23 Living Room Ideas With Gray Couches

By
Sarah Lyon
sarah lyon, writer for the spruce
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Lyon is a freelance writer and home decor enthusiast, who enjoys sharing good finds on home items. Since 2018, she has contributed to a variety of lifestyle publications, including Apartment Therapy and Architectural Digest.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Published on 11/02/22
gray couch in front of windows

Erin Williamson

Gray has long been a popular living room sofa color. Why? Gray sofas come in all different sizes and styles; you'll be able to source one that appeals to you whether you like to decorate in boho style, go wild for mid-century modern pieces, or prefer another look entirely. Additionally, gray is a color that isn't too risky and stands the test of time, but it can also be dressed up if one desires. If you're considering a gray sofa of your own and need a bit of design inspo, keep scrolling for 23 fantastic spaces that feature such a piece.

  • 01 of 23

    Do Something Unexpected

    gray couch with purple rug

    Erin Williamson

    Don't be afraid to pair a gray couch with more of an unexpected color, like bright purple. In this living room, a vibrant purple rug is the main focus of attention. Keeping the rest of the furniture more neutral in color prevents the room from appearing too busy or distracting.

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  • 02 of 23

    Don't Obstruct the View

    gray couch in front of windows

    Erin Williamson

    In this apartment, the expansive windows and outside city view add plenty of personality to the space, so furnishings are kept simple. A gray sectional provides ample seating for the residents and their guests without taking away from the scenery outside.

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  • 03 of 23

    Curl Up and Be Cozy

    gray couch with white wall

    Arbor & Co

    Gray couches are ideal for cozy, contemporary spaces. This living room looks like the perfect place to curl up with a good book—it's welcoming, textured, and not too precious in design.

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  • 04 of 23

    Lay Out a Blanket

    couch with blanket draped over

    Arbor & Co

    If you're feeling as though your gray couch is a bit too simple looking, note that you can always dress it up a bit by draping a blanket over the back. Throw blankets are easy to rotate out with each season; in the winter, opt for a thick, knit option, and in the summer, set out something that is lighter weight and more colorful.

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  • 05 of 23

    Be Earthy

    couch and earthy colors

    Arbor & Co

    Gray pairs well with other earthy hues like brown, black, and green. This living room has a natural look to it, amplified by the reclaimed wood coffee table.

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  • 06 of 23

    Embrace Boho Style

    gray couch in boho style room

    Cathie Hong Interiors

    If you love boho style, a gray couch can definitely work in your home. Here, an airy, boho-style living room is warm and welcoming with a lighter gray couch that looks oh so comfortable to sit on.

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  • 07 of 23

    Lounge Around

    gray couch in lounge space

    Cathie Hong Interiors

    When you're sitting back to relax and watch TV, it can be nice when the furniture around you is more subdued in tone. Once again, a gray sofa shines in this TV room, and the sectional portion allows viewers to really kick back as they catch up on their favorite shows.

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  • 08 of 23

    Contrast a Bit

    gray couch and black and white rug

    Cathie Hong Interiors

    For some contrast, avoid placing your gray couch atop a gray rug. Here, a black and white geometric area rug compliments the couch's hue well and adds dimension to this space.

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  • 09 of 23

    Say Yes to Serenity

    gray couch and white rug

    JK Interior Living

    This serene living room is elegant and traditional. A gray velvet couch makes the space look elevated and luxe. Gray sofas come in all shapes, sizes, and styles—no matter what type of look or fabric you prefer, there's an option for you!

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  • 10 of 23

    Try Something Tufted

    gray tufted sofa

    JK Interior Living

    Tufted sofas also lean more classic in style. This gray Chesterfield-style couch is large, stately, and best suited for a sitting room versus a casual family room.

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  • 11 of 23

    Use Gray as a Base

    gray sectional and high ceilings

    Interior Impressions

    A gray sectional like this one is an excellent base piece and its look can be altered by swapping out throw pillows and blankets. If you're furnishing one of the main rooms of your home, you'll want to keep an eye out for pieces that will stand the test of time and do not contain hues that you anticipate you'll tire of after just a couple of years.

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  • 12 of 23

    Make it Mod

    gray couch in modern space

    Alvin Wayne

    Whether you like to decorate in a modern or traditional style, gray is there for you either way. Here, a gray couch and abstract art make for a curated, contemporary setup in this city apartment.

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  • 13 of 23

    Supplement Your Space With Art

    gray couch in sunny room

    Alvin Wayne

    Note that even if you purchase simple, solid-colored furniture, art and plants can work wonders in adding pops of color to your living room. An oversized tapestry hanging above this gray couch is sure to be the talk of the space.

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  • 14 of 23

    Incorporate Some Leather

    gray couch with leather chairs

    Alvin Wayne

    Many people will pair their couches with a couple of accent chairs if space allows, and there are many options when it comes to selecting a complementary material. Leather, as seen in this living room, adds a warm presence and a bit of an industrial touch.

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  • 15 of 23

    Keep it Classic

    gray couch with white chairs

    Alvin Wayne

    White, on the other hand, will always play nicely with gray. Just be mindful of whether you plan to eat or drink in your living room when purchasing seating; gray is much more forgiving than a stark white fabric.

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  • 16 of 23

    Style Gray With Blue

    gray couch and blue accents

    Erin Williamson

    Gray and blue are a forever pair and look beautiful in this living room. Small amounts of brass help to finish off the space in an elegant manner.

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  • 17 of 23

    Keep Gray Nice and Simple

    gray sectional and plants

    Louis Duncan-He

    If you crave a living room that is distraction-free, opt for simple colored furniture and stick to decorating with natural items, such as plants. This sunlit space is oh-so soothing.

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  • 18 of 23

    Or Be a Bit Bold

    gray couch and vibrant walls

    Louis Duncan-He

    But if you love color, there's no need to shy away from it. Here, a gray couch is supplemented by a cheerful yellow chair and some whimsical wall art.

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  • 19 of 23

    Design in MCM Style

    gray couch in mcm room

    Louis Duncan-He

    If you love mid-century modern style, you'll find many gray pieces that fit this aesthetic. Gray looks great with warm wooden furnishings, such as the square coffee table in this living room, but also pops against exposed brick.

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  • 20 of 23

    Experiment With Texture

    fuzzy gray couch

    Louis Duncan-He

    Why not have a little fun with texture? If you spot a boucle couch that speaks to you, by all means, go for it. This room is full of all kinds of interesting materials, from rattan to leather to wood.

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  • 21 of 23

    Pair Gray With Red

    gray couch and red chairs

    Gray Space Interiors

    You may not wish to purchase a red couch, but accent chairs may feel a bit less risky. Pairing deep red accent chairs with a gray sectional seems to work just fine in this party-ready living room that can accommodate many guests.

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  • 22 of 23

    Source a Footrest/Ottoman Combo

    gray couch in basement

    Gray Space Interiors

    Look for a gray sofa with a footrest that can serve double duty as a coffee table; this way, you'll be able to keep drinks and snacks close by while watching the big game.

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  • 23 of 23

    Let Gray Be Fun!

    fuzzy gray couch

    Mary Patton Design

    Another fuzzy gray couch makes an appearance in this living space. And who said that gray couldn't be fun?