From light blue to dark red and black, we showcase the best colors that go with light grey, and the choices are vast.
“Gray decor is a versatile neutral that works well in any room and creates a calm, contemporary backdrop that is easy to combine with all room colors, furniture and decor,” says Lee Broom, founder of Lee Broom.
The beauty of light gray is that you can combine it with both bright colors and other neutrals, making it a great choice for a new scheme. All you have to do is remember to heat some color combinations.
“Incorporating warmer colors through natural materials such as wood flooring or an oversized rug balances out the cool tones of gray and creates a cohesive design scheme,” Lee advises.
Here, our experts have chosen their favorite standout shades of gray, focusing on the paler end of the gray spectrum.
The 10 best colors that go with light gray
The great thing about light gray is that you can change the look of the room with the colors you choose. For example, if you’re looking for a calm space, choose gentle shades like dark green, reddish pink, or taupe.
For a sophisticated scheme, consider light blue, white or orange, and there are also other shades of gray such as charcoal to consider. For an edgy space add black.
1. Light gray with red
(Image credit: Future)
Create maximum impact in your entryway by choosing crimson red to contrast with light grey. If you don’t have space for a sofa, consider a red console, a mirror, or even a single red wall.
It will give your entryway a strong, not overpowering interior design edge because light gray will act as a stylish neutral – try it. You can always start small and add more red if you like.
2. Light gray with bright blue
(Image credit: Keeling Designs)
When choosing colors that go with light gray, consider light blue. It’s easy on the eye and is a combination that can work with coastal schemes or one that needs to be elegant and sophisticated. Emma Deterding, founder and creative director of Kelling Designs, explains:
‘When it comes to the living room, a classic color scheme that always works well is the combination of blue and grey. Not only do they complement each other perfectly, but they can also blend together seamlessly and often go with the timeless coastal aesthetic. This is perfect for the living room, a space where you want to relax and unwind after a long day.
The combination of light and airy shades of blue and gray also works effectively, creating an elegant, sophisticated and relaxed look. Brighter shades and muted colors help create a calming space that can be updated time and time again with more affordable accessories to update the look. You can really add texture and dimension to this by layering with light, airy linens and natural textures that pay homage to the coastal look.’
Founded by Emma Deterding, Kelling Designs is an international interior design firm based in Chelsea and North Norfolk. Emma describes her style as bold, colorful and timeless, all of which can be seen in her designs.
3. Light gray with sage green
(Image credit: Humbert and the Poet/Francis Amyand)
If you have a beautiful marble kitchen that naturally comes with light gray veining, you may be wondering what color to paint your cabinets. Sage green is a great choice – it’s a nice shade that blends well with the veining and in this smart kitchen there are splashes of light gray in the flooring too.
Choosing a soft color will create a balanced scheme where both color and marble have equal billing.
4. Light gray and navy blue
(Image credit: Curated Nest/Kyle J Caldwell)
This may be an unusual pairing, but it works incredibly well in this Scandinavian dining room. Navy and light gray certainly nod to Scandinavian color palettes and have a fresh appeal.
“We love pairing neutral walls with a pop of color. In this home, we mixed a timeless, light gray wall with a touch of navy blue. They’re both cool tones, so they worked well together,” says Erin Koren, co-founder and design director. At Curated Nest: “If our client wants to change chairs over time, the investment is low, but the impact is high.”
Pale wood gives a space warmth, which would be lacking without it, and adding a touch of pattern in the form of sofa cushions adds interest to a simple yet contemporary scheme.
5. Light gray and dark grey
(Image credit: Warm)
If you have charcoal walls and want to layer neutrals, light gray will be your first port of call. Then use another shade as a secondary color to brighten and add warmth. This is where gray can work wonders.
The light gray tones provide a modern touch, while the gray color adds a touch of earthy charm – the perfect choice for your living room needs. Whether brought in through soft furnishings, a sofa, or even the walls, these two neutral colors go together like old friends to create a cozy and comfortable space,” says Danny Burrows, Head of Product at Snug.
