Grey bed ideas to help you fall asleep in style
From cosy textures to coordinating colours, here's how to style your grey bed ideas
Our bed takes centre stage in the bedroom, as the place where our eyes naturally fall, so of course, we want it to look as fabulous as possible. If grey bedrooms are your vibe, then having some knock-out grey bed ideas are the best place to start.
Having a grey bed brings endless opportunities in terms of colour schemes, textures and surrounding decor into your bedroom. 'Choosing a grey bed gives you the opportunity to add accessories that really spruce up your bedroom', says James Tudge from home accessories brand Museum Selection.
'Grey is an amazing neutral base colour which can make other design choices stand out and shine even brighter.'
Be creative with texture
A grey bed needs to look - and feel - as cosy as possible, so layer your bedding with cusions, throw pillows and blankets to avoid creating a bed that looks plain and uninviting.
'A grey bed needs extra texture, so add some soft, textured throws and cushions on top of the duvet', advises Rebecca Reicher, Senior Sleep Designer at Dunelm.
Consider swapping out different textures for different seasons to keep your bed looking fresh. 'Velvets and faux furs can be lux and cosy for winter, whereas white linens and cottons are cool and fresh for summer,' advises Rebecca.
Warm things up with a splash of colour
'If your bed has a grey body and headboard, you’re in luck, as this simple shade pairs well with hundreds of chic colour combinations', says Sam Baldry, Head of Design at Swoon.
You can incorporate a pop of colour through your throw pillows and blanket, or even by choosing bedding which has a different shade running through it alongside grey. Colours with warm hues, like pink, orange and yellow will balance out the cooler tones of grey and bring a cosier vibe.
Stick to neutral bedding
The soft, muted tones of grey are ideal for the bed because of their peaceful, relaxing connotations. Sticking to this colour palette by incorporating grey and white into the bedding will create the perfect environment for a deep, restful slumber.
'Pastels and neutrals work well with grey and can give a soft calming feel to your bedroom', says Dunelm's sleep expert Rebecca. Sometimes keeping it simple is best, which is especially true for small bedrooms.
Cosy things up with lighting
Warm your grey bed up by creating a cosy ambience around it, so that when evening comes around your sleep space looks all the more inviting.
'I always like to ensure there is some form of cosy lighting near the bed, on the bedside table for example', says design expert Sam Baldry. 'This will help to bring the shades you have chosen to life, and make your space feel like a home, not a showroom.'
A bedside lamp or fairy lights across the headboard would work wonders with a grey bed, and prevent it from feeling cold or unfriendly.
Choose a statement headboard
Lots of grey beds have extravagant headboards, the neutrality of the colour means you can go a little extra on the design or shape. Fancy headboards are a sure way to keep your grey bed looking interesting.
A bed with a large ornamental headboard and contrasting trim creates an elegant focal point, and a lot of these designs come with matching footboards too. Or choose a grey headboard in crushed velvet, for a more simple but luxurious touch.
Play around with patterns
'The wonderful thing about grey bedding is that it works well with pretty much anything', says Rebecca from Dunelm. 'Geometrics and stripes, florals and tropicals, whatever you feel represents your style.'
Take advantage of the freedom that comes with grey's neutrality by incorporating bold prints through cushions and throw pillows. Or, create a feature wall behind your bed with patterned bedroom wallpaper, to sharpen the contrast with the neutral tones of the bed.
Use blue and silvers for an elegant aesthetic
If you prefer cool hues consider a navy blue and grey bedroom scheme, bringing in blue and silver tones to complement your grey bed and create a stylish, regal look.
'Personally, I love to combine silvers and greys with baby blues', says designer Sam Baldry. 'Mixing arctic tones and icy vibes to give off an ‘uber cool’ aesthetic that almost looks futuristic, but still remains homely and elegant.' A cool blue throw at the bottom of the bed and a couple of silvery grey cushions could easily achieve this vibe, while maintaining cosy textures.
Furnish your surroundings
When styling your grey bed, it's important to look at what's in the immediate vicinity as well, as this can have a big effect on the final look.
Considering bedside tables on either side of a double bed is ideal, not just for practical reasons but because they help to create a gorgeous symmetrical aesthetic. Other furniture can also help to cement your chosen colour scheme, whether that's grey and other neutrals or grey with a splash of pink, orange or blue.
'I love to opt for a matching armchair or footstool in the corner of the bedroom, to tie the colour scheme together and create a dynamic flow throughout the space', says Sam from Swoon.
Bring in elements of nature
To accentuate grey's soothing properites, incorporate elements of nature on and around your bed so that you can emphasise the calm feel of the space.
A hanging plant from the ceiling or a potted succulent on the bedside table is an easy way to do this, as is a cushion or blanket with a nature print on it. Warm grey has earthy tones which generates connotations of being in very natural surroundings, so play around with this and use it to your advantage.
What colour goes with grey on a bed?
A beautiful rug can add a finishing touch to your grey bed, completing it as the elegant focal point of the bedroom.
Place a smaller rug in front of the bed as a standalone decorative piece, or use it as a mat for a grey ottoman, which is ideal for storing any display cushions and blankets. Rugs with geometric patterns look great next to a grey bed, as do fluffy ones that match your chosen colour scheme.
From cosy textures to coordinating colours, here's how to style your grey bed ideas