42 Gray Living Room Ideas for a Calming Neutral Space

If you are looking for gray living room ideas to refresh your space, there are plenty of ways to incorporate this time-tested neutral with wall paint, furnishings, and decor.

Gray is a versatile color that works with any design style and every room in the house, from bathrooms to kitchens and bedrooms.

"With such a wide range of blue, green, and brown undertones, gray is a great color for those who want to try something new without overdoing it," says interior designer Maggie Griffin. "Whether you want to add a little drama or convey a sense of calm in your living room, it's the perfect hue."

Check out these stylish gray living room ideas from modern to coastal to traditional and farmhouse for inspiration.

Transitional Living Room

French country-style chairs covered in gray fabric are the star of the show in this transitional living room. If you have a set of chairs with great bones but the upholstery could use a bit of a refresh, consider going with a timeless gray. Note that bolder hues like a deep blue can pair wonderfully with gray, as we see in terms of the above throw pillows. “Grey is a cool neutral that can take on different lives with multiple color combinations," interior designer Gray Walker says. "It’s fun to switch pillows and throws out with the seasons."

Cool Gray and Warm Accents

Pair cool pale gray walls with warm accents for a balanced feel. A gray midcentury modern style sofa with a wood base cozies up this living space. Other wood and leather accents keep this gray space feeling lively and welcoming.

Pale Gray Living Room

Black and white photography always looks fabulous in gray living rooms, and Walker agrees: "Black and white photography and paintings with pops of black help pull a monochromatic backdrop with depth that make this color switch easy."

Whether you buy a print from a favorite artist or print out one of your own photos from a favorite trip, you can't go wrong. Simply purchase an affordable frame, pop the picture right in, and transform your space in just one afternoon.

Gray and Purple

Pair gray with purple for a rich feel. Mix and match gray tones with shades ranging from lilac to lavender to aubergine and jewel tone purple to change the mood.

Luminous Gray Walls

We wouldn't mind starting the day with a cup of coffee in this family-friendly living room that features a soothing ocean print with subtle gray tones. Add warmth with cognac leather and rust accents.

Gray and Soft Pink

Blush isn't just for nurseries or playrooms. Don't feel the need to shy away from using soft pink in a main living space if it's a color you happen to love. As we see here, light gray also looks lovely alongside blush pink—the curtains in this space cozy up this charming reading nook.

Shades of Gray

The more pops of gray, the merrier. We see touches of the color all throughout this welcoming living space—on the walls, in terms of the sofa fabric, and even in the form of a gourd-shaped lamp base.

Gray Velvet Throw Pillows

Don't forget to play with different textures within your living space. Here, a velvet gray pillow pays a nod to the wall color without being too matchy-matchy.

Dark Gray Living Room

This cozy gray living room makes us want to cuddle up with a good book and a blanket. Darker gray tones will result in a feel that's both earthy and sophisticated.

Gray and Black

Gray furniture is an excellent choice to pair with black walls—it'll help lighten up the living space while still contributing to the luxe, dramatic feel.

Grays and Botanicals

Why, yes, you can enjoy tropical decor with a touch of gray—this room is proof that greens and peppy palm prints can fit in perfectly with more traditional furnishings. So go ahead, kick back, and relax in this nature-inspired space.

Gray, Blue, and White

An extra large gray sectional is the star of the show in this living room that's ready for the whole crew to stop by. Blue-and-white curtains add color and charm to the space and make for an oh-so-sweet touch.

Glam Gray Living Room

Gray and silver make for an excellent combination, particularly for those who appreciate a glam aesthetic. Glass and metal furniture helps add an airy touch to any space.

Farmhouse Gray

Don't hesitate to mix shades of gray for a dimensional feel. This rustic-style living room features a gray sofa and rug, and, in the corner, a vintage dresser painted in a blue-gray.

Gray and Sage Green

If you can't decide between a bold sage green or a milder shade of gray, go ahead and embrace both, like this midcentury modern style living. Add in black-and-white accents for a current feel.

Gray Transitional Living Room

Transitional style rooms look wonderful with touches of gray, too. Feel free to layer in warm leather tones and deep blues if you prefer to stay away from anything monochrome.

Coastal Gray Living Room

A light gray sofa is a great choice for those whose style leans coastal (and, no, you don't need to live on the water to appreciate this aesthetic). Add in some blue and white accessories, and that's it, you're golden.

Gray Sideboard

In this space, which is illuminated by plenty of natural sunlight, a gray sideboard matches the fireplace accent wall paint color perfectly.

Eclectic Gray Sectional

This eclectic living room is full of vintage-inspired touches. Gray shutters draw attention to the tall windows and complement the gray upholstery fabric covering the curvy sectional sofa.

Coastal Grays and Blues

Use gray to add variation to a blue-and-white, coastal-style living room. Here, a gray sofa, midcentury modern armchair, patterned rug, and lampshade soften the white walls and bright blue accents of the laid-back space.

Warm Gray Wall Paint

If you are lucky enough to have a functioning fireplace in your living room, give it a bit of extra attention. Gray walls complement a modern black fireplace in this living room, and allow white furnishings to really pop.

Contemporary Gray Accents

A sleek high rise is outfitted with gray accents, while a jute rug and brass light fixtures warm up the space.

