Looking for the best gray paints for interiors? This gray paint color guide has the most popular gray paints colors of 2024 that’ll look amazing in your home. From warm grays, cool grays and everything in between – this list has it all!
Choosing the perfect gray paint color can be a little tricky – who knew there could be so many different shades of gray!
Are you stuck trying to decide between Sherwin Williams Summit Gray and Agreeable Gray? Or can’t decide between Benjamin Moore Classic Gray and Repose Gray?
Curious what gray paint is most popular? Keep reading! This gray paint guide is designed to help you find the perfect color for your home.
Best Gray Paint Colors for Interiors & Exteriors
Before you decide on a specific paint color, choose one of the four gray paint categories: Light Gray, Warm Gray, Cool Gray, or Dark Gray.
The choice comes down to personal preference, but you should also consider the style and location of your home, as well as your decorating style.
pssstt…
To see which interior decorating style fits you best, check out this fun 10 question quiz I created: What’s Your Interior Decorating Style?
Gray paint has a really broad range of colors, so I’ve categorized the list into four groups:
- Light gray paint colors look great in most homes, and work with all design styles. All gray colors are inherently neutral, but these colors have been selected for their ability to ‘play nice’ and complement other color palettes.
- Dark gray paint colors are bold, catch the eye, and make a statement. A color from this category could be perfect for you if your design style is eclectic, modern, contemporary, or industrial.
- Warm gray paint colors make your home feel inviting and cozy. A color from this category is the perfect place to start if you’re into the rustic or traditional design styles.
- Cool gray paint colors have a slight blue undertone that keeps things light, bright, and airy. Make sure to check out these colors if your decorating style is: costal, modern, contemporary, bohemian, or minimalist.
Each category has several different paint color options (in no specific order) with photos of the paint color in real houses. This will give you a good idea of how each color looks in different spaces.
To find a gray paint color that will look spectacular in your home, let’s break it down and talk about the benefits of each category + what makes each individual gray paint color unique.
OK, let’s get into the best gray paint colors!
Best Light Gray Paint Colors
Light gray paint colors are popular for home interiors because of their neutral vibe. They’re not too bold, but a more cozy than a stark all-white room.
The light gray paint colors in this category have been carefully curated to avoid paint colors with strong undertones, making them the best light gray paint colors for 2024. These paint colors go with almost any decorating style and look good in any room of the house.
This list of neutral light gray color selections are all colors with LRV’s (Light Reflectance Value) ranging from 57 to 75.
Repose Gray (SW 7015) by Sherwin-Williams
Repose Gray – LRV: 58 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Repose Gray (SW 7015) is a very popular true gray paint color from Sherwin-Williams. The color does not present strong undertones in most lighting conditions, and has a pleasing charcoal graphite appearance.
This medium-light gray is one of my favorites. It’s light and bright compared to most other gray paint colors, but it still has lots of color depth.
Repose Gray is a well balanced paint color, and it has just a touch of warmth which makes it perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms and living rooms.
“Tranquil tones and soothing warmth make this light gray a great choice in almost any space. For a complementary trim, pair with Eider White.”
Sherwin-Williams
Classic Gray (OC-23) by Benjamin Moore
Classic Gray – LRV: 73.67 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Also known as Benjamin Moore – 1548
Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore is a very popular light gray paint color, and it’s the lightest gray on this list with an LRV of 73.67.
Creating an interior design plan centered around Classic Gray is super easy because of its light, neutral appearance.
I recommend this color to anyone that can’t quite choose between off-white and gray. Classic Gray is really a hybrid between the two color classifications. Check out all of my other favorite off-white colors here: Most Popular Off-White Paint Colors.
In fact, despite having ‘gray’ in the name, Benjamin Moore technically includes the color in their off-white color collection.
Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore is one of the best light gray paint colors for a living room, or any common area. It’s also one of my top choices for a non-white whole home color.
An ultra-light shade of gray that can also function as an off-white.
Benjamin Moore
Checkout the photo below to see how serene this light gray looks on the walls. It’s a perfect match for rooms with plenty of natural light.
