If you're on the hunt for the perfect warm gray paint color, you're not alone. The trend has shifted towards softer and warmer tones, moving away from cool grays and simple whites. But with so many shades of gray to choose from, it can be difficult to find the right one.
What Makes a Gray Color Warm?
Warm grays are the most popular shades of gray for a reason. They have subtle violet or green undertones that add warmth to any space. These light grays are commonly used on walls and cabinets, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Stormy Grays With a Warm Twist
Stormy shades of gray may be scientifically classified as warm grays, but they often look anything but warm to most people. Colors like Benjamin Moore Gray Owl and Stonington Gray fall into this category. They can have blue, green, or violet undertones, which sets them apart from the warmer grays without blue undertones. Stormy gray paint colors are popular for walls, exteriors, and cabinets, especially darker stormy grays that add character to kitchen islands.
Cool Grays for a Dark and Icy Vibe
Cool grays are only popular on the dark end of the spectrum, as the light and icy grays don't receive as much love. They often have blue-violet undertones, with the occasional green popping up. However, some grays appear to have little to no undertone, but this can change depending on the lighting and surrounding environment.
Identifying Warm, Stormy, and Cool Grays
To determine whether a gray is warm, stormy, or cool, here are a few tips:
- Cool and stormy grays often have blue undertones, but they can also have violet or green undertones.
- Warm grays cater to green or violet undertones, with no blue. If you see dominant blue, it may be due to the surrounding environment or lighting.
- The best way to identify undertones is through comparison. Butt up 6-8 grays of a similar depth on a vertical wall, surrounded by white paper. Notice how the colors change from one to the next. Look for differences in violet, blue, or green undertones, as well as muddier or earth-toned shades.
- Consult an online paint color consultant for expert advice.
Now that you have a better understanding of warm, stormy, and cool grays, let's focus on the most popular warm gray shades by Benjamin Moore. These colors are loved by many, but it's important to ensure that the undertones of your chosen gray complement your interior finishes.
1. Benjamin Moore Collingwood OC-28
Collingwood is a light warm gray with a soft violet undertone. This shade commits to its undertone without overpowering the space. The violet undertones of Collingwood suit a wide range of interior finishes, making it a popular choice.
2. Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23
Classic Gray is another warm gray with a violet undertone, but it's lighter than Collingwood and has a touch of violet-pink. It's a popular choice for walls, especially in the home staging world, as it offers a hint of color without being overwhelming.
3. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172
Revere Pewter is a classic warm gray with an earthy green undertone. It has more depth compared to the previous shades and is a popular choice for exterior siding, interior walls, cabinets, and trims. This versatile color can transform any space into a warm and inviting atmosphere.
4. Benjamin Moore Cumulus Cloud 1550
Cumulus Cloud is a lighter warm gray with a flexible undertone. Its light-medium depth makes it perfect for well-lit rooms, but its varying undertones can make it challenging to coordinate with certain finishes. However, if you're looking for a softer approach with a hint of violet undertone, Cumulus Cloud might be the perfect choice.
5. Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist OC-27
Balboa Mist is a popular warm gray that sits between Collingwood and Classic Gray in terms of depth. It strikes a perfect balance between the two, making it a go-to choice for many homeowners. With a violet undertone, Balboa Mist adds warmth without leaning too far into taupe or beige.
6. Benjamin Moore Light Pewter 1464
Light Pewter is similar to Balboa Mist, but it's slightly cooler in temperature. Although it's still considered a warm gray, Light Pewter may appear a bit cooler in north-facing rooms. It has a violet undertone that complements a variety of interior finishes.
7. Benjamin Moore Nimbus 1465
Nimbus is a slightly darker version of Light Pewter. With its medium-light depth, it strikes a balance between light and dark grays. While it may not be as popular as Collingwood or Balboa Mist, Nimbus still offers a lovely violet undertone that suits many interior finishes.
8. Benjamin Moore Silver Satin OC-26
Silver Satin is an off-white warm gray that is lighter and less warm than Classic Gray. Its undertones can shift slightly towards violet, but it offers a more subdued warmth compared to other warm gray shades. While it may not be as popular as Classic Gray, it can still be the perfect choice for your home.
Colors that Complement Warm Grays
When it comes to coordinating colors with warm grays, especially whites, it's best to choose shades that have a more passive warmth without too much yellow. Muted shades of gray-blue, darker gray-greens like Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray, and classic navy blues like Hale Navy pair well with warm grays.
If you're looking for the most popular warm gray paint color, according to Samplize, Sherwin Williams Repose Gray takes the crown. However, Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter and Classic Gray are also top contenders. Revere Pewter's green undertone may be less appealing to some, but its popularity remains strong in various applications.
To make your gray paint look warmer, consider the following tips:
- Choose a more moderate shade of white for trim to avoid enhancing the coolness of your gray walls.
- Opt for lower Kelvin light bulbs to add warmth to your space.
- Incorporate warm accent colors through decor and furnishings, such as toss cushions, area rugs, and wood tones.
For more tips on achieving a warm gray look, check out How to Make Your Gray Walls Look Warmer.
As you embark on your painting journey, remember that the color you choose should ultimately reflect your personal style and preferences. If you need expert guidance and personalized advice, consider consulting an online paint color consultant. They can help you find the perfect warm gray for your home.
Happy painting!