Among the basic colors, gray can rightly be considered the most interesting and versatile. Dozens of shades that look completely different, the nobility and restraint of this achromat make it easy to fit it into any palette, even if you are not a designer. In this article, we tell you what colors gray goes best with and show photos of the most successful combinations.
The best color combinations in the interior of gray
Peculiarities
The best combinations
— With white and black
— With beige
— with yellow
— with green
— with red
— With blue
— With pink
— with orange
— with brown
Peculiarities
Gray causes many conflicting associations. One he seems faceless, boring, gloomy. Others — luxurious, elegant, expensive. In fact, it all depends on the chosen tone, textures and environment. The color spectrum has about 200 shades of this color, and among them you can definitely find a suitable one for a particular interior.
This achromat is obtained from the equivalent combination of red, green and blue, which is why it is so versatile. There are light and dark, cold and warm, deep and more airy variations of gray, which are perceived in completely different ways. Thanks to this, it is not only easy to combine with other elements of the palette, but can also be used in any role: both as a base (for example, in decoration) and as an additional color (furniture, textiles, large decor).
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What colors go with gray in the interior
Achromat fits into any palette and is «friendly» with most shades. Consider the colors that go best with dark or light gray.
White and black
As always, the trio of achromats feel great in each other’s company. However, this is not such a simple combination as it might seem at first: it is important to choose the right proportions, textures and accents so that the interior does not look too faceless.
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Black and white interior — gray here becomes a kind of transitional element between white and black, softens the contrast, makes the space more comfortable. In this case, it is better to use dense warm tones (biscuit, grage, mother-of-pearl, moss color).
- The basis for accents — all three achromats play the role of a neutral background, and their ensemble is diluted with a rich contrasting color (or even several), which is used accentuated to add brightness to the setting. Most often it is yellow, orange, blue, green or red.
Pay special attention to the amount of black in the palette — it should not be too much so that the room does not seem cramped and gloomy. Most often it is used locally: for example, in fittings, some furniture, partitions. For wall and ceiling decoration, as well as large furniture, it is best to choose gray-white tones.
Beige
Beige and gray in the interior can be combined as two separate colors or exist together as a single shade. It even has its own name — greydzh (from the English gray and beige).
This is a very natural and eye-pleasing natural combination that will be an excellent basis for design in any style: from neoclassical to scandi or minimalism. The main highlight of this pair is a soft, complementary combination of the warmth of beige and the elegance of achromat. An ideal option for a calm color scheme, which is now very popular in both classic and modern trends.
To prevent two neutral tones from looking too flat together, use several different accents and pronounced textures: wood, concrete, stone, metal, light and dense fabrics, leather.
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Yellow
Yellow is one of the most popular companions for any shade of achromat.
This is an ideal pair in terms of brightness balance, it is especially good in apartments, where there is often not enough heat and sunlight. Dilute the light base scale with such rich inclusions — and the room will immediately become cozy and sunny, even if the weather is cloudy outside. Yellow is associated with energy, positive, summer, so it is suitable for any room: it will enliven the living room, add vigor to the bedroom, set the right mood in the kitchen.
Achromat in such a combination almost always goes as a base. It is used for decoration and large furniture (for example, a sofa or a kitchen set), and yellow plays the role of a bright accent. It can be lamps, textiles or decor, a couple of small pieces of furniture, a painted opening. When choosing a tone, give preference to natural natural variations: lemon, melon, dahlia, curry, ocher.
Green
Another great combination is with any shades of green. Depending on which tone you take, the sensations from the palette will be different.
- Graphite, asphalt, steel and other deep tones combined with emerald or olive create an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. Such a pair is suitable for both contemporary and classics, including modern ones.
- Pistachio, grassy, mossy and other natural shades are good for boho and eco style. In addition to them, take warmer and lighter variations of gray.
- Mint will give a refreshing effect — use this if you need to «cool» a room with south-facing windows (especially if it’s a kitchen).
So that the space does not seem too cold, the gray-green combo is most often complemented by beige or brown.
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Red
If you want to add bright colors to the basic palette and are looking for what color to combine gray walls with, pay attention to red.
This pair looks very impressive together, while the calm main tone will balance the second, more active one. Use an achromat as a base (70-80% of the palette), and
- Pomegranate.
- Crimson.
- Ruby.
- Wine.
- Burgundy.
Blue and cyan
Any shades of blue or blue, from sapphire to cornflower blue, look organically together with different nuances of gray.
An important point is a cold palette, and you need to take into account its specifics. In its pure form, it is suitable for rooms with large windows facing south or southeast, where there is enough natural light and sunlight. In other cases, it is desirable to dilute such a combination with warm tones (beige, brown, terracotta, creamy white) and cozy textures so that the space does not seem too gloomy.
A gray-blue combo works well for small rooms, as light, cold tones make the space look larger. Especially in combination with white, mirrors and glossy surfaces.
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Pink
Like yellow, pink is considered a classic companion for this achromat. That, in turn, emphasizes and reveals a beautiful pastel tone deeper.
Pink is associated primarily with feminine energy, which is why it is often used in girls’ bedrooms and nurseries. But don’t limit yourself to stereotypes. Some shades (especially dusty, almost discolored, like the color of natural minerals) in combination with deep nuances of gray look quite neutral and are suitable not only for boudoirs, but also for any other room, be it a dining room, study or hallway.
Orange
In this combination, orange plays the same role as red or yellow — a bright accent that enlivens a neutral achromatic interior.
In its mood and associations, orange is close to yellow — it is an energetic and cheerful color that brings a feeling of warmth and sunlight to the space. Terracotta, orange, brick, amber will add bright colors. With salmon or coral, you get a calmer, almost pastel combination. The more active tone of orange you choose, the less of it should be in the palette so as not to overdo it and not overload the interior of the room. But muted variations close to beige (for example, peach or caramel) can be used in larger quantities. For example, as the second main element of the palette.
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Brown
Like beige, brown is often found in nature, so it looks harmonious and natural together with gray.
Both colors are restrained, noble and deep, characteristic of natural textures. The classic combination is wood and stone. Suitable for both traditional styles and modern trends, in which the emphasis is not on the brightness of colors, but on the natural beauty of textures. Often found in the loft.
To make the couple look harmonious together, match brown with dense and saturated variations of gray with a warm undertone — this way there will be no dissonance in color temperature. It is also important to dilute the gray-brown duet with lighter light colors so that the space does not seem stuffy and congested. The ideal balancing color is white.