While you may believe there are 50 shades of gray, there are many more shades to consider and cherish. Gray upholstery fabric is available in probably the most shades and tones of all upholstery fabric colors.
There are so many shades of gray to consider, from silver-gray to titanium gray, medium gray-blue, and winter gray. But which shade is best? How do you know what gray upholstery fabric will work best for your home?
Gray Upholstery Fabric Considerations
No two grays are the same, and your shade will make a big difference to your home. If you choose gray upholstery that’s too dark, it could suck the life (and color) right out of your home. Too pale a shade of gray, and you could have a room lacking sparkle and ambiance.
Whichever shade of gray upholstery fabric you use, be sure it is a color you can live with. Gray is a timeless color, and it’s worth investing in the best quality you can afford when the shade and design are right for your home.
Gray Plus Complementary Colors
Since gray is a neutral color, you can add just about anything to offset its “grayness” and create a visual masterpiece. Be sure to choose complementary colors that really work for your home.
If you’re not sure, opt for gray upholstery fabric with other colors in a tasteful pattern. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of it, as the designers have already considered the best color combinations for that particular shade of gray.
Downplay the Sophistication or Push the Limits
The gray you choose (and the other fabrics in the room) will influence your room’s appearance. When you opt for a monochromatic color palette, you would do well to choose plain gray and gray with understated patterns. This choice places the focus right on the rest of the room, making the gray shades a pleasant backdrop to play against or a cutting-edge frame to “hang” your decor scheme on.
Why These Gray Shades (and Prints) Really Work
Choose some of these shades of gray upholstery fabric and achieve your desired unique look.
1. Plain Gray
For an incredibly classic look, consider opting for slate (K1121 Slate). This medium—to dark-toned gray is ideal for living spaces, as it repels dirt, stains, and pet hair. Made from long-lasting polyester, this look could last for years.
Or, with your gray upholstery fabric choices, go for a great embossed finish. We love the flexibility and overall unifying effect of a great woven fabric with gray as a base color (E7411 Flint).
Match an absolute classic plain shade of gray (M5400 Pearl) with a trendy plain mint or fern green, or balance it with a subtly patterned teal fabric like this great foliage pattern (K7715 LAGOON/LEAF) for a stunning and peaceful room.
2. Small Patterns
For a tasteful blend of sophistication and understated charm, consider this pepper pattern (K6363 PEPPER). The alternating blocked design is soothing and doesn’t require much focus to view in a room. Add matching plain silver cushions or offset the colors with platinum or darker shades of gray.
3. Medium Size Patterns
When it comes to patterns, it is often a case of “go big” or “go home.” I’ve always found that term so derogatory. I like to think of it as being innovative instead of simply following what others tell you. For a great medium-size pattern, you can consider a contemporary pattern (K9309 Niagara Sky).
This pattern is great for both home and commercial projects and is ideal for achieving a peaceful, organic, modern look. Match plain colors to the tan, blue, and beige shades already present in the pattern.
4. Large Size Patterns
Different types of gray patterns will have unique appearances in your home. Consider geometric patterns on a larger scale, such as this dark gray diamond upholstery (E7892 DOMINO). It is ideal for upholstery projects like sofas and ottomans, and you can even go so far as having it installed as a wall panel or cladding for a feature wall.
5. Great Combinations in Gray
Gray upholstery fabric doesn’t have to be dull or colorless. Try a fabulous combination like this modern pattern with dark gray and blue (E7315 Blue Moon) and build your color scheme.
You can also make a dramatic statement with a feature furniture piece upholstered in a great patterned all-gray fabric like this floral fabric in light and medium-toned gray (E9895 Gray). Or try out an uber-modern look with a great understated two-toned gray upholstery fabric in organic patterns (E7743 Grey).
A classic gray stripe is always a winner regarding gray upholstery fabric. Combine it with contrasting patterns of similar or smaller size. Color match your accessories to achieve that wow look.
A medium-wide stripe pattern balances the visual weight of your furniture items, anchoring the decor scheme. Consider a great medium to dark gray stripe (E1315 Smoke).
6. Gray Statement Fabrics
Why not try a signature look or create a focal statement with an animal skin-patterned gray upholstery fabric?
We love the durability and amazing quality of the reptile skin look velvet upholstery fabric (K3390) with an incredible 120,000 rub rating. With three glorious shades of gray to choose from, you can let your animal self play on your furniture with the assurance this gray upholstery fabric will remain correctly tensioned and resist stains and piling.
The Final Gray Upholstery Fabric
When faced with a wall of gray upholstery fabric, you may find it challenging to choose the best option for your home. Fortunately, gray is a forgiving color, and medium shades can easily be lightened with more natural light in the room or darkened by matching a brighter fabric.
Gray is a color that is naturally stain-resistant, blends with other colors, and creates a great palette on which to play with other colors. Use different shades of gray for a more subtle look, or go big and bold with a patterned gray fabric to pick up accent colors. For the widest selection of over 1,700 shades and patterns of gray to choose from, Kovi Fabrics are the fabric people to talk to.