12 Stylish Grey Bedroom Ideas That Prove This Color Is the New “It” Neutral

published Apr 4, 2023
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Whether used as wall paint or in home decor accents, grey (or gray, depending on your local spelling) has firmly cemented itself as a popular modern neutral. This versatile color offers no shortage of shades, from light-toned silver to moody charcoal, all while pairing nicely with most interior palettes. Grey also stands the test of time: It’s a classic addition to any space, regardless of size and in any shape or form, be it an accent wall, textured pillow, statement chair, duvet cover, or all of the above. Nowadays, more and more bedroom design schemes specifically are leaning into grey, too, for its overall sophisticated aesthetic and soothing quality.

Interested in incorporating this sought-after hue into your own home? Get inspired by these 12 stylish grey bedroom ideas that feature small-space styling tips, accent color and pattern pairings, nursery designs, and more. 

Credit: Cass Smith

1. All-over grey paint 

In this modern-meets-traditional house in Gloucester, Virginia, grey walls ground the bedroom’s lighter details, like the curtains, bedding, rug, and globe-style pendant lamp. Although a deeper shade of grey, this hue acts like a neutral throughout the space and doesn’t darken the overall effect of the room, thanks to the ample sunlight streaming through the windows. 

Credit: Erin Derby

2. Grey accent wall

On the other hand, if you’re not ready to commit to an all-over paint makeover, take a cue from New York-based designer Alvin Wayne. To add more creativity to his high-rise apartment (a “bright box with beautiful views … and boring white walls,” in Wayne’s own words), he centered his bedroom around just one statement-making slate-colored side with Behr’s Broadway (PPU18-20) in a matte finish. 

3. Soft grey shiplap

Briony Delves, founder of textile brand Society of Wanderers, traded a bright 1990s color palette for soft, coastal vibes within her Australian home. On top of styling the bedroom with linens from her own line, she also utilized all-over wall paneling, painted in a tranquil grey shade with blue undertones. 

Credit: Lauren Kolyn

4. Grey pattern play

Even in a small home (390 square feet, to be exact), a darker shade like grey can still feel cozy and fresh. Case in point: This Toronto studio apartment, designed by artist/illustrator Lisa Vanin, which stylishly doubles down on the shade with both grey paint and a coordinating gingham quilt and pillows. 

5. French-inspired grey closets

While the predominantly grey paint palette in this San Francisco home doubles as a “canvas” to showcase the renter’s own artwork, this coloring especially elevates a wall of closet doors in the bedroom. Here, grey provides a nice contrast to the white molding and ceiling to emphasize a wall of elongated built-ins, which creates an elegant, Parisian-inspired effect. 

Credit: Christopher Broe

6. Grey-on-green combo

Small touches make a big impact in designer Oyin Antwi’s low-lift Brooklyn bedroom makeover. She first honed in on a color palette of shades of grey and green, then chose decorative accents like a rug, new bedding, and throw pillows to complete the look. Paired with a brighter, more natural tone, the grey-infused space manages to feel airy and inviting. 

7. Moody grey to the max

Taking inspiration from “the grey velvet couches in the Tom Ford store, the photography of Slim Aarons, Las Vegas of the 1960s, [and] New York of the ’80s,” actor Erich Bergen played with a variety of dark shades and textures for his monochromatic primary bedroom. Behind the bed, you’ll find Phillip Jeffries wallpaper in Manila Hemp (Grey Settee), while Benjamin Moore’s Stone (2112-40) rounds out the rest of the remaining walls. He sourced his bedding from Ralph Lauren, and the table lamps are West Elm.

8. Textural grey reading nook

Looking for a more minimalist grey bedroom design idea? Start with a furniture focal point, if you have empty space to fill, as inspired by this nursery turned home office/guest bedroom. A grey bouclé chair introduces subtle warmth and texture to its neutral-leaning surroundings while also carving out a cozy hangout spot for reading. 

9. Grey patterned wallpaper

New York-based interior designer Jared Sherman Epps of JSE Interior Design converted this two-bedroom apartment into a vibrant, eclectic oasis. In the guest bedroom, Epps opted for a sophisticated light gray wallcovering, which he accented with brighter pops of decor. The result? A hotel-like suite for anyone who comes to visit. 

Credit: Viv Yapp

10. Grey nursery backdrop

Don’t be afraid to use grey when decorating kids’ spaces, too; it’s a great transitional color that can grow up alongside your little ones. In this London home, the owner wanted her kids’ rooms to spark their imaginations and creativity. There, a light grey backdrop effectively acts like a supporting character to the space’s more colorful textiles and toys. 

11. Grey floral backdrop

Committing to a self-described “eclectic modern farmhouse” design style, this Houston, Texas-based homeowner applied a grey floral Anthropologie wallpaper on the bed wall in her daughter’s room. To help break up the busy print and brighten the space, she also hung matching round mirrors on either side of the bed.

12. Charming grey trim 

A cool neutral shade lines the bottom half of this Buenos Aires bedroom, which accents the nearby art, nightstands, and bed (plus, even resembles a built-in headboard!). If you’re up for DIYing molding, consider this an easy project for adding definition and charm to an all-white room.