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Charcoal Gray - The Latest Trend in Home Decor 2023

Charcoal - a suitable color for home decoration?

By Praveen KumarPublished 3 years ago 11 min read

Charcoal is a very versatile color. Mixing gray with darker colors has become so popular that it is used for many purposes. Although charcoal gray is often confused with graphite or grey, it is a truly unique shade. Charcoal is often used in home interiors, where it can act as a background to various designs or as a strong interior accent. It is perfect for walls, furniture, accessories and the floor. Charcoal is a very popular color in 2023.

Charcoal: what color is it exactly?

The color of charcoal is sometimes referred to as graphite or anthracite. For some people it is a dark shade that is associated with wood charcoal or hard mined coal and other sedimentary rocks. In the HEX color code Charcoal is known as #364135, in RAL - 7016. Charcoal is a unique blend of gray and black.

Charcoal is a very intriguing color. Do you wonder why it is so popular? It is very close to black, but noticeably brighter; for this reason, its appearance depends above all on lighting. That's what makes it so special. The charcoal color gives you many wearing options.

Charcoal - a suitable color for home decoration?

Charcoal is a color that works perfectly in home interiors. This is the reason why this particular shade of gray has gained so much popularity in recent years. However, it is a difficult color to wear. Combining charcoal with other home decor items must be done very carefully and skillfully. It's very easy to overwhelm a room with too much of this dark shade. Charcoal works best in spacious, well-lit indoors. However, if the room is very small, it does not mean that you should avoid color. In this case it is better to use charcoal accessories instead of painting the walls.

If your house is spacious but you have no idea how to use coal, consult a specialist. Contact a competent person, explain exactly what you expect and expect a project that meets your needs. This solution is becoming more and more popular among those who want to use the color of charcoal in their homes.

What style works best with charcoal?

As mentioned before, charcoal is a universal shade. For this reason it can be easily adapted to basically any interior design. It fits modern styles such as Scandinavian, industrial and minimalist. Paired well, charcoal can make a room feel special and unique by accentuating particular elements.

The color charcoal gray in industrial style interiors

Charcoal gray is a perfect color for industrial style interiors. That is why interior designers use it so often, both in domestic spaces and in offices. Charcoal gray combines perfectly with other typically industrial accessories such as wood and metal elements.

If you decide to use it in an industrial interior, you can use charcoal gray paint on the walls or add charcoal elements such as:

• furniture,

• wall decorations,

• textiles.

Charcoal gray color palette in scandinavian style

It is generally accepted that the Scandinavian style, practical but also very minimalist, uses mostly bright tones. But it is not a rule that you have to follow to the letter, especially if you want to create an interesting domestic space. You can break the minimalist Nordic routine by using, for example, charcoal. A color like this, although quite cold, is very intriguing.

Charcoal gray is definitely not suitable as the dominant color palette in the Scandinavian style. Therefore, it is not recommended to use it on the walls. Despite this, it is perfect in the form of accessories and decorations. If you like the idea of a Scandinavian bedroom, perhaps add charcoal gray bedding or throws. In this way, you can animate the bright interior.

Art Deco and charcoal grey: a perfect combination

Art Deco is a perfect style for lovers of elegance and sophistication. In this sense, you should not be careful with the use of dark and very characteristic colors such as charcoal gray. They perfectly complement ornamental lighting or glass panels, other typical elements of this style.

An Art Deco interior can use the charcoal gray color palette in many ways. It looks gray on the walls, as well as on the furniture. It can also be combined with an equally elegant color, but with a contrast, such as gold or pale pink. Thus, the atmosphere of the interior becomes modern and elegant.

Charcoal walls, a good idea?

Charcoal is a color that looks perfect on the walls, both in a house and in a small apartment. You can use it in a gray kitchen, in the living room, in the bedroom or in the bathroom. All you have to do is use it with care and good taste.

Charcoal was rarely used as a wall color in the past. The dark shadow might have seemed uninteresting and too strong. However, if used well, charcoal can be perfect for any type of interior.

It is a very adaptable color, which can be used in any modern style room - in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and offices.

Charcoal works best as a wall color in bright, spacious interiors. Such a room should be well lit with plenty of natural light. The best rooms for charcoal paint to be used are on the east, southeast, and west sides of the building. You shouldn't color north rooms with charcoal paint - they might look too dark and cold in such arrangements. In such cases it is better to combine the shade with brighter ones.

