Grey has long been a go-to shade in modern interiors, and it’s easy to see why. Versatile, timeless, and effortlessly stylish, grey creates the perfect base for almost any colour palette. Although it may seem like a safe decor option, pairing it with the right colour makes all the difference.
Whether you’re updating a living room, bedroom, or kitchen, knowing which colours complement grey helps you create a look that feels balanced.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best colour combinations and show you how to make grey work beautifully in every room, with expert tips from Caroline Woolmer, Head of Product Design at I Love Wallpaper.
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Why decorate with grey?
Caroline says: “Grey is one of the most adaptable colours in interior design. It’s a shade that instantly brings a sense of calm, balance and sophistication to any room — the perfect choice if you want a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.”
“What makes it so versatile is how effortlessly it pairs with both cool and warm tones, allowing you to completely change the mood of your space just by switching up your accents.”
Light greys create a calming atmosphere ideal for minimalist or Scandi-inspired spaces, while dark greys bring depth and drama, making them perfect for statement walls or sophisticated living rooms.
Grey also complements so many textures and finishes, from soft matt paints to metallic wallpapers and rich fabrics. It’s a true neutral that gives you creative freedom, whether you want to keep things subtle or add a bold pop of colour.
Colours that go with grey
Whether you prefer soft, calming tones or bold contrasts, grey acts as the perfect foundation to build your look around.
Caroline gives us her foolproof interior design tip when it comes to colour combinations: “To keep everything balanced, follow the 60/30/10 rule. Use grey as your main colour (60%), add a secondary shade through cabinetry or larger accents (30%), and finish with smaller touches of a complementary tone or metallic finish to pull the look together (10%).”
Here are our recommended colours that pair with grey to help inspire your next project:
Cool combinations
Cool tones bring out grey’s fresh, modern side. They create a sense of calm and simplicity, perfect for Scandi-inspired or minimalist interiors.
Blue
Blue is one of grey’s most versatile partners, working beautifully with everything from pale powder blue to deep navy. Lighter shades of this colour enhance grey’s calm feel, creating a coastal-inspired atmosphere that’s perfect for bedrooms or bathrooms.
In contrast, navy adds depth and sophistication, which is ideal for living rooms, dining areas, or any space where you might want a more contemporary look.
Caroline recommends: “To bring this pairing to life, you could start with a soft grey wallpaper as your backdrop. Think subtle textures or metallic finishes for added depth. Then layer in blue through accessories and accents: a statement navy armchair, soft blue bedding, or even artwork with blue tones running throughout.”
Teal
Teal and grey are a dream team for creating depth and character without losing that calm, contemporary feel. Teal’s blue undertones echo the coolness of grey, so the two blend effortlessly, but teal also adds just enough richness to prevent a grey room from feeling too flat.
Use teal as your accent shade to bring energy into a neutral space. It could be your sofa or accessories like candles and throws in a deep teal tone.
White
“Grey and white is a design classic”, explains Caroline. “Crisp, clean, and easy to enjoy, this pairing creates a sense of light and space, opening up smaller rooms.”
“I’d just recommend adding layers of texture, like a whitewashed brick-effect wallpaper and patterned cushions, to keep the look interesting.”
Bold and beautiful
Grey makes the perfect neutral backdrop for richer colours. Pairing it with bold, vibrant tones adds energy and personality to your home.
Mustard yellow
Mustard yellow and grey are a match made for modern interiors. Grey’s cool, understated tone gives mustard the perfect backdrop to shine against; the warmth of yellow balances out grey’s neutrality, creating a look that’s both bold and inviting.
This pairing works particularly well with darker greys, where mustard adds energy and brightness without feeling too overpowering. Even just touches of mustard with candles or ornaments can bring warmth and personality to a grey space. The result is a sophisticated, uplifting combination that feels full of life.
Blush pink
Caroline says: “Blush pink and grey might sound like a soft pairing, but together they make a surprisingly bold statement. The warmth of pink cuts through grey’s cool undertones, creating contrast that feels modern and full of personality.”
For example, pink wallpaper looks striking against a grey sofa or upholstered headboard, instantly adding depth and interest to your space. The pink brings warmth and energy, while grey keeps the look grounded. It’s the perfect balance of playful and polished.
Red
Red and grey make a daring, high-impact pairing, but it’s one that works beautifully when used with care. Grey’s cool neutrality tones down the intensity of red, allowing it to feel sophisticated rather than overwhelming.
Just be sure to use red sparingly to create focal points. Try hints in your artwork or accessories, like a lamp shade, to add warmth and energy, or use it to draw the eye to key areas like a fireplace or cosy reading nook. The result is a space that feels confident and contemporary.
Classic pairings
These timeless pairings highlight grey’s versatility and create elegant spaces that feel considered and balanced.
Black and white
Grey, black and white are a timeless trio; it’s sleek and adaptable. Grey bridges the gap between black’s depth and white’s brightness, softening the contrast. It’s a smart way to introduce monochrome without the space feeling cold or harsh.
To make this palette work, focus on contrast and texture. Combine matt and gloss finishes, mix fabrics like linen and velvet, or add metallic accents to keep the look dynamic.
“Be careful of using too much black,” warns Caroline. “As it can feel heavy, especially in smaller or darker rooms. Let grey do the hard work of softening the edges, and use black more as an accent. The result is a modern, balanced look that feels both bold and timeless.”
Navy
A favourite among interior designers, this pairing feels rich and contemporary. Navy’s depth enhances grey’s softness, creating a balanced look that’s perfect for kitchens, home offices or statement walls.
In kitchens, this combination works beautifully: imagine sleek navy cabinets paired with pale grey walls or flooring to create a calm yet luxurious look.
Warm and earthy
If you want to create a space that feels welcoming, warm and earthy tones work well with grey.