In rooms with less natural light, Classic Gray tends to look a little stronger, almost like a darker true gray. The living room below is painted with Benjamin Moore Classic Gray.
Pale Oak (OC-20) by Benjamin Moore
Pale Oak – LRV: 68.64 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Also known as Benjamin Moore – Athena (858)
Pale Oak (OC-20) by Benjamin Moore is my personal favorite gray paint color. With a bright LRV of 68.64, it’s the second brightest gray paint color included in this guide.
I love how this subtle gray has just enough depth and color to make it feel like a true gray, but does it in a way that isn’t overly bold or in your face.
Pale Oak walls look stunning against the contrast of bright white ceilings, and trim.
“With its warm gray undertones, this versatile neutral conjures the quiet majesty of white oak.”
Benjamin Moore
And, speaking from personal experience, it’s one of the best gray paint colors for bedrooms.
The picture below is our Modern Farmhouse Guest Bedroom. We painted the walls painted with Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (OC-20). The ceilings are Super White (OC-152), which is also a Benjamin Moore color.
Pssstttt…a better way to test paint colors on your walls 👇🏻
Before we get too much further into these gray paint colors, I need to fill you in on a little known painting hack.
Gray is one of those sneaky paint colors where you think a color is going to look a certain way, but once it’s up on your walls, it can look completely different!
Undertones in gray paint are easily affected by different lighting conditions. I always recommend testing out colors – this will ensure you end up with the perfect color for your home.
The hack? Peel-and-Stick paint samples.
I love the Peel-and-Stick paint sample from Samplize – they make testing paint colors so easy!
Sale alert! Right now you can get 2 samples for FREE, when you purchase 8 or more samples.
Plus, if this is your first time ordering from them, use can my code: JOYFULLY5OFF to get an additional $5 off your first order. And yes, you can stack this with the bundle deal going on! #booyah
Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) by Sherwin-Williams
Agreeable Gray – LRV: 60 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
What’s the most popular paint gray paint color by Sherwin-Williams? Without a doubt, it’s Agreeable Gray! Not only is Agreeable Gray their top gray paint color, it’s also their #1 overall top selling color!
And, if you can believe it, because Sherwin-Williams is the largest paint manufactrer, it is very likely that Agreeable Gray is actually the top selling paint color in the entire world!
This light gray paint color by Sherwin-Williams is so popular because it is a beautiful a neutral gray paint color – and as the name implies – it is quite agreeable.
It can fit in with almost any color palette, or design style. Agreeable Gray works well with most interior decorating color schemes because of its balanced neutral appearance.
It has an LRV of 60, which means it’s medium-light. This LRV gives Agreeable Gray enough depth to have a definitively gray appearance, but light enough to keep the bright & airy vibe in a room. This is especially true when contrasting against true white trim, walls, or ceilings.
“Our best-selling paint color is the perfect complement to just about anything. With a beige undertone, this gray exudes a subtle warmth.”
Sherwin-Williams
Agreeable Gray leans a little on the warmer side for the light gray color category. It reads as a true gray, and does not have strong undertones with most light.
Agreeable Gray is perfect for kitchens, and looks amazing on the walls in the kitchen below. It contrasts nicely against the true white cabinets and ceiling.
FAQ: Agreeable Gray or Classic Gray?
Agreeable Gray vs Classic Gray
Benjamin Moore Classic Gray and Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray are two of the most popular gray paint colors, so it’s helpful to see them side by side.
Agreeable Gray is a little bit darker, and it’s more of a true gray color. Classic Gray is lighter and closer to off-white.
Both colors are true neutrals, with minimal undertones. Of the two colors, Agreeable Gray is slightly warmer.
Classic Gray and Agreeable Gray are a good comparison if you’re trying to decide between a light, and a medium gray.
Related: Best Paint Colors For North Facing Rooms
Silver City (MQ2-59) by BEHR
Silver City – LRV: 57 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Silver City by BEHR is a neutral light gray with pleasant hints of metallic silver. The touch of silver that BEHR utilizes in this color really brings the paint to life!
