Last Updated on November 27, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford
Grey is a versatile color. As a matter of fact, one could say that it is a staple in any interior design. Being a cool neutral, it is easy to say that the perfect match to gray would be the bold and warm hue range. But that is not the case when you are complementing a gray couch with rugs because the choice, believe it or not, is virtually endless.
If you are wondering or currently mixing and matching rugs with your gray couch, you have come to the right post because we shall run them down for you here. Hence, without much fuss, let us look straight into what color of rugs goes well with a gray couch.
Related: What Color Rug Goes Well With a Brown Sofa?
What Color Rug Goes With a Gray Couch
There is just something about gray that makes the room formal, modern, and contemporary, all at the same time. But depending on what rug you use, you could evoke different design schemes by anchoring your arrangement on just a gray couch and a rug. Here are some notable rug colors for a gray couch.
1. Go minimalist
As have been said, gray couches have a flair for formality and modern neatness. In here, the touch of other popular neutrals like black and gray and how they perfectly complement gray is yet again emphasized.
With the dominance of white in this minimalist rug, you are brightening the space and at the same time, giving more balance to the minimal accents of black and the cool tone of gray.
2. Classic color pop
If you want to stay classy and traditional without looking dated, here is an area tie rug with the classic warm color combination which perfectly matches with your gray couch.
The overall feel in this suburban chic room is cool but the addition of this classic color pop adds a tinge of warmth in the space, making everything complementing and in place.
3. Gray on gray
There is nothing wrong with uniformity. As a matter of fact, a gray couch against a large, gray area rug is very stunning in its own right and this look here proves why.
It is perfect for giving off massive cool tones as the hues are subdued gray. If you are going for this, make sure that your decorative items complement the muted effect of gray on gray well.
4. Bright jewel tones
There is something funky and playful about jewel tones and the bold floral print in this large area rug adds to that. The gray couch here is highlighted by the bright tones and it gives off a very feminine aura, overall.
It is perfect for small home offices and in making the living room brighter and more inviting. It is never a miss to try something funky in interior design especially if you are working with neutrals like gray.
5. A darker contrast
The type of rug used against a gray couch is also important in evoking a certain vibe. For instance, this idea here makes use of black, plush area rug with small hints of white.
While one might say that it is a very broody combo, it is also cozy looking and very inviting at the same time. The boldness of this black rug complemented by this dark gray couch is something that you cannot forget.
6. All white
In contrast to the previous one, this one here is anchored on a plus, white area rug. There is no denying as to the heavenly look of this one here.
It evokes a very classy theme and the fluffiness of the rug just makes everything bright, soft, and inviting. If you are one that loves designing with preference to natural light, this is an idea to take inspiration from.
7. Dark grey lattice rug
The lattice rug design is one of the most popular rug designs out there and this dark gray one here clearly does not disappoint as it proves to be a perfect contrast for velvet gray couch.
The overall look of this living room is high-end chic, thanks to the good balance between the rug and the couch, giving it the right amount of glam and opulence. The whole look speaks for itself.
8. Stormy gray
This is one of those gray-on-gray schemes that is really emotive and broody. If you want to add a cinematic element in your living room, this plain, stormy gray, area rug is the best choice for this velvet gray, chic couch.
Aside from being broody, it also adds layer and depth to the room. Adding other neutral accents around shall also make the look more cohesive.
9. Rainbow flush
As has been said, whatever the color scheme, gray can work well with it. This is definitely the case with this rainbow scheme area rug.
The right choice of complementing decorative elements in this living room was also vital in emphasizing the tonal contrast between the gray couch and the rainbow rug. The whole look, then, is just on point.
10. Another rainbow flush
This distressed style, beige-gray couch surely offers a great contrast to this mandala looking rainbow colored area rug.
The base is primarily white so all the different colors are perfectly highlighted. Also, it is not that overwhelming so it still gives the gray couch the focal point and anchorage it so deserves in this living room.
11. Dusty rose area rug
There is truly something very charming and interesting about the dusty rose color and this area rug here, against this gray-tan couch is very warm and cozy looking.
The plush pile nature of the area rug is one thing to consider, but the femininity and soft balance that this whole room is in vibe with is simply outstanding and mesmerizing. You do not even need a lot of decorative elements around for it to work.
12. Rich navy-blue rug
Blue and gray is an understated combo, although both are considered as cool tones. Navy-blue in particular, offers a sophisticated look but in a subtle, very simple way.
Lighting in this case, is very crucial to bring out a cozy ambiance to this living room. The modern backdrop and minimal arrangement of this room also adds to the aura of sophisticated and upscale look of the living room.
