10 Best Colors That Go with Gray, According to Experts

With cool mid-tone grays that have blue undertones, consider cool green hues like fresh pistachio, light olive, or even a soft turquoise. Cool colors typically pair well with other cool colors. Following this rule will always help you make the right paint color choice.

Pink and gray have always been a popular color combination. The contrasting hues play off each other well and create a balance between the more serious gray shades and the playful pink hues. For a more sophisticated take on this combo, try a burgundy with hints of brown and gray undertones.  

Dark gray hues typically pair well with pastels. For instance, try pairing warmer charcoal with a soft blush for an elegant feel. Just remember to add in a few light ivory tones to balance everything out. 

If you're a diehard color-averse, black, white, and gray are your best color options to create a beautiful, striking contrast in your space. When using this combination, just be mindful of also adding in a few warmer tones like sand, chocolate brown, and taupe, to warm up the space. 

"This pale, slightly-green gray is tranquil and elegant," says Andrea Magno, a color and design expert at Benjamin Moore. She recommends using Silver Marlin in a living room, bedroom, or bathroom. For a monochromatic look, accessorize in varying shades of gray.

Rich jewel tones look fantastic against dark grays—and a great example of this is the room above by interior designer Tali Roth. In it, dark gray walls and trims serve as the perfect backdrop for linen bedding in rich shades of mustard and plum. The marigold hues lighten the space while still making it feel sophisticated.

Emma Beryl swears by Farrow & Ball’s infamous shade, Elephant Breath. “It brings a rich sense of warmth to a space, but its gray undertones feel totally new and fresh,” she says. Renowned for its original inception by sought after British designer John Fowler, this taupe has made its way to bedrooms the world over. “It is the most perfect neutral taupe with a magenta undertone,” adds Decorist designer Jessica McCarthy, noting its earthy, yet romantic impact.

White shades may seem similar, but they look vastly different once painted on your walls. "If you choose a shade with the wrong undertone for your lighting and space, instead of feeling airy and bright, it could end up looking dingy, cold or dusty." says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr. 

"I love using earthly ochre such as taupe to create a calm atmosphere in a room," says London designer Sophie Ashby. Here, a neutral tan paint color contrasts with a lighter gray wall to give dimension to this living room.

When in doubt, go with a crisp and clean white. "Paint color sets the tone of the space," says Utah-based interior designer Shea McGee. "A fresh white will make most spaces feel clean and updated instantly." This small living room looks light and refreshed thanks to the white paint color and large windows, which both make the space appear quite large.