Grey is a versatile neutral color that can work with a wide range of accent wall colors. When choosing an accent wall color to pair with grey, consider the undertones in the grey and the mood you want to create. Cool greys work well with bold, saturated colors, while warm greys pair better with earthy neutrals. Here are some of the best accent wall color options to complement a grey room:
Vibrant Colors
If your grey walls have cool undertones, vibrant accent walls in saturating colors can add striking contrast. Colors like navy blue, emerald green, brick red, or yellow catch the eye and make the grey recede. These bold accent colors draw attention and create an energizing, contemporary vibe. Just take care not to choose an accent color that clashes. Stick to one vibrant accent wall as too many bright colors may feel overwhelming.
Earthy Neutrals
For a more soothing, organic look, consider natural neutrals like tan, brown, slate blue, or sage green. Soft, muted accent colors like these work well with warm grey walls. Multiple neutral accent walls can create a harmonious, relaxed aesthetic. Pair them with wood accents and textured linens for a rustic cottage style. Avoid stark white, which can feel too harsh next to warm greys.
Metallic Sheens
Metallic accent walls are stylish and sophisticated with grey. Try a subtle champagne, pewter, bronze or silver wall to add a glam touch. Metallic sheens catch the light and add luminosity. Just be sure your grey doesn’t have strong cool undertones, or the accent wall may look dated. Warmer greys work best with metallic accent walls for a sleek, contemporary vibe.
Opposite Hues
Choose an accent wall color directly across from your grey on the color wheel for visual interest through contrast. For example, pair grey with orange, red-violet or chartreuse green. The complementary colors make your grey pop while creating a color block effect. Use this trick to make a dark charcoal grey feel lighter. Limit opposite hue accent walls to one, since too many complementary colors can be garish.
White Trim
For a clean, crisp contrast, white trim frames grey walls elegantly. Stark white molding and baseboards keep the look light and airy. White wainscoting or picture rail molding adds subtle detail. White door and window frames will get crisp definition against grey. Just avoid cold whites, which may clash with warm greys. Soft white or cream work best to accent warmer grey walls.
Creative Color Blocks
Why choose one accent wall when you can do two? Color blocking with bright and earthy hues creates an eye-catching geometric wall design. For example, pair peach and sage green or cyan and maroon. Coordinate the colors to your main grey wall color. Color blocking works best when the accent walls meet at a corner.
| Accent Color | Works Best With | Mood Created |
|---|---|---|
| Navy Blue | Cool greys | Dramatic, bold |
| Terracotta | Warm greys | Warm, earthy |
| Gold | Light to mid-tone greys | Glamorous |
| Sage Green | Warm or neutral greys | Soothing, calm |
| White | Any grey except very cool | Crisp, clean |
Factors to Consider
When selecting an accent color for your grey walls, here are some factors to keep in mind:
Undertones – Cool greys with blue or purple undertones pair best with bold accents, while warm greys work with earthy tones. Neutral greys are versatile. Look at your grey in different lights to determine its undertone.
Room Size – Small rooms can feel overwhelming with too-dark or bright accent walls. Pale neutrals open up a small space. Save the daring dark red accent wall for your open concept great room instead.
Use of Room – Formal living rooms and bedrooms feel more relaxing with muted accent walls. Vibrant accents in an office, dining room or kids’ playroom inject energy.
Architecture – Accent walls draw the eye. If your grey walls have special architectural details, choose an accent color that highlights rather than competes.
Personal Preference – Some people love the drama of a dark charcoal accent wall. Others find it dreary. Consider your own taste and comfort level.
Accent Wall Ideas
Here are some chic, on-trend accent wall ideas to try with grey walls:
– Navy blue adds modern drama
– Terracotta creates an earthy sophistication
– Metallic silver or gold for glamorous style
– Grasscloth or cork wallpaper for organic texture
– Shiplap wood planks for rustic charm
– Brick or stone for an urban loft vibe
– Pale blue-grey for a soothing spa palette
– Glossy lacquer in marigold or mint for retro appeal
– Geometric tile pattern to add dimensional style
– Upholstered headboard in colorful fabric for a bedroom pop
– Black chalkboard wall for a playful, artistic look
The options are endless! Accent walls give you a chance to showcase your personality. Just choose colors and materials that work cohesively with your grey wall color.
Choosing Paint Colors
When selecting grey and accent wall paint colors, bring home paint strips and sample pots to see the colors in your space. Grey takes on different undertones under different lighting. Natural daylight is best for assessing paint colors. Here are some gorgeous greys and complementary accent colors to try:
Grey Paint Colors:
– Benjamin Moore Stormy Sky
– Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
– Behr Peppercorn Grey
– Valspar Roving Grays
– Kilz Ponder
– Clark + Kensington Distant Gray
Accent Paint Colors:
– Benjamin Moore Caliente AF-290 (red)
– Sherwin Williams Naval SW 6244 (navy blue)
– Behr Canned Heat DEC737 (orange)
– Valspar Horizon Blue 5007-2A (teal)
– Kilz Blue Note KZ04 (denim)
– Clark + Kensington Ground Pepper ACL03 (charcoal)
Paint grey and accent walls in eggshell, satin or matte finish for rich color. High gloss paint would look too slick. For a textured look, use a metallic or sandstone paint finish. Be sure to get color-coordinated paint samples before committing to a palette.
Conclusion
The best accent wall colors to pair with grey create the mood, contrast and style you want. Cool greys sing with vibrant hues like emerald and brick red. Warm greys glow with earthy neutrals like tan and slate blue. For fun, try two colorful accent walls or add modern texture through shiplap or glossy lacquer paint. Look at grey’s undertones and bring home paint samples to find your perfect color pairing. The accent wall possibilities with grey are endless!
