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14 Naturally Beautiful Grey and Brown Living Room Ideas

Who doesn’t love a grey and brown sitting room? It’s a classic look, and for good reason. We asked resident style expert Aneta Skoczek to share her top tips for creating a fabulous grey and brown living room. Read on to learn how you too can create this timeless look for yourself…
Design Inspiration Lifestyle
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Industrial grey and brown living room ideas

Want a taste of the Big Apple? This industrial take on a grey and brown sitting room is taken straight from New York’s loft apartments and brims with character. We’re talking exposed brick walls, floorboards, and metal and concrete all round.

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1. Embrace the industrial: grey and brown living rooms with character

First up, a statement brown leather sofa. “Chesterfields add charm and are the focal point of a grey and brown living room. Walnut or coffee shades are lovely choices because they have such a rich depth of colour,” Aneta explains.

2. Make use of concrete-effect furniture in grey and brown living rooms

Lighten your space with concrete-effect accents like side tables and coffee tables. They’re hard wearing but light enough to contrast against the darker tones of the look. Not to mention super-practical too, perfect for the demands of a modern grey and brown sitting room.

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3. Use accessories to cosy up industrial grey and brown living rooms

While industrial furniture has a warehouse feel, it’s easy to make it cosy with comforting grey and brown accessories. Our style expert Aneta tells us, “A pebble or slate-coloured rug lifts the whole space and provides cosy comfort underfoot. Boost your mood with plants and vases, and don’t forget to add personal touches like family photos and mementos.”

Shop the industrial look

Raw textures and angular lines, the essential industrial ingredients.

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Glamour grey and brown living room ideas

Think a grey and brown sitting room is too traditional? Or even, (whisper it) boring? Think again. This glam take transforms these classic shades into a show stopping pair, proving once and for all you can have a modern grey and brown living room.

4. Glamorous tips for a statement grey and brown living room

All you need is a seriously comfy brown sofa and grey rug – it’s that simple. The only condition? “They must be glamorous,” says Aneta. “A brown sofa with gold or chrome detailing gives your space a glam edge while deep seats bring that luxury feel. Glamorous furniture is a must have for this look.”

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5. Give grey and brown living rooms a glam makeover with textures

Now the real fun starts. “You can really go to town with accessories in a grey and brown living room,” says Aneta. “Remember, this look’s all about texture. We’re talking the softest velvets, extra-shaggy rugs, and lots of cushions - the more the better. As long as they’re grey or silver.” We love deep, rich browns to create a warming grey and chocolate brown living room that’s made for snuggly nights in.

6. Glamorously groomed grey and brown sitting rooms

One of the most overlooked parts when creating a grey and brown sitting room is our furry friends’ own space. “Changing your pet’s bed is a fresh and simple way to change things up without doing too much. And you can really make it glam with a pet bed in the style of your own sofa,” Aneta explains.

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Shop the glam look

Mix and match these pieces to create a perfectly plush interior made for decadent cocktail parties and oh-so luxurious relaxation.

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Scandi grey and brown living room ideas

This one’s for the minimalists. We know you love grey, but we’re here to persuade you that you need a little brown in your life too.

7. Create contrast in your Scandi grey and brown sitting room

In this look, grey and brown work by creating contrast instead of harmony. Minimalist grey walls and flooring are broken up by a handful of key pieces to create drama with an ultra-modern feel.

Aneta suggests, “Set the scene with a statement brown sofa in leather or velvet, and then introduce one or two contemporary storage pieces like an or finished in a dark brown lacquer or veneer. Slate walls and open-plan spaces are lovely, but sometimes they’re crying out for some colour. Dark wood has a natural warmth and stops your grey and brown living room from feeling too cold.”

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8. Break up brown-heavy grey and brown living rooms with Scandi furniture

It’s no secret that grey sofas look stunning against wooden floors. It’s a classic pairing and, like all great trends, has stood the test of time. Just introduce an accent colour with scatter cushions and you’re good to go.” says Aneta.

9. Let the hygge flow with a Scandi-style grey and brown sitting room

Wood panelled walls are great for giving your living room a cosy Scandi feel. Simply pair with a sleek grey recliner sofa and some Scandi furniture and you can recharge in your very own Scandi cabin.

“This look would also work with a lavish grey velvet sofa, plus a fluffy throw and a comfy cushioned footstool for good measure.”

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Shop the Scandi minimalist look

Keep your contemporary canvas pared back. Confident lines are key.

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Coastal grey and brown living room ideas

It’s time to get snug and cosy with an understated grey and brown living room idea. Just team several shades of subtle grey with a touch of solid oak to create a space with a tranquil coastal feel. Hint: no ocean required.

10. Go with coastal chic for an all-natural grey and brown living room

“Grey and brown are actually very warm, calming colours. They’re great for snugs and any space where you go to relax,” Aneta tells us.

Opt for a handcrafted oak coffee table, and add woven baskets or ceramic ornaments to put your own stamp on things.

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11. Pick a cosy sofa for a beach house look grey and brown sitting room

Our home design expert Aneta lets us in on how to find the right grey sofa for this look. “Chic, contemporary décor needs a sofa that feels just as good as it looks. Deep seats with plump cushions are a must – and don’t forget to consider an extra-soft fabric like velvet or chenille too.”

To find the perfect-sized sofa for your grey and brown living room, use our handy sofa sizer.

12. Use accents in your grey and brown living room to let the coastal sunshine in

Aneta tells us: “Brown has just the right amount of warmth. You can warm up your space and bring an on-trend summer feel by introducing display cabinets and units in natural tones and materials to add in some brown hues.”

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Shop the coastal look

Like a fresh north-easterly breeze, coastal styling is clean and uncomplicated.

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Accessories for a grey and brown living room

If you’ve already got a grey or brown living room and want to change it up, we have one word for you: accessories.

13. Do it with décor: brown accessories

“There’s something about brass and brown accessories which really elevate grey living spaces. Warm and earthy, they’re perfect for shabby chic and more glam looks,” says Aneta.

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14. Bring out the grey with modern finishing touches

On the flip side, you can use grey accents in a predominantly brown living space to give it a more sophisticated edge. Aneta tells us. “Mirrors are a must. They’re beautiful to look at and add more light. What’s not to love?” A clock or piece of wall art is an opportunity to show off your unique style and personality – and don’t skip on finishing touches either, they’re what tie this whole look together. We hope you enjoyed reading our fourteen grey and brown living room ideas. Whoever said grey and brown were boring? Don’t forget to share your creations on Instagram with #MYFVHOME – we’d love to see them.

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