If you’re feeling a bit stumped in this scenario, we’re here to help. We spoke with designers from across the country who weighed in regarding the directions one can go when determining what color curtains go with gray walls. As it turns out, there are actually a number of possibilities—truly, there’s a solution for everyone, whether you love neutrals through and through or are always looking for ways to add pizzazz into your interiors. Keep reading to gather these experts’ top tips.

White or Black

These unfussy hues are classic for a reason and are great to pair with the color gray, designer Anna Franklin notes. “To keep the rest of the space neutral, incorporate a white or cream curtain, or go dark with black,” she advises. Alternatively, choose a curtain that features a combination of both of these colors. Designer Kellie Burke included black and white striped curtains in one of her projects, as seen here.

Deep Hues

Not feeling the neutrals? Franklin shares a few alternative routes you can take. “If you prefer to add color to the space, opt for cool colors in a deeper hue, rather than lighter,” she says. “For example, a deep navy goes well with a cool-toned gray; or if your gray has warm undertones, try a hunter green that will add a touch of earth tones to the neutral gray walls.” Whether you opt for a soft, luxurious velvet, cool, laid back linen, or something else entirely is up to you.

Opposites

As a whole, paying close attention to the undertones present in the gray paint on your walls is key, designer Christina Garcia-Lysaught echoes. “Depending on the shade of gray, select a color on the opposite side of the color wheel for it to really stand out,” she comments. “For instance, if the gray is warm and has a purple undertone, the opposite color would be yellow. If the gray is cool and has blue as an undertone, the opposite color would be orange.” At the end of the day, though, there’s not much room for error when it comes to gray, Garcia-Lysaught adds. “Luckily, gray goes with all colors, so in the end, go with something you love and what makes you happy!”

Patterns

By no means do you need to stick to a solid colored curtain if you crave a little more pep. “I happen to love linen curtains in neutral tones in nearly every space, but in this gray bedroom we chose to use linen curtains with charcoal-gray stripes for added dimension,” designer Lauren Sullivan shares. “The subtle striped pattern helps soften the transition between curtain and wall and also relates back to the additional dark tones within the space.” Patterns certainly don’t need to be understated, though, if you’re feeling a bit bold. Polka dots, thick stripes, geometric shapes, and other playful prints are certainly welcome if you crave a bit of cheer and whimsy.

Another Shade of Gray

Why not go tone on tone? There is nothing wrong with opting for a matching look if you’re really digging a particular color. “In a neutral gray room with gray walls, I like to match the tone of the gray and go one shade lighter for a tonal effect,” designer Larisa Barton says. “This also adds a nice warm layering in lieu of using color.” And don’t worry about a gray on gray look appearing too plain—it can actually introduce some major oomph to a room, according to designer Roz Murphy. She comments, “Adding a matching gray fabric with the walls can create a sense of cohesiveness or drama.”

title: “What Color Curtains Go With Gray Walls " ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-14” author: “Margarita Mimbs”

Even if you’ve already chosen the color of gray you’d like to incorporate in your bedroom, living room, or dining room, your work isn’t quite done yet. Rooms need window coverings, after all, and you may be uncertain about what shade of curtain will best complement the gray you chose. We tapped interior design pros who weigh in below with their go-to curtain color recommendations for gray walls.

Shades of White

As designer Catherine Goodsell notes, “White drapes on a gray wall are instantly classic and fresh.” The exact shade of white can vary, though. “I would consider gray as a neutral,” designer Cindy Smith adds. “One option would be to go with a very light off-white and silvery whites as a palette of color.” Designer Brynn Olson can’t resist going with ivory. “Our favorite pairing with gray walls is soft ivory drapery panels,” she shares. “They soften the space and give a luxurious feeling that welcomes you into a room and makes it instantly comfortable.” If ivory alone seems too plain, Olson finds ways to jazz up the look. “For our clients who want a little more punch, we love doing leading edge tape trims with contrasting colors and patterns that feel unique and never overwhelming,” she comments. “We feel like gray walls and ivory panels are a timeless classic pairing you’ll never tire of.“Designer Michelle Gage also gravitates toward white window coverings, explaining that she prefers to let colorful furniture pieces make a bold statement. “When designing a room with gray walls, we usually do so to make the furniture the star of the space,” Gage shares. “We select jewel tone punchy velvets or eye-catching prints that really pop against the gray, and the window treatments become the backdrop. We’ll select either a light gray or white dressing, allowing the furniture to really shine!”

Oatmeal

In the above home office space, designer Tracy Morris looked to the flooring when settling on a curtain color. “Since the rug had many warm shades, we decided to take the oatmeal color up the walls and onto the drapes,” she says. “This added much needed texture, blocked the afternoon sun, and enveloped the space in warmth.” However, Morris notes, it is most certainly fair game to incorporate louder colors into a gray room. “For a bolder choice in this space, you could use coral for the drapery color,” she explains. “Additional drapery colors that would go with gray walls include: taupe, navy, deep pink, spring green, and orange.”

Gray

Is there such a thing as too much gray? Never, as long as it’s used thoughtfully. So why not go for a tone-on-tone look? “For a clean, modern feel, pair gray walls with gray drapery in a tone that’s one or two shades lighter or darker than the wall color,” designer Mel Bean suggests.

When incorporating curtains in a saturated shade, go ahead and have some fun with texture, too. “Velvet drapes can make such an impactful statement in a room,” designer Lance Thomas shares. “A rich navy blue works well with gray walls.” Talk about sophisticated and regal!