Add some blush, taupe and light gray sofa cushions for more contrast with the charcoal and to tie the shades together and you’ll have a cozy and modern scheme.
6. Light gray and ochre
(Image credit: Rebecca Amir Design/Kirsten Francis)
Gray can be a bit cold, but to combat this it’s worth adding a warm shade even if in small amounts, think an earthy shade of ochre, it goes beautifully with light grey.
“Just because a room is grey, it doesn’t have to be boring and lack personality. The right subtle gray, like Benjamin Moore’s Light Pewter, can provide a more uplifting neutral (and an alternative to white),” says Rebecca Amir, founder of Rebecca Amir Design. It can be layered with bolder colors.
“Here, in this master bedroom, light blue in the art and window treatments adds to the calm, neutral feel, while ocher accents provide an unexpected touch and add warmth to balance the cool, calm tones.”
7. Light gray and copper color
(Image credit: Future PLC)
Metals don’t really fall under “color” as such, but they can be relied upon when the rest of the chart is one shade. Take this modern bathroom as an example – the light gray walls and tiled floors work together, but could be clinical if not for the brass fixtures and fittings.
They add warmth to the scheme and decorative aspect, and be sure to choose the same tones throughout for cohesion.
8. Light gray and white
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Any scheme that contains white will have a fresh feel because it lifts and brightens. The main thing to remember when adding white is to choose the right shade, as Helen Shaw, International Marketing Director, Benjamin Moore, explains below:
“Grey pairs well with almost all other colours, and this versatility gives good reason for its popularity. A subtle gray combined with a crisp white will create a timeless look and keep the room bright and airy. However, not all shades of white will work with any shade of grey, as a general rule , Pair a warmer white with a warmer grey, and a cooler gray with a purer white.
9. Light gray and black
(Image credit: Lee Broom)
“Light gray acts as a neutral base, providing a backdrop that can make a space feel airy and open,” says Lee Broom, founder of Lee Broom.
“When combined with black accents and furnishings, it creates a striking contrast that adds depth and drama to a room. Combining these two colors creates a modern and sophisticated atmosphere, while also allowing different textures and materials to be combined to create a visually dynamic space.”
Add some patterns to help the light gray and black blend together, this could be decorative sofa cushions and artwork, or a vase containing both colours.
10. Light gray and bright colors
(Image credit: Sofa.com)
We’re talking about using single colors with light grey, but if you can’t decide, why not combine two or three colors instead? Multicolors work well with gray because it’s a great neutral color that acts as a blank canvas.
“If color is your kryptonite, choose a few complementary colors that you love, and weave them throughout the room,” says Patricia Gibbons, design team at Sofa.com. ‘Gray works beautifully in bedrooms, and while most colors contrast with grey, we’re loving green, red and yellow at the moment.’
Patricia adds that this is especially important if you’re a fan of color and not a fan of simplicity:
‘Showing an element of your personality always plays a role when planning your home’s style. In places like the kitchen and living room where most of the entertaining takes place, you may want to take a more balanced approach. However, personal spaces like the bedroom are where you can play with colors that energize you and reflect a sense of whimsy.’
common questions
Does light gray go with any color?
There are very few colors that don’t go with light gray because it’s classified as a neutral, even black looks great with it as does pink, green and blue. It all depends on what kind of look you are going for.
“For moody moods and ambiance, grays and blues in darker tones are a perfect choice because they create a deep backdrop that allows your furniture and accessories to really sing. People are becoming more bold with design choices, often opting for color,” says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director of Kelling Designs. Deep, inky and charcoal grays for a dramatic statement that evokes a cocoon-like effect.”
Founded by Emma Deterding, Kelling Designs is an international interior design firm based in Chelsea and North Norfolk. Emma describes her style as bold, colorful and timeless, all of which can be seen in her designs.