Inspiration Station - Living Room

Set the scene with painted grey furniture

Both stylish and welcoming, adding painted furniture to your living room is a simple way to create a distinct look. Wood furniture has an irresistibly cosy quality and, in certain styles, takes on a contemporary-rustic effect when given a painted finish.

Ideal for setting the foundation for your design scheme, grey painted furniture is both classic and fresh, so you can create a space that looks modern without losing any of the undertones of comfort and friendliness natural wood is so loved for.

The muted, chalky grey of the St. Ives range has a modern and sophisticated appeal while touches of natural oak add subtle warmth. Complete with a coffee table, corner TV unit (or large TV unit), bookcase, and more, you can mix and match coordinating pieces throughout the room, controlling the effect depending on how much grey you choose to introduce.

If you want to channel a light and airy feel, the Arlette range of mid-grey painted furniture uses a pale, ash grey for a more subtle effect. Bring a Scandi-inspired vibe to your home by styling a matching TV unit (whether small, large, or corner), bookcase, and side table across your layout. The almost-white finish is subtle yet effective, introducing a touch of modern edge

Cosy up on a grey sofa

The sofa is the focal point of your living room, and choosing a grey design is an instant way to inject cosy, modern style into your space. The shape and colour of your sofa will have a huge impact on the atmosphere.

A large sofa in a dark shade, like charcoal or graphite will instantly make your space feel sophisticated and elegant. Choose a simple shape, like the Denver fabric sofas or the Dallas fabric sofas, and let the moody grey finish do all the talking. If your living room is on the small side, make sure to surround your dark sofa with lighter décor, to balance out the effect.

If you want to get creative with your sofa design, look for a piece that has a distinctive shape – the Grosvenor fabric sofas has a high back and gently flared arms, for an instant retro appeal. Available in either silver or blue-grey, the subtle colouring adds a modern update, blending the best of classic and contemporary.

Add a dash of silver with grey accessories

Including grey statement pieces across your living room will lay the foundation, and incorporating grey accessories throughout your space adds the perfect finishing touch to your grey design scheme. When choosing grey accessories, look for pieces that reflect your personality, so you can create a retreat that you’ll love relaxing in.

A statement clock can bring functionality and style, acting as a piece of artwork when hung either on its own or among photos and prints in a gallery-inspired display.

Lamps are another living room necessity that you can get creative with, to enhance the grey theme in your space. A tall grey lamp will create a cosy atmosphere in a dark corner, while a short table lamp can be great for reading or cosy nights in front of the TV.

What colours look good with grey?

Unless you’re embracing an edgy, all-grey look, you’ll need to include coordinating tones and colours across your living room. The shades you choose will depend on the atmosphere you’re trying to create and the shades of grey you’re using – dark grey features have a cooler, modern effect while light grey can lean towards a softer, airy vibe.

To make a bold statement, add flashes of bright colours using a feature wall or accessories. Yellow (particularly mustard yellow) is a popular choice that works surprisingly well with grey, for a sunny and fun contrast, while moody hues like indigo and navy will have a more subtle effect.

For a softer look, use pastel colours like powder blue or chalky pink, which create an instant Scandi-chic appeal when paired with grey. Pastel coloured textiles, such as cushions and throws, are a great way to introduce a bit of colour into a grey living room.

Add depth and texture to your space with patterned rugs or curtains – geometric prints can bring an artsy, modern twist, while muted floral designs offer a hint of vintage.