Are you looking to transform your living space into a soothing haven? The popularity of blue-gray paint colors is on the rise, as more and more homeowners seek a calming and relaxing ambiance. In this article, we'll explore the top ten blue-gray paint colors that will instantly elevate your home decor. So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of tranquil hues.
The Allure of Blue-Grays
Blue-green blends have enjoyed their time in the spotlight, but recently, there has been a surge in demand for blue-grays. These colors strike a balance between the calming effects of blue and the coolness of gray. They create a sense of tranquility and help you unwind in your own living space.
Understanding the Difference
Before we explore the best blue-gray paint colors, let's clarify the distinction between blue-gray and gray-blue. The dominant color in a blue-gray shade is blue, with a touch of gray to create a calming effect. On the other hand, gray-blue appears primarily as a gray paint color with a subtle blue undertone that adds interest to the palette.
Sherwin Williams Mineral Deposit is a gray with a blue-green undertone.
The Magic of Blue-Gray
But why are blue-grays trending these days? The answer lies in our longing for calmness and serenity. Blue-grays offer a magical blend that creates a peaceful atmosphere in our homes. These colors help lower our heart rates and invite relaxation. It's like finding that perfect sweet spot, where you can unwind and let go of the day's stresses. Everyone's happy place is different, but blue-grays have that universal appeal.
It's important to note that blue-grays are rarely just blue and gray. Similar to how gray has undertones, blue also possesses its own hidden colors. Even when blue acts as an undertone in a gray, it can harbor secondary undertones within its depths.
When selecting a blue-gray shade, it's important to consider the specific products, lighting conditions, and finishes in your room. Finding the perfect balance may require stepping slightly outside your comfort zone, but the end result will be worth it.
Exploring Blue-Grays with Different Undertones
Blue-grays come in various shades, each with its own unique undertone. Let's delve into two distinct undertones commonly found in blue-grays.
Blue-Gray with a Green Undertone
Adding a touch of green to a blue-gray creates a cold color palette. While blue and green are traditionally cool colors, the addition of green softens the look of blue. These gray-blues are often associated with beachy, coastal, or spa-inspired decor.
- Adding a reasonable amount of green to your blue results in colors like aqua, robin's egg, and teal.
- Further increasing the green undertone leads to sage green, a cool-toned green often associated with coastal themes.
Blue-Gray with a Purple/Violet Undertone
A blue-gray with a hint of violet tends to lean towards cooler tones. Purple is commonly perceived as a cool color, and when mixed with blue, it enhances the blue's coolness.
- Adding enough purple results in a periwinkle shade.
- Increasing the purple content further creates a purple hue with a blue undertone, providing a romantic and slightly more traditional feel compared to the coastal vibes of gray-blue-greens.
While both of these undertones fall within the cool color spectrum, the type of blue you see can be adjusted based on the specific undertone.
In my experience as an online paint color consultant, the demand for blue-grays with a green undertone surpasses that for blue-grays with a purple undertone. The ease of coordination with other products and furnishings, along with the flexibility offered by the green undertone, contributes to its popularity. Green tends to play a more passive role when blended with blue, ensuring a harmonious combination.
Now, without further ado, let's explore the ten best blue-gray paint colors that will infuse your space with tranquility.
The Top Ten Blue-Gray Paint Colors
While Farrow and Ball offer a stunning selection of blues, this article focuses on Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams' top shades.
1. Benjamin Moore Gibraltar Cliffs 1587
Gibraltar Cliffs is an exquisite blend of blue and gray, with a subtle green undertone. This color is open to interpretation, as some perceive it as predominantly gray, while others clearly see the blue shining through. It's a versatile shade that will adapt to your unique vision.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GIBRALTAR CLIFFS
- Gibraltar Cliffs has an LRV of 30.63, making it a medium-depth color. If you're not familiar with LRV (Light Reflectance Value), check out our LRV guide to learn more.
- If you love the idea of blue but aren't ready to commit to fully blue walls, Gibraltar Cliffs makes an excellent choice for a feature wall.
2. Benjamin Moore Stonybrook 1566
Stonybrook is a versatile color that can lean more towards blue or green, depending on the lighting and exposure in your room. It adds a touch of gray to create a beautiful blue-green blend. The undertones of blue and green create a perfect harmony.
