To some, the design of a living room in gray tones may not seem too expressive and even boring. But this is a delusion. And in this article we will try to prove that this color, which has many shades, will help create exclusive elegant interiors, if used correctly.
Gray is a neutral color, which means that it can become a backdrop, emphasize original color accents, make the living room cozy and inviting. In some styles, it is used as the main one, for example, in loft, hi-tech, minimalism or Scandinavian style.
What are the benefits of gray?
It combines various details and shades into a single whole, which, at first glance, may seem contradictory. You should take into account the presence of many shades, which, in combination with other colors, create a different mood. The combination with ocher, beige, brown will add warmth and comfort to the living room in gray tones, adding blue or purple hues, you will achieve a feeling of coolness and peace.
The advantages of this color include:
- The interior of the living room in gray tones can be created in any style.
- By making it the main one, you can quickly and easily change the style and mood of the room: all you need to do is to replace the textiles so that the living room appears in a new look.
- Undeniable practicality of gray, which does not get dirty too quickly and does not fade.
- The design of the living room in gray tones promotes relaxation, sets in a peaceful way.
Combinations with other colors - white
The living room in gray and white is a classic that is successfully used in almost all styles, but it is especially spectacular in Scandinavian interiors. This room looks concise and stylish, allows you to add different colors and shades as an accent.
Shades of white should be used depending on where your room's windows face. Cold tones are suitable for the south side: snow, blue ice. If the windows face north, use warm shades: creamy, milky, ivory, cream, etc. Small black elements will be appropriate in this combination, which will add sophistication to the interior.
Beige
This neighborhood will add warmth to the living room in gray tones, the room will become more comfortable and gentle. The ratio of colors depends on the size of the room: the smaller it is, the more beige shades will be required, the more - the more gray can be used.
Purple
Living room in gray tones,in which purple, lavender, lilac shades are added, it is distinguished by sophistication. As a rule, purple is used as an accent, highlighting part of the wall with it. You can use textiles of similar shades. The more spacious the room, the more purple elements you can allow to make your room look as harmonious as possible. For such a combination, there is a general rule: the smaller the room, the lighter the shades should be.
Blue
Combined with gray, blue is suitable for rooms that face south, especially in regions with a hot climate. Cool tones will "cool" the atmosphere, as blue, reminiscent of the sky, will create a feeling of spaciousness, giving the room lightness. You can combine these colors in many ways. For example, the walls are covered with gray wallpaper with a pattern consisting of blue flowers, one wall is blue, blue stripes are applied to pearl gray walls, etc. By the way, the latter option will visually “raise” the ceiling, and if the stripes are made horizontal, it will expand the room.
Often in the design of a living room in gray tones, turquoise is used in combination with “asph alt”, for example, the upholstery of upholstered furniture in “wet asph alt” color will perfectly set off decorative pillows of turquoise or azure hue and harmoniously emphasize a blue carpet.
Brown
An interesting combination that will require a special approach. It is necessary to select contrasting shades so that one of them is lighteranother. This pair needs the details of a third color - beige, which should not conflict in saturation.
Natural wood, which has shades of brown, looks great against a gray background, so it is advisable to use natural wood furniture. Accents in this pair can be burgundy accessories and textiles of the same color.
Red
Gray living room ideas can be very bold. In such an interior, red decorative elements look very fresh, which should not be too much. The shade of red should be chosen in accordance with the saturation of the main tone: the lighter it is, the brighter the red details can be. For example, in a living room in light gray tones, you can use scarlet or ruby elements, and “wine” and cherry tones look spectacular on dark walls. This combination is actively used in high-tech styles, minimalism, in loft interiors. The kitchen-living room in gray tones with the addition of red shades also looks strict and elegant.
Minimalism and classics in gray tones
Designers and decorators enjoy working with gray, using it in both modern and classic interiors. The result of the design of the living room in gray tones largely depends on the competent choice of furniture and accessories. Modern design has become the realm of simple geometric shapes, trendy as well as iconic retro furniture.
