Gray sofa in the interior: tips for choosing, ideas for different rooms and 66 photo examples

In the palette of any room, the second place after finishing is occupied by large furniture. It is made both as a bright accent and as part of the general background, especially in a calm monochrome range. A gray sofa in the interior can play both roles — and all thanks to the variety of shades that look different depending on the companion colors. In this article we will tell you which model to choose, as well as how to combine such upholstered furniture with other interior elements.

Choosing a gray sofa

Shade selection
Varieties
What to combine
– Finishing
– Other furniture
— Textile
Ideas for different rooms
— Living room
— Children’s
— Cabinet

Hue

It is difficult to imagine another color that would have the same number of shades (and gray has about two hundred of them!), Which at the same time are so diverse: light and dark, warm and cold, active and neutral. Such a large selection is due to the very origin of achromat. It is formed from a combination of blue, green and red, which in different proportions give many interesting undertones. On the one hand, this simplifies the choice, because it will definitely work out to find the right color. On the other hand, the more options, the more difficult it is to understand which one you want.

Here are the shades you should definitely pay attention to:

• Light — platinum, gainsborough, mother-of-pearl, silver, blanc de blanc, star white, steam blue, zircon.
• Dark — anthracite, wet asphalt, wild pigeon, coal, stone, steel.
• Warm with a beige undertone — galiotis, biscuit, moonbeam, greyge, piazza, smoky.
• With an admixture of blue — marengo, slate, gray, cadet gray.
• With a green undertone — verdigri, dark forest, water lily, protective, green tea.

When choosing a specific shade, consider other colors in the palette — they should not conflict in color temperature. Textures and the amount of natural light in the room are also important.

Model

By design, any sofas are divided into stationary and transformable.

The first option is less functional, but there is much more design choice: there are different shapes, models with legs, round or curved, etc. There is also a larger choice of sizes — you can choose a compact product for a small living room or nursery, where a full-fledged sofa bed will not fit.

Models that have a transformation mechanism are divided into three groups:

• Folding — part of the seat rises and falls, moving, respectively, to a lying or sitting position. The most popular mechanisms «book» and «click-clack». In both, the back simply leans back, forming a sleeping place, only the “click-clack” (otherwise it is also called “tango”) has an additional intermediate reclining position. «Couch» works on the same principle, but it also has armrests. Such a mechanism is used in compact models, therefore, these models are rarely found as a permanent bed for adults. More often they are chosen for children or as a guest bed for an emergency.
• Sliding — for such models, the back remains in place, and the seat is pushed forward, which, when disassembled, turns into a full-fledged sleeping place. Popular Mechanisms — «accordion» (seat rises until it clicks and then moves apart until it stops), «sedaflex» (the seat is pulled out by a special loop, it turns out a kind of double folding bed with a thin mattress) and «French bed» (works on the same principle, only the seat folds three times, and not twice).
• Roll-out — the seat simply slides forward. The most popular model is «Eurobook» (as the horizontal part rolls out, the backrest smoothly lowers after it). In large corner sofas, the system is most often used «dolphin». Mechanism «telescope» according to the principle of operation, it resembles the device of the same name: the bed rolls out by the strap, but first these are two parts, which then need to be expanded.

The choice between a stationary product and a transformer, first of all, depends on the functionality of the room where the sofa will stand, its shape and size. For small spaces, a folding one is almost always the best option, since there is simply no room for a separate guest room. Also, the «cot» is useful in the studio or in the children’s room, where two children live, or the child often has friends for the night.

What to combine

The main advantage of gray is its versatility. It looks equally good with bright and calm shades, adapts to companions and emphasizes the depth of these colors. Consider how to properly combine a light and dark gray sofa with other interior elements.

