Grey bedroom ideas are the perfect way to ensure your sleeping space feels calm and restful – plus they make a brilliant backdrop for the introduction of other colours too. Check out our round-up of the best
There is a reason why grey bedroom ideas are so popular – grey is a colour that comes in such a huge range of variations and all are easy-to-live-with and perfect for combining with a massive selection of other shades too.
Your bedroom design scheme should, ideally, be centred around creating a space that not only feels restful and calm at bedtime, but also one that can transition into a bright, restorative room in which to begin the day.
Here, we've pulled together our favourite examples of gorgeous grey bedrooms, from those that exemplify the shade's versatility to ideas that show other ways of introducing this colour than just on the walls.
What do you want from your grey bedroom ideas?
Not everyone wants the same things from their bedroom ideas. For some people, conjuring up a tranquil, serene retreat is at the top of their wish list, while for others, they want a space that really displays their personality.
While grey is utterly beautiful by itself, and is recommended as one of the best bedroom colours, it is also a shade that stands up to so many brighter and bolder colours, meaning that it is easy to create a multi-dimensional space.
Think about how you want your bedroom to feel and take into account how much natural light enters the room before selecting a grey (or greys) and then build upon this – and remember, there are lots of ways to introduce colour into a space other than through paint – wallpaper, soft furnishing and accessories are all great ways too .
Available in various sizes to suit all bedroom shapes, the oriental design of this stylish grey rug would slide perfectly in with both modern and classic decor schemes.
With its modern geometric herringbone design, the grey version of this generously-filled cushion, will pair easily with a wide range of other colours and patterns.
1. Go for opulence with silver and greys
Metallics such as silver add a touch of glitz to a grey bedroom scheme(Image credit: ILIV)
Whether you are interested in modern bedroom ideas or more classic schemes, silver is a shade that works so well with all kinds of greys. Metallics add a luxurious touch to any space and also work well where you are trying to build up layers of texture.
"Grey is a calming colour making it ideal for the bedroom," says Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV. "Experiment with textures to add cosiness and mix-and-match grey prints with plains for soft furnishings."
In this dreamy bedroom, a range of fabrics, from ILIV, has been combined to create a room that is full of sumptuous patterns and textures. The Arcade Heather fabric throw and silver mirror add a touch of glamour.
2. Pair navy with soft grey for a sultry look
Pair darker shades of greys on the wall with crisp white ceilings to give the look a lift(Image credit: French Bedroom)
Navy blue is a shade that pairs perfectly with all kinds of greys and instantly makes a space feel confident and bold.
In this bedroom, the deep blue walls and rich herringbone flooring are the perfect backdrop for the grand bed, from French Bedroom, from their Amour Collection, which is carved from mahogany and hand painted in a fawn grey with ivory accents.
Keep a bedroom finished with a strong colour such as this from feeling oppressive by sticking to fresh white painted ceiling ideas.
3. Play with patterns against grey walls
This beautiful striped carpet features shades of grey that work brilliantly with the wall colour(Image credit: Alternative Flooring)
Grey, particularly deeper, moodier shades, is a very grounded colour and lifting it with pattern and texture is a brilliant way to add depth. Don't forget to think about the types of carpet you will use in your bedroom – they are a great way to add colour.
"Grey walls are a perfect canvas against which to play with patterns. The colour grey is also a very popular one to combine with other shades, especially in multi-coloured elements of your home such as carpets," says Lorna Haigh, creative director at Alternative Flooring. "For single-colour walls, opt for a carpet with a bold pattern such as stripes or chevron. Many of our carpets incorporate multiple grey shades in one pattern, which helps bring a sense of continuity to your interior design.”
4. Paint panelling grey for a smart Shaker look
The addition of Shaker-style wall panelling into this bedroom adds plenty of character to the space(Image credit: Blinds 2go)
Using wall panelling to introduce colour into your bedroom decor ideas is brilliant way to create a classic, crisp and calming scheme – and is a great example of how to use grey other than on the walls.
In this fresh and airy bedroom, the Shaker-style grey panelling and marl grey blind sit beautifully alongside the off-white walls and headboard, while the selection of grey bedding keeps the look soft.
5. Use natural marble for a grounded feel
Adding marble elements into a grey bedroom scheme adds a sense of luxury(Image credit: Pooky)
Natural materials are perfect for creating a reassuringly grounded feel in any space and work particularly well in bedrooms. One natural material that is perfect for those looking for ways to add interest to a grey bedroom scheme is marble, which has not only a creamy grey hue, but also features interesting striations and patterns.
In this bedroom, the two-tone blue/grey walls are broken up by the white dado rail, while the marble fireplace and side table add an elegant touch.
6. Explore the idea of 'greige' for your bedroom
There are plenty of warmer shades of grey that will ensure your bedroom won't look chilly(Image credit: Claire Garner Interiors)
If you are worried about grey feeling a little too cool in the bedroom then there is a nice alternative to consider – 'greige'.
"Greige, a blend of grey and beige, has surged in popularity within interior design for its versatility and timeless appeal," explains Claire Garner, creative director at Claire Garner Interiors. "Its neutral hue offers a sophisticated backdrop that effortlessly complements a variety of decor styles, from modern and minimalist to rustic and traditional. Greige possesses a chameleon-like quality, adapting seamlessly to different lighting conditions and surrounding colours.
