Grey walls can seem dark and dreary, but there are many ways to brighten up a room with grey walls. The key is to use light, bright decor and accent colors to add visual interest and lift the mood. Here are some tips for making a grey room feel fresh and lively.
Use white and other light colors
One of the easiest ways to brighten a grey room is by using white or other light, neutral tones in your decor. White has a crisp, clean look that pairs well with grey and makes the space feel more open and airy. Use white on ceilings, trim, furniture, bedding, curtains and rug for lots of brightening impact. Other light neutral tones like beige, cream and pale grey will also help reflect light around the room.
Add pops of color
While white and light neutrals create an overall bright backdrop, adding some colorful accents and accessories prevents the room from feeling washed out. Bold pops of accent colors like yellow, green, blue and orange make grey walls come alive. Use accent colors in artwork, pillows, flowers, blankets and other decorative items. Just a few colorful accents can make a dramatic difference.
Increase lighting
Proper lighting is key for brightening any space. Make sure your grey room has sufficient natural and artificial lighting. During the day, open blinds, curtains and shades to let in as much natural light as possible. Supplement with table lamps, sconces and overhead ceiling fixtures. Install dimmers so you can adjust the lighting mood. Position lights to illuminate the whole room, not just sections.
Add mirrors and metals
Mirrors and metallic accents are perfect for bouncing light around a grey room. Hang mirrors above furniture, on walls or lean them against walls. Choose mirrors with bright metallic frames for extra radiance. Use metallic finishes like chrome, silver and gold on lamps, vases, frames and other decorative pieces. Mirrored furniture like coffee tables and consoles also brighten.
Pick lighter flooring
Dark floors can make a grey room feel gloomy and closed in. Opt for light-colored flooring materials like light hardwoods, painted wood, pale laminate, off-white carpet or neutral tiles. Area rugs in light hues also help reflect light upwards into the space. If keeping existing dark floors, use plenty of light decor and add a large light rug to minimize the darkening effect.
Soften with natural textures
Natural fibers and textures help warm up grey’s sometimes cool, hard appearance. Layer in elements like linen curtains, wool rugs, rattan and wicker furniture, cotton throws and wood accents. Live plants also add freshness and vibrancy. If using wood furniture, choose pieces in light stains or bleached finishes rather than dark woods.
Let in the sunlight
Grey walls will appear brighter and lighter when bathed in natural sunlight. Position furniture to take advantage of sunlight streaming into the room. Keep window treatments open during the day to maximize sunshine. Sheer curtains diffuse light while still allowing it into the space. For windows lacking direct sunlight, consider adding adjustable sun lamps to simulate daylight.
| Decor Item | Color Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Pillows | Yellow, green, blue, orange |
| Artwork | Colorful prints, abstracts |
| Area rugs | Light neutrals like cream |
| Blankets | White, light blue, grey |
| Ceiling paint | White |
| Wall paint | White, beige, light grey |
| Furniture | White, light wood, mirrored |
| Window treatments | Sheer, light-filtering |
This table gives color suggestions for various decor items to brighten up a grey room.
Use reflective paint
Special reflective paints contain tiny flecks of mica that help bounce light around. Greige (a mix of grey and beige) reflective paint colors look great with grey walls. Or add pops of a reflective accent wall in a lighter tone. Just avoid glossy paints, which can make grey look cold and sterile.
Add wallpaper or textured wall accents
If you don’t want to repaint, consider applying wallpaper, removable wallpaper or textured wall panels. Choose patterns and textures in light, bright colors that complement the grey. Abstract prints, grasscloth and geometric patterns add visual interest. Or try 3D tile, shiplap and reclaimed wood planks for textural impact.
Don’t overlook the ceiling and trim
Painting your ceiling and trim a bright white has an immense impact in lightening up grey walls. Crisp white crown molding and baseboards also create a nice contrast against the darker grey. Painting the ceiling a lighter color than the walls makes the space feel larger and airier.
Rearrange and de-clutter
Sometimes just rearranging furniture or removing clutter is all you need to make a grey room brighter. Position furniture to allow light flow and pull pieces away from walls. Get rid of unnecessary bric-a-brac and organize items so surfaces don’t feel cluttered and dark. Streamlining creates a lighter, more spacious vibe.
Conclusion
Grey walls don’t have to drag down your room’s brightness if you take the right decorative approach. Use plenty of mirrors, metals, lighting and light-reflecting paints and textures. Go for light, bright accent colors and fabrics. Natural light is also your friend – allow it to flood the space whenever possible. With a few thoughtful tweaks, your grey room can feel fresh, vibrant and light-filled.
