Are you looking to add some warmth to your gray walls? Or maybe you want to achieve a cool balance in your beige-dominated home? Mixing warm and cool colors can be a challenge, but fear not! There is a method to achieving a harmonious blend of beige and gray.
The Warm vs. Cool Trick: Do Beige & Gray Go Together?
When it comes to pairing warm and cool colors, there's one big reason why it can be tricky. Understanding this reason will save you from pain, suffering, and even marriage counseling bills. But don't worry, it will also make it much easier to coordinate beige and gray in your room or home. So, here it is...
How to Mix Beige with Gray, Taupe, or Greige
When we talk about beige, we also mean cream paint colors. It's easier to say "beige" than "beige and cream" every single time. Similarly, when we say "cool colors," it doesn't only refer to gray. It includes any color that is cooler than beige or cream.
When partnering cool colors with warm ones, the cool color should be darker or at least the same depth as the warm color. On the other hand, when partnering warm colors with cooler ones, the warm color should be lighter or at least the same depth as the cool color.
To better understand this, let's take a look at some examples:
In this dining room, the gray shiplap wall is darker than the creamy-beige wall, which creates a pleasing contrast. However, if the gray shiplap were any lighter, the palette would look off-balance.
Remember, warm neutrals are fussy with neutrals that are cooler and lighter than them, while cool neutrals are fussy with neutrals that are warmer and darker than them.
Take a look at this hallway and dining room combination. The cool color (Benjamin Moore Stratton Blue) is darker than the warm color (Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray), creating a balanced and visually pleasing palette.
These examples demonstrate the importance of considering the depth and temperature of the colors you're working with. It's not just about beige and gray; it applies to any neutral color, including greige, taupe, cream, tan, or white.
However, there are always exceptions to the rule. In this living room, the gray paint color, Crushed Ice, barely makes the cut. It's lucky that it's the same depth as the beige stone. If it were any lighter, the combination would be off-balance.
How to Choose Gray, Greige, or Taupe Colors to Go with Beige Finishes
Choosing the right shade of gray, greige, or taupe to coordinate with your beige finishes can be a bit overwhelming. Let's break it down step-by-step:
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Look at shades of gray, greige, or taupe that are lighter than your beige/cream finish. If the colors seem disconnected or uncomfortable with each other, it could be because the warm colors prefer cooler colors that aren't lighter than them.
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Look at shades of gray, greige, or taupe that are the same depth as your beige/cream finish. This might bring a sense of relief to your room, but don't stop there. You need to do the next step.
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Look at a few colors that are a good shade darker than your warm finish. By increasing the depth of the color, you might find the perfect balance for your palette.
Remember, these are general guidelines, and there can be exceptions and anomalies. It's essential to consider the undertones of your finishes and the overall design of your space.
Quick Questions & Answers
Can gray and beige go together? Yes, they can! Just make sure that the gray is darker than the beige it's being partnered with.
What color beige mixes well with gray? The beige paint color should be lighter than the gray. Keep an eye out for an upcoming blog post where we'll dive deeper into this topic.
Can gray and beige be in the same room in decor or paint? Absolutely! Both colors can coexist in the same room, but it's crucial to repeat them more than once. Ideally, three times.
Does Classic Gray go with beige? Generally speaking, unless the beige finishes in your space are lighter than Classic Gray, they won't go well together. You might want to explore Benjamin Moore Collingwood or even darker options.
Can you mix gray and cream paint? Yes, as long as the gray is darker than the cream and the undertones of the gray suit the space and the type of cream you have.
Remember, these are general tips, and there are always exceptions. If you're struggling to find the perfect combination, consider seeking professional advice or exploring more specific guidance tailored to your unique space.
