A picture-perfect living room is always more than the sum of its parts, but it's hard to deny: a sofa can make or break the space. And when it comes to colors, I've long been skeptical about gray sofas, fearing a sense of dreariness that's often associated with gray palettes.
To me, pale gray risks looking dull, while deeper hues can feel overdone or dated. In fact, was convinced that gray was simply too difficult to style – until I spotted a Victoria Beckham-approved gray living room sofa, and I realized exactly what I'd been missing.
In a photo posted to her Instagram last year, Victoria was pictured lounging on a velvet sofa (like the Deseo gray velvet sectional sofa from CB2) in a striking charcoal hue. Flanked by a white stone table lamp and a cream throw, the sofa looks utterly gorgeous – and it reminded me why gray is a perennially popular sofa color trend.
Recreate the Victoria Beckham-Approved Gray Couch Look
I think that this luxurious piece offers the same sense of drama as the couch in Victoria's photo. It's bold and undeniably chic, but it still carries a sense of coziness that makes me want to curl up with a cup of coffee.
If you're looking to create a contrast between bolder colors in your living room, muted gray serves as the perfect neutral. This gorgeous velvet pillow is sure to elevate any design scheme.
If you're not set on upgrading your sofa, channel Victoria's look using charcoal gray accent pieces like this pillow. The faux fur finish will help you to vary the textures in your space.
If you want to recreate Victoria's look without breaking the bank, chenille is a great fabric choice. It's plush, inviting and visually appealing, and it's often a more budget-friendly alternative to velvet.
In my view, no living room is complete without a stash of blankets, and this one strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style. The cream shade feels sophisticated, while the tassels add a rustic touch.
If you're short on space, you don't need to add a sofa to transform a living room; a chic armchair like this one is just as impressive. I love the rich gray hue paired with the glinting gold accents.
I might not be a fan of gray, but this shade feels different: it's so deep that it looks as if it could be an inky blue color, or even black. The result is a moody, dramatic hue that appears to change under the light, and it's guaranteed to make a statement in any space.
While decorating with gray usually involves paler colors that act as neutrals, deeper gray pieces like couches can become instant focal points. To avoid overwhelming your space, however, it's best to layer darker colors like this one with tonal elements. (My go-to would be a light-colored piece like Refine's Edgar square gray pillow from Wayfair.)
Even with darker colors like this one in the mix, gray color schemes can risk looking one-dimensional – so visual variation is key. Here, it's introduced in the form of the velvet fabric, which is paired with other tactile elements like plush wool and sleek stone.
This photo may have been posted last year, but sumptuous velvet finishes are a huge sofa trend for 2026, too. Lush materials create spaces which feel sophisticated, inviting, and expressive – and while velvet has had plenty of time in the spotlight, it isn't slipping out of fashion anytime soon.
If you're wary of using gray in your own home, designers say that layering will help you to avoid a space that feels dated or flat.
'You want to create contrast, depth, and softness,' says Sarah Smallwood, Interior Designer and Founder of Roam & Reside. 'Done right, gray feels modern, cozy, and totally livable.'
As this Victoria-approved sofa demonstrates, the combination of deep gray hues with velvet fabric can really create a sense of drama.
'Bringing in extra texture and contrasting materials always helps, and I actually recommend velvet furniture pieces to help serve this purpose,' comments Molly Cody, Founder of RESET Interiors.
‘Velvet adds an extra dimension and reads as a truly luxe, sensual fabric,' adds Daniela Alilovic, Interior Designer and Founder of Spaces by Dee. 'In terms of design trends, there’s a clear shift toward richer tones that create a warmer, cozier feel. People are gravitating toward spaces that feel inviting, rather than overly polished.’
A sofa as bold as this one might feel like a daring choice, but Victoria demonstrates just how sophisticated it can be. It seems like gray color palettes aren't going anywhere; they're simply evolving into something more stylish and luxurious.
