It seems like just yesterday gray had taken over the design world. From walls to furniture, it seemed like the color was everywhere, and no one could get enough of its modern, sleek vibe. Personally, gray has always seemed, well, gray. As this trend has started to fade, I keep seeing more and more questions on how to warm up this cool (and sometimes depressing) color, especially when it comes to flooring. I’ve got you covered!
Today on the blog, I’ll be chatting all about how to refresh the gray floors in yourself without breaking the bank. While we’d all love to completely remodel our flooring, most of the time this is not practical. Instead, I want to offer up some budget-friendly solutions to compliment this trendy color choice.
Remember When Gray Was Everywhere?
About 8-10 years ago, the color gray exploded into every aspect of home design. I’m talking gray walls, roofs, floors, couches – you name the item, it was available in gray. While this color is not nearly as popular in 2024, it came at a time where we were all tired of beige, but still wanted a neutral that was flexible with a variety of design tastes.
Now, where gray used to be the go-to color, we are seeing a shift towards warmer whites and natural wood tones. Personally, I’ve never been much of a fan of gray and love the warmer undertones popular now. As always, trends come and go, so who knows? In a few decades we could see a surge of gray all over again.
Why Warm Up Gray Floors?
Let me be clear, if you love your gray floors – fantastic! Gray is a gorgeous neutral color that compliments a lot of different design styles beautifully. That being said, once this design fad became less popular, the gray felt a bit cold for some of us.
It’s a lot easier and less expensive to paint over gray walls or cover gray furniture, but gray floors are a complete different story. Since they most likely cover the majority of your home, there needs to be multiple ways to offset the cool undertone without sacrificing a bit of style.
How to warm up gray floors:
- Choose warm color accents
- Layer area rugs
- Integrate wood elements
- Focus on soft textures
Not sure how to warm up gray floors? Here’s my in-depth advice:
Choose Warm Color Accents

One of the easiest ways to offset the coolness of grey is by introducing warm color accents. This doesn’t mean you have to bring a ton of bright warm tones in, but focus on selecting a variety of shades that learn warmer in tone, even if it’s shades of cream or beige.
The great part about adding warm color accents is it can be utilized anywhere. Walls, furniture, pillows, even art are an excellent choice to contrast the flooring in an eye-catching way.
Layer Area Rugs

If you absolutely cannot stand your gray floors, cover them up! I’ve used this tried and true design tip in countless spaces when I just will not look at the wood anymore. Even better, you can find a rug that fits your taste even more. I recommend a rug that has a neutral pattern, but still leans towards the warmer color family. Both literally and figuratively, a large area rug can warm up the gray floors and provide more comfort.
A large area rug may not be enough to cover up the gray floors you hate. If this is the case, choose a wall-to-wall rug and treat this space like a carpet. It will look just like you completely redid your flooring, but with the exact color and pattern that you prefer. Although rugs this large are expensive, it’s still a way more affordable option than a complete remodel.
If you’re looking for an area rug that can take the place of traditional flooring, read about my experience with Ruggable and discount code here.
Integrate Wood Elements

To me, wood and gray are almost always a perfect match. The warmth of wood beautifully complements the cool tones of gray, creating a really interesting balance. Consider incorporating wooden furniture, whether it’s a coffee table, bookshelf, or dining set into the space with a lot of gray flooring. If you’re not ready to commit to larger pieces, smaller wooden accessories like frames, bowls, or vases can also do the trick. The combination of gray and wood adds a touch of nature to your space, making it feel cozy and grounded.
Focus On Soft Textures

When it comes to warming up a space, texture plays a key role. Soft textures, in particular, can take the edge off the sleekness of gray floors. I like using textures in plush throws, cushions, and blankets made from cozy materials like wool or faux fur. Drape them over your sofa or bed to create inviting places that directly combat the cool vibe.
Do you still like your gray flooring? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest on the blog, check out my recent posts:
Leave a Reply