The Top 20 Gray Paint Colors: Choosing the Perfect Shade for Your Home

Gray is a timeless and versatile color that has become increasingly popular in home decor. With its ability to serve as a subtle backdrop or a dramatic focal point, gray paint can transform any space. Whether you prefer a light gray for a calming atmosphere or a dark gray for a bold and moody look, there is a shade of gray that is perfect for your home.

Gray Paint Undertones Explained

Gray paint is fascinating because it can appear differently depending on its undertones. When you compare different shades of gray, you'll start to see subtle hints of other colors. Some grays have cool undertones of blue, purple, or green, while others have warm undertones of brown. These undertones can significantly impact the overall feel of a room.

What Does Greige Mean?

Grays with brown undertones are often referred to as "greige" because they are a blend of gray and beige. Greige paint colors are warm and inviting, while true gray paint colors exude a modern and refined elegance. If you're interested in warm gray shades with a hint of beige, greige colors may be the perfect choice for you.

History of Gray Paint Trends

In the past, beige was the go-to color for home interiors. However, as the beige paint trend faded, the popularity of gray paint soared. Cool grays with blue undertones dominated the scene for years, becoming the preferred choice for homeowners, realtors, and designers.

Greige is the New Gray

While gray is still a popular paint color, it has recently been overshadowed by the rise of greige paint colors. Greige shades offer a balance between gray and beige, making them incredibly versatile and likely to remain popular.

Is Gray Still a Popular Paint Color?

Although greige paint colors have taken the spotlight, gray paint is still very much in demand. Cool gray shades continue to be widely used in living rooms, bedrooms, and even nursery rooms. Gray paint can give a room a modern, elegant, and sophisticated look that other colors often can't achieve. Rest assured, gray paint isn't going out of style anytime soon.

The 20 Best Gray Paint Colors

With so many gray paint options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. To simplify your decision-making process, we have compiled a list of the top cool gray paint colors from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Clare. These brands are renowned for their high-quality paints and extensive color selections.

1. Light French Gray
2. Passive
3. Gray Screen
4. Lazy Gray
5. On the Rocks
6. Morning Fog
7. Reflection
8. Crushed Ice
9. Drift of Mist
10. Cement Gray
11. Stonington Gray
12. Coventry Gray
13. Gray Owl
14. Chelsea Gray
15. Wickham Gray
16. Metropolitan
17. Gray Cloud
18. Chill
19. Seize the Gray
20. Set in Stone

Caption: The Top 20 Gray Paint Colors.

To discover the light reflectance value (LRV), undertones, and the best areas to use each color, continue reading.

Best Gray Paint Colors by Sherwin Williams

Sherwin Williams is a renowned paint company known for its extensive range of colors. Here are some of their top gray paint colors:

Best SW True Gray: Light French Gray (SW 0055)

Light French Gray is a soft and light gray color without strong undertones. It is considered a classic gray and is highly versatile. With a slight blue undertone, Light French Gray creates a moody and cool atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and even gender-neutral nurseries.

Best SW Off-White Gray: Drift of Mist (SW 9166)

Drift of Mist is the lightest gray shade on our list, almost resembling an off-white. It effortlessly complements both light and dark wood floors, making it suitable for various areas of your home.

Best SW Blue Gray: Gray Screen (SW 7071)

Gray Screen is a light gray paint color with a touch of blue. With its cool and stormy appearance, it adds depth and character to living rooms or dining areas. If you prefer a lighter shade, consider Olympus White, which has similar blue undertones.

Best SW Blue/Green Gray: Reflection (SW 7661)

Reflection is a gray with undertones of blue and green, offering a subtle touch of color. It transitions beautifully between blue and green shades depending on the lighting, making it a versatile and intriguing choice for your walls.

Best SW Dark Gray: Morning Fog (SW 6255)

Morning Fog is a gray paint color with blue and purple undertones. Its cloudy appearance adds a touch of serenity to any room. It pairs exceptionally well with bright white trim, creating an elegant and sophisticated ambiance.