Gray TV Room

A long, narrow sofa fits perfectly in this long and narrow TV room. A patterned wall covering adds an artistic touch to the space.

Cozy Gray Sitting Room

Light gray walls make this small living room feel ultra cozy. Utilizing the windowsill to accommodate gorgeous wooden cabinets is a smart, stylish storage solution. Colorful throw pillows in shades of orange and green add excitement.

Pale Gray Sofas

Gray sofas face each other in this California cool living room filled with natural tones. Ample throw pillows and blankets add to the space's lived-in, layered look.

Streamlined Gray Fireplace

A more streamlined living space contrasts with a brightly colored kitchen rug in the adjoining room. Add pops of color and pattern with throw pillows.

Gray Painted Ceiling

If your style leans more feminine and you prefer daintier furniture pieces, note that accent chairs don't need to be bulky to make an impact. These gray beauties are petite and elegant yet still appear nice and comfortable thanks to their velvet finish.

Rustic Gray Living Room

Rustic style homes look excellent with touches of gray, too. Here, exposed interior brick painted white looks gorgeous alongside gray furnishings and some black and white accents.

Green Gray Walls

If you prefer an earthier feel, choose a gray with a greenish tone. It's a great option for those who veer toward saturated hues and can add depth and dimensional to both modern or traditional interiors.

Gray Built-Ins

Built in shelving is an excellent way to showcase your favorite books, object, and art pieces. A classic color like gray makes for an excellent backdrop to allow metal and ceramic pieces to really shine. Be cautious as to not over-decorate your shelves, or they will easily appear too cluttered—and you won't be able to fully appreciate their gorgeous hue, either.

Gray Stone

If your living room features a stunning stone fireplace, play up its gray tones by investing in a lovely gray sofa. Beige accents will also fit right in. Here, a checkered chair is a playful accent piece in this welcoming, sunlit living room.

Gray Oasis

This gray sectional is extra cloud-like and comfy, and a gray faux fur throw blanket encourages snuggling up and relaxing. Corresponding curtains match the sofa fabric to a T.

Gray Walls and Bold Accents

This space proves that color lovers can still have fun with gray hues. Accent pale gray walls with gold accents, and complement a gray sofa with throw pillows in any color or pattern that strikes your fancy, from pastels to vivid shades.

Tip

In a living room with gray walls or a gray sofa, add pops of color and pattern with bold throw pillow covers.

Gray Fireplace Wall

Mixing wood wall paneling with a gray accent wall will create a focal point in a large living room. Painting the wall behind a large television is a great way to add an artistic spin to a primarily functional area of a room. If you don't wish to paint, you could also wallpaper this area.

Boho-Style Gray Living Room

A gray sofa shines in a boho-style living room, too. Pair yours with a leather ottoman, a shag rug, and of course, a bit of wicker, for a laid-back energy.

Large Gray Sectional Sofa

Beige, black, and white continue to be no-fail supporting colors that look lovely alongside gray furnishings, as we see in this expansive living space that is anchored by an L-shaped gray sofa that seats a crowd.

Gray Grasscloth Walls

This calming space is another example of a gray living room with coastal flair. A grasscloth wall covering adds texture and style. Serene artwork draws the eye upward and anchors the space.

Gray With Orange Accents

Energize a gray space with contrasting orange accents, a color pairing that works well in industrial or modern interiors like this city center apartment living room.

Gray and White Accent Wall

White built-ins look sleek against the gray accent wall in this living room. Matching white floating shelves styled with favorite objects complete the crisp, high-contrast feel.

Tufted Gray Sofas

When you position sofas across from each other, you'll want to ensure that the coffee table you select is large enough to accommodate guests on both sides. Here, a reclaimed wood style piece contrasts with the more traditional gray tufted velvet.

Gray Plaster Fireplace Wall

Plaster walls are having a major moment, and this one is a soft gray that complements the accompanying gray sectional. Plaster can help modernize a home and add intrigue and texture to any space.

Traditional Gray Paint

This traditional living room has gray walls and crown molding for an elevated feel. If you like this look but live in a more modern space, note that molding can easily be added—sometimes even to a rental with the landlords' permission.

What colors look good in a gray living room?

Gray is a versatile neutral that can be paired with virtually any color. Pink and gray is a classic color combination that can work anywhere from the living room to the nursery. Warm yellow, orange, and red accents will energize gray walls. Pair gray with shades of purple for a regal look. Or use gray as a soothing backdrop that will make your houseplants look even more green and vibrant.

What is the most neutral shade of gray?

The most neutral shades of gray have neither warm nor cool undertones, making them versatile enough to work with any style of decor and a range of finishes, furnishings, textiles, and accessories. Other neutral options are gray-adjacent shades such as greige (a mix of gray and beige) and taupe (a mix of gray and brown) that are adaptable and easy to design around.

What colors warm up gray?

Add warmth to a gray-walled room with warm shades of yellow, orange, or red on anything from throw pillows to rugs or wall decor. You can also warm gray walls with gold-toned metallic accents such as brass, or fiery copper accents on lighting, mirrors, kitchen cabinet hardware, or bathroom plumbing fixtures.

Read Next: 18 Gray Dining Room Design Ideas

Read the original article on The Spruce.