The LRV for Silver City is 57, which makes it a great choice for many rooms. It’s a nice medium-light depth – not too light, and not too dark. If you’re looking for something a bit different, this might be your color.
Silver City by BEHR is somewhat unique amongst popular gray paint colors because of its yellow-green undertones. Many of the top colors are made with hints of orange, or orange yellow, and very few venture over to the green, blue & purple side of the color wheel.
Of course, the color should not look yellow, or green to the eye, it just shapes the appearance of the gray hue a bit differently.
Coventry Gray (HC-169) by Benjamin Moore
Coventry Gray – LRV: 48.18 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Coventry Gray is the final color in the light gray category. White it’s still quite light, it’s the deepest, boldest gray in the category.
This medium-light gray is very neutral with a chroma of only 0.27. In simple terms, it’s very to true gray. If you’re after a neutral gray, this is an excellent choice!
With Coventry Gray, keep in mind that it has green undertones. I’ve seen this color mis-labeled as: blue-gray, or as having blue undertones, but neither of those are objectively true. If this paint color is perceived as blue, it is only because of lighting, or other reflective colors in a room.
Neutral colors are very susceptible to an effect that I call color shift. This is when paint colors seem to have chameleon like power where they look different in certain light, or around other influencing colors.
Coventry Gray looks so serene in the office pictured below. Notice that the lighting and greenery in the image is making the color appear more greenish.
Related: Best Green Paint Colors for Interiors
Best Dark Gray Paint Colors
Dark gray paint colors stand out proudly and distinctively. You can’t miss the dominate gray in these colors. This category has the kind of bold paint colors that you build a color palette around.
With LRVs going all the way down to 14, you’ll notice right away when exploring this category that these colors are significantly darker than all the previous grays in this paint color guide. If that’s the look you’re going for, dark gray paint colors are for you!
Mindful Gray (SW 7016) by Sherwin-Williams
Mindful Gray – LRV: 48 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Sherwin-Williams puts this color in their Nurturer color collection which they say is for “bringing people together.” Mindful Gray fits in perfectly with the inviting nature of the Nurturer collection. It’s a comforting color that makes your home feel ready to entertain guests.
Mindful Gray (SW 7016) is a medium-dark bodied gray paint color with mild warm brown undertones. It has an LRV of 48 and is lighter than most of the paint colors in the Dark Gray category, yet has a rich overall color tone.
I recommend Mindful Gray for bedrooms, and common areas like the staircase area in the image below. It’s stunning when paired with white trim.
Dorian Gray (SW 7017) by Sherwin-Williams
Dorian Gray – LRV: 39 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Dorian Gray (SW 7017) by Sherwin Williams is a medium-dark gray paint color with a LRV of 39. It’s neutral, with a slightly cool appearance. The pleasing dark gray color contrasts nicely against true white trim, and ceilings.
If you choose Dorian Gray, I recommend sticking with a cool color pallet for the rest of the room as well. Here’s a look at this popular gray paint color used on an exterior door. Stunning!
Worsted (No.284) by Farrow & Ball
Worsted – LRV: Unknown – Farrow & Ball does not provide this information.
Worsted (No.284) by Farrow & Ball is a medium-dark gray paint color that is neutral, and leans a little bit warm.
Farrow & Ball says this about their paint color Worsted:
“This rich mid grey conjures memories of city suits made from flat woven fabric, so was named after the Norfolk village where the yarn was originally woven. For devotees of our Easy Neutrals, Worsted is stronger in tone than its counterpart Purbeck Stone, but lighter than Mole’s Breath. It has an understated richness with no cold tones, making it the perfect background to make clean accent colours pop. “
View the color Worsted on the Farrow & Ball website here.
This is one of those gray paint colors that looks quite different depending on the type of light in the space. Definitely get some samples on the wall before buying Worsted in bulk to make sure it has the right hue you’re going for in your space.
