Accent colors can easily update a room. Where they’re placed is up to the owner. No longer are they solely placed on walls to accent a home’s wall decor. They can now be used on ceilings as well to highlight certain aspects of the room. One of the more popular types of walls to use an accent on, is a grey accent wall.
Grey has been the most popular accent wall color for years – whether you’re using light grey or dark grey – due to its versatility. It creates a certain elegance to a space. However, there are many things to consider when using grey as an accent wall.
Consider The Dynamics of the Room
What is the ceiling height? Is the room small, open concept, or large? How much natural light filters in? What shade is the furniture? These are all questions that play into your selection of a grey accent.
For instance, using a dark grey accent for a ceiling makes a tiny room even smaller. If a grey is used, it should be a lighter hue than the walls. This visually creates a room that is taller.
Additionally, If you want a room to look spacious, select pale tones or warm grey accent colors.
Find a Focal Point
Place the grey accent along a wall that will highlight the existing furniture. Is the color of the furniture a warm shade or cool? If the color is cool, a warmer shade of grey may warm up the room, providing a great contrast. You also have to consider if you’re using warm colors.
Consider the best place to accent in the room. Some people select the fireplace, for example. A fireplace naturally draws the attention of the eye, as do vaulted ceilings. Consider which aspect of the room you like best. Then select the proper shade accordingly.
Select the Proper “Temperature” of Grey
What mood do you want the room to have? Grey can either make a room look cool/elegant or warm. Consider how much natural light is coming through the windows and the direction. The direction of the light determines whether a cool or warm shade of grey is used.
Consider Natural Lighting in Shade Selection
If the room faces north, the light is cool. The light is a bluish hue. Southern light generates a warm, golden shade. East and west change throughout the day. Light coming in from the west is warmer at sunset. Meanwhile, eastern light is warmer at sunrise.
Rooms facing north are ideal for using grey as an accent color. Experts deem it difficult to decorate because it receives little natural light. However, the challenge with using grey is that, in some rooms, the shade can look icy.
In this type of room, consider using a grey with brown undertones. This warms up the room while maintaining elegance.
A charcoal grey is great to use in a dining room as an accent. It can create a dramatic effect. It is very glamourous for a formal room yet inviting.
In selecting warmer tones, avoid grey-blue or green-grey paint. It will make the room appear cold. Instead, opt for yellow or beige-based greys. This will allow light to bounce around the room as much as possible. They are a warmer grey.
If a blue grey/green grey is used for an accent, make sure that it is on a wall with sconces. Floor lamps will cast too many shadows, making the room look cool, as will ceiling light fixtures.
West-facing rooms require warm greys for an accent. A grey with a hint of beige or yellow will work best. The color will draw in light and warm up the room as the sun sets. The bits of yellow create warmth and coziness.
If the room has little natural light, pick a warm light grey.
Rooms with an eastern light can make a grey accent wall appear blue. The best choice is a green or blue grey. You can use a blue-toned grey if you live in a warmer climate. But avoid using this color in cooler temperatures. It can make the room look too cool.
Green-grey hues are generally more neutral and go well with wood. By adding grey tones overall to the room, it makes the room appealing and relaxing.
To warm up the room, the best grey accent is a warm metal, or a grey with warm undertones.
Southern rooms are easy to decorate. The light coming in allows the owner to use both warm and light shades of grey. All colors will look great in the room.
Select a Complementary Color
The color of the accent wall must complement the room, the floors, and the other wall colors. Consider the surrounding furniture. What would look best contrasted against it?
The undertone of the grey is important when considering an accent color. If the existing walls are warm, contrast it with a cool grey. If they are cool, then use a warmer grey. This is used only if you want a stronger accent color.
To warm up a room or bedroom, use a softer shade. Select a grey with the similar undertones as the rest of the walls.
Take Existing Furniture Into Consideration
In selecting the right shade of grey, consider the surrounding furniture. Grey accent walls look spectacular when offset by wood, stone, and metals. If the materials are limestone, sandstone, or brass, use a slightly cooler shade of grey. For steel, white, or marble, consider a warmer shade.
Test an Area First
The variables in selecting the correct color are diverse. It is prudent to always test the area with a sample pot. Let it dry. Visualize how it would look before proceeding. It saves the hassle of repainting if things don’t turn out.
Keep in mind grey will look different depending on the room’s lighting and contrasting walls. You want to be sure to select the proper shade.
The versatility of grey makes it a popular selection as an accent wall. There is so much that homeowners can do with it. When used correctly, it can contrast existing furniture, making it stand out. It can also create warmth or add coolness.
The visual decor possibilities are endless with this paint color.
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