Other Notable Grays:

• Passive (SW 7064): A soft gray with green undertones, perfect for an understated yet chic look.
• Lazy Gray (SW 6254): A medium gray with blue undertones, ideal for rooms with tall ceilings or ample natural light.
• On the Rocks (SW 7671): A light gray shade that can almost pass as an off-white, suitable for various spaces in your home.
• Crushed Ice (SW 7647): A very pale gray with cool undertones, it works well with both pastel and bold color accents.

Best Gray Paint Colors by Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore is another renowned paint brand loved by homeowners and professionals alike. Here are their most popular gray paint colors:

Best BM True Gray: Stonington Gray (HC-170)

Stonington Gray is a true gray with subtle blue or blue-green undertones. It belongs to Benjamin Moore's Historical collection, which features timeless and highly popular shades. Stonington Gray is an excellent choice for living rooms and bedrooms, exuding both neutrality and elegance.

Best BM Bright Gray: Wickham Gray (HC-171)

Wickham Gray is a light gray paint color with a hint of blue and green. It appears pale blue when compared to true grays. With its light and airy feel, Wickham Gray is perfect for rooms that require a touch of brightness and tranquility.

Best BM Light Gray: Gray Cloud (2126-60)

Gray Cloud is a dreamy and light gray paint color that can pair beautifully with both soft neutrals and highly saturated colors. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for nurseries, bedrooms, and living rooms.

Best BM Medium Gray: Coventry Gray (HC-169)

Coventry Gray is a medium gray paint color that strikes a balance between depth and subtlety. It works well on walls and cabinets, giving off a neutral and elegant vibe. Coventry Gray is comparable to the color of an elephant, exuding a sense of sophistication and saturation.

Best BM Dark Gray: Chelsea Gray (HC-168)

Chelsea Gray is a sophisticated dark gray with slight green undertones. It adds a touch of lush elegance to any space. However, due to its depth, it is best suited for rooms with ample natural light or substantial white trim. It also works exceptionally well as an accent wall or on furniture.

Other Notable Grays:

• Gray Owl (OC-52): A light gray with green undertones that transitions beautifully between warm and cool depending on lighting conditions.
• Cement Gray (2112-60): A light-medium gray without strong undertones, perfect for creating a modern and versatile look.
• Metropolitan (AF 690): Benjamin Moore's 2019 Color of the Year, a medium depth gray that adds a touch of refinement and elegance to any space.

What is the Most Popular Gray Paint Color?

While all the grays on this list are widely used, the most popular choices are Light French Gray, Passive, Stonington Gray, Coventry Gray, and Gray Owl. Light French Gray and Gray Owl are particularly excellent choices for creating a refined and elegant ambiance.

So, what is the best gray paint color? It ultimately depends on your personal preference and the specific atmosphere you want to create.

• The Best Gray Paint Color for a Bedroom: Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
• The Best Gray Paint Color for a Living Room: Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

Choosing the Right Gray

Choosing the right gray paint color for your home can be challenging, considering the vast number of options available. To make the decision-making process easier, we recommend two solutions:

Samplize

Order several Samplize squares of your favorite gray shades to see how they will look in your home. Samplize squares are stick-on paint samples made from real paint, allowing you to visualize the colors in your space without committing to a whole wall. These squares are cost-effective and can be repositioned to different areas of your home.

Clare Paint

If you still find it challenging to choose the perfect gray, consider exploring Clare Paint. Clare offers a curated selection of designer-approved paint colors, ensuring that each shade is meticulously chosen for its beauty and versatility. Clare's paint comes in a "perfect eggshell" finish and can be conveniently ordered online, eliminating the need to visit a physical paint store.

Here are three fantastic gray shades from Clare:

• Chill: A cool gray with subtle green undertones, perfect for a light and refreshing ambiance.
• Seize the Gray: A medium gray that balances depth and lightness, creating a statement without overwhelming a room.
• Set in Stone: A dark gray with blue undertones, exuding a sense of drama and refinement.

Gray paint is a popular and timeless choice for homeowners, offering endless possibilities for creating the perfect atmosphere. Whether you prefer warm greiges or cool grays, there is undoubtedly a shade that will suit your style and preferences. Remember, the best gray paint color is the one that makes you feel at home.