When decorating a living room, choosing colors that coordinate well is an important consideration. Two popular colors for living rooms are grey and red. But do these colors actually go well together? There are a few factors to think about when combining grey and red for your living room decor.
In this article, we’ll explore if and how grey and red can be paired in a living room. We’ll look at the color psychology behind these hues, tips for combining them successfully, and examples of grey and red living room designs. Read on to learn if you should mix these colors in your own living space.
The Color Psychology of Grey and Red
Before deciding if grey and red work together, it helps to understand what feelings and impressions these colors give off individually. Here’s an overview of the color psychology behind each shade:
Grey
Grey is a neutral, versatile shade that goes with many color schemes. It gives off a sophisticated, elegant vibe and can help create a calming oasis. Some specific psychological effects of grey include:
– Balance and composure
– Timelessness and practicality
– Understated elegance
– Neutral background to highlight other colors
Red
Red is an intense, attention-grabbing hue. It’s associated with excitement, passion, and energy. The color red evokes strong emotions and is often used sparingly as an accent. Psychological attributes of red include:
– Passion, love, and sexuality
– Excitement and intensity
– Strength and power
– Danger or warning
– Action and confidence
Tips for Combining Grey and Red
On their own, grey and red have very different personalities. But thoughtfully blended together, they can create an inviting living room with visual interest. Here are some tips for successfully pairing these colors:
Use grey as the neutral base
Since grey is more subdued and red is bold, use grey as the main wall color or backdrop. Paint walls light to mid-grey to create an adaptable neutral foundation. Then layer in red through accent furniture, pillows, rugs and artwork for pops of color.
Stick to a color ratio of 60% grey and 40% red
Too much red paired with grey can feel overwhelming in a room. Keep red accents to 40% or less of the overall scheme for balance. Use restraint when adding bright or dark red hues.
Choose the right red tones
Not all reds are created equal. Blue-based reds like crimson and burgundy are easier to combine with grey than orange-leaning shades like fire engine red. Deep reds work better than bright ones. Experiment to find the red undertones that complement your grey walls.
Add texture through fabrics and materials
Varying textures helps marry grey and red together. Consider a cozy red throw blanket on a grey couch, a fluffy red area rug on grey floors, or red curtains on grey walls. Mixing matte and glossy finishes also brings depth.
Repeat colors through patterns
Connect grey and red by repeating them in patterns and multiple elements. For example, combine a red geometric print pillow with a grey and red abstract rug. Using similar accent colors in patterns creates unity.
Examples of Grey and Red Living Rooms
When thoughtfully combined using the tips above, grey and red can look quite elegant together. Here are some inspiring examples of living rooms featuring these colors:
Rich grey walls with berry red accents
This living room has dramatic grayish blue walls, balanced out with pops of berry red. A red chair, pillows, and throw blanket provide accents against the grey. The red has a sophisticated jewel tone that works nicely.
Warm grey with rustic red
Here, soft warm grey walls and trim provide contrast to rustic reds. Red shows up in brick fireplace details, lounge chairs, pillows, and a patterned area rug. The reds have a distressed, earthy feel that complements the cozy grey.
Dark grey with cherry red
This bold living room has very dark charcoal grey on the fireplace wall and cherry red accents. The red makes a dramatic contrasting statement against the deepest grey. Red appears in chairs, a small rug, and artwork for visual interest.
Light grey and maroon
For a lighter effect, this living room uses very soft dove grey walls, with maroon velvet upholstery on the couch and chairs. The maroon has purple undertones that work well with the cool, pale grey walls and trim.
| Grey and Red Color Combos | Tips for Use |
|---|---|
| Berry or burgundy red with medium grey | Choose a grey with hints of blue or purple to connect it with berry type reds. |
| Rustic brick red with warm light grey | Soft warm greys complement distressed reds that have an earthy feel. |
| True red or cherry red with charcoal grey | Deeper greys allow brighter reds to pop dramatically as accents. |
| Maroon/wine red with pale cool grey | Purple-reds work well even with very light greys since both have cool undertones. |
Factors to Consider When Using Grey and Red
Successfully decorating with grey and red requires careful thought and planning. Keep these factors in mind:
Room size – In a smaller living room, stick to lighter shades so the palette doesn’t feel too dark and dramatic. Use brights very sparingly.
Natural vs artificial light – North-facing rooms with low light can handle deeper greys and reds. South-facing rooms will need lighter tones to avoid feeling dark and overwhelming.
Personal taste – Don’t use red if you dislike bold accent colors. Or avoid darker grey if cooler tones don’t appeal. Decorating should reflect your personality.
Existing elements – Factor in furniture you plan to keep, hardwood floors, fireplace surrounds, etc. Choose versatile greys/reds that coordinate.
Mixing other colors – Greys and reds can serve as a sophisticated neutral base for layering in additional accent colors. Add patterns, metallics, or black and white.
Conclusion
Grey and red can work beautifully together in living room designs with the right balance. Choose grey as the dominant neutral base and use red in considered accent pieces for pops of color. Think about the psychological impression you want – an elegant grey/maroon combo or an exciting bright red/charcoal one – and decorate accordingly. Use patterns, textures, varied shades and gloss levels to marry the colors. With smart strategies, this palette can create a living room that’s both stylish and functional. Just stick to a thoughtful color ratio and choose complementary undertones. So be creative in mixing grey and red, while keeping the overall feeling harmonious. With the tips above, you can confidently use this striking color scheme in your own living space.
