Gray is a very popular neutral color, however some people don't care for gray.
Some people may think that gray feels cold and unwelcoming, however the right gray can be beautiful, warm, welcoming, and stylish.
Here are a few ways to decorate with the color gray to complement your home.
How to Decorate Using the Color GrayLight Gray
You can use a very light gray color throughout your home as a base neutral color in hallways and other transitional rooms that do not need a lot of color.
Consider also using a light gray on ceilings since leaving them white will not show off bright white crown molding, however select a gray several shades lighter than your walls.
In order to select the correct gray for your home, look at color strips that show the same color in lighter and darker variations.
These color strips can often reveal the color's undertone - meaning the drop of color added to the gray to make it unique.
Make sure that the undertone is not a color that you dislike, such as a color that turns red, yellow, or purple.
You can also use light gray upholstery on furniture as a neutral base color.
If you prefer a neutral color scheme, complement your light gray decor with other neutral colors like white, other shades of gray, beige, brown, and black.
How to Decorate Using the Color GrayMedium Gray
Medium gray can be used for a wall color in rooms.
Select a gray with a slight blue undertone for a brighter color.
Select a gray with a brown undertone for a more earthy color.
If you want a custom light gray color for you ceiling in that room, purchase plain white ceiling paint and add 1 cup of your wall paint to the ceiling paint in order to color the ceiling paint perfectly (make sure to mix well before painting).
Medium gray is also a good color for accessories and rugs.
If you want a dramatic look, decorate with bold colors in addition to your gray.
Repeat the gray color in several places in your room so it feels cohesive.
How to Decorate Using the Color GrayDark Gray
You can use dark gray as an accent wall in a room.
If you have a lot of light in your room, have high ceilings, and/or have light furniture, you can paint an entire room with dark gray for a very dramatic feel.
For most people, dark gray should not be over used, but only used as accents.
Too much dark gray might make a room feel like a cave and might feel depressing.
Accessories in a dark gray color add a nice contrast to lighter colors in a room.
If you have dark gray walls, consider adding many items to cover the walls so it is not too dark, such as curtains, large art, and perhaps a mirror.
You can use complementary lighter shades of gray to repeat the gray color in your room and make it cohesive.
How to Decorate Using the Color GrayMetallic Gray
There are several metallic gray colors, such as shiny silver, stainless steel, pewter, chrome, nickel, and brushed nickel.
Some people want their metallic finishes to match exactly while others prefer to use several different metallic colors in the same room.
If you are using different metallics, such as a silver and gold, then try to use only 2 different metallics. If you are using a metallic in a silver tone, try to use the same silver tone throughout the room (especially on items located very near each other).
Consider using these colors on accessories or on accent pieces of furniture.
You can use metallic gray colors on door knobs, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, statues, a coffee table or end table, picture frames, a decorative tray, or an accent pillow.
If you want to be extra dramatic, consider using metallic gray paint to paint an accent wall or the ceiling.
Other Neutrals
Don't overdo the gray!
Complement your gray color with other neutral colors like white, black brown, and beige.