Summit Gray (SW 7669) by Sherwin-Williams
Summit Gray – LRV 30 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.
Summit Gray (SW7669) by Sherwin Williams is a strong dark gray paint color with a LRV of 30. The color has a balanced color profile. It has extremely close to equal parts red, green, and blue (R: 149 G: 148 B: 145).
This makes the color neutral with very minimal cool or warm tendencies, and no inherent undertones. Summit Gray will read very true on your walls, unless your artificial lighting has a large warm or cool bias.
Looking for the best dark gray paint for bedrooms? Summit Gray is an excellent choice!
FAQ: Summit Gray or Agreeable Gray?
Summit Gray vs Agreeable Gray
Sherwin Williams Summit Gray vs Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray is another great side by side comparison. These are both extremely popular Sherwin Williams gray paint colors.
Summit Gray is significantly darker than Agreeable Gray, however, both are very appealing in their own way. Both colors are pretty neutral with no significant undertones, and no strong cool or warm bias.
Choosing between the two will come down to personal opinion, but keep in mind that Agreeable Gray would be a better choice for a room with limited natural light.
I recommend testing both colors in your home to see which one looks better in person. Samplize peel-and-stick vinyl samples makes this super easy (and a lot less messy!) Check out these Peel-and-Stick Paint Samples from Samplize.
In many cases, seeing the samples side by side in the room you’re wanting to paint will make the decision so much easier!
Dovetail (SW 7018) by Sherwin-Williams
Dovetail – LRV: 26 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Dovetail by Sherwin Williams is a well known dark gray paint color. With an LRV of 26, this gray is flirting with the bottom of the brightness scale – it’s the second darkest color in the category.
Sherwin Williams includes this color in their High Voltage color collection, which is a fun loving, well saturated, bold group of colors. Here’s how they describe the ‘high voltage’ colors:
Electronics, alternative rock and digital technology – plug those influences into one socket and you get a blast of high-voltage look-at-me colors. We’re not shying away from them; we’re splashing them across everything from cars to appliances to upholstery…
View the color Dovetail on the Sherwin-Williams website here.
Arctic Seal (CSP-15) by Benjamin Moore
Arctic Seal – LRV: 16.32 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Arctic Seal by Benjamin Moore is dark, moody, and cool! It has a LRV of 16.32, which makes it the darkest color in this gray paint color guide (by a significant margin).
This cool dark gray could also be classified as a gray-black hybrid color. Arctic Seal gets its coolness from a drop of purple in its recipe.
Although it’s made with some purple, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the purple will be visible as an undertone, it just helps to shape the look of the color profile.
Benjamin Moore personifies Arctic Seal in their paint color description:
“In his chilly underwater playground, a graceful shadow darts and twirls among the polar ice flows.”
Benjamin Moore
Arctic Seal would be a great option if you’re wanting something moody but not quite as bold as going full on black. This color would make a really pretty accent wall in an office or bedroom. It’d also be fun to paint bathroom cabinets with this dark gray paint color. Get creative!
Related: 10 Black Paint Colors That Are Seriously Gorgeous
Best Warm Gray Paint Colors
Painting your home with warm gray paint colors creates a relaxed, cozy vibe. This category is the best place to start if you love warm color palettes, and don’t want to select too dark of a gray paint.
Warm gray paint colors are made with a little bit of red, orange or yellow. This usually leads them to have golden or brownish undertones.
All the warm gray color selections in this category are ‘medium-light’ with LRV’s ranging between 48 and 63.
Balboa Mist (OC-27) by Benjamin Moore
Balboa Mist – LRV: 65.53 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Also known as Benjamin Moore – 1549
Balboa Mist is a light, bright gray paint color that is mostly neutral, but has some slightly warm, golden undertones.
It’s a beautiful paint color that should be easy to work into the color palette of many different design styles.
“A goes-with-anything shade of pale gray with a slightly warm cast.”
Benjamin Moore
Colonnade Gray (SW 7641) by Sherwin-Williams
Colonnade Gray – LRV: 53 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Colonnade Gray is a medium-light gray that is made with a tiny drop of orange-yellow to warm up the color. You won’t see orange or yellow as undertones, it’s just to add hint of beige.
