Choosing the perfect gray paint color can be a daunting task. With countless options available, it's easy to get overwhelmed and end up with a color that doesn't meet your expectations. At Sherwin Williams, we understand the importance of finding the right shade of gray, one that adds depth and dimension to your space. That's why we're here to guide you through our top recommendations for the best Sherwin Williams gray colors.
Acier: A Warm and Dynamic Gray
Acier SW 9170 is a fantastic gray that works wonders both indoors and outdoors. What sets Acier apart is its warm undertone, which adds a touch of richness to the color. We often lean towards warm grays because they have the ability to complement both cool and warm elements in a space, making it a versatile choice.
Image generated using the Sherwin Williams Color Visualizer
Repose Gray: A Versatile and Warm Choice
Repose Gray SW 7015 has been a popular choice among our customers for years. Although it may not appear as a traditional gray at first glance, it possesses a warm undertone that gives it a unique character. With its beige undertone, Repose Gray can be considered a greige, bridging the gap between gray and beige. It effortlessly balances both warm and cool elements, making it a go-to option. For those seeking a true gray alternative to popular greige colors, like Agreeable Gray SW 7029, Repose Gray is an ideal choice.
Image generated using the Sherwin Williams Color Visualizer
Light French Gray: A Balanced and Neutral Option
If you're in search of a light and neutral gray, look no further than Light French Gray SW 0055. Suitable for both interiors and exteriors, this shade offers a well-balanced pigment mixture. With a slight warmth, Light French Gray avoids feeling flat and dull. True grays should not have a blue or green undertone, and Light French Gray meets this criterion perfectly, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a "true" gray.
Image generated using the Sherwin Williams Color Visualizer
Chelsea Gray: A Cool and Versatile Tone
Don't confuse Sherwin Williams' Chelsea Gray SW 2850 with Benjamin Moore's version. Sherwin Williams' Chelsea Gray is a fantastic option for both interiors and exteriors. This shade leans towards the cooler end of the gray spectrum and features a subtle warm, green undertone. The combination of green and red pigments creates a versatile and welcoming gray that effortlessly blends with various color schemes.
Image generated using the Sherwin Williams Color Visualizer
Summit Gray: A Dark and Neutral Choice
While many of the grays on our list lean towards lighter shades, Summit Gray SW 7669 is a darker alternative. It has been highly regarded as one of the most neutral grays by our team. This gray avoids the blue or green undertone that many clients prefer to avoid in their color choices. As a result, Summit Gray works exceptionally well for exterior paint projects, giving your home a fresh and modern look.
Image generated using the Sherwin Williams Color Visualizer
Jogging Path SW 7638: A Beautiful Greige Option
Although Jogging Path SW 7638 leans more towards the greige family, we can't help but include it due to its sheer beauty. This gray exudes warmth, making it an excellent choice if you're hesitant about fully committing to gray. It's particularly suitable for large, open floor plans or spaces that you want to appear more expansive. Pair Jogging Path with deep navy and blues, oranges, deep reds, or earthy greens to create your perfect atmosphere.
Gray Matters SW 7066: A Neutral and Light Gray
For those seeking a truly neutral gray without a blue undertone, Gray Matters from Sherwin Williams is worth considering. This light to medium gray feels exceptionally neutral, making it a versatile option. To prevent neutral grays from appearing dull, we suggest incorporating pops of color through furniture, accessories, or accent features. This will inject some vibrancy into your space while maintaining the elegance of the neutral gray.
Requisite Gray SW 7023: A Warm and Modern Gray
Requisite Gray SW 7023 stands out as one of the warmest grays on our list. Its prominent red undertone beautifully complements warm wood floors and crisp white trim. Choosing a warm gray like Requisite Gray adds a touch of dynamism and modernity to your space. It opens up the room while infusing it with a cozy and inviting ambiance.
Colonnade Gray SW 7641: A Light and Warm Gray
Colonnade Gray is a lighter warm gray that works exceptionally well as an interior color. It strikes a perfect balance between warmth and brightness, maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. While not as warm as Worldly Gray, Colonnade Gray adds depth to your space without overpowering it. As always, we highly recommend ordering samples to test the colors before making a final decision.
Pussywillow SW 7643: A Popular and Versatile Gray
Pussywillow has emerged as a popular exterior color in 2021. This shade strikes a perfect balance between dark and light, providing enough depth to avoid appearing washed out. Its warm and welcoming finish makes it suitable for both interior and exterior applications, allowing you to maintain a cohesive look throughout your home.
Downing Stone SW 2821: A Timeless and Versatile Gray
Straight from the Sherwin Williams historical collection, Downing Stone has stood the test of time. This beautiful gray pairs exceptionally well with other Victorian colors, making it an ideal choice for those looking to preserve a traditional aesthetic. Its ability to complement both warm and cool color schemes adds to its versatility.
Worldly Gray SW 7043: A Harmonious and Warm Choice
Surprisingly, Worldly Gray has become one of our most popular interior colors. This warm gray works seamlessly throughout a home, creating a harmonious flow. Its warm undertone makes it a versatile choice that complements both warm and cool colors. If you have a room with fixed features in both warm and cool tones, Worldly Gray can help unify the space and create a cohesive look.
Exterior painted by Kind Home Solutions with Worldly Gray SW
Tips for Choosing Gray Paint
To make your gray paint selection process easier, we have a few tips for you. Many clients feel overwhelmed when trying to find a gray without an undertone. However, it's important to note that a completely neutral gray without an undertone may appear flat and one-dimensional. To achieve a rich and dynamic color, undertones are necessary. If you're not a fan of blue or green undertones, we recommend exploring the warmer grays we've recommended or look for grays with a red undertone.
To truly understand how a gray will look in your space, it's crucial to view samples outside of a store. Store lighting is often inadequate, and fluorescent lights can obscure undertones. Take advantage of sample pots and test the colors in your home. This will give you a better idea of how your chosen gray will react to the lighting and surroundings of your space or the exterior of your home.
We hope these recommendations and tips will help you find the perfect gray paint for your project. Follow us on Instagram to see some of our favorite gray homes and stay updated with our weekly posts. Your painting experience should be enjoyable, and with the right gray, your space will be transformed with elegance and style.
