Grey is a popular neutral color choice for living room furniture. It provides a sophisticated, yet soothing backdrop for vibrant accent colors and textures. When decorating a grey living room, it’s important to choose complementary colors and materials that enhance thepalette. Here’s an overview of what works well with grey living room furniture:
Warm Metallics
Metallic accents in warm, golden tones balance out cool grey hues. Try incorporating brass, copper or gold finished lamps, mirrors, frames and accessories. These metallic touches add subtle glamour. Gold, bronze or champagne upholstered pillows and throws also complement grey furniture.
Crisp White
White has a clean, fresh effect next to grey. Solid white, off-white or ivory pillows, area rugs and window treatments keep the space light and airy. White painted walls, ceilings and moldings help grey furniture stand out. Crisp white shelving, cabinets and side tables provide contrast.
Earthy Textures
Natural fiber rugs like jute, sisal or sea grass add organic texture and warmth. Layer rustic wood tables or whitewashed crates as side tables. Incorporate touches of greenery with indoor plants or floral arrangements. Try a wooden coffee table with a live edge for raw texture.
Bold Colors
Vibrant jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue or ruby red enliven grey living rooms. Use bold colored throw pillows, area rugs, art and accessories. Paint or wallpaper an accent wall in a dramatic hue. Vivid colors should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the neutral grey palette.
Black and White
A classic black and white scheme looks elegant with grey. Try black end tables, white shelving, black and white photography, and a large statement area rug with black and white stripes or geometric pattern. Stick to high contrast for best effect.
Warm Woods
Rich wood finishes add organic warmth to soft grey upholstery. Mid-tone woods like walnut, mahogany or teak make beautiful coffee tables, media consoles, sideboards and bookshelves. Painted or stained in espresso or mocha hues also complement grey nicely.
Cool Pastels
Soft pastel hues like powder blue, pale pink or lavender create a soothing ambiance with grey. Use pastel art, pillows, lamps or flowering plants as accents. Paint walls or cabinetry in a light pastel shade. The muted colors blend harmoniously with grey.
Key Furniture Pieces
Certain furniture choices can make or break a grey living room. Here are some key pieces to focus on:
Sofa/Seating
A grey sofa immediately establishes the room’s neutral palette. Flank with charcoal or light grey chairs. Tufted and linen sofas work well.
Rugs
Natural fiber or patterned rugs anchor grey furniture while adding texture. Avoid rugs that are also grey.
Coffee and Side Tables
Glass, wood, marble or metal tables provide surface interest. At least one wooden table injects warmth.
Shelving
White bookcases, cabinets and wall-mounted shelving pops against grey furniture. Open shelving keeps the room airy.
Lighting
Metallic lamps, sconces and chandeliers make a statement and reflect light beautifully.
Tips for Grey Living Rooms
When working with grey furniture, keep these tips in mind:
– Layer in plenty of textures like nubby throws, natural fiber rugs and woven baskets for visual interest.
– Incorporate ambient lighting like floor lamps, sconces and pendant lights for a cozy glow.
– Use grey selectively – avoid grey on grey. Vary shades from light dove to charcoal.
– Add personalized art, photos, books and accessories to give the room personality.
– Evergreen or eucalyptus plants bring life without bold color.
– Flank a grey sofa with marble topped end tables or woven footstools.
– Try an overdyed rug in grey tones for subtle neutral pattern underfoot.
Recommended Color Combinations
Some failproof color combinations to try with grey living room furniture:
| Grey Color | Complementary Colors |
|---|---|
| Light dove grey | Crisp white, powder blue |
| Medium grey | Black and white graphic, emerald green |
| Charcoal grey | Gold, champagne, ruby red |
| Heathered grey | Rustic woods, fern green |
Conclusion
Grey furniture provides a stylish, neutral foundation for any living room. When balanced with the right mix of colors, textures and materials it creates a sophisticated space. Key ideas include warming it up with gold, brass and wood tones, punching it up with bold jewel tones, keeping it light with crisp white, or complementing it with nature inspired pastels and plants. With the proper accents, a grey living room achieves an elegant, inviting and timelessly chic aesthetic.