This is a great choice for nearly any room, but Colonnade Gray is one of the best gray paint colors for kitchen cabinets. The beautiful gray cabinets in the image below are Colonnade Gray by Sherwin Williams.
Here’s a look at Colonnade Gray used in a laundry room. The fun texture of the beadboard really brings the paint color to life.
Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) by Benjamin Moore
Edgecomb Gray – LRV: 63.09 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Also known as Benjamin Moore: Alaskan Skies (972), Baby Fawn (OC-15)
Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) is relaxed, creamy and warm. The paint color has medium depth with a LRV of 63.09. Edgecomb Gray’s subtle elegance makes this paint color a favorite for many interior design professionals and an extremely popular warm gray paint color.
The color is a well balanced true gray, and doesn’t have strong undertones. These attributes make it a top contender if you’re looking for a light gray paint color with warm undertones that wants to be seen but doesn’t have to be the center of attention.
Benjamin Moore discribes Edgecomb Gray as:
A go-to neutral that can refresh a space, while providing a warm, welcoming feeling.
Benjamin Moore
The walls in this bedroom are Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray.
Elephant’s Breath (No.229) by Farrow & Ball
Elephant’s Breath – LRV: Unknown – Farrow & Ball does not provide this information.
If you’re looking for a unique warm gray paint color, Elephant’s Breath by Farrow & Ball is worth taking a serious look at. It’s a beautiful color, but be warned – Elephant’s Breath has magenta undertones.
I always recommend getting a sample of the paint color to put up on your walls before coming to a final decision, but this is especially important with Elephant’s Breath. The magenta hue can clash with other color palettes in your home. But when it works, it REALLY works – this is a beautiful paint color.
The following is Farrow & Ball’s description of Elephant’s Breath:
“This warm and contemporary grey is renowned for its characterful paint name, originally created by John Fowler, the notable English interior designer. Elephant’s Breath reads as an uplifting mid grey with its hint of magenta, but can become almost lilac in the cooler light of west facing rooms. Try offsetting with Charleston Gray and London Clay for an invitingly earthy scheme with more intense accents, or pair with other Contemporary Neutrals such as the softer Strong White for a sense of neutrality and calm”
View the color Elephant’s Breath on the Farrow & Ball website here.
The walls in the bathroom below below are Elephant’s Breath by Farrow & Ball.
Worldly Gray (SW 7036) by Sherwin-Williams
Worldly Gray – LRV: 57 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
With a medium-light LRV of 57, Worldly Gray (SW 7043) by Sherwin Williams sits right in the middle of the warm gray category for brightness.
Worldly Gray is just warm enough to make it feel relaxed, and homey. It’s an all around great color. I recommend Worldly Gray in almost any room – bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, but it is definitely one of the best gray paints for cabinets.
The image below features a laundry room with Worldly Gray cabinets. Love this!
Related: Best Paint Colors for South Facing Rooms
Thunder (AF-685) by Benjamin Moore
Thunder – LRV: 47.58 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Thunder (AF-685) by Benjamin Moore is quickly becoming a popular gray paint color – it made the Benjamin Moore ‘Color Trends Palette’ in 2020. Also, I kind of love the name – so moody.
With a LRV of 47.58, Thunder is a medium to medium-dark paint color. However, Benjamin Moore designed the color to come across appearing much lighter than it actually it is.
Benjamin Moore’s color description:
An easy-to-use neutral that offers an ideal mix of warm and cool.
Benjamin Moore
Accessible Beige (SW 7036) by Sherwin-Williams
Accessible Beige – LRV: 58 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Accessible Beige (SW 7036) by Sherwin Williams is an interesting gray paint color option. If you can’t quite decide between gray and beige, this hybrid greige might be exactly what you need!
With a LRV of 58, Accessible Beige has an appealing medium-light depth that isn’t too light, or too dark. This gray paint color profile is strongest in red (R: 209 G: 199 B: 184) which provides warmth, and a muted brown beige tone.