13. Bright yellow
If you are not a fan of white or very calculated about it, another way to naturally brighten the room would be going for this bright yellow area rug. Well, gray and yellow have always been a perfect combination.
It is very down to earth at best but it could also be upscale looking depending on the pattern. The warmth in this living room is very emphasized. Everything is well complemented and the right decorative elements are in place.
14. Geometric cream
For a boho feel, a cream-colored area rug with geometric, native prints would be a good complement to a gray couch.
Not going for the traditional black geometric prints add a colorful splash to a living room especially if it is anchored on a muted gray couch like this one here.
15. Blue and white trellis pattern
Incorporating a glam look in your area is not hard if you choose a blue and white trellis pattern area rug. It is perfect for formal living rooms or in suburban chic arrangements.
Going for minimalist decorative elements can also emphasize the layers in the blue and white trellis pattern. The very light gray color of the couch also makes the look more sublime.
16. Classic Moroccan rug
What better way is there to highlight a gray couch than to go with the classic Moroccan rug. This one here is adorned with bright, distressed looking color speckles.
It is perfect for more formal arrangements, fusing in a crossover of contemporary and traditional. With some complementing decorative elements, you can easily bring out the high-end in a living room.
17. Plum colored rug
There is something very moody and brooding about the combination of gray-black couches and the color plum. The dark purple-indigo color of plum is very tonal and interesting.
Laid in a backdrop of bright neutrals for the wall and warm brown for the flooring, this one here proves how cozy and homey gray and plum as a combo would be.
18. Vibrant tones
Who said that leather gray couches would not work well with explosive vibrant tones?
This living room is proving everyone wrong with the complementing look of this very colorful area rug of pink, purple, and orange tones and this very opulent looking leather gray couch.
The area rug adds a playful dimension to this living room in a non-overwhelming manner.
19. Woven rugs
Another classic complement for a gray couch would be the natural look of woven area rugs. This one here is another gray-on-gray combo which goes well not only with the couch but with the other elements in the room.
It brings out the wooden beauty of the teak coffee table as well as the bamboo blinds and the rattan light fixture. Everything looks well-coordinated and very organic.
20. Bloody red
Like what we have said, gray is so versatile that even the brightest, boldest color could work well with it. This one is a fine example of that.
The bloody red area rug is enamoring on its own but the charcoal gray couch makes it more highlighted. The broody effect of the other fixtures in this living room also add to the dramatic effect of this space. It is just outstanding and breathtaking.
21. Round rug
As far as the list is concerned, we have just been mentioning square area rugs but round rugs also do not disappoint.
Yellow and gray have always been a powerful combination. Accentuating it with black and white and other minimal decorative elements could complete any living room in no time. Here is a prime example for that.
22. Rusty orange
If summer is your favorite season and if the Tuscan vibe is something that you prefer, opting for rusty orange area rugs would be a fine choice for you.
This is especially beautiful for muted gray couches or greige (gray-beige). The combo is warm and very cozy, and is made for movie nights and casual lounging with loved ones.
23. Striped neutrals
Black, white and gray are timeless. So, if you are working on a gray couch, one of your go-to rugs should be black and white ones.
In this living room, sisal, black and white rug is used. With the heavy play of neutrals here, one can have more liberty in choosing other decorative elements that would go well with the look. It is simple yet beautiful.
24. Coastal vibe
If you are eyeing for a coastal design, nothing beats blue and white with sea elements like this starfish here.
The gray and white stripe base and the not so bright blueprint well-complements this light gray couch here. The layer that it gives and its texture are also on point in this small living room here.
25. Cream and blue
Speaking of another blue themed area rug for a gray couch, this one here with blue Aztec print is not just interesting to look at but also very inconspicuous thanks to its cream base.
Hand-tufted and soft, it is good for chic and contemporary arrangements for the living room.
26. Taupe and gray
This is another power combo that you should not miss when it comes to gray couches. The taupe color is essentially brown and gray.
Complement that with geometric prints and you can easily build a minimalist, contemporary, or industrial design living room with just your area rug and gray couch. Let us just let this one speak for itself.
27. Turquoise and gray
Abstract style rugs are also good complements to gray neutrals especially a gray couch. This area rug here features a turquoise and gray combination which offers a formal look to this living room.
It is soothing and minimalist at the same time. The bluish gray couch at the backdrop is equally tranquil-looking and overall, it evokes a semi-boho and formal retro look to the living room.