Stonybrook can change its appearance based on the exposure of the room. For a comprehensive understanding of room exposures and their impact on paint colors, check out our guide.
LEARN MORE ABOUT STONYBROOK
- Stonybrook has an LRV of 28.23, placing it in the medium-toned category.
- It is similar to a darker version of Mount Saint Anne, another beautiful blue-gray blend.
3. Sherwin Williams Network Gray 7073
Network Gray is a popular gray with a subtle blue undertone that can occasionally lean towards green, especially in north-facing light. It strikes a perfect balance between gray and blue and offers a refreshing look to any space.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NETWORK GRAY
- Network Gray has an LRV of 37, making it a medium-depth color.
- It is a gray with undertones that add subtle dimension without overpowering the overall look.
4. Sherwin Williams Lullaby 9136
Lullaby is a stunning blue-gray shade that leans more towards blue than gray. It offers a soft and subtle tone, perfect for creating a calm and tranquil atmosphere. It's a great choice if you want a touch of blue without the traditional "baby-boy blue" look.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LULLABY
- Lullaby has an LRV of 65, making it a light shade that adds brightness to a room.
- This soft and subtle blue is perfect for creating a serene ambiance.
5. Sherwin Williams Jubilee 6248
Jubilee strikes a harmonious balance between blue and gray, with the blue still shining through without the dominance of violet. It offers a pleasant blend that is both sophisticated and serene.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JUBILEE
- Jubilee has an LRV of 45, making it a moderate medium-toned shade.
- It strikes the perfect balance between blue and violet, providing just the right amount of color.
6. Sherwin Williams Stardew 9138
Stardew is an enchanting blue-gray shade that leans more towards blue than gray. It offers flexibility and can occasionally hint at a touch of green. This color is simply captivating.
LEARN MORE ABOUT STARDEW
- Stardew has an LRV of 43, placing it in the light-medium depth category.
- It is a captivating blue-gray that will add a touch of magic to any room.
7. Sherwin Williams Tinsmith 7657
Tinsmith is a versatile and subtly lighter shade of blue-gray. It incorporates a soft blue undertone with a stormy gray base. The color exhibits a touch of green, making it a fascinating blend.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TINSMITH
- Tinsmith has an LRV of 57, falling within the light-medium range.
- It offers noticeable undertones that set it apart from traditional gray paint colors.
8. Benjamin Moore Mount Saint Anne 1565
Mount Saint Anne is a gentle blue-gray shade with a subtle green undertone. It strikes a balance between softness and vibrancy, while also evoking a moody beachy vibe.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MOUNT SAINT ANNE
- Mount Saint Anne has an LRV of 42.28, offering a medium-depth color that adds richness to any space.
- It's an excellent choice for those seeking a moody and beach-inspired atmosphere.
9. Benjamin Moore Colorado Gray 2136-50
Colorado Gray is a colorful blend of blue and gray, leaning towards blue dominance. It also incorporates a subtle touch of green, creating a unique and refreshing look.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORADO GRAY
- Colorado Gray has an LRV of 44.4, adding a medium tone to your space.
- It is a true blue paint color that will captivate your senses.
10. Sherwin Williams Niebla Azul 9137
Niebla Azul is a light-medium depth blue-gray with an LRV of 53. Its slightly higher chroma and blue dominance offer a refreshing look, making it an excellent choice for secondary rooms.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NIEBLA AZUL
- Niebla Azul brings a light and fresh feel to your space, perfectly suiting secondary rooms.
- It maintains a delicate balance between blue and gray, with only a minor hint of blue-green undertone.
Embrace the Tranquility of Blue-Gray Paint Colors
Transform your home into a soothing sanctuary with the ten best blue-gray paint colors. From the gentle blues to the stormy grays, these shades will infuse your space with tranquility, relaxation, and coolness. With their versatility and timeless appeal, blue-grays are an excellent choice for creating a calming and inviting atmosphere in any room.
If you still have reservations about choosing the right blue-gray paint color for your space, don't fret. Reach out for our online paint color consulting services, and we'll guide you in finding the perfect hue for your home.
Let's create a serene ambiance together!
Originally written in 2020, updated for you in 2022