Finishing

One of the most difficult questions is how to choose a product to match the color of the floor and walls. To do this successfully, remember a few rules:

• Furniture, walls and floors should not merge. Choose shades with a difference of 2-3 tones: ideally, the floor should be the darkest, then the sofa, and finally the lightest ones — the walls. This is a standard color gradation option that looks familiar and always successful. This selection is especially important in monochrome interiors, where there is a gray wall and a gray sofa.
• Remember that light tones visually enlarge the space, while dark ones, on the contrary, make it more intimate and small. If you are choosing furniture for a small cramped room, it is better to use a neutral or light shade for the upholstery, and to make the walls white, cream or mother-of-pearl. If you like a spectacular dark finish, then the sofa can just be that contrasting element that will dilute the gloom. In this case, look at the lightest, bleached tones.
• If the upholstery is not plain, one of the shades can overlap with the walls, and the other with the floor or ceiling.

Other furniture

There are three options for combining large upholstered furniture with other products: in tone, in a general neutral range or in contrast.

If you have monochrome interior, all objects in the room are in any case selected in the same color. For example, it can be a light gray sofa and darker coffee tables in the living room, a work table in the nursery or a set in the kitchen (for example, if it is combined with a seating area). In this case, it is important to choose products so that they differ in texture and stand out with an interesting shape, otherwise the picture will turn out to be too boring and flat. So, for example, fabrics with a pronounced texture (for example, jacquard or eco-leather) or with a pattern are suitable for a soft group.

For neutral scale use base shades that blend well with each other. So, the classic version is gray paired with beige or brown, which are most often realized through the natural texture of wood. It can be a graphite or silver sofa surrounded by wooden tables, shelving, cabinets, chairs.

Finally, the most popular option is the overall calm palette and some bright accentsthat add dynamics to it. For example, grayish upholstery of large furniture and smaller objects in rich colors look very good next to each other: yellow and orange, blue, green, red, purple.

Textile

The sofa group is always accompanied by textiles: carpets, decorative pillows and blankets add comfort and texture to the relaxation area.

The same principle works here: when choosing, rely on the main palette and the concept of the interior. The more restrained the color scheme, the more different fabrics and textures can be used. Textiles are also a safe field for experiments with prints, bright decorative elements and active color accents. At any time, you can replace pillows or a blanket — and the mood in the room will immediately change. The main thing is to select fabrics so that they echo something else: in color, texture or style.

Ideas for different rooms

Gray sofa in the interior of the living room

Regardless of whether the living room is isolated or combined with the kitchen, the soft group takes center stage in the relaxation area.

A sofa of a smoky, slate or graphite shade will fit into any style: from a brutal loft to an elegant classic. If the room is spacious and the whole family or guests often gather in it, pay attention to corner models or modular designs. The latter are assembled according to the constructor principle: you choose as many blocks as you need and their purpose. In addition to ordinary seats, these can be sleeping places, storage systems, tables and shelves.

Elegant models with curved backs, curved legs and a carriage tie on the back will look beautiful in a traditional interior. For scandi, eco, contemporary and minimalism, choose concise but comfortable products. Be sure to complement the soft group with a cozy rug, a pair of coffee tables and armchairs. The latter can be accented — any color that is already found in the palette will do.

Children’s

In a nursery, upholstered furniture can play two roles: a bed and a separate seating area.

If the room is designed for a baby, the best option would be a soft and comfortable model, on which it will be convenient for parents to rock a newborn, watch him or feed him. If mom or dad sometimes has to sleep here, choose a transformer that turns into a bed.

For older children, such a piece of furniture will become a place for reading, chatting with friends and quiet games. Designate a recreation area with additional elements: a bright carpet, local lighting, story wallpaper on the wall, shelves or other storage systems.

Cabinet

It’s great if in the home office there is an opportunity to equip several functional areas.

The most convenient option is a workplace, storage and recreation area. For the latter, a small comfortable sofa is suitable. If you plan to spend time on it with documents or a book, provide good lighting: for example, a floor lamp, wall sconces, or a lamp next to the nightstand.

Since the interior of the office should be inviting and look understated if meetings are held there, a gray-based palette is perfect for these tasks. With a gray or slate sofa, wooden bookcases and a table, a leather armchair and a laconic finish made of quality materials will go well.