Interior trends come and go – but there are a few things that don’t seem to ever go out of style or fall out of favour with the people. And the colour grey, especially when used in living rooms, is one of those things. So if you too are looking for some grey living room ideas and inspiration, you’ve come to the right place.
This neutral living room colour scheme is widely loved mostly for its versatility as the colour’s many shades can cater anything from modern living room ideas to rustic cottagecore styles – with the right decor, that is. And it’s still growing in popularity as Pinterest reports a 25% increase in searches for ‘grey living room ideas colour schemes’ just in the past three months, while searches for ‘grey walls’ rose by 65% in the same timeframe.
‘From dark charcoal to sleek slate and dove grey, the versatile colour provides the perfect neutral backdrop to more colourful furniture or accessories,’ comments Matt Siberry, head of home at Pinterest UK. ‘We’re seeing people come to Pinterest to find inspiration to help them create the perfect grey living room and bring that inspiration to life.’
Grey living room ideas
So no matter your style and taste, everybody can benefit from a bit of neutral grey in their living space – whether that’s with the help of your best sofa or by colour-drenching the room in grey.
‘A staple colour in contemporary design, grey is a neutral and sophisticated backdrop in any living space,’ advises Melissa Denham, interior design expert at Hammonds Fitted Furniture. ‘Working well with almost any colours, it can be used to create a variety of moods — ranging from calm and soothing to bold and dramatic. Grey can bring a real depth of space to your living room and if done correctly can be utilised as the standout room of the house.’
And these are some of the ways in which you can achieve just that.
1. Follow the 60-30-10 rule
Not all interior design rules are created equal and also not all should be followed because at the end of the day, you should be able to have fun and express yourself through the decor of your own home. But there are few ‘methods’ that can lend a helping hand when it comes to creating a balance in your living room - whether that’s the 18-inch rug rule or, in this case, the 60-30-10 colour rule.
‘Follow the 60-30-10 rule, where 60% of the room should be the main colour, 30% should be a secondary colour and the final 10% should be an accent colour,’ Melissa explains.
2. Warm up grey with earthy tones
We all know that grey on its own - or at least some of its shades - can feel a bit cold. But you can create a cosy living room idea with grey if you pair it with the right colours. And incorporating the current living room trend of earthy tones is sure to do the trick.
‘To add warmth, combine grey with earthy tones like beige, taupe, and brown,’ recommends Alison Hove, interior designer at Chase Roof Inspections. ‘Grey living rooms can sometimes feel cold if not balanced with warmer elements. To avoid this, incorporate warm tones through accessories, textiles, and decor items.’
‘Earthy tones are still very much present in living room designs for 2024,’ says Claire Garner, director of Claire Garner Interiors. ‘Washed terracottas, fresh greens, and laundered linens are being layered together to create a relaxing and calming space. Drawing inspiration from nature, these earthy tones help create a harmonious environment that promotes tranquillity and a grounded feeling.’
A rusty terracotta is one of the warmest earthy tones. So why not go big with it like incorporating an rust-coloured accent chair in your grey living room? We particularly love this Barker & Stonehouse design for its curved shape and boucle finish.
You can inject some warmth and earthy hues into your living room through wall art as well as home accessories. This abstract original painting from a Danish artist sold through Layered Lounge really caught our eye.
Along with earthy colours, you can also bring some pattern into your grey living room scheme with the help of accessories like this lovely checked cushion in chocolate brown and ivory from Dunelm. And it has frills too!
3. Choose your shade based on which way the room faces
When choosing any colours and shades for your space, you should always make sure that it will work in the room. And one of the things that should always be considered is the level of natural light which will be influenced by the orientation of the room – whether it’s facing north or south (or west or east).
‘When choosing the shade of grey it’s important to know whether the room you are decorating is north or south-facing, as well as to think about its natural light and the time of day you would use the space, as this will determine whether you go for a warmer or cooler shade,’ says Kate Guinness of interior design studio Kate Guinness Design. ‘Southern-facing rooms can get away with most types of grey whereas north-facing rooms with cooler light tend to look better with a darker grey in order to create a more cosy atmosphere.’
