Silver grey is a popular neutral color that can work with a variety of shades. When decorating with silver grey, it’s important to consider what tones will complement it best. Certain colors can make silver grey pop, while others may clash or make it recede. With some strategic pairings, you can make silver grey the star of your color scheme.
Warm Metallics
Bringing in fellow metals like gold, copper and bronze can create an elegant, glamorous look. Metallics also play up the natural sheen of silver grey. Golds with a rosy undertone and coppers with orange lean warmer, making an invigorating contrast against the cool silver grey. Here are some warm metallics that work beautifully with silver grey:
- Rose gold
- Antique gold
- Champagne gold
- Bronze
- Copper
When using warm metallics, opt for a metallic sheen rather than a flat or matte finish. The subtle interplay of light on the metallic surfaces makes for a sophisticated look. Warm metallics bring energy into a silver grey scheme.
Jewel Tones
Vibrant jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue and ruby red give silver grey bold, exciting partners. The intensity of these colors lets the silver grey recede into an elegant neutral backdrop. At the same time, the silver grey tempers the saturation of the jewel tones, preventing them from becoming overbearing. Here are some rich jewel tones that complement silver grey beautifully:
- Sapphire blue
- Emerald green
- Ruby red
- Amethyst purple
- Topaz
Deeper, cooler hues tend to work best with silver grey. Lighten up the saturation if the jewel tones start to overwhelm. Smaller accents of these colors can make as much impact as large swaths.
Greys
Mixing silver grey with other neutral grey tones creates subtle, sophisticated palettes. Monochromatic schemes emphasize the nuances between shades of grey. Layering grey on grey adds depth and dimension. Here are some greys that partner elegantly with silver grey:
- Charcoal grey
- Dove grey
- Cloud grey
- Smoke grey
- Steel grey
Cooler greys tend to heighten the sophistication of silver grey. Warmer greys can impart a relaxing effect. Consider lightness values as well – lighter shades placed near silver grey make it appear darker and vice versa. Greys are fail-safe partners for silver grey in both bold contemporary and traditional schemes.
Crisp White
No color makes silver grey shine quite like classic white. The stark contrast makes both colors pop. White also illuminates and lightens up the tone of silver grey. This high-impact pairing creates modern, elegant spaces. Consider these shades of white to set off silver grey:
- Bright white
- Crisp white
- Clean white
- Snow white
- Stark white
The purity of white makes an impressive counterpoint to the sophistication of silver grey. Use white liberally with silver grey to open up and energize a space. All-white with silver grey accents also channels a contemporary minimalist aesthetic.
Black
On the flipside, black is a moody, dramatic partner for silver grey. The combination instantly creates an edgy, modern feel with a hint of futurism. Black intensifies the sophistication of silver grey. Here are some black tones to pair with silver grey:
- Jet black
- Matte black
- Flat black
- Licorice black
- Ebony black
Consider playing with textures and matte versus shine to add visual interest. Use black in moderation to avoiding looking too stark and somber. Touches of black give silver grey schemes gravitas and luxury.
Pastels
Soft, subdued pastels create a serene feel against silver grey. They keep the look light and airy while adding a subtle pop of color. Pastels from cooler purple, blue and green families tend to work best with silver grey. Here are some pastel partners:
- Lavender
- Powder blue
- Mint green
- Seafoam green
- Cornflower blue
Use pastels in finishes with soft sheens to prevent them from feeling too jarring against the metallic silver grey. Try thicker, more solid applications rather than washes of pastel which can appear too insubstantial.
Earth Tones
Natural earth tones complement the organic mineral feel of silver grey. Subtle, sandy neutrals make soothing partners. Silvery greys even occur alongside earth tones in nature, like granite stone. Here are some earthy hues that seamlessly match with silver grey:
- Mushroom
- Greige
- Fawn
- Buff
- Putty
Matte, textural finishes enhance the natural connection between silver grey and earth tones. Use earth tones when you want to relax the feel of silver grey in a casual, organic space.
Which Color Combos Work Best with Different Silver Grey Tones?
The specific silver grey shade also influences which colors suit it best. Here are combinations tailored to lighter, medium and darker silver greys:
Light Silver Greys
- White – creates clean, modern look
- Pastels – complements soft, airy feel
- Warm metallics – brings out metallic sheen
- Greys – sophisticated, elegant layered look
Medium Silver Greys
- Jewel tones – bold, glamorous contrast
- Earth tones – grounded, organic feel
- Black – stylish, moody drama
- Strong whites – bright, energetic pop
Dark Silver Greys
- Black – intense, sleek sophistication
- Greys – enhances monochromatic dimension
- Metallics – reflects glimmers of shine
- White – punctuates darkness with light
In general, lighter silver greys pair well with lighter, more delicate colors, while darker silvers match bold, saturated shades. Medium silver greys provide the most flexibility. However, there are always exceptions, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
How to Use Contrasting Colors Together with Silver Grey
It may seem counterintuitive to combine clashing colors with silver grey, but this can actually take your scheme to the next level. The key is using the contrasting colors thoughtfully as accents. Here are some tips:
- Use smaller amounts of contrasting colors. A little goes a long way.
- Employ contrasting colors in accessories like pillows, rugs and artwork instead of walls or large furniture.
- Anchor contrasting colors with plenty of silver grey to neutralize the clash.
- Repeat complementary colors from the contrasting color to ease the transition.
- Use textural contrasts along with color contrasts for added intrigue.
Don’t be afraid to take some risks with unexpected combinations like silver grey, mustard yellow and ruby red. The silver grey neutralizes any potential discord.
Top Color Combination Examples with Silver Grey
Here are five stunning, tried-and-true color schemes using silver grey:
1. Silver Grey, White and Soft Sage Green
The clean silver grey and white provide fresh contrast to the earthy, soothing sage green in small touches. Think silver grey walls, bright white trim, and sage green rugs, pillows and artwork.
2. Silver Grey, Deep Red and Black
The bold play of silver grey, black and ruby red makes a dramatic impact. Use in a dining room or living area with silver grey walls, black dining chairs or sofa, and ruby red accents.
3. Silver Grey, Cornflower Blue and Copper
The mix of silver grey, airy cornflower blue, and warm copper makes for a vibrant, glamorous look. A bedroom scheme with silver grey walls, cornflower blue bedding, and copper lamps would shine.
4. Silver Grey, White, Light Wood Tones
Layering natural light wood furniture against silver grey and white achieves a stylish, organic aesthetic. Use in a living room with silver grey walls, white trim, and light wood console, shelves and coffee table.
5. Silver Grey, Black, Gold Accents
Combining silver grey and black with touches of gold creates instant elegance. For a dining space, use black chairs around a silver grey table topped with gold charger plates and accessories.
Conclusion
Silver grey is endlessly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide spectrum of colors. Complementary neutrals like white, black and earth tones are foolproof choices. For bold contrasts, look to warm metallics, jewel tones and pastels tailored to the specific silver grey tone. Thoughtful use of contrasting colors can take the look to the next level. With so many options, you’re sure to find a winning combination that brings out the best in silver grey for stylish, livable spaces.
