What Decorating Colors Go Well With Gray Walls in a Living Room?

Gray walls don't have to equal a dull living room. Spice up this ultra-neutral shade with accent colors throughout the room on trim, doorways, furniture, flooring and decorative items. From bolds and brights to classic darks and even other neutrals, the options are many when adding color to a gray room. Does this Spark an idea?

Bolds and Brights

Let your gray walls become a backdrop for a more powerful hue. Add a pop of color with bold or bright shades of red, yellow, blue, purple, green or orange. Create a dramatic contrast between the subdued tones of gray and vivid accents by painting trim work in a passionate purple or raucous red. Instead of overdoing a bright color, keep it clean and use it strategically throughout your gray living room. For example, place a crimson throw over your couch or hang orange taffeta curtains.

Darks

Create a contemporary look in your living room by offsetting your gray walls with a deep, dark color. Make your space modern with a glossy, sleek black trim that borders a lighter gray. If you are looking for an ultra-dark shade but are not ready to decorate with a somber black, try a navy blue. Another option is to accent your neutral walls with a maroon. In contrast to a bright red, a maroon shade adds a more traditional or mature sense of decor.

Neutrals

As a neutral itself, pairing gray with other subdued colors creates a tranquil decorating effect. Instead of working with traditional beiges or tans, opt to accent your gray living room with gentle lavenders, sage green or even a rosy blush. These unobtrusive hues lift up the gray tones, but also add a pinch of color. Use one neutral or mix and match a variety of colors in pillows, throws or even furniture for a more eclectic room decor.

White

Decorating a gray living room with white accents provides the space with a fresh, bright look. Create a crisp, clean sense of style in your room with bright white trim and door colors. Add a white area rug, curtains or furniture to complete the look. While gray can appear dulling to the senses, a true white will balance the color and change the entire feel of the room. Take your white decor a step further and include a variety of extra touches such as white flowers near a gray wall or antique white picture frames.