Small Grey Living Room Ideas For Cool, Compact Spaces

Are you looking to update a living room that's a little on the petite side? Don't worry, you don't need a huge space to create a cool interior decor scheme. Grey interiors have been popular for years now and the trend for this soft neutral shows no signs of slowing down – and it's ideal for a compact space. And, if you're looking for small grey living room ideas, you're in the right place.

See Also:Gorgeous Grey Living Room Ideas

Just because your living room is bijou, doesn't mean you can't add drama; try turning to the dark side with an on-point colour like F&B's Downpipe for a cosy cocoon; or add edge lighter grey walls with some rock 'n' roll artwork.

For a softer, feminine touch, team dove greys with dusky pinks or lilac layering and create a cosy, calming environment. Industrial-design fans will love the idea of concrete-effect tiles and stone walls for something a little different, while contemporary country enthusiasts should channel wall panelling for that gentleman's club look on a smaller scale.

SEE OUR CHIC SMALL GREY LIVING ROOM IDEAS BELOW:

1.ALL GREY EVERYTHING

When it comes to painting your living room, you don't have to simply stick to the walls; there's a huge trend for covering everything in the same tone, from the skirting boards to the fireplace, for a seamless aesthetic that can make a space appear larger. Warm up the room with organic textures like rattan and wood.

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

See Also:The Best Grey Paint Shades

2. CONCRETE JUNGLE

Create a clean-lined, ultra-contemporary look with cement-effect tiles for a unique and modern small grey living room idea. By placing them on the floor and the wall, you can achieve a cohesive finish that also feels bigger.

3. WALL PANELLING

Pop some panelling halfway up the wall, painted in the same colour as the rest of the room, for a visually interesting interiors interlude. Creating a shelf between the panelling and the rest of the wall also provides sought-after storage or display space in small room.

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

See Also:Stylish White Living Room Ideas

4. GO TONAL

Pair similar soft-toned grey walls and sofa for an uplifting look that's light and bright - ideal for a small grey living room. Finish with cool line drawings and warm wooden textures for a contemporary aesthetic.

(Image credit: Cult Furniture)

5. DARK DRAMA

Don't be afraid to go dark in smaller rooms for some creative, dramatic flair. Contrary to popular belief, it definitely works in small spaces, creating a cosy cocoon.

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

See Also:Moody Blue Living Room Ideas

6. WARM GREY

Gentle tones of charcoal, buttermilk, caramel and smoke add warmth and light to this small grey living room.

7. ROCK 'N' ROLL

A modern artwork, sofa and table lamp inject youthful energy into this room. The grey on the walls feels light and calming, rather than drab and dreary, and the black painted radiator offers a nice contrast.

(Image credit: Paul Massey)

See Also:Small living room layout ideas – and how to get it right

8. SOFT GREYS

A gentle palette of greys and lilacs collaborate here in this snug room to give an elegant and soothing effect.

See Also:Living Room Wallpaper Ideas

9. SOFT FOCUS

Tones of soft mink, teal and silver create a calm and cosy environment. Dividing doors between this space and the living room means this area provides quiet respite from family life.

(Image credit: James Merrell)

10. STONE LOVE

Chunky slate tiles and smooth and textured plaster on the walls are teamed with lots of wood for solidity and warmth, which will also add personality - one of the more original small grey living room ideas.

When collating you small grey living room ideas, there's a number of questions you might want to consider. Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball Brand Ambassador, has the answers below.

1. What colours go best with grey in a small living room?

'Grey can be surprisingly versatile and will happily layer with many colours such as inky blues, smoky greens and rose pinks like Sulking Room Pink, Inchyra Blue and Green Smoke,' says Patrick. 'However, if you want to keep the palette more monochromatic, layer tones of grey like Ammonite with Mole’s Breath.'

2. What furniture should I include in a small grey living room?

Patrick says: 'Paler greys, such as Ammonite or Cornforth White are often considered a cleaner aesthetic so, if using these or something similar, opt for clean Scandinavian designs or soft modernism-style furniture. Grey used at the deeper end of the scale can beautifully stand up to more traditional design, layered with rich kilims, wing back armchairs and large ottomans.

3. Is grey a good colour for a small living room?

Grey is a brilliant colour for a small living room... It's simply about choosing the right tone for you.

'As with all colour choices, think about the natural light, and the time of day you would use the space - this will determine whether you err on warmer greys (brown based) or cooler greys (black/ blue-based),' says Farrow & Ball's Patrick O'Donnell. 'If the light is an issue (such as north-facing), embrace this limitation by venturing towards the dark end of greys and create an atmospheric space using a warmer shade such as Mole’s Breath. '