Choosing wall colors can be a challenging process. You want to pick shades that are aesthetically pleasing, create the right mood, and coordinate well with your existing decor. Many people wonder if grey and red work well together on walls. There are a few factors to consider when pairing these colors.
In this article, we’ll discuss if and how grey and red can be combined effectively on walls. We’ll look at the color theory behind these shades, provide visual examples of grey and red wall colors, review recommended pairings, and offer tips for decorating with this duo. Read on for advice to help you determine if grey goes with red for your home’s walls.
The Color Theory Behind Grey and Red
Before looking at specific grey and red paint colors, it helps to understand the color theory that applies to this color combination. Grey and red seem quite different at first glance, but they can actually work together nicely if done right. Here are some key color theory principles to consider:
- Grey and red are complementary colors on the color wheel. Complementary shades are directly across from each other and create a high contrast when paired.
- However, true red and true grey have so much contrast they can clash. Choosing red-orange hues and blue-gray hues helps soften the contrast.
- Red is a warm, bold shade that draws attention. Grey is a cool, neutral tone that recedes. Pairing them balances these traits.
- Both grey and red have range. Light, whitish grays pair well with deeper reds. Charcoal greys match lighter reds nicely.
So while grey and red are very different hues, color theory supports coordinating them thoughtfully by selecting the right tones and balancing their contrast.
Visual Examples of Coordinating Grey and Red
Seeing example spaces with grey and red walls can help visualize how to pair them effectively. Here are a few photos showcasing rooms with grey and red wall colors:
This bedroom uses a lighter heathered grey on three walls and a deep ox blood red on one accent wall behind the bed. The red makes a dramatic statement while the grey grounds the space.
Here a blue-tinged light grey provides a subtle backdrop for the vivid red built-in hutch in this dining room. The grey has a calming effect while still letting the red make an impact.
The deeper charcoal grey walls in this living room allow the burnt orange-red sofa to stand out. The grey recedes but still contrasts well with the red.
These examples demonstrate how lighting and softening the grey and red tones creates an attractive, livable color palette.
Recommended Grey and Red Color Pairings
Specifically, which grey and red paint colors work well together? Here are some recommended pairings:
| Grey | Red |
|---|---|
| Heathered greys like BM Revere Pewter | Deep reds like BM Caliente |
| Blue-gray shades like SW Mindful Gray | Brick reds like SW Fireweed |
| Charcoal greys like SW Peppercorn | Orange-reds like SW Coriander Seed |
Pairing soft, light to mid-tone greys with bold, saturated reds tends to create the best balance. Look for grey and red shades with undertones that complement each other. Test swatches at home during different times of day to see the colors in your natural light.
Tips for Decorating with Grey and Red
If you’ve decided grey and red can work for your home’s walls, here are some tips to decorate successfully with this color scheme:
– Use plenty of neutral furnishings and accessories to prevent too much red from feeling overwhelming. Add pops of color through smaller accent items like pillows, vases, and artwork instead of large furniture pieces.
– Incorporate texture with linen, wool, knits, and nubby fabrics to soften the look and feel.
– Add metallics like steel, silver, pewter, and bronze to tie the colors together.
– Vary shades of the same color. Try a dark charcoal grey on an accent wall with a lighter heather grey on other walls.
– introduce secondary colors like purple blooms or navy pillows for more visual interest.
– Paint built-in bookcases, fireplace surrounds, columns, and doorways red to define architectural details.
– Use multiple lighting sources such as table and floor lamps to balance bold red tones.
– Anchor spaces with neutral flooring like medium-toned hardwood or subtle patterned carpet.
Carefully selecting the grey and red hues and thoughtfully decorating with them utilizing these tips can lead to a stylish, elegant color combination for walls.
Should You Use Grey and Red on Your Walls?
So should you paint your walls in shades of grey and red? Here are some key considerations:
– Do you want an eye-catching, vivid style or prefer subtle, neutral spaces? Red makes a bold statement.
– Is your lighting more cool and natural or warm and golden? Red can feel overwhelming in rooms with abundant natural light.
– What is the existing color palette and decor of your home? If you have lots of warm wood tones, red accents can complement them nicely while cool greys pair well with marble, metals, and modern decor.
– Do you want your home to feel energizing and lively or relaxed and calming? Red brings excitement and grey peaceful tranquility.
– Are you willing to treat red as an accent shade and use it thoughtfully rather than all over? This allows its impact without going overboard.
If your answers indicate you want some drama and liveliness paired with soothing neutrals, a grey and red color scheme could be ideal for your wall paint. Use the tips provided to thoughtfully select hues and decorate in a way that strikes the right balance. With the right approach, grey and red can combine beautifully on walls for a stylish, innovative look.
Conclusion
Pairing grey and red on your home’s walls may seem risky, but following color theory recommendations helps this bold yet balanced combination work. Choose a light to mid-tone grey like Revere Pewter and vivid yet softened red like Caliente. Use plenty of neutral furnishings and linens to prevent red from feeling overwhelming. Incorporate metallics, secondary colors, multiple lighting sources, and architectural details like columns and bookshelves painted red. With careful hue selection and an intentional decorative approach, grey and red walls can look tailored, elegant, and welcoming. If you’re ready for an exciting yet livable color scheme, give the grey and red combo a try for your home’s walls.