Introduction
When it comes to painting your home, choosing the right color can make a world of difference. Gray, in particular, is a versatile and sophisticated choice that can bring a touch of elegance to any space. In this article, we will explore the best gray paint colors that are guaranteed to enhance your home's style. We will provide real-life examples of these colors in various settings, giving you a firsthand look at their true beauty.
My top picks for the best gray paint colors! Includes color profiles on each sample as well as examples of each color in real-life spaces!
The Best Gray Paint Colors
Admittedly, I'm not the biggest fan of gray paint colors in my own home. However, when done right in other homes, gray can create a stunning and inviting atmosphere. The challenge with gray, much like whites and other neutrals, is that it can vary significantly depending on the natural light sources in a room. Choosing the wrong tone can result in gray appearing more purple or blue than desired.
To help you avoid any color mishaps, I've compiled a list of the most fool-proof gray paint colors out there. Keep in mind that it's always best to grab a sample and test each color in your home's natural lighting at different times of the day. This way, you can ensure that you find the perfect gray for your space.
If you're looking for a warmer gray, I recommend checking out my previous article on The Best Warm Gray Paint Colors. While there may be some overlap, today, I'll be focusing on sharing "true" gray colors.
Before we jump into the top picks, let me introduce you to a useful tool for selecting the perfect gray color: Samplize. They offer large peel-and-stick samples made with real paint, allowing you to visualize how a color will look in your space.
Now, let's explore my top picks for the best gray paint colors!
Benjamin Moore Paper White
Benjamin Moore Paper White walls via Shophouse Design | Decorpad
Benjamin Moore Paper White is a soft white with a hint of gray. It can create a clean and crisp feel, perfect if you're looking for the lightest shade of gray. This color tends to appear more gray in north-facing rooms or in spaces with low light. It also complements well with true, bright white trim.
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray Walls via Joshua Smith
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray is an all-purpose silvery gray with neutral undertones. It has gained popularity, even surpassing the well-known Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter. This color looks stunning when paired with white board and batten, and it beautifully complements a blue door, such as Benjamin Moore Bayard Blue.
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl Living Room via The Creativity Exchange
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl is one of the most popular gray colors from Benjamin Moore. This light warm gray is incredibly versatile and works well in various homes. It can transform a space, as shown in the living room example above, which features floating wood shelves and a stacked stone fireplace.
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray Bathroom via Decorpad
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray is a warm gray with neutral undertones that flatter most homes. Its versatility makes it a popular choice among homeowners. In fact, my parents used this color throughout their entire main level, and it provides a beautiful and neutral backdrop. If you're looking for a similar color by Benjamin Moore, consider Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter, which leans slightly less gray.
Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray Bathroom Cabinets via Elements of Style
Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray is a handsome gray with rich brownish-violet undertones. In the image above, designer Erin Gates showcases the stunning combination of Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray bathroom cabinets paired with Sherwin Williams Eider White on the walls. The addition of warm brass hardware completes the sophisticated look.
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal Front Doors via Studio McGee
For those seeking a darker shade of gray, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal is the perfect choice. This dark neutral color with rich undertones can harmonize beautifully with a wide spectrum of colors. The front porch doors above exemplify the stunning impact of Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal.
Benjamin Moore Stormy Sky
Benjamin Moore Stormy Sky Home Office via Ballard Designs
Benjamin Moore Stormy Sky adds depth to a room with its mid-tone hue and blue undertones. It evokes a sense of storm clouds on the horizon, creating a moody and sophisticated atmosphere.
Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart
Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart via Studio McGee
Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart is a deep, dramatic charcoal color with cool blue undertones. It offers a bold alternative for those who may be considering black paint but aren't quite ready to commit. The cozy living room depicted above showcases the allure of this stunning color choice.
Additional Paint Color Inspiration
If you're still craving more paint color inspiration, be sure to check out the following articles:
- The Best Warm Gray Paint Colors
- The Best Brown Paint Colors
- The Best Black Paint Colors
- The Best White Paint Colors for Interiors
- The Best Exterior White Paint Colors
- The Best Navy Blue Paint Colors
- The Best Blue Green Paint Colors
- The Best Blue Gray Paint Colors
- The Best Green Paint Colors
- Whole House Paint Colors & Printable Paint Color Organizers
- How To Pick the Perfect Paint Color and My Top Five Neutral Paint Picks
- Paint Colors In Our Home (and Every Color We've Ever Used)
Free Paint Color Organization Printables
Paint Color Organization Printable Download Sign-Up
If you frequently paint your home like I do, it's essential to keep your colors and paint cans organized. To make this task easier, I have created a free paint color organization printable set. This set includes pages for completing and keeping handy around your home, labels for easy identification of paint cans, and index cards for on-the-go reference. Simply complete the form below to receive the PDF files and start organizing your paint colors today!
I hope you found these ideas and the best gray paint colors helpful! If you're hunting for other colors or would like to follow along on more home decor, DIY, lifestyle, and travel posts, I invite you to connect with me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and LTK.
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