4. Go for greige
If you’re not a fan of full-on grey, then perhaps a softer greige could work better for you, which is a slightly warmer neutral shade blending a cool grey with beige.
‘Greige, a blend of grey and beige, has surged in popularity within interior design for its versatility and timeless appeal. Its neutral hue offers a sophisticated backdrop that effortlessly complements a variety of decor styles, from modern and minimalist to rustic and traditional. Greige possesses a chameleon-like quality, adapting seamlessly to different lighting conditions and surrounding colours. Unlike stark white or cool grey, greige provides a softer and more welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for both walls and furnishings, adding depth and cosiness to spaces while maintaining an airy and classic feel,’ Claire explains.
Not only that this Dulux shade is a lovely neutral greige, it's also washable and super easy to maintain.
Lick went as far as naming this paint shade greige, that's how committed the brand is to this very colour. And its offering also holds another darker greige colour if that's more your vibe.
If you're on a budget but love the idea of greige walls, then GoodHome's Cancun matt paint is the perfect option for just £18 per 2.5L tin.
5. Paint your ceiling grey
Love grey but not sure you want it everywhere? Then consider painting the 5th wall – the ceiling. Right on trend, painted ceilings are a key interior design feature and can transform the look of your space.
If you walls are light then choose a charcoal grey, it will work wonders if your living room ceiling is overly high and you want to create a cosier feel.
6. Layer your greys
The beauty of having a colour theme is that you can take tones of said colour and layer them to create a really fabulous space.
'Soft greys and taupes are the perfect way of creating a calm look and feel in your living room,' says Punam Chada, carpet buyer at Carpetright. 'A tonal design which layers different shades of the same colour is particularly effective.
Keep the overall look of your room simple with a considered blend of soft shades of grey. Introducing an understated carpet or rug to your scheme, whether it is patterned, plain or textured is a great step towards creating a harmonious interior.'
7. Choose contrasting tones
Paint is such a wonderful tool that you can really create a standout scheme by choosing pale and dark shades of the same colour and use them to contrast within the living room.
'Light and mid greys look wonderful together as they are in the same colour family and create harmony,' says King Living design studio. 'Contrasting light and mid greys, highlight the different shapes and materials on your sofa, adding depth and visual interest, while maintain the luxe style.'
8. Limit your grey to key pieces
Too much of anything can be overpowering, so limit your use of grey to key pieces to prevent this.
Large blocks of grey can look great if they're split up by other colours. For example, a large L-shaped sofa in a mid-grey teamed with a media centre painted in a similar tone will look fabulous if the rest is white.
9. Coordinate the walls with your sofa
When you're designing your living room scheme it's important to consider all the elements you want to show.
'The balance between your soft furnishings and walls is a hugely important consideration when designing your space,' says Gisela Lancaster, head of buying at Sofology. 'If you’re looking to create harmony between the two, you can find a good balance with a grey scheme, where you pair your sofa with a wall colour that’s the same shade but a few tones darker or lighter.
For example, pairing a dark grey sofa with light grey walls can establish a classic scheme and delver an incredibly calm feel.'
Once you've chosen your key pieces you can then accessorise with artwork, and a pale grey wall will act as the most perfect blank canvas.
10. Team with black accents
If you love pale grey but don't want it to feel too wishy washy then choose a jet black as an accent. It will give the space a really modern edge that's smart and sleek.
It doesn't need to be everywhere – think minimal like a black coffee table, side tables, floor lamp and picture frames. Keep the rest in a soft grey. Learning to balance a scheme is an important element of interior design.
11. Learn to balance your tones
With so many greys available it's easy to end up with a shade that's too cold, or too blue. James Sirett, head of product at Fired Earth has a tip to keep it feeling warmer:
'One trick to help prevent a grey living room looking too cold or a little drained of colour is to choose a grey that sits on the cusp of two shades – perhaps a grey-green or a grey-brown such as Fired Earth's Oak Apple.'
'This complexity and ambiguity will instantly add visual interest and a sense of warmth to a scheme. It will also create a versatile backdrop for a wide range of decorative elements, drawing out – say – the rich brown tones in a grey by pairing it with wooden furniture.'
12. Team with citrus shades
Balance out a mid to dark grey with a citrus yellow. It's brave and punchy, but will give you a striking scheme.
