out against dark grey.
– White – Crisp white has a brightening effect when paired with grey. White furniture against a grey backdrop creates a clean, sophisticated look.
– Black – For modern, dramatic flair, black furniture and accents provide contrast against light grey backdrops. Charcoal grey also allows black accents to pop while toning down the harshness.
Furniture Colors That Complement Warm Grey Tones
Warm greys have yellow, red, brown or beige undertones. With their earthy undertones, warm greys naturally complement:
– Brown – From deep chocolate to light tan, varying shades of brown furniture bring out the warmth in greys with yellow/brown undertones.
– Beige – Beiges and greys are cozy companions. Lighter beige works well with pale warm greys while deeper beiges pair with charcoal.
– Cream – Cream has a softening effect on grey and helps warm tones come through. Use cream and off-white furniture to prevent greys from feeling too clinical.
– Red – For vibrant punch, bright red makes greys feel more lively and contemporary.Brick reds and burgundy also complement warmer dark grey tones.
– Yellow – Cheerful pops of yellow enliven a grey scheme. Mustard and ochre blend nicely with greys as accent colors. Pale yellows keep light greys feeling sunny.
– Wood Tones – Natural wood furniture in oak, walnut, mahogany, etc. brings out the warm undertones in greys and provides contrast through texture.
Furniture Colors for a Monochromatic Grey Scheme
Using different shades of grey on walls, large furniture pieces and decor creates a fashionable, streamlined look. Here are tips for a monochromatic grey palette:
– Use light greys on walls and darker shades on furniture/decor for contrast and depth.
– Add texture and dimension through mixing grey wood tones and shiny metals with painted finishes.
– Choose greys with similar undertones, like cool blues or warm browns, for harmony.
– Use paler greys for a serene, airy effect and charcoal/black for modern edge.
– Add punch with a bright chromatic grey (greys mixed with strong colors like blue, green).
– Layer greys with varying undertones, like a warm brown grey on walls and cool blue grey on a sofa.
| Grey Undertone | Matching Furniture Colors |
|---|---|
| Cool blue grey | Navy blue, light blue, seafoam green, plum purple |
| Warm brown grey | Cream, beige, brick red, wood tones |
| Bright chromatic grey | Emerald green, sapphire blue, mustard yellow |
Creating Different Styles with Grey & Furniture
Furniture colors can help you achieve different styles with a grey scheme. Here are some examples:
Contemporary: Mix cool greys with white and black for a sleek modern look. Chrome and glass furniture keep it minimalist. Pops of bright colors like red make it eclectic contemporary.
Traditional: Warm greys with antique wood, cream upholstery, and metallic accents have an elegant traditional style. Rich tertiary colors like hunter green or burgundy give it rustic grandeur.
Coastal: Light blue-grey walls with whitewashed wood, woven rattan, and touches of navy blue suggest relaxing coastal living. Add accents in coral, mint green or sky blue.
Eclectic: Pair contrasting grey tones like light and dark charcoal. Choose vibrant furniture like emerald green velvet chairs or persimmon leather sofas for pops of color.
Industrial: Dark charcoal greys plus black metals, exposed brick, and unfinished woods have an urban warehouse vibe.
Midcentury Modern: Combine warm or cool mid-tone greys with molded plastic seating, angled wood, and linen upholstery for retro flair. Mustard yellow or teal blue add 1960s style.
Best Paint Colors to Pair with Grey Furniture
Certain wall colors allow grey furniture to take center stage and feel cohesive. Here are paint colors that complement grey sofas, cabinets, dining sets and other large grey furniture pieces:
– Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter – Soft warm grey green
– Sherwin Williams Repose Gray – Light blue-green grey
– Behr Silver Drop – Cool pale grey with blue undertones
– Benjamin Moore Gray Owl – Warm light brown grey
– Behr Rustic Gray – Earthy warm medium grey
– Benjamin Moore Horizon – Blue-grey with calming zen feel
– Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray – Versatile mid-tone grey with slight purple
Deep/bright grey furniture can handle stronger paint colors:
– Behr Blueprint – Vibrant navy blue
– Benjamin Moore Galactic Gray – Cool dark grey with blue cast
– Behr Retro – Bright lime green
– Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black – Dark charcoal grey
– Benjamin Moore Orange You Glad – Burst of orange
Fabrics that Work with Grey Furniture
Certain fabric colors, patterns and textures complement grey furniture:
– Solid blues – From navy to sky blue
– Subtle greens – Sage, jade, emerald
– Crisp whites – Linen, cotton, embroidered lace
– Earth tones – Sand, ochre, rust orange
– Pops of yellow – Mustard, goldenrod, lemon
– Warm metallics – Bronze, pewter, champagne
– Cool metallics – Silver, chrome, nickel
– Natural fibers – Jute, woven woods
– Smooth textures – Velvet, silk
– Nubby textures – Tweed, boucle
– Graphic modern prints – Geometric patterns
– Organic prints – Leaves, branches
– Plaids– Multicolored, grey-based
Avoid busy florals and heavily saturated warm colors like coral or pumpkin which may clash.
Conclusion
Grey furniture has incredible versatility to match color palettes ranging from muted neutrals to vibrant statement shades. The key is choosing furniture hues that complement the specific grey tones in a harmonious way. Cool greys match well with other cool colors like blue, green and purple. Warm greys pair beautifully with neutrals like cream and brown. For contemporary edge, go monochromatic with a mix of grey tones. Whimsical brights like yellow, red and teal blue inject lively contrast when used thoughtfully as accents. Ultimately, match grey furniture with colors you find visually appealing and suit the ambiance you wish to cultivate. Thoughtful color pairing will let your grey furniture enhance any decor style with elegance.
