I purchased the plum. It is pretty but definitely more “greige” than gray. It does have a tiny bit of a checkered background which I didn’t see on the photo. It is subtle. It is a little slickery as far as the material goes. There is NO WAY these are 1000 thread count sheets. It is very pretty and I feel it does go with my decor because my furniture is a dark brown. I won’t be returning it but I am sure had I seen it in person, I wouldn’t have purchased it.