If you aren’t quite sold on any of the other colors in this gray paint guide and you want something a little more unique, this is your color.
In the dining room below, you can see that Accessible Beige looks right at home in a room with lots of bright natural light.
Best Cool Gray Paint Colors
This is the best place to start looking if you’re a fan of cool color palettes. Cool gray paint colors have a bright feel that gives your home a happy, seize the day vibe.
Cool white is the ultimate paint color for boosting your mood, but it can feel too sterile, stark, and serious for a residential home. However, add a little bit of gray into the mix and – voila – perfection!
Cool gray paint colors have blue, purple, or green undertones. If you’re thinking of selecting a paint color from this category, be sure to test it out on your walls. Nuanced cool undertones can be an asset – but when they’re too strong – they dominate in an unappealing way.
The gray colors in this category have a large brightness range spanning from ‘medium-dark’ to ‘medium-light’ with LRV’s from 39 to 66.
Hale Navy (HC-154) by Benjamin Moore
Hale Navy – LRV: 8.36 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore is one of their best selling colors, so you know it’s a good one!
This is really a hybrid paint color that can be categorized as a dark gray, or a blue paint color – it’s also included as one of the top colors in my article – Blue Paint Color Guide.
Whether your want to call it blue, or gray is up to you – but either way, it is one of my favorite colors! The blueish hue makes Hale Navy a very cool paint color, so be aware.
A use-anywhere shade of navy with a classic maritime feel.
Benjamin Moore
Stonington Gray (HC-170) by Benjamin Moore
Stonington Gray – LRV 59.36 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Stonington Gray by Benjamin Moore is a medium gray paint color and it’s made with a bit of yellow-green. The color should look like a true gray in most rooms. However, with cool lighting or blue objects in a room, the color can end up appearing bluish.
With a LRV of 59.36, Stonington Gray is right in the middle of what I consider the sweet spot for gray paint colors (55-65). This doesn’t mean the color is subjectively ‘best’, it just means that has a wide range of compatibility… aka it will look good in almost any room!
In rooms with good natural lighting, Stonington Gray ends up looking a little brighter then it really is thanks to the cool undertones. This makes it a great paint color choice when you want a definitively gray color, but want to keep things feeling bright and open.
“An all-purpose silvery gray with relatively neutral undertones.”
Benjamin Moore
Looking for the perfect gray to make your bathroom feel fresh & clean? Stonington Gray is one of the best gray paint colors for a bathroom.
Gray Owl (OC-52) by Benjamin Moore
Gray Owl – LRV: 64.51 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Also known as Benjamin Moore – 2137-60
Gray Owl (OC-52) by Benjamin Moore a medium-light gray paint color that sits just outside the middle of the color temperature spectrum (on the cool side). It’s mostly neutral with a pleasant, slightly cool color temperature.
Gray Owl is versatile, and looks great anywhere. However, I recommend this paint color as a top choice for kitchens, home offices, or a reading nook. Gray Owl is a light, vibrant gray. In a room with plenty of with natural light, this color inspires productivity!
A use-anywhere light gray with a cool, crisp cast.
Benjamin Moore
Gray Owl has some yellow-green undertones, and can sometimes take on a greenish hue when paired with warm finishes.
If you prefer to keep it closer to a cool neutral gray, try pairing it with a bright white trim in a room with lots of natural light like in the photo below.
Anew Gray (SW 7030) by Sherwin-Williams
Anew Gray – LRV: 47 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Anew Gray (SW 7030) by Sherwin Williams falls on the darker side of medium brightness with a LRV of 47. Like many gray paint colors, Anew Gray is a chameleon – it can presents a slightly different appearance with different types of light.
This color is a true gray and has no undertones when illuminated with well balanced natural light.
Anew Gray is not technically a cool gray. It’s actually very neutral, and might even have the slightest hint of warmth. However, it’s cooler than most other gray paint colors, which is why I’ve snuck it into this cool gray category.
