(Or, alternatively, highlight unique features like a recessed alcove.)

This restful retreat byStaprans Designfeatures a feathery gray accent wall partnered with a wood checkerboard wall.

Try a similar pairing to achieve a serene, organic modern-feeling space.

accent wall across from bed

Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions

The paper adds movement to the room, making the white and gray palette feel anything but monotonous.

To keep things from looking too one-note, try layering a medley of different patterns.

One way to make it look less like a giant black box is floating over your mantel.

gray walls and white ceiling

Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions

Paint your fireplace surround dark gray.

AsLouis Duncan-He Designsillustrates in the sophisticated living room, a gray surround can make your TV all but disappear.

Gray Brick Wall

MW Design Group/ Photo by Altamira Film Co.

dark gray accent wall behind bed

CANNARSA STRUCTURE & DESIGN/ Photo by Ashley Avila Photography

Try painting a wall-to-wall fireplace with gray paint to transform it into a statement-making accent wall.

The contrast makes the green shades in both feel extra deep and saturated.

The wood wall lends an unexpected element, creating an elevating contrast.

Restful bedroom with gray accent wall and checkerboard wood wall

Staprans Design/ Photo by Brad Knipstein

In the room above, designerAlvin Wayneselects a mink color to back a striking pink and purple abstract.

Gray Concrete-Style Wall

Think concrete is only for floors?

Concrete is the perfect complement to furniture featuring bold finishes like scorched wood and black marble.

gray bedroom accent wall

Design byReena Sotropa

One way to give them life is to do as Amy Leferink atInterior Impressionsdoes in the retreat above.

She selected a heavily patterned gray wallpaper behind the bed.

charcoal gray accent wall

Erin Williamson Design

Rattan headboard in a bedroom

Alvin Wayne

White and blue kitchen by Mary Patton

Mary Patton Design

Gray shiplap accenting back wall of decorated bedroom

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Modern living room with gray accent wall fireplace

Niche Interiors/ Photo by Thomas Kuoh

gray bedroom accent wall

Casa Watkins Living

Tranquil gray bedroom with gray wallpaper accent wall

Design byLark + Palm/ Photo by Robert Schroeder

gray shiplap fireplace accent wall ideas

Louis Duncan-He Designs/ Photo byKM Photography Interiors

Large office space with bold wallpaper and wall color.

Amy Leferink atInterior Impressions

Mid-Century Modern living room with gray brick accent wall

MW Design Group/ Photo by Altamira Film Co.

medium gray accent wall

Design byKate Marker Interiors/Stoffer Photography

charcoal gray accent wall in bedroom

D Burns Interiors

Gray accent wall with spiral staircase

Design byManeli Wilson/ Photo by Travis Mark

Modern bedroom with gray wood accent wall

Niche Interiors/ Photo by Brad Knipstein

bedroom with black accent wall and gray bed

Desiree Burns Interiors

Sophisticated living room with gray accent wall and powder blue velvet chairs

Maite Granada Design Studio/ Photo by Mattia Bettinelli

bedroom with black and white accent wall

Gray Space Interior Design

A small dining room table made of metal

Alvin Wayne

Emily Henderson black and white bedroom

Emily Henderson Design/ Photo by Tessa Neustadt

Charcoal gray wall in center of decorated living space with potted plant on wood table and wooden seat in right corner

The Spruce / Michelle Becker

A living room with a splash of DIY fall decor

Alvin Wayne

gray bedroom accent wall

Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions