Neutral gray paints have become the leading choice for designers when it comes to interior and exterior colors. And when it comes to gray paints, Sherwin-Williams offers an extensive range to choose from. Whether you prefer a contemporary or vintage decor, Sherwin-Williams has the perfect shade for you.
But why choose gray paints when classic neutrals like white, cream, and beige exist? The answer is simple - gray paints allow you to balance light and dark themes effortlessly.
Sherwin-Williams gray paints are versatile and can be used on walls, furniture, and trims. However, picking the right shade can be a challenge. That's why we've compiled a guide to help you identify the trending Sherwin-Williams gray paints in 2023 and how to best use them.
Steps for Choosing the Right Sherwin-Williams Gray Paint
When choosing a Sherwin-Williams gray paint, it's important to consider more than just the shade. Here are six steps to help you find the perfect gray for your space:
Step 1: Analyze The Space and Lighting
The intensity of gray paints depends on their light interaction, so it's crucial to analyze the space and lighting in your desired area. Understanding the amount of natural light the space receives will help you determine how to design it.
High Light Reflectance Value (LRV) gray paints can brighten a space, while low LRV shades can accentuate or dim it.
Step 2: Measure The Room Size And Position
Room sizing and position play a significant role when choosing a gray paint. It's important to measure the size of the room using tape and a pencil. This will help you determine if the room is small, medium, or large.
Additionally, consider the sun's position relative to your gray-painted space. South-facing rooms receive the brightest hue, North-facing rooms have a consistent but medium glow, and West-facing rooms have the dimmest morning glow.
Step 3: Evaluate Your Lighting Options
If your space receives poor natural light, it doesn't mean you should change your mind about your chosen gray paint. Instead, consider augmenting the hue with artificial lighting. You can choose warm or cool lighting, depending on the undertones of your gray paint.
Step 4: Conduct Sample Area Testing
Before settling on a paint shade, it's always a good idea to get samples from Sherwin-Williams. This will help you visualize your color palette in real-time.
Sherwin-Williams offers three options - Color Chips, Peel & Stick Strips, and lightweight, washable paint. Observe the color's transformation under different lighting conditions to determine its undertones and nuances.
Step 5: Analyze the Long-Term Value of a Paint Color
Consider the long-term value of a paint color when making your selection. Low LRV gray paints are the most economical option for places with heavy traffic, as they barely retain dirt and stains. On the other hand, high LRV gray paints may attract dirt and prove challenging to clean despite their beauty.
Additionally, consider the finish of the paint. Soft surfaces like matte are easier to clean than shiny finishes like gloss or luster.
Step 6: Apply Finishing Touches
The finish of a gray paint can determine its long-term value and overall aesthetic. Matte finishes are perfect for general coloring, as they are economical and durable. Shiny finishes like luster, silk, satin, and gloss are great for accentuating spaces. Use them sparingly on trims, accent walls, half-walls, and furniture against matte walls.
Understanding Gray Paints
Gray is the leading neutral color in America this year, but choosing the right gray paint can be overwhelming. Gray paints come in various shades, each with its own undertones and usage.
What Are The Undertones?
Gray paints can have undertones that range from smoky to cool bluish clouds. These undertones occur due to the mixture of red, green, and blue colors into a black pigment, creating a unique gray shade. Each gray paint has an LRV that leans towards white, black, or neutral, indicating the likelihood of the undertones revealing themselves.
Types of Sherwin-Williams Gray Paints
Sherwin-Williams offers four main types of gray paints based on their undertones and overtones. Each type has its own characteristics and is suitable for different design themes.
Cool Gray Paints
Caption: Homburg Gray walls is an elegant choice for hallway/entryway painting
Cool gray paints have mellow and calming tones. They often feature cool colors like purple, blue, and green, and serve as neutral background tones for brighter decor. Cool gray hues are perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere in spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms. Popular Sherwin-Williams cool gray paints include Sweater Weather, Drift of Mist, and Homburg Gray.
Warm Gray Paints
Caption: The warmth from Western Reserve creates an inviting aura
Warm gray paints have warm undertones ranging from red to yellow and sometimes green. They create a cozy and fuzzy feeling that serves as an excellent template for coordinating fiery colors. Warm gray paints work well in kitchens, living rooms, hallways, and front doors. Sherwin-Williams warm gray paints include Forged Steel, Western Reserve, and Terrain.
Light Gray Paints
Caption: You don't need additional lighting with Glacier Bay
Light gray paints have an LRV of 60-85, making them ideal for both exterior and interior coloring. They illuminate a space without additional lighting and are often chosen for full-wall pigments and trims. Many light gray paints have overtones of other colors due to their high LRV, resulting in shades like blue-gray and green-gray. Popular Sherwin-Williams light gray paints include Intrepid Gray, Glacier Bay, and Windchill.
Dark Gray Paints
Caption: Substitute black paints with Forged Steel for a brighter dark finish
Dark gray paints have lower LRVs (30-3) and lean towards the black end of the scale. They are elegant alternatives to classic black and navy blue hues and work well in vintage decoration. Dark gray paints can be used as accenting furniture pieces, accent walls, or half-walls. Popular Sherwin-Williams dark gray paints include Cyberspace, Forged Steel, and Peppercorn.
Best Sherwin-Williams Gray Paint Colors (2023 Trends)
The trending gray paints for 2023 come in various shades and have one thing in common - versatility. Many of them are dual and triple-toned neutrals, making them Sherwin-Williams bestsellers. Here are the top 23 gray paint colors in descending order of light reflectance value:
1. Drift of Mist (SW 9166)
Caption: Drift of Mist creates a clean backdrop for white trims and furniture in the living room
Drift of Mist is an excellent alternative to traditional white and off-white paints. With an LRV of 69, it illuminates your space without being too bright. It pairs well with other neutrals in bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. You can also use Drift of Mist to accentuate window, door, and half-wall trims.
2. Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)
Caption: Agreeable Gray is a blank canvas wall for multicolored minimalist decor in the living room
Agreeable Gray is a popular neutral paint from Sherwin-Williams. With an LRV of 60, it's a versatile medium-light color that leans towards greige. Despite being a greige paint, Agreeable Gray has flashes of red undertones that pair seamlessly with other red and violet pigments. Use this color anywhere in your home, from the living room and bedroom to the kitchen, and highlight its beauty with wooden furniture and accents.
3. Sweater Weather (SW 9548)
Caption: Sweater Weather makes the office look airy and encourages a cool working environment
Sweater Weather is a bright gray paint with an LRV of 60. It has hints of violet and green undertones, giving it a cool and airy vibe. Pair Sweater Weather with purple, lilac, or green interior decor for a fresh look in your living room, bedroom, or bathroom.
4. Grayish (SW 6001)
Caption: Pink, White, and purple floral motifs stand out against Grayish walls for baby nurseries
Grayish is a cool gray paint with an LRV of 60. This color illuminates a space and has tints of red, pink, and bold purple undertones. Use Grayish with reddish-purple themes to accentuate its beautiful tints in your bedroom and hallways.
5. Useful Gray (SW 7050)
Caption: Highlight the green tint in Useful Gray walls with potted plants and sage green paints
Useful Gray is a creamy warm gray paint with an LRV of 59. It has subtle green undertones and pairs beautifully with other cool gray, blue, and green paints. Choose Useful Gray for Victorian-era and vintage-themed decorations. It shines against brick walls and wooden trims, both inside and outside.
6. Repose Gray (SW 7015)
Caption: Repose Gray walls present a soft and airy aura for the sturdy wooden dinner table and chairs
Repose Gray is one of the most popular neutral shades from Sherwin-Williams. With an LRV of 54, it's a versatile gray paint with warm undertones. It pairs well with other neutrals and soft red paints for a beautiful contrast. Use Repose Gray as your primary interior color to highlight its neutrality.
7. Mindful Gray (SW 7016)
Caption: Mindful Gray appears off-white with a hint of green underneath direct sunlight
Mindful Gray is a cool gray paint with an off-white appearance under natural sunlight. With an LRV of 48, it serves as a beautiful backdrop to cool white paints. Mindful Gray is perfect for hallways and entryways, creating an interesting and inviting atmosphere.
These are just a few of the best Sherwin-Williams gray paint colors for 2023. Each shade offers its own unique character and can transform your space. Let these trendy gray paints inspire you to create the perfect ambiance in every room of your home.