'Incorporating colours that are considered ‘acid bright’ can seem daunting, but in fact, are easy to pull off – even with an object as dominant as a sofa,' says Patricia Gibbons at Sofa.com.
'If you’re working with a neutral canvas, such as a shade of grey, it’s worth remembering that it’s a colour that pairs well with almost everything. Yellows and pinks pop against the sleek backdrop of grey adding a dynamic and energetic touch, giving the space a playful and refreshing sense of character.'
13. Take the colour through to your windows
For an all encompassing grey living room use your chosen shade on your window frames too. It's a contemporary paint effect that's similar to painting your skirtings a colour and one we're embracing as it's more subtle that the classic white woodwork.
'Add interest to a grey living room by balancing both light and dark grey tones,' suggests Dani Burroughs, head of product at Snug.
'For those with dark walls, consider using the shade across your skirting boards and window frames for added impact. Offset this with thick grey curtains and a neutral sofa before accessorising with scatter cushions or a tactile throw.'
14. Create your own focal point
For a thoroughly modern grey living room idea paint shades of grey on your walls to tie in with a plain grey rug. Similar to colour blocking, it's a design statement that's more sophisticated that the usual take.
'For a restful, elegant scheme, combine greys, using them at different strengths or in colour blocks to create design interest; ’Sharkskin’ with its dash of violet works beautifully with the neutral grey ’Slate IV’,' says Andy Greenall, head of design at Paint & Paper Library.
'When pairing colours, consider how the space flows from one area into another. Using greys that have the same base colour as your colour highlights, such as 'Monument' with the lavender-toned colour ‘Quail’ will result in a cohesive and harmonious scheme.’
15. Make gallery walls pop
We love the gallery wall look. Mix and match prints, photography and even empty picture frames - pick up all shapes, sizes and styles using home decor discount codes so you can really play around and see what works.
Grey walls are the perfect backdrop for creating these displays. 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.
16. Pair with purple for a luxurious look
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.
17. Choose a two-tone style
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.
18. Paint architectural features
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.
19. Add colour behind books and objects
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.
20. Use silvery tones
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.
21. Create a textured wall
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.
22. Let architectural features pop
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.
23. Integrate shelving
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.
24. Use grey as an accent
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.
25. Lift your grey scheme with a mix of sorbet brights
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.
26. Wow with brooding dark shades
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.
27. Echo natural shades of grey
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.
28. Keep grey understated and sophisticated
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, colour curator 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.'
29. Create a sanctuary with slate and wood accents
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.
30. Cocoon yourself with a warming grey
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.
31. Warm up grey walls with bright prints
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.
32. Create calming vibes with natural foliage
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.
33. Take the colour from the floor to ceiling
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.
34. Try a panelled wall
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.
35. Update a grey country scheme with a paisley print
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.'
36. Team warm grey with soft ivory for effortless elegance
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.
37. Add warmth with vintage pieces
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.
38. Add copper accents
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.
39. Inject a shot of mustard tones
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.
40. Give florals a trend twist
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.
41. Start with a feature wall
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.
42. Mix grey with warmer neutrals
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.
43. Introduce plenty of pattern and texture
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.
44. Start with a grey sofa
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.
45. Create a grey coastal scheme
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.
46. Pretty up grey with pink
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.
FAQs
What colours brighten up a grey living room?
'Yellows and oranges are ideal for adding a splash of sunny, uplifting colour to any scheme and they work brilliantly with greys,' says James Sirett at Fired Earth. 'Even just a few highlights of a vibrant yellow paint shade such as Fired Earth's Hoppers Hat – perhaps used in an alcove or on shelving – will ensure that a grey living room has a warm, welcoming and sophisticated feel.
Furniture or artworks with citrus-coloured highlights can sit happily within a whole palette of greys too, instantly introducing a sense of warmth and energy to a room and preventing it from looking in any way austere. From bright, zesty oranges to more subtle lime-yellows, citrus shades have an amazing capacity to bring a grey living room to life.'
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.
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 Studholme 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.'
So why not take a chance on grey? Whether it’s dark anthracite, light dove grey or warmer greige – there’s something for everyone.
