To some, the design of the living room in gray tones may not seem too expressive or even boring. But this is a fallacy. 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 color is neutral, which means that it can become a background, emphasize the original color accents, make the living room cozy and attractive. In some styles, it is used as the main one, for example, in the loft, high-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 consider 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 coziness to the living room in gray tones, adding blue or purple shades, 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.
- Having made it the main one, you can quickly and easily change the style and mood of the room: all you need is to replace the textiles so that the living room appears in a new form.
- The practicality of gray, which does not get dirty too quickly and does not fade, is undeniable.
- The design of the living room in gray tones promotes relaxation, sets in a peaceful mood.
Combinations with other colors - white
The living room in gray-white tones is a classic that has been successfully applied in almost all styles, but it is especially effective 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 the windows of your room go. For the south side, cold tones are suitable : snow, blue ice. If the windows face north, use warm shades: cream, milk, ivory, cream, etc. In this combination, small elements of black color will be appropriate, which will add refinement to the interior.
Beige
Such a neighborhood will add warmth to the living room in gray tones, the room will become more comfortable and tender. The color ratio depends on the size of the room: the smaller it is, the more beige shades will be needed, the more - the more actively you can use gray.
Violet
The living room in gray tones, in which purple, lavender, lilac shades are added, is distinguished by sophistication. As a rule, purple is used as an accent, highlighting with it a part of the wall. Textiles of similar shades can be used. The more spacious the room, the more purple elements can be allowed to make your room look as harmonious as possible. For this combination, there is a general rule: the smaller the room, the lighter should be the shades.
Blue
In combination with gray, blue is suitable for rooms that face south, this is especially true in regions with a hot climate. Cool tones “cool” the atmosphere, because blue, reminiscent of the sky, will create a feeling of spaciousness, give the room lightness. You can combine these colors in different ways. For example, the walls are covered with gray wallpaper with a pattern consisting of blue flowers, they make one wall blue, put blue stripes on the pearl gray walls, etc. By the way, the last option visually “raises” 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 they use turquoise in combination with “asphalt”, for example, upholstery of upholstered furniture in “wet asphalt” color will perfectly shade decorative pillows of a 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 lighter than the other. This pair needs details of the 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 furniture made of natural wood. Burgundy accessories and textiles of the same color can become accents in this pair.
Red
Living room ideas in gray tones 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 fundamental tone: the lighter it is, the brighter the red details can be. For example, in the living room in light gray tones you can use scarlet or ruby elements, and on the dark walls “wine” and cherry tones look spectacular. This combination is actively used in high-tech, minimalist styles, in loft interiors. The kitchen-living room in gray tones with the addition of red shades also looks strictly and elegantly.
Minimalism and classic in gray tones.
Designers and decorators are happy to work 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 a competent choice of furniture and accessories. Modern design has become an area of simple geometric shapes, fashionable as well as iconic retro furniture.
The key to the success of such an interior, experts consider accuracy, harmony and tranquility. The gray color in a minimalist interior is smooth walls without decor, very simple furniture, a modern lighting system. Typically, in such interiors are intertwined in different shades of gray. Dark walls, as a rule, are perfectly combined with a light gray sofa, and vice versa. You can use small rugs with geometric patterns. With their help, the design will become more dynamic, and the room is larger.
In the classical style, one should not forget about the importance of choosing furniture and accessories. Retro furniture with curved legs will add elegance to the room. It is equally important to think about lighting. It should be a lot, but should be used chandeliers, sconces, floor lamps in a classic style. In such an interior, thick curtains, woolen blankets, pillows from gray structural fabric or soft chairs will be appropriate. As wall decorations, you can use black and white photographs.
Light gray living room
If you do not want to combine colors, then you must give preference to light shades that will not “crush” and reduce the size of the room. In a small room, the ceiling is painted in a lighter color, most often several tones lighter than the walls.
Gray and white living room
A great option for a living room in gray tones, but keep in mind that this classic combination is not too suitable for a room with windows facing north: it will seem too cold. And if the windows face south - there is no doubt: white blotches will make the interior easier, give a feeling of spaciousness. This option looks great in small rooms, where the predominance of dark colors depresses. White textiles, furniture, flooring will make the living room more light and friendly. White brick wall looks great in such a design , which will become an expressive addition.
Gray beige living room
Muted tones, which include beige, give the living room in gray tones of warmth and softness, make the room more comfortable. Beige shades in the gray living room create a supple background, and may be present in decor elements, for example, in upholstery of upholstered furniture or details made of light wood.
The tree contrasts slightly with cold gray and at the same time favorably complements the duo. But such an arrangement needs a few expressive touches. In a modern interior, they can become 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 enter bright and bold additions, for example, bright yellow chairs. Light shades of beige, close to cream visually increase the room, but do not give it cold notes, as is often the case with white.
Living room in blue and gray tones
Perhaps you paid attention to how gray is successfully combined with blue and blue. In a room decorated in such a range, lightness and freshness are felt. Delicate blue slightly muffles dark gray, and blue looks interesting with light gray.
Blue tones, according to psychologists, help to relax and relax. But it should be noted that this is a cold combination, which is most suitable for sunny rooms. Where can I apply the blue color? 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. Rugs with a combination of gray, blue and white will not be superfluous.
Which furniture to choose?
The interior of the living room in gray tones should not be limited to the use of paint or wallpaper on the walls. Today, furniture in such colors is becoming more and more popular. She always looks very elegant and elegant. Typically, this is a set of upholstered furniture, including a sofa, armchairs and a stylish table that can radically change the interior. It can be a dining group: a table and chairs with soft upholstery.
Outside the recreation 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 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 the design of a living space depends largely on the little things, the 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.
Do not forget about lighting fixtures. Gray tones on chandeliers, floor lamps (especially chrome products), on metal elements will only add elegance to the interior.
Even if you perfectly match the shades of furniture and wallpaper, your living room will not be more comfortable if the walls remain empty. Wall decorations are of great importance in the interior. Very simple frames for paintings and photographs, made in different styles using shades of gray, white, black and even golden, will enliven the interior and decorate the room.
A few words in conclusion
One cannot but admit that all kinds of shades of gray are slowly but surely replacing beige and pastel tones from the interiors of our apartments, which have dominated there for several decades. The interior of the gray living room in any combination is distinguished by sophistication and elegance. According to many apartment owners, he is fully responsible, and sometimes exceeds expectations.