Is Beige the New Gray? We Asked Designers for Their Thoughts

20.07.2024 - 11:23 / thespruce.com / Ashley Chalmers

While it’s been predicted for quite a while now that the once-favored gray is on its way out, that certainly doesn’t mean neutrals are going away entirely. In fact, some might argue they’re heating up… and the tones are getting warmer, too. 

But with so many neutrals to choose from, which one will take gray's place as number one? As it turns out, beige is favored to win. No, not greige—beige.

But even if we're seeing a rise in beige, does that mean this is really the new gray? We talked to two design pros who seem to feel like yes, it most certainly it is.

Ashley Montgomery Design

For years, it felt like beige got a bad rap for being too boring or drab. But as Michal Rubin, principal designer at MR Interiors, points out, it’s actually quite versatile—and that's just one reason to love it.

«I love the use of beige when designing a space,” Rubin says, who points out it’s all in how you pair it.

When accented with wooden accessories or furniture, the shade feels neutral and minimalistic. 

“Alternatively, it can feel contemporary and cool with pops of color in textiles like window treatments—think light blue or hot pink,” Rubin says.

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Ashley Montgomery Design

While you might think of beige as one, specific tone, Rubin says this simply isn’t true! It's a color that can range from super pigmented—like a tan or camel—to much lighter, like ivory. 

“Like any hue, the spectrum is wide,” Rubin says.

Much like gray, different shades of beige can be beautiful when paired together for a monochromatic space. But in this case, it leads to a warmer, softer look.

“For paint, opt for a lighter beige so it