Grey rugs: light, anthracite & living room

Q: Light grey or dark grey for a living room?

It depends on the size and the light of your living room:Small living room (under 20 m²), or one with little light: light grey or pearl grey, which opens the space up and brings in lightMedium, bright living room: mid grey, the universal safe betLarge, very bright living room: total freedom, and anthracite is an excellent way to structure the room and create contrastLiving room with white furniture: avoid very light grey (it can read as "hospital"), go for mid grey or anthraciteWhen in doubt, a warm mid grey (taupe) is the most universal choice.

Q: Is grey a cold colour?

Not necessarily. It all depends on the shade you choose. Neutral greys (concrete grey) or cool ones (bluish, slate) can indeed feel clinical if the room lacks warmth. Warm greys, on the other hand, such as taupe, pink-toned grey and greige, bring softness. To keep a grey rug from feeling cold:Add warm textiles: terracotta cushions, a wool throw, linen curtainsBring natural wood into the roomAdd some greenery (plants)Use warm lighting (2700-3000K)With those in place, even an anthracite reads as warm.

Our grey rugs

The grey rug has established itself as the favourite neutral of contemporary decorating, gradually taking beige's place in modern homes. Its strength: a cool, sophisticated neutrality that lets every piece of furniture speak, and an extraordinarily rich palette, from an almost-white pearl grey to a deep anthracite, taking in every warm and cool shade along the way.

The shades of grey and what they do

Grey comes in many shades with very different effects:

Pearl grey / light grey: almost white, and it makes small rooms feel bigger. Ideal in a bedroom or a living room with little natural light
Mid grey: the universal choice, at home anywhere
Anthracite: a contemporary statement, sophisticated in effect
Warm grey (taupe): it brings warmth and sits well with beige and with wood
Cool grey (slate, bluish): a mineral, modern finish that pairs with blue and white

Which colours go with a grey rug?

Grey is extremely versatile. Pairings that work:

Grey + white: contemporary minimalism, very Scandinavian
Grey + beige/taupe: gentle warmth, very cosy
Grey + black: a strong graphic contrast, with a masculine edge
Grey + powder pink: soft contemporary femininity
Grey + teal: quiet sophistication
Grey + sage green: natural and calming
Grey + mustard yellow: a gentle lift, the fifties revisited

Which style of grey rug to choose?

Grey adapts to almost every style. A plain grey modern rug is the safe bet in a contemporary living room. A grey and white geometric pattern energises a pared-back room. A grey shaggy turns a bedroom into a plush cocoon. A grey Berber on a light ground brings graphic character. A grey plain textured rug in loop or cut pile is perfect for letting an already busy scheme breathe.

Light or dark: what does it do to the room?

The grey you choose has a strong visual impact:

A small room with little light: light or pearl grey, which opens the space up and reflects the light
A large, bright room: complete freedom, and anthracite is an option for structuring the space
A south-facing living room: anthracite creates a soothing contrast with direct sunlight
A north-facing living room: favour warm or light greys so the room does not feel heavy

Choosing your grey rug

Light grey or dark grey for a living room?

It depends on the size and the light of your living room:

Small living room (under 20 m²), or one with little light: light grey or pearl grey, which opens the space up and brings in light
Medium, bright living room: mid grey, the universal safe bet
Large, very bright living room: total freedom, and anthracite is an excellent way to structure the room and create contrast
Living room with white furniture: avoid very light grey (it can read as "hospital"), go for mid grey or anthracite

When in doubt, a warm mid grey (taupe) is the most universal choice.

Grey rug and wooden floor: which combination works?

A grey rug goes with any wooden floor, but the effect shifts with the tone of the wood:

Pale wood (oak, beech): every grey works. Light grey opens the room up, dark grey creates contrast
Mid-tone wood (walnut, chestnut): mid to dark grey is ideal, and avoid a very light grey, which jars
Dark wood (wenge, tropical hardwoods): light or mid grey to lift it, or anthracite for a sophisticated tone-on-tone effect
Grey or limed floors: take care not to create a "grey fish tank" effect, and favour warm greys (taupe) or patterned greys

Is grey a cold colour?

Not necessarily. It all depends on the shade you choose. Neutral greys (concrete grey) or cool ones (bluish, slate) can indeed feel clinical if the room lacks warmth. Warm greys, on the other hand, such as taupe, pink-toned grey and greige, bring softness. To keep a grey rug from feeling cold:

Add warm textiles: terracotta cushions, a wool throw, linen curtains
Bring natural wood into the room
Add some greenery (plants)
Use warm lighting (2700-3000K)

With those in place, even an anthracite reads as warm.

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Grey rugs

Our customers’ favourites

Our grey rugs

The shades of grey and what they do

Which colours go with a grey rug?

Which style of grey rug to choose?

Light or dark: what does it do to the room?

Choosing your grey rug

Light grey or dark grey for a living room?

Grey rug and wooden floor: which combination works?

Is grey a cold colour?

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