Gray vs Beige: when to use each of these popular neutrals

Gray and beige are two timeless neutral colors that are seen time after time in interiors, often acting as the backdrop color of a room. While you’re likely aware of the main differences between the two, it’s not always so straightforward to know when and where to use each of these neutral hues.

And so, we enlisted the expertise of designers, who explain below all you need to know about decorating with gray and decorating with beige. Beyond beige being more warm-toned and gray cooler, you’ll soon see that there are other considerations when choosing between the two.

We also asked designers which of these two neutrals is more on-trend for the coming year – read on to get their take on which takes the lead.

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Gray vs beige – when should you use each of them?

dining room with beige walls, wooden dining table and chairs, large double doors opening into garden

(Image credit: Lick)

‘Beige and gray are both timeless neutrals and which you use depends on the look you are trying to achieve and the quality of light in the room,’ says paint and color expert and creator of Chalk Paint Annie Sloan. ‘Both colors look fabulous with natural materials and work well as the color to ground the rest of your scheme.’

‘Gray can be a cooler color which can make it a little starker to live with. It’s a great color if you want a sleek modern look – it is calm and sophisticated and works well with the cooler end of the spectrum – greens and blues,’ Annie continues.

‘Beige is a warmer color than gray and works best with colors with a yellow undertone, like browns, taupes, and earthier colors. It’s a cozy and inviting shade that works well in whatever direction your room faces,’ says Annie.

While beige and gray are enduring neutral colors that pair well with many styles and other colors, the differences in their tone can make or break a space, so it’s worth being aware of when and where to use them, as designers share below:

Use gray in cool color schemes and beige in warm

Beige painted kitchen with natural walls

(Image credit: British Standard by Plain English)

A general color rule to follow is to use beige in warm color schemes and gray in cool color schemes. ‘I prefer beige in warmer color palettes and gray in cooler ones,’ says Chicago-based interior designer Claire Staszak of Centered by Design. ‘If we are working with cooler blues and greens, we’d lean towards a gray textured sectional. If we are going to an airy or warmer look, we’d lean towards beige.’

Match the color of your room’s trim

neutral living room with fireplace, yellow artwork and two yellow armchairs

(Image credit: Bethany Adams Interiors, photography Tim Furlong, Jr.)

Another element of your color scheme to consider before deciding on gray or beige is the color of your trim, suggests designer Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors.

‘For me, the question usually comes down to the color of the trim. If the trim throughout the home is painted a true white, then gray might be the more appealing neutral, whereas, for homes with natural wood trim, beige will always be preferable.’

Pay attention to natural light

kitchen with white walls, butcher's block island unit, wooden floors, silver pendant and large window

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

As with all color choices, natural lighting plays an important role in determining which hue looks best. ‘When it comes to deciding between gray and beige, it is important to consider the natural lighting exposed to the space,’ says designer Elizabeth Bolognino.

‘We recommend beige in a room that gets only northern exposure light to combat any bright “blue” feeling from the windows. On the other hand, we use gray in rooms that are southern-facing to counteract the yellow tones of the light exposure,’ adds Elizabeth.

Consider the type of room you’re decorating

gray bathroom with roll top bath painted in dark gray, modern chaise, retro floor lamp, artwork, fire surround, candlestick

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

It’s also worth thinking about the type of room you plan on using either gray or beige. Since gray can feel cooler and beige more relaxed and cozy, you may find that certain rooms lend themselves to their respective qualities, as designer Jessika Gatewood of Gatewood Designs explains below:

‘These colors have evolved significantly over the years. Gone are the days of overly cool tone grays and yellow-heavy beiges. I’d recommend gray for a sophisticated home office or a minimalistic living room where sharp contrasts and clean lines are a focus.

‘Beige offers warmth and timeless appeal. It’s perfect for creating inviting, earthy environments and pairs beautifully with warm woods and jewel tones. This makes it an excellent choice for family rooms, bedrooms, or kitchens – anywhere you want a cozy, welcoming feel.’

How to choose the right beige paint

bathroom with beige panelled walls, green bath, striped shower curtain

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

Once you’ve decided on whether to use beige or gray in your interior scheme, the range of paints within each color is vast. To steer you in the right direction to help ensure the right color for your space, Annie Sloan explains below some top tips for choosing the right beige paint:

‘In north-facing rooms use warmer beiges with a pink undertone, which is a darkened, dusty, cream with warm undertones that makes a great foil to other colors.

‘In south-facing rooms which are filled with warm light all day, you can use any shade of beige, and it will look light and spacious. I love my wall paint in Canvas, which is a slightly warm neutral beige. The name reflects the versatility of the color, which will make a fabulous backdrop for other colors (and invite the addition of colorful furniture, contrasting trims, and other artistic interior additions!).’

How to choose the right gray paint

bathroom with gray wall, checkered floor, roll-top bath with pink ruffled shower curtain and artwork on walls

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

‘If your room is east or north-facing choose a warmer gray paint like my Paris Grey which is made from a mix of orange and blue. It provides a soft, gentle, and elegant backdrop for furniture and soft furnishings, and looks particularly great with colors with orange or blue undertones. Cool grays like my translucent, marble-like cool-neutral gray, Doric, are better for south-facing rooms to make the most of the natural light,’ says Annie Sloan.

Is gray or beige more on-trend for 2025?

beige living room

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Although beige and gray are timeless neutrals that will always have their place in interior design, current interior design trends favor beige. With more warmth, beige feels closer linked to the current appeal for homey, lived-in spaces that feel more layered than ultra-modern.

‘Hands down, I choose beige,’ says designer Jonathan Savage of Savage Interior Design. ‘As much as I find gray to work in a multitude of spaces, and I do like it, it’s starting to feel overused. I do like using gray with Calacatta marbles that bring out the gray tones, but beige works anywhere, on anything, in my opinion.’

‘My favorite of the two is beige,’ agrees designer Cathy Purple Cherry. ‘Beige opens the door for the use of multiple colors because its warmth becomes a wonderful backdrop to a great deal of colors and textures.’

However, designer Jessika Gatewood is championing gray for the coming year: ‘I see gray making a bit of a comeback in 2025. Deep, moody shades of gray are ideal for crafting intimate and cozy spaces that exude both elegance and comfort.’

While beige appears to be more popular for 2025, gray can work equally well in the right room. Taking the time to choose the right beige or gray paint can make all the difference in achieving a welcoming backdrop to your room’s color scheme.

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