28. Multicolor rug
We have talked about bold red, but what about this multicolor, low-pile rug featuring ruby red on one half side and gray on the other?
It looks very modern and the symmetry it offers to the room, especially that it relies heavily on gray, not just the couch, make it a standout view in this living room.
29. Royal purple
Nothing beats the opulence that the color purple offers in any room. This one here created a very posh looking living room.
The very light gray sectional couch and the strong purple color of this plush area rug just make everything look expensive. With the right light fixtures and other decorative elements, you can transform any simple living room into a high-end looking one.
30. Plaid area rug
The retro, farmhouse, rustic feel of plaid area rugs never goes out of style and this is shown here in this idea, featuring a gray futon couch and red, gray, white, and black plaid area rug.
Nothing in this look seems forced, over the top or disbalanced. It is very homey, very cozy, and it just proves that simplicity, indeed, is beauty.
FAQs
Aside from these ideas here, there are also various FAQs that we should accommodate when it comes to decorating around gray couches and in choosing the best color of rugs that should go with it. Hence, here are some FAQs for future reference.
What are the best rug colors to pair a gray couch with?
Notwithstanding what we have featured in the above list, interior designers say that the best warm colors for a gray couch would be gold, coral, mustard yellow and blush pink. As for cooler tones to pair a gray couch with, they would be blue (all shades), teal, mint or green.
What colors go well with charcoal gray?
Charcoal gray is a very interesting color because it is the crossover between black and gray. It is the go-to color for industrial and minimalist design schemes. In so far as complementing colors for charcoal gray is concerned, it would be white or lighter hues of gray. Bolder choices would be yellow and blue.
Does brown go with gray in the living room?
Definitely. If you are going for a rich organic vibe, nothing beats the combination of brown and gray. While it is not always mentioned in the list of go-to colors which perfectly match gray, or gray couches for that matter, brown, in any hue, really complements gray well.
Related: 20+ Best Dark Brown Leather Sofa Decorating Ideas and Designs For Living Room
What curtain color is best to match with gray couches?
Aside from the choice of rug color, it is equally important to hang the best curtain color matches for gray couches for a more cohesive look. A safe choice for curtain colors for gray couches would be white, cream, or the same gray tone as the sofa. Bolder color choices would be heavy green, blue or yellow.
How do you add more warmth in a gray couch living room?
To add more warmth in a living room anchored in a gray couch, you could employ one or more of the following tips:
- Choose a textured area rug.
- Use yellow or orange sofa blankets or throw pillows.Â
- Toss in cushions with fun, trendy patterns.Â
- Paint the walls with warm colors.Â
- Use warm wood toned furniture. Â
Does gray make the room look bigger?
It depends. Of course, lighter tones of gray and other light colors could surely make the room look bigger and airier. But those that are darker and broodier make the room heavier. Depending on your style preference, you can take on this information in choosing the gray hue for your living room.
Where to buy area rugs for a gray couch?
If you are looking for stores that can offer you a wide range of color choices and designs for area rugs, you might want to check out the following stores online:
- Rugs USA
- Ruggable
- Revival Rugs
- Wayfair
- West Elm
- World Market
- Cold Picnic
- Crate and Barrel
- Amazon
- Home Depot
How do I choose the right rug for the living room?
When it comes to accenting the living room with area rugs, it is imperative that you consider specific factors. Here are some tips that you should master when it comes to choosing the right rug for the living room:
- Choose the right rug style: Is it plush, woven, low pile or high pile? This is the first thing to ask. After this, assess the traffic level in your living room. This would settle what you really need for the right rug style.
- Choose the right rug size: If you do not intend for the rug to be the focal point of the room, choose a smaller, more low-key size. If you want it to go side by side with the sofa as the decorative anchor of the room, choose a larger rug size. Just make sure that they do not overpower each other or compete when it comes to the space they occupy in the living room.
- Choose your preferred rug color and pattern: For the final touches, choose the right complementing colors for your living room. While there is no limit to the color and pattern combinations in different designs, it must still be carefully curated to create a compelling character out of a living room.
Related: 52 Different Types and Styles Of Sofas and Couches
Conclusion
Gray couches are easy to work generally because of their neutrality. It can be contrasted to any color, pattern, or style and with the right decorative elements to surround it with, you can create a timeless living room look in no time.
With all the ideas that we have covered here, you should know by now that when it comes to gray couches, no color is too bold, too bright, or too dim. Everything works.
With all of these, surely, you are now prepared to revamp your living room with gray couches. Do not forget to check out where to buy the best quality rugs first before settling into one. Perhaps, that is the only consideration that you should put into mind.
