What Colors Go With Gray? – 18 Chic Color Combinations

The color gray is known to be the epitome of modernism. Want to add a modern twist to your interior? Add gray. Want to keep your interior neutral, but not sterile? Add gray. Do you like an industrial look? Add gray. The 20th century introduced gray to interior design through industrialism, and it has been so popular that it has been pulled through into the 21st century. Throughout this article, we will be looking at 18 colors that go with gray when it comes to interior design.

Gray Color Combinations

You would think that color theory doesn’t apply to gray, as gray doesn’t seem to have any color present. However, gray is full of color that peeks through its undertones. These undertones, whether they are cool-toned or warm-toned, play a large role in the deciding factor on what colors go with gray. Why is the color gray so popular when it comes to interior design? Although not the most lively of colors, some think it’s because gray creates a sense of balance in an interior, being the in-between color of white and black. Besides the balance of gray, something must be said for the versatility of the color. Gray can be paired with almost any color if the specific gray color code’s undertone is considered. 

Warm Gray and Dusty Pink

Pink is such an understated way to warm up an overly gray interior. Because dusty pink is a monochromatic color of red, it tends to have a warm undertone, which means this color combination works best whether it be a dark shade of gray or a light shade.

Gray and Red

Gray and red can be seen as the contemporary version of the combination of red, black, and white. This combination works particularly well when gray is the background color, which it usually is in most cases, and red is introduced through pops of color through furniture, décor pieces, and floral arrangements. 

Because red is an obvious warm color, pair it with pure gray or warm gray instead of cool grays to create a well-balanced gray color palette. 

Gray and Navy Blue

What is the best color combination with gray? Most people will answer with “blue”, seeing as gray usually has a very cool undertone. The calmness and relaxation of blue is a great combination for gray. Most blues could look great next to gray, but navy blue in particular, with its dramatic undertones, will look especially captivating. Because blue is cool-toned, it is important to pair it with a cool-toned gray to create a cohesive interior.

Gray and Terracotta

This color combination is very similar to the above combination of warm gray and dusty pink. However, if you wish to create a statement, and truly warm up an interior by making use of color, then this combination is best. Because terracotta is such a rich and saturated color, it can look great with a cool gray. 

This color combination works particularly well in a kitchen. 

Gray and White

Gray is the perfect neutral to pair with a white interior. The reason being is that it isn’t as contrasting and distracting as black, which is the most obvious neutral that people tend to go for. The great thing about white is that it can be paired successfully with any type of gray, whether it be a neutral gray, cool gray, or warm gray.

Gray and Green

Gray is not the most natural of colors, meaning that it is not a color that people associate closely with nature or their immediate natural environment. Luckily, green pairs very well with gray. This is such an easy color scheme to incorporate into an interior, especially if you already have a gray canvas to work with. Adding greenery in the form of indoor plants will immediately make the space feel more alive. 

You can also incorporate green through artwork and large furniture pieces.

Gray and Brown

Do gray and brown go together? This question comes up regularly when it comes to interior design, seeing as most furniture pieces are wood (brown), and gray is one of the most popular wall paint colors. You will be happy to know that the answer is a resounding yes. With this color combination the undertones of the gray and brown you are working with plays a vital role in whether the pair will work well together. Cool-toned browns should be paired with cool toned gray, and vice versa.

Charcoal Gray and Mustard Yellow

This pairing creates a luxurious and inviting atmosphere by combining the deep sophistication of charcoal gray with the warmth and vibrancy of mustard yellow. The contrast between these two hues adds depth to the design, making it suitable for spaces where you want to achieve both elegance and comfort.

Steel Gray and Teal

The combination of steel gray and teal brings a contemporary edge to interior design. Steel gray provides a sleek and neutral backdrop, allowing the boldness of teal to shine. This pairing is perfect for those seeking a modern aesthetic with a pop of color that doesn’t overpower the overall design.

Slate Gray and Coral

Slate gray and coral create a balanced and sophisticated palette that strikes a harmonious chord between cool and warm tones. The coolness of slate gray is complemented by the energetic warmth of coral, making it an excellent choice for spaces where you want a modern feel with a touch of playful vibrancy.