If you think you’re set on a cool gray, you should definitely sample Anew Gray – it could be a winner!
In my opinion, Anew Gray is one of the best gray paint colors for bathrooms. Checkout the bathroom below with shiplap walls painted in Sherwin Williams Anew Gray.
Strong White (No.2001) by Farrow & Ball
Strong White – LRV: Unknown – Farrow & Ball does not provide this information.
Strong White is a hybrid color that walks the line between off-white, and light gray. I love how light and airy this gray paint color is.
Here’s how Farrow & Ball describes Strong White (No.2001):
“This cool white is both strong by name and strong by nature. One of our Contemporary Neutrals, the subtle urban feel of its light grey undertones add a contemporary twist to period homes, while staying in keeping with modern properties. Pair with Skimming Stone, Elephant’s Breath and All White in any combination for an effortlessly cohesive scheme. “
View the color Strong White on the Farrow & Ball website here.
Lighting plays a big role in how Strong White will look in your space. For instance, both images below are interiors painted in Farrow & Ball’s Strong White, yet they look quite a bit different. (Not sure how it’ll look with your specific lighting? This is where Samplize comes in!
Pike’s Peak Gray (2127-50) by Benjamin Moore
Pike’s Peak Gray – LRV: 39.38 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Cool might be an understatement on this Benjamin Moore gray paint color – it’s straight COLD! With a LRV of 39.38, Pike’s Peak Gray (21-2750) is a cool medium-dark gray paint color with a strong blue hue. If you want to make a bold statement, this paint color can get the job done.
Pike’s Peak Gray is a little on the extreme side – it’s the darkest and the coolest paint color in this category.
“Cool and ebullient, this versatile medium gray suggests a soaring, snow-covered mountain.”
Benjamin Moore
In my opinion, Pike’s Peak Gray is a little too aggressive to use as the primary color for ALL the walls in a room.
I recommend breaking things up by using the color to make a bold accent wall that catches the eye. Or use it on cabinetry like in the image below. Just make sure the blue undertones don’t clash with the other color palettes in your home.
Inspired to go blue? Checkout my Blue Paint Color Guide next!
Light French Gray (SW 0055) by Sherwin-Williams
Light French Gray – LRV: 53 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Light French Gray (SW 0055) by Sherwin Williams is a lovely medium-light gray paint color with good balance. The color is easily be considered a neutral because the cool tendencies are understated, and offset with some warm tones as well.
Like a few of the other colors in this Cool Grays category, Light French Gray isn’t explicitly cool. It’s just less warm, or cooler than many other popular gray paint colors.
The color’s LRV of 53 is dark enough to stand out, but not to the point where things start to feel gloomy.
Light French Gray has been an extremely popular light gray paint color in recent years. It’s currently included in five different Sherwin Williams color collections (Luxe, Purely Refined, Teen Space, Historic Interior Color Wall, and Minimalist) which is the most of any color in this gray paint color guide.
Here’s a look at Light French Gray used in a bathroom. I love how it looks when paired with white trim and wood accents. Stunning!
Miner’s Dust (DEC786) by Dunn Edwards
Miner’s Dust – LRV: 58 (LRV, or Light Reflectance Value is a scale commonly used by design professionals where 0 = absolute black and 100 is pure white.)
Miner’s Dust is one of Dunn Edwards’ most popular paint colors, so you know it has to be good!
Miner’s Dust is a light & bright gray paint color – it has a high LRV of 58, which makes it excellent for creating a light and airy vibe. It’s also a good choice for areas with limited natural lighting.
The brightness of this paint color will keep rooms feeling bright, and the understated gray color adds visual interest and complexity to a room’s color palette.
See The Top Gray Paint Colors In Your Space
When you’ve narrowed your paint color search down to a few favorites, you’ll want to make sure and test them out with Peel-and-Stick paint samples from Samplize. These peel-and-stick samples use real paint, and make it easy see how a color looks in your home. Plus, it saves you the trouble of to painting test areas on your walls.
