Going Greige: Tips for Choosing This All-Around Neutral
Here are some ways to highlight and complement your home with this elegant hybrid of gray and beige
Kelly Porter
August 7, 2011
Houzz Contributor
When you combine the contemporary sophistication of gray with the earthy qualities of beige, you get greige. Whether you call it a warm gray or a cool beige, you’d be correct in either case. In nature, greige is the color of stonework and many types of wildlife. It’s an organic, elegant neutral that is very easy on the eyes. Greige works well in any room and gets along very well with any other color. If you’ve been looking for the perfect neutral and you’re torn between gray or beige, you’ll get the best of both worlds by choosing greige.
Add orange to greige and you'll have a space that bursts with casual elegance. Orange is such a happy color and the perfect choice for bringing out the warm tones in greige.
Paint Pick: Quiver Tan 6151 by Sherwin Williams
Paint Pick: Quiver Tan 6151 by Sherwin Williams
A greige wall color not only underscores this monochromatic space, but it also makes an unassuming backdrop for the subtle black-and-white prints.
Paint Pick: Analytical Gray 7051 by Sherwin Williams
Paint Pick: Analytical Gray 7051 by Sherwin Williams
This homeowner chose Perfect Greige 6073 by Sherwin Williams, which doesn't detract from her great furniture finds.
Glossy greige cabinets complement this kitchen's lightly stained flooring.
Paint Pick: Tapestry Beige OC-32 by Benjamin Moore
Paint Pick: Tapestry Beige OC-32 by Benjamin Moore
In this space, greige walls pick up the warm tones of the slate tiles and completes the bathroom's modern design.
Paint Pick: Gray Mirage 2142-50 by Benjamin Moore
Paint Pick: Gray Mirage 2142-50 by Benjamin Moore
Even in it's darker tones, greige is warm and inviting, and creates a very cozy space.
Paint Pick: Char Brown 2137-20
Paint Pick: Char Brown 2137-20
Soft and subtle greige walls keep our focus on the fabulous view.
Paint Pick: Stone Harbor 2111-50
Paint Pick: Stone Harbor 2111-50
Greige works in perfect harmony with the dark-stained wood beams and oversized furniture in this rustic space.
Paint Pick: Gray Area 7052 by Sherwin Williams
Paint Pick: Gray Area 7052 by Sherwin Williams
In this bedroom, a lighter tone of greige creates a restful space, and allows the more vibrant accent colors to pop.
Paint Pick: Agreeable Gray 7029 by Sherwin Williams
Paint Pick: Agreeable Gray 7029 by Sherwin Williams
This greige eating area is a great example of understated elegance. The wall color, artwork and furniture all work together to create a space that feels organic and warm. While the lighting fixture adds just a touch of sparkle.
Paint Pick: Wool Skein 6148 by Sherwin Williams
More on Picking Paint Color:
Choosing Paint: How To Pick the Right Gray
Paint Pick: Wool Skein 6148 by Sherwin Williams
More on Picking Paint Color:
Choosing Paint: How To Pick the Right Gray
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Here are a few of my favorite go-tos for white trim when using neutral greiges- all are Sherwin Williams colors: Creamy SW 7012, snowbound SW7004, Greek Villa SW7551 and Alabaster SW7008
will the traditional white work? we have white wood windows
This “greige” would work well, too, if you already have stained woodwork and don’t want to kill yourself painting it all to match.