Ash Gray and Lavender

The softness of ash gray paired with the calming tones of lavender brings an air of tranquility to interior spaces. This combination is well-suited for bedrooms and relaxation areas, creating a serene ambiance that promotes rest and rejuvenation.

Silver Gray and Aqua Blue

Silver gray and aqua blue evoke a sense of coastal elegance, with the cool tones creating a refreshing and calming environment. This combination is ideal for spaces where you want to introduce a touch of sophistication while maintaining a light and airy feel.

Cool Gray and Mint Green

Cool gray and mint green offer a refreshing and modern color palette that works well in contemporary designs. The cool undertones of gray provide a neutral base, allowing the mint green to add a lively and youthful accent, making it suitable for spaces seeking a trendy and vibrant atmosphere.

Stone Gray and Olive Green

The pairing of stone gray and olive green creates an earthy and sophisticated palette, bringing a touch of nature indoors. This combination is perfect for those aiming to establish a calming and grounded atmosphere, especially in areas where a connection to the outdoors is desired.

Platinum Gray and Coral Pink

Platinum gray and coral pink strike a balance between chic modernity and playful charm. The subtle sophistication of platinum gray allows coral pink to shine as an accent color, making this combination well-suited for spaces that embrace both elegance and a touch of whimsy.

Smoke Gray and Sky Blue

Smoke gray and sky blue create a soothing and elegant color scheme reminiscent of a serene sky. This combination is excellent for spaces where a sense of calmness and relaxation is desired, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms, bathrooms, or reading nooks.

Pewter Gray and Turmeric

Pewter gray paired with turmeric creates a sophisticated and balanced look by incorporating a neutral base with a bold, warm accent. This combination is perfect for those seeking a contemporary and inviting atmosphere with a touch of spice.

Graphite Gray and Plum

Graphite gray and plum bring a sense of drama and opulence to interior design. The deep richness of graphite gray serves as a backdrop for the luxurious tones of plum, creating a bold and luxurious aesthetic. This combination is well-suited for spaces where a touch of glamour and richness is desired, such as dining rooms or entertainment areas.

What are the best gray color schemes? This question is almost impossible to answer, as the number of colors that go with gray are endless. Most arguably the most versatile color of them all, there is a color somewhere on the color wheel that matches every shade and tone of gray. Not many colors can supply an interior with a neutral backdrop while introducing so much depth and contrast into the space as gray does. Luckily gray is the epitome of modernism and it doesn’t look like it is going anywhere anytime soon. Embrace it by adding perfectly toned colors with it to create the interior of your dreams.

Take a look at our “what colors go with gray” webstory here!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Colors That Go With Gray?

What are colors that go with gray? The answer to this question depends heavily on the undertone of gray. Warm gray that has a red tint goes well with colors that have the same warm hues like blush pink, terracotta, and red. The inverse applies to cool gray: cool colors like navy blue, green, and purple pair well in this case.

What Colors Complement Gray?

What colors complement gray? Depending on the undertone of the gray, almost all colors could complement gray. Colors that complement gray tend to be colors that have the same tonal value as gray. Colors like red, pink, yellow, and orange complement warm gray, whereas blue, purple, and green complement cool gray.

What Is the Best Color Combination With Gray?

The best color combination with gray tends to be colors that have the same undertone as the gray you are trying to match. A cool-toned gray looks good when combined with other cool colors such as purple and blue. Warm-toned gray works well when combined with other warm-toned colors such as red, orange, and pink.

Kylie Deyzel( Interior Designer )

Kylie Deyzel is an interior designer and sustainability enthusiast from Cape Town, South Africa. She has a passion for writing and educating others on various interior design topics. Her favorite interior design topics include interior design theory, interior design history, and most of all: sustainable interior design.

She received her B-tech degree in interior design from the University of Johannesburg in 2018 and has worked at various interior design firms since and had a few of her own freelance interior design clients under her company name binnekant.

Learn more about the Art in Context Team.