22 Gray Accent Walls to Give Your Space a New Look

Published: December 24, 2021

Updated: October 30, 2023

Gray isn’t the first color that comes to mind when picking an accent color. Sure, it’s a popular interior wall color, but most people don’t use it as an accent wall. But did you know that gray accent walls are timeless, elegant, and classic?

As a neutral tone, gray is perfect for those who want a bit of contrast in their homes, but are scared to commit to bolder hues. It’s also one of the most versatile colors since it effortlessly suits most interior styles—modern, minimalist, farmhouse, or contemporary.

Gray also comes in various shades ranging from pale neutrals to dark, so consider the mood you want your room to exude. Is it tranquil? Masculine? Cheerful? Sophisticated? Soft gray accent walls create a chic and calming atmosphere, while darker hues infuse drama and evoke a masculine vibe fit for a bachelor pad. Warmer grays, on the other hand, foster warmth and coziness.

If you choose a darker shade, make sure to combine it with a brighter color like white. Why? The gray will pop out and capture attention against a brighter color. If your entire room has muted colors, then pick lighter grays to illuminate the space.

Since choosing the right tint of gray isn’t an easy task, we’ve curated a list of 22 stunning gray accent walls to inspire you to add this hue to your home.

01
of 22

Pair With Wood Tones

Photo: 25thandbrick

In this chic bathroom, the deep shade of gray with hints of blue adds a pop of color and piques visual interest. It also complements the tiled flooring for a coordinated finish. The warm tones of the double vanities offset the dark gray and add a special touch to the neutral space.

02
of 22

Consider Light Grays

Photo: forever.six.acres

In this modern rustic nursery, gray helps break up the monotony of woods and white. Since the gray shade used is so subtle, installing a textured wall and adding the wooden pine board is a smart way to call attention to the accent wall. The softness of this gentle gray keeps things light, bright, and airy.

03
of 22

A Two-Toned Wall, But With a Twist

Photo: greeneacresfarmhouse

If you like the look of a two-toned wall, opt for a patterned wallpaper or stencil up top in lieu of another color. This brings in an artistic touch, as well as adding depth and character. Since the adjacent wall is a lighter gray, it accentuates the dark accent wall. The herringbone stencil introduces a trendy vibe to this boho-chic office.

04
of 22

Use Darker Tones

Photo: greybirchdesigns

Transform your living room into a cushy sanctuary with a rich shade of gray. It’s the perfect neutral, with a 50-50 balance of warm and cool undertones. It also complements the whites, blacks, and brown dispersed throughout the space. When using such a bold hue, paint your other walls brighter colors, like crisp white, to let the gray pop out more.

05
of 22

Choose a Warm Toned Hue

Photo: greybirchdesigns

This gray-coated shiplap accent wall evokes a warm and cozy atmosphere thanks to its brown and yellow undertones. The white print flawlessly contrasts against the wall, which helps draw the eye to the accent wall. The hints of gray on the white area rug create an overall put-together look.

06
of 22

Be Daring

Photo: herrhome

Do you crave a bit of drama? Opt for a deep, bold shade of gray, like this bedroom did. Its richness imparts character and depth, as well as adding a strong yet sophisticated vibe. The blue undertones complement the art piece, side table, pillows, and patterns on the comforter to create a cohesive space.

07
of 22

Go for Textured Walls

Photo: homesweetlakehouse

The neutral gray of this accent wall makes for an appealing bedroom. The board and batten pattern brings in a textural twist without disrupting its style. The headboard and side table also sport diagonal planks and panels, lending some cottage-inspired flair and enhances the visual intrigue of this space.

08
of 22

Pay Attention to Color Palettes

Photo: interiorsbydebbi

Since picking accent walls color usually comes last, pull inspiration from the existing color scheme of your room. This ensures that the space will be cohesive and hues won’t clash. In this homey bedroom, the hue of the board and batten accent wall mimics the color of the two smaller pillows. The tufted headboard and larger pillows also have a gray undertone, creating a harmonious look.

09
of 22

Think of the End Result

Photo: kristin_kgdesigns

When picking an accent wall color, consider the mood you want to portray. In this spacious modern farmhouse bedroom, the white tones of the soft gray accent wall reflect the abundant natural light, which helps maintain an airy and open feel. Cream walls and bright white ceilings further brighten up the well-lit space.

