Grey is a versatile neutral color that can work with a wide range of accent colors. When decorating with grey, it’s important to consider the undertone of the grey and the mood you want to create. Cool greys work well with colors like blues, greens, and purples, while warm greys pair nicely with reds, oranges, yellows, and browns. The accent color you choose can either contrast with the grey to make it pop, or coordinate softly with similar tones. Here are some of the most popular accent colors for grey and tips on how to use them effectively.
Bold and Contrasting Accent Colors
If you want certain elements like pillows, art, or furniture to stand out against a grey backdrop, choose an accent color that contrasts strongly. Bold and saturated hues contrast most with grey.
Yellow
A bright, sunny yellow makes grey feel warmer and lighter. Use yellow accents in rooms with cool-toned greys to brighten the space. Try pairing yellow with grey and white for a fresh, contemporary look. Mustard yellow works well with greige or taupe greys.
Orange
Pumpkin orange, coral, or terra cotta add energy and warmth to grey decor. Orange makes a fun accent in a grey and white scheme. Try different shades of orange to complement warm or cool undertones.
Red
Scarlet, crimson, burgundy – all shades of red pop against grey. Red accents add drama, passion, and excitement to a grey palette. Use metallic silvers and greys to tone down bright reds. Blush pinks also look beautiful with grey and add a softer romantic vibe.
Royal Blue
Vibrant blues aregorgeous with grey and easy to decorate with. Navy blue accentuates lighter grey hues, while brighter blues like cerulean or turquoise complement charcoal greys. Blue and grey evoke cool, relaxed feelings.
Emerald Green
Deep greens look refined and luxurious against grey. Sage greens also coordinate nicely with greys. Greens and greys create natural, peaceful spaces. Use green plants and accents in a grey room to bring the outdoors in.
Soft, Coordinating Accent Colors
For a more subtle, coordinated look, choose an accent color in the same shade family as the grey. Soft earth tones, pastels, and jeweled tones create soothing, elegant spaces.
Light Blue
Soft powdery blues work beautifully with grey. Light blue has a similar cool undertone as many greys, so they complement each other well. Use light blue and grey together for a restful, comfortable ambiance.
Lavender
Pale purple or lilac accents give grey a refined, romantic feeling. Lavender helps warm up cool greys and provides a uplifting yet soothing accent color. Use pale greys with lavender accents in bedrooms or bathrooms.
Blush Pink
Since blush and rose golds lean slightly grey, they make pretty accents for grey decor. Pair these soft pinks with warm greys and taupes for a feminine, yet still neutral look. Blush pinks give cool greys a warmer, more welcoming vibe.
Sage Green
Earthy sage greens contain grey undertones that seamlessly blend with greys. Use sage to accent greige, driftwood, or warm greys. Sage and grey evoke natural serenity.
Beige and Tan
If you want an ultra-neutral palette, beige, sand, and tan are safe bets with grey. Stick to a narrow range of tone to keep the look cohesive instead of muddy. Add texture and warmth with natural accents like rattan, wood, and linen.
Choosing Greys for Different Accent Colors
The specific grey tone you choose makes a difference in how accent colors look. Here are tips for choosing greys to coordinate with various accent hues:
Cool Accents
– Blues: Pair with light cool greys like platinum, silver, or icy greys.
– Greens: Complement with blue-based grey or blue-greens like sage. Avoid orangey greys.
– Purples: Light greys work best. Charcoal can look harsh with soft lavenders and lilacs.
Warm Accents
– Yellows: Pair with greige, taupe, warm medium greys, or brown-greys. Avoid bluish greys.
– Oranges: Greige, brown-greys, and warm light greys allow orange to pop.
– Pinks: Rose golds and blush pair well with French greys or warm medium greys.
Neutrals
– Tans: Match similar undertones. Yellow-based greys with yellow-based tans. Avoid clashing tones.
– Whites/Creams: Most shades of grey work with off-whites or cream. Adjust warmth/coolness as needed.
Tips for Using Accent Colors with Grey
– Stick to 2-4 accent colors for a cohesive look. Too many accent colors with grey can feel busy.
– Repeat accent colors throughout a space for continuity. Use accents in artwork, pillows, rugs and other decorative accessories.
– Adjust proportions to allow grey or the accent color to dominate as needed. Don’t let strong accents overwhelm the space.
– Add metallic sheens like silver, gold, or copper to grey and accent colors for more glam and interest.
– Add texture and pattern through accent fabrics and furniture. Layer wood, tile, leather, velvet, etc.
– Change up the grey in a room by painting walls, large furniture, or cabinets different grey tones.
– Use grey as the accent color in rooms where you want to feature a vibrant wall color or interior.
Examples of Grey and Accent Color Schemes
Here are some stunning examples of grey interiors with different accent colors:
Grey and Yellow
This contemporary grey and white living room uses bright yellow pillows and artwork as bold accents. The yellow warms up the cool greys and prevents an icy, sterile feel. Yellow accessories inject cheerful energy.
Grey and Orange
This dining room keeps a relaxed, neutral base of warm greys and oak wood furniture. Pops of terracotta on the chairs and dark teal curtains provide an earthy, autumnal accent palette. The greys temper the strong colors.
Grey and Red
Dramatic red makes a sophisticated statement against the grey walls and sofa in this living area. Red velvet chairs complement the cool greys while the silver pillows tie the whole look together. Red provides a luxe, glamorous accent.
Grey and Green
The sea green velvet sofa instantly livens up this grey living room. Green foliage connects the palette with nature for an organic, calming ambiance. Cool greys allow the vibrant green accent to take center stage.
Grey and Pink
Soft rose gold accents in the pillows, decor and chairs feminize the grey palette in this bedroom. The warm taupe grey walls and bedding coordinate beautifully with the blush pink touches for a peaceful atmosphere.
Conclusion
Grey offers a stylish, neutral backdrop that works with a diverse range of accent colors. Cool greys pair best with bold cool hues like blues, greens and purples, while warm greys look beautiful with hot accent colors like yellow, orange and red. For a more subtle effect, choose soft earth tones, pastels and neutral shades that share similar undertones with the grey. Consider the mood and look you want to achieve, and select accents that enhance the grey base. With the right accent colors, grey decor can look crisp and contemporary, warm and cozy, dramatic or romantic. Have fun exploring different grey and accent color combinations.
