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