The key to the success of such an interior, experts believe accuracy, harmony and tranquility. Gray inin a minimalist interior - these are smooth walls without decor, very simple furniture, a modern lighting system. As a rule, different shades of gray are intertwined in such interiors. Dark walls tend to work well with a light gray sofa, and vice versa. You can use small rugs with a geometric pattern. With their help, the design will become more dynamic, and the room will be larger.
In the classic style, one should not forget about the importance of choosing furniture and accessories. Retro-style furniture with curved legs will add elegance to the room. It is equally important to consider lighting. There should be a lot of it, but chandeliers, sconces, floor lamps in a classic style should be used. In such an interior, thick curtains, woolen blankets, pillows made of gray structural fabric or soft chairs will be appropriate. Black and white photographs can be used as wall decorations.
Light gray living room
If you do not want to combine colors, then you need to give preference to light shades that will not "press" and reduce the size of the room. In a small room, the ceiling is painted a lighter color, most often several tones lighter than the walls.
Grey and white living room
Great option for a gray living room, but keep in mind that this classic combination is not very suitable for a north-facing room: it will seem too cold. And if the windows face south - there is no doubt: white blotches will make the interior lighter, give a feeling of spaciousness. This option looks great in small rooms, where the predominance of dark tones is depressing. White textiles, furniture, floor will make the living room more light and friendly. A white brick wall looks great in this design, which will become an expressive addition.
Grey-beige living room
Muffled tones, which include beige, will give the living room in gray tones of warmth and softness, make the room more comfortable. Beige shades in a gray living room also create a malleable background, and can be used in decorative elements, for example, in upholstery of upholstered furniture or light wood details.
Wood contrasts slightly with cold gray and at the same time complements the duet. But such an arrangement needs a few expressive touches. In a modern interior, they can be stylish dark brown and even black additives, and lovers of more avant-garde solutions can afford brighter accents: blue, red, turquoise, orange.
The neutral base of this composition allows you to introduce bright and bold additions, for example, bright yellow armchairs. Light shades of beige, close to cream, will visually enlarge the room, but will not give it cold notes, as is often the case with white.
Living room in gray-blue tones
Perhaps you have paid attention to how successfully combines gray with blue and blue. In a room decorated in such a range, one feels lightness and freshness. Delicate blue slightly muffles dark gray, and blue looks interesting withlight grey.
Blue tones, according to psychologists, help to relax and unwind. But it should be noted that this is a cold combination that is most suitable for sunny rooms. Where can blue be used? You can use textiles: blue pillows will look great on a gray sofa. If the room is quite spacious, upholstered furniture with blue upholstery is also suitable. Do not be superfluous and mats with a combination of gray, blue and white.
Which furniture to choose?
A living room interior in gray tones should not be limited to using paint or wallpaper on the walls. Today, furniture in such colors is becoming more and more popular. She always looks very elegant and sophisticated. Usually these are sets of upholstered furniture, including a sofa, armchairs and a stylish table that can radically change the interior. It can also be a dining group: a table and chairs with soft upholstery.
Outside the seating area, the gray color looks very impressive on the shelves of chests of drawers and cabinets. Bookcases and shelves in this color look elegant and strict. Experts say that gray furniture does not visually clutter up the interior.
Accessories and textiles
Without these decorative elements, the interior of any room will be empty and unfinished. Unfortunately, many homeowners forget that the desired result of interior design largely depends on the little things, those very inconspicuous and at the same time necessary design elements that determine the final character of the interior.
If you used light shades on the walls and in furniture, then accessories and textiles should be chosen a few shades darker. Heavy dark curtains look very stylish in this case.
Don't forget about lighting fixtures. Gray tones on chandeliers, floor lamps (especially for chrome products), on metal elements will only add elegance to the interior.
Even if you have perfectly matched the shades of furniture and wallpaper, your living room will not become cozier if the walls are left empty. Wall decorations are of great importance in the interior. Very simple frames for pictures and photos, made in different styles using shades of gray, white, black and even gold, will enliven the interior and decorate the room.
A few words in conclusion
It is impossible not to admit that all kinds of shades of gray are slowly but surely replacing the beige and pastel colors that dominated there for several decades from the interiors of our apartments. The interior of a gray living room in any combination is distinguished by sophistication and elegance. According to many apartment owners, he fully meets, and sometimes even exceeds expectations.