Terracotta
Terracotta adds richness and warmth to grey, creating a rustic yet contemporary look. It works best with warm greys that have beige or taupe undertones, as these complement terracotta’s natural feel without creating too much contrast.
Terracotta works well as an accent colour because of its warmth and intensity — a little goes a long way. In large amounts, it can dominate a space, but when used alongside grey, it adds just the right amount of depth and contrast. Soft furnishings, feature walls, or decorative pieces in terracotta tones help break up cooler greys and make a room feel more inviting.
Olive green
Olive green works well with grey because it adds richness without overpowering it. The earthy undertones soften grey’s cooler tone, creating a calm, natural look that feels balanced and easy to decorate with.
This pairing works particularly well in spaces with plenty of natural light, where the green can shift in tone throughout the day. In living rooms or home offices, it helps create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere that ties in beautifully with natural materials like wood, stone, and rattan.
Tan
Tan and grey work well because they balance each other; grey brings structure, while tan adds softness. The mix of cool and warm tones stops a room from feeling flat and makes it feel lived-in without looking overly styled.
“A tan leather sofa against grey walls is a foolproof combo,” says Caroline. “Touches of wood or brass tie the two tones together, and it’s a timeless pairing that’s easy to build on with soft neutrals, textured throws or even a few black accents for contrast.”
Frequently asked questions
Are there any colours to avoid with grey?
Grey is incredibly versatile, but it can sometimes clash with colours that have different undertones. For example, pairing a cool grey with a warm shade like cream or yellow-based beige can make the space feel slightly off-balance. Instead, match undertones: warm greys with warm colours (like terracotta or taupe) and cool greys with cool tones (like blue or teal).
Muted tones such as earthy yellows and certain browns can also be tricky, as they tend to compete with grey’s cooler undertones and make a space feel dull. If you want contrast, go for richer, more saturated colours or neutrals with depth.
It’s also worth being careful with grey-on-grey. Too many similar shades can make a room feel lifeless. If you love an all-grey scheme, mix up your tones and textures, like matt paint with metallic accents, soft furnishings or patterned wallpaper, to add interest and prevent the space from feeling cold.
Although there’s plenty of guidance on what colours go with grey, it’s worth experimenting to see what works in your own home. Caroline explains: “There aren’t really strict rules when it comes to interiors; it’s all about experimenting. Try different combinations and see what feels right in your space. Lighting, materials and personal taste all make a difference, so don’t be afraid to test and tweak until it works for you.”
What colours go with light grey?
Light grey has cool undertones, so it pairs best with colours that complement rather than compete with it. Soft blues and crisp whites enhance light grey’s clean, modern look and help smaller spaces feel brighter. For a softer, more welcoming feel, pair light grey with blush or muted pink tones; they add warmth without clashing.
However, if you want a bit of contrast, try darker accents like navy. Use sparingly, though — a few well-placed darker pieces, such as furniture or accessories, will add depth and definition without overwhelming the space.
What colours go with dark grey?
Dark grey pairs beautifully with warm, earthy shades like tan, terracotta, or olive green. These tones soften the depth of dark grey and make a space feel more inviting. Metallic touches, especially brass or gold, also lift darker greys for a more luxurious look.
What colours go with a grey sofa?
A grey sofa is the perfect blank canvas. Layer it with cushions and throws in complementary tones, like navy, blush pink, or mustard yellow, for contrast. Add texture through wood, metal, or natural fabrics to stop the look feeling flat.
Behind the sofa, a small gallery wall is a simple way to bring the space to life. Mix prints with hints of your chosen accent colours, whether warm or cool, to create cohesion and add personality. The artwork draws the eye, introduces colour, and makes the room feel more styled and intentional.
What colours go with grey walls?
“Grey walls are one of the most adaptable foundations you can have,” says Caroline. “Cool greys work best with blues and whites for a fresh, modern look, while warmer greys pair beautifully with natural tones like tan, taupe or sage.”
“To stop the space feeling flat, layer in different shades of grey and mix materials — think grey paint alongside a textured feature wallpaper or darker wood accents. That contrast is what gives the room depth and interest.”
What colour goes with grey kitchen units?
“Grey kitchen units are incredibly versatile; they work with almost any palette if you get the undertones right,” explains Caroline. “Before choosing your colours, think about the mood you want to create: light and airy, warm and rustic, or bold and dramatic. The amount of natural light your kitchen gets makes a big difference, too; darker shades can look striking in bright spaces, while lighter tones help darker rooms feel bigger and open.”
“For a fresh, modern look, pair light grey cabinets with white or soft neutral walls and add warmth through wooden worktops or brushed brass accents. If you prefer something moodier, bring in navy or forest green through tiles, bar stools, or smaller kitchen accessories rather than on the walls. It gives you contrast without overwhelming the space.”
“I always recommend adding contrast through finishes, too. Matt grey units look great against glossy tiles or metallic hardware to bring the space to life.”
For more inspiration, read our Kitchen Wallpaper Ideas Guide.
What colour goes with a grey bedroom?
Caroline says: “Grey works brilliantly in bedrooms because it naturally feels calm and understated. It’s the ideal backdrop for creating a restful space. To build on that, choose soft, muted tones like blush pink, sage green, or dusty blue. These colours complement grey’s cool undertones and bring just enough warmth to stop the room feeling cold.”
“For a more contemporary feel, combine grey with white and introduce depth through darker accents such as navy in your bedding or soft furnishings. The key is to keep the palette cohesive. Layer different textures and finishes rather than adding too many colours. That’s what gives a grey bedroom a polished, relaxing feel that still has personality.”
If you’re working with a more compact space, take a look at our Guide to Maximising Style in Small Bedrooms.