10
of 22

Jazz Up a Minimal Look

Photo: lindsay_hill_interiors

This minimalist farmhouse bedroom is so simple and has very little décor. The gray accent wall is the perfect way to instill some color, depth, and personality to the room. Without it, the space would have been extremely bland. The shiplap also introduces a horizontal line effect which makes the room seem wider than it is.

11
of 22

Brighten it Up

Photo: lori.dail

Soft gray provides a calming background for this minimalist nursery. The warm tones from the wooden ladder and pastel orange crib offset the cool gray wall and infuse a sense of vibrancy in the space. When using pastels, keep them to a small section or a single décor piece to avoid overshadowing the accent wall.

12
of 22

Play With Contrast

Photo: modernfarmhouseglam

Stark white walls set the perfect stage to showcase this gray board and batten accent wall. Although it doesn’t cover the entire wall, the contrast established by the white and dark gray allows it to shine and become the main point of focus. It also creates a cozy and inviting nook, especially since it extends above the low-profile sofa.

13
of 22

Opt for a Unique Wall Treatment

Photo: shayfarm7

Inject pizzazz to a lackluster bathroom with gray wallpaper in place of a painted accent wall. In this farmhouse bathroom, the gray and white patterned wallpaper introduces an edgy and dramatic twist to make a statement. Pops of pink and orange from the floating shelf and towel stand out against the white walls and add a hint of warm color to the space.

14
of 22

Warm and Enticing

Photo: sweethomevalley

This farmhouse-inspired living room uses a neutral shade of dark gray, creating the perfect backdrop for the black throw pillows to stand out and grab attention. The tribal-patterned pillows and framed shiplap wall décor draw the eye to the moody accent wall behind.

15
of 22

Paint Your Shiplap

Photo: theamericanfarmhouse

A dramatic gray hue coats this dining room’s accent wall. The woven baskets and potted planters stand out even more since they sit against dark gray, and their rich tones up the cozy factor of this country-inspired space. The warm tones seen in the wooden elements also marry well with the cool gray.

16
of 22

Add Some Color

Photo: thefontaineflat

Gray doesn’t have to be boring. Opt for one that has tints of your favorite color. Here, the blue-gray accent wall introduces bold hues that add depth and a splash of color to this space. The white wood-framed prints contrast beautifully against the gray, whereas the dark-toned wooden cabinet below the television blends into the wall, allowing the art pieces to steal the spotlight.

17
of 22

Black on White

Photo: themoderncolonial

Elevate your neutral bedroom with a daring shade of gray. This deep gray adds depth, character, and interest, while curating an intimate and cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for any bedroom. The gray accent wall also creates a fresh and crisp contrast against the pristine white of the surrounding walls, ceiling, and furnishings.

18
of 22

Consider the Undertones

Photo: theoldhouseonmain

A gray with brown undertones sets a warm, welcoming atmosphere in this bedroom. The accent wall further heightens the comfort of the cottage-style space, creating the ultimate haven to retreat to every night. The soft lights emanating from the table lamps make for a relaxing and cozy ambiance.

19
of 22

Adorn Your Feature Wall

Photo: theryanhaus_

Spruce up a dull bathroom by coating an accent wall in dark gray. Instead of leaving it bare, embellish it with prints and photographs. The metallic accents on the picture frames, lighting fixture, and planter, as well as the wooden stool, warm up the space.

20
of 22

Use it as a Back-drop

Photo: whitefancyfarmhouse

It’s not the wainscot accent wall that sticks out, it’s the oversized round mirror. Its unique framing of light-toned wood stands out prominently against the dark gray wall. The wooden tones of the console table, candle holder, and hardwood flooring add a rustic and welcoming charm to this space.

21
of 22

Offset the Gray With White

Photo: lindsay_hill_interiors

22
of 22

Add Soft Pops of Color

Photo: vintagewhitefarmhouse

Zakhar Ivanisov

Meet Zakhar Ivanisov, a Seattle-based entrepreneur and design enthusiast at the helm of Soul & Lane. With a heart full of passion, Zakhar blends his business acumen and a keen eye for aesthetics to create spaces that are as inviting as they are stylish. His venture into the world of home decor and organization reflects a unique fusion of entrepreneurial spirit and a genuine love for transforming living spaces.

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22 Gray Accent Walls to Give Your Space a New Look

01 of 22

Pair With Wood Tones

02 of 22

Consider Light Grays

03 of 22

A Two-Toned Wall, But With a Twist

04 of 22