"Unlike stark white or cool grey, greige provides a softer and more welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for both walls and furnishings, adding depth and cosiness to spaces while maintaining an airy and classic feel," continues Claire. "It provides an ideal foundation for layering textures and accent colours, offering endless potential for crafting personalised and harmonious interiors."
If you are after bedroom layout ideas for a smaller space, take note of this example –the symmetrical look works brilliantly.
Claire Garner
Claire Garner is renowned for her expertise in crafting timeless interiors that radiate elegance and sophistication. With a keen eye for design, she excels in layering muted colours, patterns, and textures to build design schemes with depth and personality.
7. Draw out grey tones with pale wood flooring
Pale wooden flooring looks great when pared with all kinds of grey(Image credit: Chaunceys Timber Flooring)
Don't forget to consider your bedroom flooring ideas when developing your overall colour scheme – the shade of your floor not only acts as a backdrop for the entire space, but it also highlights the shades used elsewhere.
"Choosing a light wood floor for a grey bedroom is an excellent choice as it creates a harmonious and inviting atmosphere," suggests Ian Tomlinson, MD of Chaunceys Timber Flooring. "The natural warmth of the light wood beautifully contrasts with the cool tones of grey, adding a sense of depth and sophistication to the space. This combination also enhances the room's brightness and openness, as light wood reflects more light, making the area feel airy and spacious."
In this room, featuring a beautiful pale floor from Chauncey's Timber Flooring, a tall, grey, upholstered headboard acts as a firm focal point.
8. Use many different shades of grey
This room has a fresh, coastal vibe thanks to the choice of soft grey blues(Image credit: Oak Furnitureland)
You don't have to stick to just one shade of grey – there are many variations that sit really well together, blending warmer hues with those that are slightly fresher and cooler in terms of their undertones.
In this room a stormy blue grey has been used for the wall panelling ideas, while the bedside tables and bed have been painted in a warmer, more mushroomy shade of grey. Both colours work really well alongside the timber elements in the room.
9. Don't be afraid of the dark
This bedroom features a range of fabrics from ILIV to create a multifaceted look(Image credit: ILIV)
Often people are a little wary of using darker shades in the bedroom, worried that the look might seem a little overwhelming rather than restful – but in fact dark colours are the perfect way to inject some drama into the space when partnered with the right elements and colours elsewhere.
"Don’t be afraid to go dark, this is a great way to create a high-end, sophisticated look and makes the perfect backdrop for setting off metallic elements or mirrored accessories," explains Debbie Leigh. "Grey is also good as it works well with so many other colours, including dusky pink for a soft feminine feel or navy which gives a smart yet elegant look."
In this smart bedroom, note how well the charcoal grey headboard sits alongside both the rich timber wall cladding as well as the crisp white bedding.
Debbie Leigh
Debbie is an expert in creating beautifully coordinated fabric collections that can be easily combined to create harmonious interior schemes. With more than 30 years of experience, she takes every design from conception right through to the finished textile - inspired by the latest trends and techniques from every continent.
10. Make a small room feel bigger with a layered look
Small bedrooms will benefit from bringing together various shades of grey for a layered look(Image credit: Claire Garner Interiors)
On the hunt for small bedroom ideas? Grey is a shade that could just be the answer to all your troubles. Being available in such a vast array of tones, it is easy to layer up different intensities of grey for a look that is multi-dimensional, adding interest to even the tiniest of boudoirs.
This inviting bedroom was designed by Claire Garner Interiors and enjoys a smart symmetrical layout that makes the most of all the space available.
Q&As
What is a warm grey paint colour?
Still not convinced grey is right for your bedroom? Many people worry that grey is a shade that will feel cold and that is obviously not something you want, whether it is guest bedroom ideas you are after or are decorating your master suite.
The truth is though that there are plenty of greys that sit on the warmer side of the spectrum. Stick to those with undertones of yellow, taupe and brown as opposed to those which err on the side of icy.
Partnering these greys with metallics, such as copper and brass, will also help warm up the overall look.
Koala Bear, from Victory Colours, is a deep silvery grey paint designed to emulate the fur of a koala(Image credit: Victory Colours)
Is grey a good colour for a child's bedroom?
If you are worried about grey being too neutral a shade for your children's bedroom ideas, then you needn't be - there are lots of ways in which grey can benefit this kind of sleeping space.
Grey is known for its soothing qualities which are perfect for a space for youngsters to unwind in. It is also seen as a gender neutral shade meaning it can work in shared bedrooms too. And, finally, being a shade that holds up to bright pops of colour well, it is easy to accessorise with all kinds of fun decorative ideas.
After more of a natural feel in your bedroom? Green bedroom ideas are perfect for creating a space that feels connected to the outside world. This is a shade which is also very soothing and helps to foster a sense of wellbeing.
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Natasha was Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Content Editor and was a member of the Homebuilding team for over two decades. In her role on Homebuilding & Renovating she imparted her knowledge on a wide range of renovation topics, from window condensation to renovating bathrooms, to removing walls and adding an extension. She continues to write for Homebuilding on these topics, and more. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she also writes for a number of other homes titles, including Homes & Gardens and Ideal Homes. Over the years Natasha has renovated and carried out a side extension to a Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project.
