Find the Perfect Gray Paint for your Home

If you happen to be as into color as I am, you may try to keep up on color trends for the season or even the year.  Many top designers note that trends in the United States may be leaning towards clean blacks, warm neutrals, and fresh, vibrant greens and blues.  However, in my experience, just as many people seem to still be jumping on the gray bandwagon.  Don’t get me wrong, gray is a great color, although the boxes of hair dye I keep buying to cover the gray in my hair may say otherwise.  Gray can be a beautiful neutral if used well and in conjunction with other colors.  

One factor to note when painting with gray is how cool or warm you want the room to feel – not temperature-wise, but how the room makes you feel.  When paired with some warm wood tones or other warm colors, a gray space can be a very inviting space.  On the other hand, gray paint colors can also be very cool, erring on the side of cold even, when paired with white or black.  If that is the look you are going for, great, just be aware that if the space ends up feeling a bit harsh, you may need to warm it up with other accent pieces.  Depending on which direction you go, here are three good grays to get you started.

Gray Paint Colors We Love

First up is Silverplate (SW 7649).  Silverplate is a light-medium gray paint color that stands in the middle ground of grays.  It does a great job of being neither overly warm nor overly cool, but just right, without any obvious undertones.  If you are wanting a fairly true gray, this may be just the gray for you.  Silverplate also has a nice depth of color, with enough to show up on the wall, but not so much that the room seems dark.  To achieve a classic look, pair this color with white or black.

The second gray today is Skyline Steel (SW 1015). This often-overlooked gray is one of my favorites.  It is a warm gray, similar to the ever-popular Agreeable Gray and Worldly Gray offered by Sherwin Williams, but a bit darker in color than these two, yet not quite as dark as their next step up on the color strip.  Like Silverplate, the depth of the color is perfect for adding enough color to contrast with white trim.  While some warm grays pull purple or green undertones, this gray often does not.  As always, the color can change dramatically depending on your lighting.

Last on the list is Lazy Gray (SW 6254).  This gray paint color is another light to medium tone but leans to the cool side of grays for sure.  With undertones of blue or lavender based on the lighting it is in, it is a great choice for those who want less tan/brown to show up in their gray. It pairs well with a bright blue or navy for a cool, crisp look.

As always, let your colors be a reflection of you and what makes you happy!