Gray paint has been a popular choice for home designers and homeowners alike for many years. Its versatility allows for a wide range of options, from light to dark, cool to warm. With so many shades to choose from, finding the perfect light gray paint color for your home can seem overwhelming. But fear not! We're here to help you narrow down your options and make the process easier.
Best Light Gray Paint Colors FAQs
Before we dive into the top light gray paint colors, let's address some frequently asked questions.
Undertones of Light Gray Paint Colors
Light gray paint colors can have undertones of blue, green, purple, or beige. These undertones are subtle differences that give each shade its unique character. To get a better sense of the undertones, it's recommended to use large paint swatches and test them in different lighting conditions. This will help you see how the colors interact with your space.
Image: Gray paint swatches on a slate surface with a wood paintbrush.
Light Gray Paint Colors Lighting Considerations
The lighting in your space can greatly impact how light gray paint colors appear. Different types of lighting can create different effects, so it's essential to consider your lighting situation when choosing a shade. Natural light, warm or cool artificial light, and the size of the room can all influence how the color looks.
More Colors To Consider
While light gray paint is a popular choice, it may not be the best fit for every home. If you prefer something warmer, you might want to explore greige paint colors. Greige paint is a combination of gray and beige, offering a cozier feel. If light gray isn't grabbing your attention, consider checking out other shades in our paint exploration series.
The Top 9 Light Gray Paint Colors
Now let's get into the main event - the top 9 light gray paint colors! These shades have been carefully selected to provide a range of options and inspire you. Each color comes with a brief description and a real-life example to help you visualize how it might look in your space.
1. Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Gray Owl (OC-52) is one of Benjamin Moore's most popular light gray paint colors. It has cool blue undertones and an LRV of 65.77, making it a great choice for adding contrast to white trim without making the room feel small or dark.
Image: Benjamin Moore paint chips, including Gray Owl OC-52, on a wood table top with a wood paintbrush.
2. Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
Repose Gray (SW 7015) is a warm gray with brown undertones and occasional hints of purple and green. It straddles the line between gray and greige and has an LRV of 58. This versatile shade is one of Sherwin Williams's most popular grays.
Image: Repose Gray paint swatch.
3. Sherwin Williams On The Rocks
On The Rocks (SW 7671) is a light gray paint color with an LRV of 62. It can appear neutral or slightly cool depending on the lighting. This versatile shade can range from pale gray to a medium-toned gray, as showcased in this living room from Z Design at Home.
Image: On The Rocks paint swatch.
4. Sherwin Williams Crushed Ice
Crushed Ice (SW 7647) is a balanced light gray paint color with slightly warm undertones. It can be seen as off-white or a neutral gray, depending on how you perceive it. This color adds an airy and inviting feel to a space, as seen in this room from Girl Loves Glam.
Image: Crushed Ice paint swatch.
5. Sherwin Williams Big Chill
Big Chill (SW 7648) is a cool-leaning light gray paint color with an LRV of 62. It often appears as a true gray with occasional blue undertones. This shade can make a small dark space feel lighter and more spacious, as shown in this dining space from Petrucci Homes.
Image: Big Chill paint swatch.
6. Sherwin Williams Passive
Passive (SW 7064) is a light gray paint color with an LRV of 60. It has milder blue undertones compared to Big Chill and can occasionally display hints of green or purple. Passive creates a neutral and light gray look, as exemplified in this family room from Erica at Designing Vibes.
Image: Passive paint swatch.
7. Benjamin Moore Calm
Calm (OC-22) is a light to pale gray paint color with a subtle warmth. Although it has an LRV of 78, classifying it as off-white, it often appears more like a soft gray in real life. Its balanced brown and purple undertones give it a gentle and inviting feel, as seen in this example from Pinteresting Plans.
Image: Calm paint swatch.
8. Sherwin Williams Drift of Mist
Drift of Mist (SW 9166) is a warm-leaning light gray paint color with an LRV of 66. It offers a beautiful, unobtrusive background with a hint of green undertones in certain lighting conditions. This shade creates a soft and pale gray look, showcased in this dining room from What Jess Wore.
Image: Drift of Mist paint swatch.
9. Sherwin Williams Eider White
Eider White (SW 7014) is a light gray paint color that can also be perceived as off-white. With an LRV of 73, it straddles the line between the two categories. Eider White often looks more gray than white, with occasional pink or purple undertones. In this living space from The Spoiled Home, you can see how it washes out in the light but appears light gray in other areas.
Image: Eider White paint swatch.
That concludes our collection of the best light gray paint colors. We hope this article has helped you narrow down your options. Remember, it's always a good idea to sample the colors before making a final decision. Happy painting!
Note: To view more in-depth paint color reviews and undertone information, click the provided links in the article.
