Gray is a versatile neutral color that can work with a wide range of accent colors from bold and bright to subtle and muted. When decorating with gray, it’s important to consider the undertones of the particular shade you are working with as well as the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Warm grays work well with earth tones and jewel tones while cool grays pair better with pastels and neon brights. Ultimately the choice comes down to personal preference, but some tried-and-true color combinations can serve as a helpful guide.
Warm neutral grays
Warm grays have undertones of brown, tan, beige or taupe. They make cozy backdrops for rich, dramatic colors.
Bright red – A true red pops against warm gray. It creates an energetic, vibrant look. Use in accessories or paint an accent wall red.
Turquoise – From bright aqua to deeper teal, turquoise makes gray feel uplifting. Together they exude beachy, tropical appeal.
Purple – Lavender, lilac, orchid or violet offset a warm gray in feminine, romantic fashion. Deep plums and wines also pair nicely.
Mustard yellow – Earthy mustard yellow complements the tan undertones in warm gray. Use touches of the sunny hue or go bold with mustard walls.
Forest green – Deep green hues like emerald, olive and moss contain gray undertones that harmonize with warm grays. The combo feels natural yet stylish.
Navy blue – From light powder blue to classic navy, these cool blues contrast with warm grays in a sophisticated way. Blue evokes calming watercolor hues.
Camel – Shades of light camel and brown make smart neutral pairings with warm grays. Keep the look minimalist but welcoming.
Cool neutral grays
Cool grays have blue, green or purple undertones. They provide ideal backdrops for both soft pastels and vivid brights.
Light pink – Blush pink, bashful pink and baby pink all cozy up nicely to cool grays. Feminine and sweet, the pairing feels fresh and cheerful.
Mint green – Cool and crisp, mint pairs perfectly with gray whether you opt for peppermint or a blue-tinged frost green. Ideal for contemporary spaces.
Coral – From peach to salmon to orangey coral, these colors liven up cool gray backgrounds. Together they feel summery and beach-inspired.
Yellow – Soft buttercream, bright lemon and goldenrod yellow make happy pairings with gray. Opt for a pastel shade or vibrant hue.
Sky blue – Serene sky blue brings out the subtle blue undertones in cool grays. Think breezy, cloudless days by the sea.
Lime green – Vivid lime green really pops against cool gray. Use this eye-catching combo in youthful, modern rooms or to punch up minimalist spaces.
Lavender – Lightweight and dreamy, lavender harmonizes with gray whether you prefer a baby blue-tinged hue or slightly warmer purple.
Warm and cool grays together
You can also mix and match warm and cool grays together. Often one will dominate while the other plays a supporting role.
Olive green and teal blue – Earthy olive green and bright teal complement a combo of warm and cool grays. There’s nice balance between neutral and colorful.
Burgundy and powder blue – Deep burgundy wine injects drama while powder blue adds subtle contrast against mixed grays.
Cobalt and peach – Vibrant cobalt blue plays off warm peach in an energetic yet sophisticated way. Mixed grays unite the two.
Pale yellow and dark teal – Soft creamy yellow prevents dark teal from feeling too somber against mixed grays. The effect is fresh yet grounded.
Plum and sage green – Moody plum pairs with cheerful sage green in a stylish blend of light and dark. Grays bridge the gap between the two.
Scarlet and cornflower blue – These vivid primaries really sing against a canvas of gray. Scarlet provides the energy while cornflower blue cools things down.
Camel and brick red – Earthy camel brown and rustic brick red feel cozy and casual with mixed warm and cool grays. A great palette for family spaces.
Monochromatic with gray
Don’t overlook a monochromatic scheme where gray takes center stage. Add visual interest by playing with contrasting tones and textures.
Charcoal, pewter, silver – Go dark and dramatic with charcoal, lighten up with polished pewter or add sheen with silver. The possibilities are endless.
Heather, ash, smoke – These hazy tones work well in bedrooms, living rooms and other tranquil spaces meant for relaxation.
Concrete, stone, granite – Replicate these hard surfaces to give gray an earthy, organic feel. Incorporate natural textures and materials.
Shale, slate, flint – From dark shale to gray-blue slate to speckled flint, mineral tones inject an outdoorsy vibe.
Lead, mercury, steel – Cold industrial metals like lead, mercury and steel pair well with gray in modern masculine spaces.
Platinum, tin, nickel – Silvery metals also complement gray. Platinum and tin feel refined while nickel has an antique brushed effect.
Shadow, fog, mist – These weather-inspired shades of gray can create dreamy, ethereal spaces. Use sparingly for a light touch of color.
Conclusion
When working with gray, carefully choose accent colors that complement the undertones in the particular shade of gray you’ve selected. Warm grays look best with richer, bolder colors while cool grays suit softer muted hues or vivid brights. Monochromatic schemes let gray shine as the star, while mixing warm and cool shades creates nuanced neutral layers. Trust your instincts and have fun playing with color combinations until you find the perfect palette for your space and style.
