Grey is one of the most versatile colours in interior design. It provides a timeless, neutral foundation that effortlessly complements a range of styles, from minimalist to maximalist, boho to scandi, and cosy. However, its greatest strength lies in its remarkable ability to harmonise with other colours. Whether you’re working with pale greys or deep charcoal tones, knowing what colours go well with grey can completely transform a room.
This blog will explore the best colour pairings for grey, from light grey to dark grey, and offer practical tips and tricks for styling grey with other colours in your home.
Grey strikes a perfect balance between warm and cool tones, offering remarkable versatility. It can be soft and understated or bold and dramatic, adapting effortlessly to any space. From curtains, cushions, throws, and bedding, grey enhances every element with its timeless appeal.
Whether you're creating a sleek, minimalist look or a vibrant, eclectic space, grey’s versatility makes it the ideal canvas for other colours. It's undoubtedly one of the most adaptable shades available.
Whether you prefer a light and airy grey that brings a sense of calm and openness to a space, or a dark and moody charcoal that adds depth and sophistication, these carefully curated colour pairings are designed to inspire your interior scheme.
By combining shades that complement and enhance each other, these palettes will help you elevate your interior design, creating spaces that feel balanced, stylish, and uniquely yours.
White naturally complements grey, offering a clean, bright contrast that effortlessly enhances every shade of grey. Envision a tranquil, modern living space with a soft grey sofa paired with white throws and cushions. To achieve this style in the bedroom, combine a crisp white bedding set with a plush charcoal grey throw and coordinating grey cushions to achieve a sophisticated, sleek and enduring style.
Whether you're wondering what colours go with grey or trying to brighten up a room, white is always a safe and stylish choice.
Pink tones, especially blush and dusty rose, bring a touch of warmth to any grey palette. Lighter pinks pair elegantly with silvery greys, creating a soft, romantic ambience that is both airy and refined. This pairing is perfect for spaces like bedrooms, where a calming atmosphere is key, or for living rooms that prioritise warmth and subtle charm. Think cosy pink cushions and pink throws paired with grey bedding for a soothingly stylish finish.
Deeper greys like charcoal provide a striking contrast to pink, making it stand out in a more dramatic, contemporary way. This bold combination works wonderfully in modern living rooms or even office spaces, bringing a sense of sophistication and style.
This colour combination effortlessly blends versatility with timeless charm, making it perfect for creating either a subtle atmosphere or a bold statement. Looking to add a touch of romance to your space? Check out our simple ways to add romance to your room for more advice.
Warm neutrals offer a counterpoint to grey’s cooler undertones. Combine grey with warmer shades like taupe, beige, or cream to create a modern yet inviting atmosphere. Effortlessly blend grey and beige cushions, or drape cream throws over a grey sofa for a touch of elegance. Beige curtains can perfectly complement a grey wall, enhancing the room's warmth.
This sophisticated pairing is ideal for scandi or minimalist interiors, emphasising soft layers and understated design.
Not sure what your interior style is? Explore our interior style guide for inspiration and ideas to help you discover the perfect look for your home.
To give a grey interior scheme a bold, polished edge, try incorporating black homeware pieces, an excellent choice for industrial-style interiors. In light grey spaces, incorporating subtle black elements such as cushions, throws or curtains can create a sleek and sophisticated look.
Even in darker grey rooms, black details can add depth and structure. Just remember to balance them with lighter accents to prevent the space from feeling overly enclosed.
Whether you’re opting for the tranquil charm of pale duck egg blue to create a calming, coastal feel, or the striking depth of navy and cobalt for a bold, dramatic contrast, blue and grey remain a timeless pairing in interior design.
Light greys and soft blues create an atmosphere of openness and tranquillity, perfect for the bedroom. To incorporate this serene pairing in a bedroom, consider light grey bedding accented with light blue cushions, and a crisp white throw to harmonise the scheme.
Navy blue and dark grey combinations can create a sleek, moody palette that feels modern. Think blue curtains with grey bedding, or a grey sofa with pops of blue cushions. Perfect for spaces that are seeking a moodier ambience and feel.
If you’re stuck on what colours go with light grey, try layering in blue tones for an easy, effortless win.
Bring the tranquillity of nature indoors with a green and grey colour scheme. Sage green, a particularly popular hue, offers a muted yet rich neutral that perfectly complements the growing trend of biophilic design. Incorporate grey walls and effortless green accents, such as gorgeous cushions, cosy throws, and curtains, to create a harmonious and revitalising space, perfect for living rooms and bedrooms alike.
For a serene and contemporary feel, pair light greys with sage greens and olive accents for a rejuvenating pop of colour. Alternatively, deep grey combined with emerald or teal can evoke a cosy, earthy ambience.
Discover more about biophilic design, an approach that incorporates natural elements, such as pops of green, into indoor spaces to promote well-being, by exploring our biophilic guide.
Yellow adds energy and brightness to grey palettes, creating a balance that is both bold and cohesive. When combined with light grey walls, mustard yellow accents, such as cushions, curtains, or throws, offer a warm and inviting pop of colour that blends seamlessly.
Mustard and ochre shades, when paired with darker grey furnishings or walls, create a striking contrast that evokes a cosy, retro atmosphere. This combination is ideal for living rooms or office spaces designed to inspire energy and rejuvenation.
To brighten dark grey interiors, yellow is an excellent and vibrant choice.
Pairing grey with the right colours is just the beginning, how you style it makes all the difference. Create depth and visual interest by layering various shades of grey. For instance, a mid-grey wall combined with charcoal throws and soft grey cushions can achieve a beautifully balanced look, even without adding other colours.
To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, introduce cosy textures such as boucle cushions, elegant velvet accents, plush fleece, or luxurious faux fur throws. These elements will add depth and comfort, preventing the space from feeling cold or uninviting. These textures are essential for bringing comfort and richness to a predominantly grey palette.
Grey serves as an ideal canvas for exploring patterns, whether you prefer something understated or eye-catching. Enhance your space with patterned curtains, decorative geometric cushions, or playful bedding featuring stripes or floral designs.
There are a few common mistakes to watch out for. Using too much grey without contrast can make a space feel bland, and ignoring undertones, whether blue, green, or purple, can lead to clashing combinations. Also, be mindful of lighting, dark greys absorb light, so they work best in well-lit areas unless you're deliberately creating a cosy, cocoon-like atmosphere.
More than just a neutral, grey is a colour staple of interior design schemes that can define your home's entire atmosphere. Whether your vision is serene minimalism or opulent depth, understanding complementary colours to grey unlocks a spectrum of design potential.
We'd love to see the colour pairings you've created with grey in your space, so don’t forget to share with us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. We can’t wait to see all the exciting combinations you create!