Colors that Complement Gray Walls

One of the most popular colors to paint walls is gray, especially since it is a neutral color.

Gray can be either warm or cool toned, depending on the undertone of your gray (the tiny drop of color that is added to gray).  A gray with a slight red or yellow undertone tends to go warm, and a gray with a slight blue undertone tends to go cool.  Try to stick with either warm or cool grays, but not both, when decorating your home.

Here are some of the best colors that go with gray walls, as well as interior designer tips & tricks for decorating with the color gray.

 

Colors That Go with Gray Walls:

Colors that Complement Gray Walls - AI generated image for inspirational use onlyWhite
White is the most basic and the most classic color that pairs well with every other color.  You can't go wrong with white.

The color white goes with traditional, modern, and contemporary styles.

If you add white to your gray walls, it will brighten your room.

Make sure to use complementary undertones when decorating with white.  If your gray walls have a warm undertone, then use a white with warm undertones.  Use a white with cool undertones if your gray walls have cool undertones to will help the colors blend well and not look jarring.

You might choose to decorate with a bright white, a cream, white with a drop of beige, or white with a drop of gray.

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Blue
Blue is a very popular that appeals to most people and can totally change the look of your room depending on the color that you choose.

Lighter shades of blue, such as powder blue or sky blue, can create a calming environment when paired with gray walls.

Darker shades of blue, such as navy or indigo, can create a more dramatic look in your room.

Blue works well in traditional, contemporary, and modern homes.

Popular blue colors include navy blue, cobalt blue, blue green, cyan, turquoise, aqua, and midnight blue.

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Green
Green is another extremely popular color that appeals to most people and works in most any aesthetic.

Lighter shades of green (such as mint or sage) feel natural and fresh, but darker shades of green (such as forest or olive) can create a cozy & intimate atmosphere.

Gray-green and green-gray have become very popular in recent years to have a color that is not quite gray but also still quite neutral.

You might choose to go with an emerald green, a pea green, a celadon green, a peacock green, or any variation of other green color.

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Pink
Pink is not just for little girl rooms.  Pink can also be sophisticated and look quite grown up when paired with gray walls.

Lighter shades of pink ( such as blush or rose) are quite romantic & feminine, while darker shades of pink (such as fuchsia or magenta) can create a bold statement in a room.

Since pink is a color that evokes strong feelings in people, make sure you don't go overboard with the pink decor.

You might like furniture and decor in bubble gum pink, fuscia, hot pink, powder pink, or rose pink.

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Yellow
Yellow is a cheerful & sunny color that greatly contrasts with neutral gray walls.

Lighter shades of yellow (such as butter or lemon) can create a soft & bright look, while darker shades of yellow (such as mustard or gold) can create a rich & sophisticated cozy look, which is popular in traditional homes with a historic feel.

Since yellow is such a bold color, especially a bright yellow, make sure to use it in moderation.

Popular yellow colors are butterscotch, canary yellow, lemon yellow, mustard, and chartreuse.

 

Tips for Using Color with Gray Walls:

Colors that Complement Gray Walls - AI generated image for inspirational use onlyCreate a Color Scheme
When selecting colors to go in your room with gray walls, make sure to take your time creating a color scheme that you love.

Make sure to create your color scheme before you purchase your first item.

The best and easiest way to create a color scheme for your room is to select one large item, such as a colorful rug or large piece of art, to be your jumping off point.  Select 3 colors in your large item and repeat those colors throughout your room in at least 3 places.  Feel free to use lighter and darker versions of those colors for added dimension and depth to your color scheme.

If you want more information about selecting a color scheme for your room, see the article How to Decorate Your Home Using Color.

 

 

Use Texture and Pattern
Since gray can be a bit of a boring color, you should add items with a lot of texture and perhaps some pattern to make your gray room more interesting.

Consider using fabrics with different textures, such as a soft, plush rug or a nubby, woven throw.

You can also add pattern through decorative pillows, curtains, or wallpaper.

When using pattern with gray walls, it's important to choose patterns that complement your gray walls without overwhelming them.

 

Colors that Complement Gray Walls - AI generated image for inspirational use onlyConsider the Lighting
The lighting in your room can have a big effect on how colors appear.

Natural light changes colors depending on the time of day, the season, and the weather conditions.

Indoor lighting is different depending on the light bulb you select as well as the lamp shade color (clear, frosted, or another color). 

When selecting light bulbs for your home, make sure to select ones that are all the same color temperature so your walls don't change colors on you.  Color temperature is listed as K on the back of the package and the light bulb itself.  A lower number, such as 2700K will be warmer (more yellow) than a light bulb that is 3200K (more blue).

 

Experiment with Different Combinations
The best way to find the colors that work best with your gray walls is to experiment with different combinations of colors and items in your room.

Swap in and out different items and see how they make you feel.

Don't be afraid to mix and match different colors and textures to create a look that's uniquely yours.