Furniture’s going gray (and looking good)

By Terri Sapienza / The Washington Post

Gray has taken a starring role in interior design lately, becoming the go-to shade for paint, upholstery, wall treatments and flooring. Now, it’s appearing on wood finishes.

“It’s crisp, clean and elegant, and at the same time, warm and welcoming,” says Kate Mulhearn, a spokeswoman for West Elm home furnishings.

The California-based chain’s current collection includes a gray coffee table, desk and mirror frame.

Other retailers appear to be taking a small break from the much darker wood finishes that have dominated the design scene for the past few years. For instance, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams is offering collections of light gray finished tables, and Pottery Barn has gray dining pieces, bedroom furniture and media suites.

Part of the appeal of this subtle shade is its versatility. The tone lends itself to mixing well with just about any color and style.

The color also allows the natural grains in the wood to stand out more.