What colors go with bluish gray paint?
Bluish gray is a popular neutral paint color that can work in many rooms and complement a variety of decor styles. When choosing colors to pair with bluish gray, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll discuss the best colors to combine with bluish gray and provide visual examples to inspire your home’s color palette.
Opt for contrasting hues
One of the easiest ways to make bluish gray walls stand out is to pair them with contrasting accent colors. Bluish grays have hints of blue, so colors on the opposite side of the color wheel like oranges, reds, yellows, and some shades of green will pop against the cool gray backdrop.
For example, a burnt orange throw pillow on a bluish gray sofa makes the orange appear extra vibrant. Or consider sunny yellow curtains against bluish gray walls in a kitchen – the combo feels fresh and energizing. Just make sure to stick to accent colors and not overpower the bluish gray.
Try light tints of bluish gray
Tinting is when you add white to a color to lighten the shade. Going a few tints lighter or darker with the same bluish gray paint color creates a cohesive, monochromatic look. Use a lighter tint on the ceiling and trim, for instance, and a deeper shade on the walls.
Benjamin Moore’s Covington Gray is a popular bluish gray wall color, and their Silvery Moon works beautifully as a slightly lighter tint for the ceiling and molding. Different tints add subtle contrast without clashing.
Mix and match shades of blue
Since bluish grays inherently have blue undertones, pairing them with true blues is always a safe bet. Try navy blue throw pillows on a bluish gray sofa or a medium blue area rug with bluish gray walls. The similar cool palette will flow nicely.
You can also choose blues with different undertones, like mixing a greenish-tinged blue fabric with a purplish-gray wall color. Just ensure the saturation levels are comparable – soft muted blues with soft bluish grays, for example. Avoid pairing an electric bright blue with a mellow bluish gray.
Consider green accents
Green is analogous to blue on the color wheel, meaning it naturally combines well with bluish gray. Sage green, forest green, lime green, and mint green all coordinate beautifully with various shades of bluish gray.
The key is to match the saturation level – soft muted greens work best with softer bluish grays. Try pale mint dish towels and wall art against a very light bluish gray kitchen. Or bring in deeper hunter green and charcoal accents into a living room with dark bluish gray walls. The green picks up the subtle blue undertones.
Add calm creams and whites
For a soothing, airy look try pairing bluish gray with creamy off-whites or bright clean whites. Crisp white trim molding and ceilings keep a room feeling bright against bluish gray walls. Ivory or cream upholstered furniture and accessories add warmth.
White kitchen cabinets and marble countertops offset a bluish gray island base beautifully. Use white dishes and towels to lighten up the look. In bedrooms, white bedding keeps the palette relaxing and bright against bluish gray walls. Add some creamy natural wood tones for balance.
Use metallic sheens and leather
Metallic accents like brass, silver, pewter and stainless steel bring out the sophisticated urban feel of bluish gray. Try metallic bar stools, chrome tables, silver table decor and more. Leather furniture, headboards and leather-look upholstery also complement bluish grays nicely, creating a stylish, upscale atmosphere.
In industrial and contemporary spaces, pairing hard bluish gray walls with sleek metallics and black leather makes the room feel luxe and masculine. Or use softer metallic accessories like mercury glass and brushed nickel lighting against airy, pale bluish grays for a glam effect.
Go for moody jewel tones
Looking to create a moody, enveloping space with bluish gray walls or furniture? Bring in rich, dark jewel tone accent colors like sapphire, emerald, amethyst and ruby. Deep gem-inspired hues make the bluish grays feel more sophisticated and enveloping.
Try using eggplant purple curtains, jewel-toned accent pillows, dramatic abstract art or a bold emerald area rug against darker charcoal bluish gray walls. Candlelight and black metals finishes complete the luxe look. Just stick to one jewel tone as the accent to avoid looking too busy.
Contrast with warm earth tones
To balance out the cool tones of bluish gray, introduce natural earthy hues like browns, taupes, tans and terracotta. Bluish gray walls or furniture feel more grounded and welcoming when you add elements like:
– Espresso end tables
– Cream and brown striped area rug
– Terracotta vases
– Driftwood decor
– Beige upholstered headboard
Wood furniture also adds great warmth against bluish grays. The natural texture makes the space feel casually inviting. Stick to matte finishes rather than orange-toned glossy wood for best effect.
Try popular color pairings
Here are some of the most popular, go-to colors that work with all shades of bluish gray:
| Crisp White | Charcoal |
| Beige | Yellow |
| Light Blue | Sage Green |
| Cream | Navy |
| Pale Green | Terracotta |
These versatile hues complement bluish grays beautifully in all types of home decor. Feel free to mix and match from the palette above to create custom color combinations.
Conclusion
Bluish gray paint opens up many possibilities for elegant, inviting and serene room designs. From crisp whites to rich jewel tones, bluish grays work nicely with a wide range of colors. Just remember to pay attention to undertones and saturation to find the most harmonious color combinations. Balance out the cool grays with warm metallics, leather textures, natural wood and earthy hues. With the right accent colors, you can showcase the chic, cozy appeal of bluish gray paint to its full potential in any space.
