Navy and grey are classic neutral colors that can look beautiful together in any room. When combined thoughtfully, these cool tones create a sophisticated and peaceful palette. In this article, we’ll discuss if and how navy and grey paint colors coordinate, provide visual examples of navy and grey interiors, and offer helpful tips for decorating with this elegant color scheme. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about pairing navy and grey paint.
The Color Theory Behind Navy and Grey
According to color theory, navy blue and grey are analogous colors, meaning they sit next to each other on the color wheel. Analogous colors create a cohesive look when combined in a space.
Navy is a darker, richer shade that adds drama and depth. Grey is lighter and softer, bringing balance and subtle sophistication. The contrast between the darker and lighter tones creates visual interest.
Both navy and grey are neutral backbone colors that give you flexibility in choosing accent colors. Pair them with pops of white, cream, light blue or greens for a fresh, inviting look. Deep reds and metallics also complement the blues beautifully.
Examples of Navy and Grey in Interior Design
Here are some ways to successfully incorporate navy and grey paint in your home:
• Navy walls with grey trim: Paint walls navy and use a lighter grey for the trim and ceiling for a cocooning effect. Add texture with white wainscoting or shiplap boards.
• Grey walls with navy trim: For a relaxing look, opt for grey walls with glossy navy trim. This brighter approach works well in dark rooms.
• Navy kitchen cabinets: Make a small kitchen feel rich with navy lower cabinets and lighter grey uppers. Accent with marble, brass hardware and pendant lighting.
• Master bedroom retreat: Create a restful retreat with a grey blue on the walls and navy trim and ceiling. Layer in natural linens and white bedding.
• Navy dining room: For drama, paint the walls a dark navy and ceiling grey. Grey wainscoting and patterned navy chairs keep it sophisticated.
• Coastal living room: Capture the colors of the sea with soft grey walls and navy accent furniture. Add sea-inspired art and accessories.
Tips for Decorating with Navy and Grey
Follow these helpful guidelines when working with navy and grey at home:
– Select the right undertones. Choose a blue-based navy and a grey with hints of blue or green for a cohesive look. Avoid purpley-grey tones.
– Watch the proportions. Use the 60-30-10 rule, with navy covering 60% of walls, grey at 30%, and accent colors making up 10%.
– Lighten it up. Add plenty of white, cream or natural woods so the space doesn’t feel too dark. Light fixtures, mirrors and accessories also help brighten navy and grey schemes.
– Layer on texture. Incorporate nubby knits, woven woods, cozy linens and sheepskins to create depth and dimension.
– Repeat colors. Echo navy and grey through upholstery, area rugs, pillows, throws and other decor. Use both colors in each room.
– Vary sheens. Matte, eggshell, satin and high-gloss paints and furnishings provide visual interest. Just don’t overdo the shine.
– Add warmth. Navy and grey can read cold, so incorporate warm metallics like brass, copper and gold. Also use wood furniture and greenery.
– Watch lighting. Navy can feel dark and cave-like if not well-lit. Opt for ample ambient and task lighting.
Are Navy and Grey Classy Together?
The combination of navy and grey is absolutely elegant and classy together. These are both timeless, sophisticated neutrals that evoke a sense of refined style.
Navy has an upscale, nautical vibe, while grey provides a contemporary, urbane feel. The contrast between the two colors creates a striking visual effect.
This color scheme works beautifully in formal spaces like dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. The mood is tailored and polished versus overly feminine or masculine.
Both navy and grey offer endless choices for patterns and textures to elevate the look from classic to high-end. Think herringbone wool rugs, silk pillows, velvet chairs or hand-blocked wallpaper.
When decorating with navy and grey, focus on quality over quantity. Curate a thoughtfully edited mix of antiques, modern classics and flea market finds to create a collected yet cohesive space.
Overall, combining navy and grey results in rooms with quiet elegance and timeless appeal. The colors evoke heritage and good taste, making this a go-to palette for sophisticated interiors.
What are the Best Navy and Grey Paint Colors?
Here are some of the most popular and attractive navy and grey paint color combinations to get you started:
| Navy Paint Colors | Grey Paint Colors |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore Hale Navy | Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter |
| Sherwin-Williams Naval | Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Grey |
| Behr Dark Night | Behr Pale Oak |
| Valspar Deep Space | Valspar Northern Star |
| PPG Midnight Kiss | PPG Mindful Gray |
Some other popular navy shades to pair with grey include Farrow & Ball Hague Blue and Bakelite Navy, Pratt & Lambert Midnight Blue and Blues Antrim, and Pittsburg Paint Varick Blue.
For grey, try Benjamin Moore Grey Owl, Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray, Behr Silver Drop, and Valspar Cadet Grey.
Always sample colors on your wall before fully committing. Lighting affects how paints look. Be sure you like both colors together on your specific walls.
How do You Decorate a Room with Navy and Grey?
Here are some tips for beautifully decorating a room with navy and grey:
– Determine the 60-30-10 ratio you want. Use navy as the dominant color, grey as the secondary, and a crisp white or warm metallics as the accents.
– Select paint with matching undertones. A blue-based grey pairs best with blue-leaning navy. Coordinate sheens too for cohesion.
– Use navy on architectural elements like moldings, ceiling beams or an accent wall. Grey makes a lovely wall color.
– Incorporate grey and navy through soft furnishings like pillows, rugs and drapes. Add touches of wood and brass.
– Layer in artwork, accessories and greenery in cream, white and gold tones for contrast and visual interest.
– Limit patterns. Solids and subtle organic patterns work best. Make patterned chairs or pillows the focus.
– Use appropriate lighting fixtures like crystal chandeliers, sconces and lamps to brighten the space.
– Finish with cozy textural elements like woven throws, sheepskins and nubby linens to prevent a cold sterile feel.
The key is blending the two colors throughout the space, adding lighter and metallic accents, and creating depth through layered textures and sheens. The result is an elegant, inviting room with timeless appeal.
Conclusion
Navy and grey complement each other beautifully, creating a sophisticated color combination that works in any space. Analogous colors on the cool spectrum, navy and grey coordinate seamlessly while also providing contrast.
Use navy as the dominant shade on walls or larger furniture pieces, then weave grey in through accents. Finish the look with crisp whites, warm metallics, natural textures and proper lighting. With the right balance, navy and grey paint can craft interiors with refined yet relaxed elegance.
Next time you want to refresh a room, don’t overlook this versatile and classy color pairing. Navy and grey give you plenty of decorating possibilities.