If the room is very small, you should not paint the walls with charcoal. Such a dark shade would overwhelm the already small space. A better idea is to paint the walls a different, brighter color that makes the room appear larger. You can use charcoal accessories instead, as accent items.

Coal walls, how to cover them to avoid surprises?

Thinking of charcoal-colored walls, you're probably envisioning a charcoal paint. If you decide to use such a product, choose a semi-gloss finish for the best results. Do you feel anxious that color can overwhelm the room? You can always decide to paint just one accent wall in the dark shade and the rest in a brighter color (for example, white).

Although wallpapers still look dated, you should consider choosing this type of product to cover your walls. Wallpapers are back in fashion and manufacturers offer many interesting designs, also in charcoal. A good product with a good texture can be a good decoration for your room.

Instead of using ordinary paint, you could use a charcoal chalkboard paint. Thanks to this solution you can write on the walls with chalk, which could be useful in places like the kitchen, office and children's room.

Accessories for dark walls

If the walls are painted in charcoal, it is better to choose furniture and decorations of contrasting colors. The safest complementary colors are white, beige, and also strong black. Charcoal also works well with light brown, so it's good to choose accessories in the color of natural wood. It is a particularly good solution for a Scandinavian-style interior, which favors natural textures.

A very intriguing idea for a living room with charcoal walls is a sofa in a strong colour, for example blue or yellow. It makes the room look more vivid, and the charcoal walls set off the strong color of the sofa.

Charcoal as an accent on a bright wall

Charcoal is not always a suitable color for a wall. It does not mean that you have to abandon the idea of using it in your interior design. Luckily for you, charcoal is a perfect accent color.

If the interior is bright, choose dark gray accessories such as curtains and cushions. For small furniture - choose chairs, coffee tables and charcoal lamps.

{:.distinction.distinction-information} Elements such as dark gray doors, radiators and windows are perfect to accentuate the design of the room. They make it look more vivid and give it a unique character.

Charcoal furniture - home decor trend of 2022

Charcoal furniture is one of the hottest interior design trends in 2022. If you're planning a renovation and looking for inspiration - we might be able to help.

If you think that covering your walls in charcoal paint is too much, you might decide to buy furniture in that color. They could be a great accent to an interior. Because charcoal gray is a strong color, you should choose furniture that is simple in design, not overly decorative. Geometric shapes are the best in this case.

Charcoal furniture looks best against light, neutral backgrounds. Such an arrangement brings out the strong color, which is already a decorative element.

What are the rules when installing charcoal furniture?

Although, as stated, charcoal is a universal color, there are a few rules that one must refer to.

For the shared parts of a home a mid-century modern charcoal sofa might be chosen. When choosing furniture, especially charcoal-colored furniture, choose soft, simple textures. Consider combining contrasting colors, for example, a charcoal sofa and white armchairs. Charcoal gray is also a perfect color for modern kitchens. Dark gray cabinets paired with light fixtures are always a good choice. You can also opt for dark tables that contrast with white cabinets.

Charcoal living room? Don't shy away from bold solutions!

A charcoal living room, according to many interior design experts, is a fantastic solution for everyone who is not afraid of bold decisions.

A color like this works great in large spaces, and there are practically endless possibilities for how you can use it. How to use charcoal in a living room? Find the most interesting solutions below!

Charcoal to accent the sofa and armchairs

A focal point of a typical living room is the part where the sofa or armchairs are located - or, in many cases, both. Those elements look fantastic on charcoal.

In this case, the choice of such a color can serve two purposes. First, it introduces elegance and makes the interior appear more elegant. The other function is simply to keep the furniture clean. It is much easier with a dark-colored sofa than with, for example, a white one.

Charcoal Gray Coffee Tables

Coffee tables are making a big comeback in our homes. They are becoming more and more popular, especially coal ones.

Not only the classic round coffee tables are attracting attention. Furniture of unusual shapes is in fashion in recent months. A triangular table is one of the most interesting solutions - they look great in every living room, regardless of style.

Apart from the classic tables with natural colored wooden legs, metal bases (golden or silver colored) are gaining popularity. Such an accessory looks much better in a modern interior than in a classic one - you should take it into account when furnishing your home.