I wrote a full review about Samplize, check it out here: Samplize Peel & Stick Samples Honest Review
Tips For Choosing A Gray Paint Color
- Make sure to buy small sample size pints of paint and have it mixed to the colors you want to test. Paint test splotches on the walls of the room you plan to paint.
- Read my guide on how to choose the perfect paint color using undertones, color palettes, natural lighting, and more!
- If you don’t to commit to painting test areas on your walls, buy large poster boards and make gigantic color swatch cards that you can hold up or pin to the wall.
- Check out your test areas samples at different times of the day (and also with the lights on and off). This way, you’ll know if certain colors have
- Paint your trim, ceilings and other walls with an amazing white paint color. This help bring to life the gray color you choose. To find the perfect white paint color, check out the guide I created: Best White Paint Colors | The Ultimate Guide.
For tips on how to choose a paint color that will look great in a specific room in your home, check out the paint selection guide I wrote called How To Choose A Perfect Paint Color. It has tons of useful information on how to use undertones, lighting and more to determine which colors will look amazing in your space.
Want my A-to-Z blueprint on how to design a room that’s beautiful and stylish?
Final Thoughts On Best Gray Paint Colors
Gray paint is extremely popular right now, and for good reason. It makes your home look fresh, calm, and welcoming. Many people are choosing gray paints for their homes, it’s a popular choice for sure!
In case you skimmed through (yeah I do that too), here’s a quick recap.
Best Gray Paint Colors by Sherwin-Williams
- Agreeable Gray
- Repose Gray
- Mindful Gray
- Dorian Gray
- Summit Gray
- Dovetail
- Collonade Gray
- Worldly Gray
- Accessible Beige
- Anew Gray
- Light French Gray
My favorites? Agreeable Gray, Repose Gray, Accessible Beige, and Light French Gray.
Best Gray Paint Colors by Benjamin Moore
- Classic Gray
- Pale Oak
- Coventry Gray
- Arctic Seal
- Edgecomb Gray
- Thunder
- Stonington Gray
- Gray Owl
- Pike’s Peak Gray
My favorites? Classic Gray, Pale Oak, Edgecomb Gray and Gray Owl.
Best Gray Paint Colors for Bedrooms
- Benjamin Moore Pale Oak
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
- Sherwin Williams Summit Gray
- Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray
Best Gray Paint Colors for Bathrooms
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray
- Sherwin Williams Anew Gray
Frequently Asked Questions
What gray is the most popular?
Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams – If the name isn’t enough proof, one quick search on Pinterest you’ll find SO many people using Agreeable Gray in their homes. It’s a beautiful and versatile gray that looks good, literally anywhere!
What gray paint has no undertones?
Strong White by Farrow & Ball has very little undertones and is considered a true gray, especially when looking for a light gray paint color with no undertones.
If you’re looking for a little bit darker of a gray, Stonington Gray is a great option with little to no undertones as well.
What is the most popular light gray?
Light French Gray by Sherwin-Williams is gaining serious popularity. It’s the perfect choice for any living space, whether it be a bathroom, laundry room, or bedroom – it creates such a beautifully neutral backdrop.
All My Paint Color Resources
I LOVE helping people choose paint colors! I’ve created several different resources that can help you choose a paint color with confidence. Check them out below:
- White Paint Color Guide | All The Best White Paint Colors
- Popular Green Paint Colors | Best Shades Of Green
- 10 Moody Black Paint Colors For Your Home
- Pretty Blue Paint Colors For Any Room | The Ultimate Guide
- Best Paint Colors For North Facing Rooms
- Best Paint Colors For South Facing Rooms
- Samplize Review | Peel-and-Stick Paint Samples
- White Dove Paint Color Review | After Painting My Whole House!
- Trending Paint Colors |Top Colors Trends From Top Brands
- How To Choose A Paint Color | Lighting, Undertones, Sheen (and more!)
You can find the rest of my paint color tips & tricks HERE!
Thanks for reading! Let me know in the comments below if you’ve used a gray paint color that you think should have made this gray paint color guide.
