What color compliments medium gray?
Medium gray is a versatile neutral color that can work well with a variety of complementary colors. When choosing a color to pair with medium gray, it’s important to consider the undertones of the gray and the effect you want to create. Warm grays with brown, red or yellow undertones compliment colors on the opposite side of the color wheel such as blues and greens. Cool grays with blue, purple or green undertones pair well with warm colors like reds, oranges and yellows. For a dynamic high-contrast look, choose a bold, saturated complement. For a more subtle, elegant look, choose a softer, muted shade. Here are some of the best color options to complement medium gray:
Blues
Blue is a classic complement for gray. The cool tone of blue works well with both warm and cool grays. Light blues create a relaxed, airy look. Bright blues pop against gray. Consider these blue shades to pair with medium gray:
– Sky blue
– Blue green
– Royal blue
– Navy blue
– Baby blue
| Blue Shade | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Sky Blue | #87CEEB |
| Blue Green | #009688 |
| Royal Blue | #4169E1 |
| Navy Blue | #000080 |
| Baby Blue | #89CFF0 |
A soft baby blue complements a warm medium gray beautifully in a bedroom or living area, creating a calm soothing look. Vibrant royal blue pairs strikingly with cool medium grays for an bold, elegant color combination.
Greens
Like blue, green is a cool tone that works as a natural complement to grays. Green symbolizes renewal, growth and harmony. Try these green hues with medium gray:
– Mint green
– Olive green
– Emerald green
– Forest green
– Seafoam green
| Green Shade | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Mint Green | #98FF98 |
| Olive Green | #808000 |
| Emerald Green | #50C878 |
| Forest Green | #228B22 |
| Seafoam Green | #7FFFD4 |
The softness of a mint green plays gently against a medium gray wall or area rug. Deep forest green makes a sophisticated pairing with gray in an office, library or den.
Yellows
Yellow brings warmth, optimism and cheerfulness to gray. For bright happy energy, yellow is perfect complement. Consider these yellow/orange hues with medium gray:
– Lemon yellow
– Mustard yellow
– Golden yellow
– Amber
– Peach
| Yellow/Orange Shade | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Lemon Yellow | #FFFF00 |
| Mustard Yellow | #FFDB58 |
| Golden Yellow | #FFDF00 |
| Amber | #FFBF00 |
| Peach | #FFE5B4 |
A bright lemon yellow chair pops against a medium gray sofa. Golden yellow bedding feels warm and cozy with gray walls. Peach and gray is a soft color scheme for a nursery.
Reds
Red adds excitement, passion and vibrancy when paired with medium gray. From rich burgundy to coral pink, red makes gray come alive. These red tones complement medium gray beautifully:
– Burgundy
– Crimson
– Scarlet
– Coral
– Blush
| Red Shade | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Burgundy | #800020 |
| Crimson | #DC143C |
| Scarlet | #FF2400 |
| Coral | #FF7F50 |
| Blush | #DE5D83 |
An accent wall in burgundy complements a medium gray sofa wonderfully. Vibrant scarlet throw pillows add pops of color to gray upholstery. Soft blush pink bedding warms up a gray foundation.
Purples
The cool elegance of purple balances nicely against medium gray. From moody deep purples to pretty lavenders, a pop of purple looks sophisticated. Choose from these purple hues:
– Eggplant
– Lilac
– Lavender
– Violet
– Plum
| Purple Shade | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Eggplant | #9932CC |
| Lilac | #C8A2C8 |
| Lavender | #E6E6FA |
| Violet | #EE82EE |
| Plum | #DDA0DD |
An eggplant sofa makes a bold, elegant statement against a medium gray wall. Pretty lavender bedding provides a soft complement to gray in a bedroom. Accent pillows in plum add a pop of color.
Neutrals
For a subtle, soothing look, pair medium gray with lighter and darker neutral tones of gray. Lighter grays create an airy open feel, while darker shades add cozy contrast. Natural neutrals like cream, beige and tan also complement medium gray beautifully. Consider these neutral shades:
– Light gray
– Charcoal gray
– Cream
– Beige
– Tan
| Neutral Shade | Hex Code |
|---|---|
| Light Gray | #D3D3D3 |
| Charcoal Gray | #36454F |
| Cream | #FFFDD0 |
| Beige | #F5F5DC |
| Tan | #D2B48C |
Pair light gray walls with medium gray trim for a subtle, elegant look. Charcoal gray dining chairs pop against a medium gray area rug. Cream bedding looks airy against a medium gray headboard. Beige and gray is a popular color scheme for contemporary living rooms.
Conclusion
Medium gray is an endlessly versatile neutral that pairs well with a wide spectrum of colors. Cool tones like blues, greens and purples create sophisticated, elegant combinations with gray. Warm shades like yellow, red and peach bring energy and vibrancy. For a calming monochromatic look, pair light and dark grays. Medium gray also works beautifully with creamy neutrals like beige and tan.
When choosing a complement for medium gray, consider the undertones of the gray as well as the room and mood you want to create. A vibrant shade makes a bold statement, while a softer muted tone provides an airy relaxed feel. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect color pairing for medium gray.