A cozy bedroom for coal

You may wonder if a coal room is a good idea. One might think that a dark color is too dark for a space whose main purpose is rest and relaxation. As in all other cases, moderation and the application of some rules are the most important. You don't have to design the entire room in one color. Pick only individual items.

Charcoal - perfect for an upholstered bed

Dreaming of an elegant, stylish bedroom? No problem - just choose a charcoal-colored bed.

Upholstered furniture - similar to many other trends in 2022 - is making a comeback. Beds in this style can be found in almost all furniture stores. Also, charcoal is the real trend of the last season, and it probably will be for the next ones. Do you want to further accentuate the elegance of your bedroom? Try an upholstered headboard - your bedroom will look exceptionally elegant.

Charcoal pillowcases and sheets

If you like strong colors, but you don't want them to dominate your entire room, just choose the right accessories for your bedroom! You can, for example, choose charcoal pillowcases or the full charcoal sheet set, especially if your bedroom is brightly colored. Charcoal elements make the interior look more elegant and luxurious.

A charcoal bathroom

Charcoal gray is a perfect color to design a modern bathroom. There are many uses for this shade, a good idea is to choose charcoal tiles. If your bathroom is small, you can add white tiles here and there to break up the unified dark color. Gray walls can be perfectly complemented by white elements, such as the sink, toilet and bathtub.

The opposite solution is to choose charcoal elements and white walls. Both solutions can be used to create a modern and elegant interior with a unique character.

A dark charcoal kitchen? A great idea!

Many homeowners might think that a charcoal stove is not a good idea. However, it is a highly recommended solution, especially if you have a lot of free space.

What works best in a charcoal stove? Especially the furniture. You don't necessarily have to choose dark cabinets. Charcoal accessories, such as chairs or lamps will suffice. They look perfect with white tiled walls - a stylish and fashionable solution.

Charcoal gray for a kid's room? Only in a good combination!

Are you looking for ideas to furnish your child's room? Although charcoal is very versatile, it is definitely not suitable for a child's room. It is simply too dark and difficult to integrate into this type of interior. If you are not afraid of risks, choose delicate pastels and bright colors, and combine them with charcoal accessories. You can ask a specialist to prepare a project based on your preferences.

What colors go with charcoal grey?

Although charcoal gray is generally believed to be difficult, it's actually quite universal when paired with other colors. It can be easily combined, for example, with white or light shades of grey. It also goes very well with beige. This color palette is typical of Scandinavian and industrial interiors.

However, this does not mean that anthracite gray cannot be combined with stronger or characteristic colours. A cooler combination with various shades of blue is a good choice. Anthracite gray goes well with:

• indigo,

• cobalt,

• Light Blue,

• dark blue,

• cornflower,

• cerulean,

• Sapphire.

Some combinations of charcoal gray and blue are quite dark. Be sure to implement stronger lighting or light accents in the interior.

When it comes to versatility, charcoal gray works perfectly with canary yellow, fuchsia, and delicate mint green. All the suggested combinations can be very interesting, as long as the entire design is well planned.

Is charcoal gray a good choice for home interiors?

Charcoal is an increasingly popular color, not without reason. You should consider using it in the interior design of your house. The fact that it's so dark and overwhelming could be daunting. However, if used skilfully, charcoal gray can be combined with other home décor items to create a modern, stylish and original look. If, despite its popularity, this shade is not to your liking, check out other trendy colors used in home interiors.

What color is coal?

Charcoal gray is a very dark shade of gray, almost black but even lighter. The name of the color comes from charcoal, a material made from wood burned at high temperatures with low access to oxygen.

What color goes with charcoal grey?

Charcoal gray works best with contrasting colors, like white and bright gray. It can also be a background for strong colors, such as blue, yellow or green.

Charcoal gray - where to use it?

Charcoal is a color that works very well inside any home, and in some cases, in an office. If you decide to use it in a small kitchen, bathroom or living room, remember certain rules that will make your room look more consistent.

Charcoal gray - how to choose a charcoal paint?

Be sure to choose the correct product designed for the surface you are painting. Water-based charcoal paint is recommended for its satin finish. Satin charcoal walls look “lighter” and very elegant.

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