In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best blue-gray paint colors on the market.
Looking to give your home a fresh new look? One of the easiest ways to transform a room is by painting it.
But with so many colors to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to go with.
If you’re looking for a color that’s both calming and stylish, blue-gray might be the perfect choice for you.
Blue-gray is a versatile color that can work in a variety of rooms and styles.
It’s a cool and soothing hue that can create a sense of relaxation in a bedroom or bathroom.
It pairs well with a range of other colors, from warm neutrals to bold jewel tones. With so many shades of blue-gray to choose from, you’re sure to find one that fits your personal style.
Whether you’re looking for a light and airy shade or a dark and moody hue, we’ve got you covered.
So, grab a paintbrush and get ready to transform your space with one of these beautiful blue-gray colors.
This post contain affiliate links. For more information, please read my disclosure here.
Understanding Color Palettes
When it comes to choosing the best blue-gray paint colors for your space, understanding color palettes is essential.
Here are some helpful tips to consider when selecting the perfect blue-gray hue for your walls.
The Psychology of Blue-Gray Tones
Blue-gray tones are known for their calming and soothing effects. These colors can create a sense of tranquility and relaxation, making them an excellent choice for bedrooms and living rooms.
Additionally, blue-gray hues are often associated with stability, trustworthiness, and intelligence, making them a popular choice for professional settings.
Warm vs. Cool Blue Grays
When selecting a blue-gray paint color, consider whether you want a warm or cool tone.
Warm blue-grays have a hint of yellow or red undertones, giving them a cozy and inviting feel.
On the other hand, cool blue-grays have a hint of green or blue undertones, creating a more refreshing atmosphere.
Complementary Colors for Blue-Gray Hues
One of the best things about blue-gray paint colors is that they pair well with a variety of other hues. For a classic and timeless look, consider pairing blue-gray with white or cream tones.
For a bolder statement, try pairing blue-gray with pops of bright yellow or orange. Additionally, blue-gray can also work well with other cool tones, such as green or purple.
Top Picks for Blue-Gray Paint Colors
When it comes to choosing the right blue-gray paint color for your home, the options can be overwhelming.
To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for blue-gray paint colors.
Light Blue-Gray Paint Colors
If you’re looking for a light and airy blue-gray paint color, we recommend trying out one of these favorites:
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray: This popular paint color has subtle blue undertones that give it a soft and calming feel. It pairs well with a variety of accent colors and works in any room of the house.
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl: This light blue-gray paint color has a hint of green undertones that give it a unique and refreshing feel. It’s a great choice for bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Sherwin Williams Sea Salt: A soft, muted color that balances between blue, green, and gray.
- Behr Reflecting Pool: A light gray with a subtle hint of blue, making it a popular choice for modern interiors.
- Benjamin Moore Arctic Gray: a soft, muted gray tone with subtle blue undertones, making it a versatile choice for various interior spaces. This color can create a calming and sophisticated atmosphere, ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms.
- Farrow & Ball Borrowed Light: A delicate blue-gray that changes with the light throughout the day.
- Benjamin Moore Beacon: a light gray with subtle blue undertones, which can create a calming and tranquil atmosphere in any room. Beacon Gray is part of Benjamin Moore’s Classic Color Collection, a curated palette of timeless and enduring hues.
- Sherwin Williams Misty: a light gray with subtle blue undertones, which can evoke a sense of calm and serenity in a space. Misty works well in many different rooms, including living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Its cool undertones make it an excellent choice for creating a fresh, airy feel.
- Benjamin Moore First Snowfall: a crisp, clean light blue-gray paint color that exudes a sense of freshness and purity. First Snowfall can brighten up any space with its subtle, cool undertones. The color can evoke the serene and pristine quality of a first winter snow, making it an excellent choice for creating an inviting atmosphere.
- Sherwin Williams North Star: a light gray with subtle blue undertones, which can bring a sense of calm and tranquility to any space. This cool, airy shade is versatile and can be used in various design styles, from modern to traditional.
- Benjamin Moore White Satin: known for its ability to reflect light beautifully, White Satin adds a sense of brightness and openness to spaces. It’s is an excellent choice for a variety of settings, including living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Rich and Deep Blue-Gray Paint Colors
For a more dramatic look, consider one of these rich and deep blue-gray paint colors:
- Benjamin Moore Buxton Blue: Soft blue with gray and green undertones, giving it a muted and sophisticated appearance.
- Behr Blueprint: This bold blue-gray paint color has a deep and moody feel that’s perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in living rooms and bedrooms.
- Sherwin Williams Slate Tile: known for its deep, rich gray tone with subtle blue undertones. It is often used in both interior and exterior applications to create a sophisticated and modern look. This versatile color can complement a variety of design styles, from contemporary to traditional, and works well in different spaces such as living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and even exteriors.
- Benjamin Moore Evening Dove: this sophisticated, deep gray-blue paint color adds a touch of elegance and tranquility to any space. Its rich, moody hue makes it a popular choice for creating dramatic accent walls or cozy, intimate living areas.
- Sherwin Williams Naval: This classic blue-gray paint color has a timeless appeal that works well in traditional and modern spaces alike. It’s a great choice for accent walls and cabinetry.
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy: A timeless navy with gray undertones, often used for a dramatic yet elegant look.
- Farrow & Ball Hague Blue: A deep blue with strong gray undertones, offering a luxurious and moody feel.
- Benjamin Moore Abyss: This shade is a dark navy blue with strong undertones of black, making it a bold choice that can add depth and elegance to any space.
Neutral Blue-Gray Paint Colors
If you’re looking for a blue-gray paint color that’s more neutral and versatile, try one of these options:
- Valspar Woodlawn Colonial Gray: This warm blue-gray paint color has a subtle beige undertone that gives it a cozy and inviting feel. It works well in living rooms and dining rooms.
- Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray: This cool blue-gray paint color has a hint of green undertones that give it a refreshing and modern feel. It’s a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray: A refined, mid-tone gray with blue undertones that brings a touch of elegance to any room.
- Sherwin Williams Passive: is a popular neutral paint color known for its cool, calming gray tone with subtle blue undertones. It is versatile and works well in various settings, making it a favorite choice for many homeowners and interior designers.
- Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray: is a light gray with subtle blue undertones, making it a sophisticated and adaptable choice for various spaces. Its neutral yet slightly cool tone can provide a calm and serene atmosphere.
- Sherwin Williams Evening Shadow: sophisticated paint color that blends gray with subtle blue undertones. This creates a cool, calming effect that can enhance a variety of interior spaces.
Paint Finishes and Where to Use Them
When choosing the right paint finish, it’s important to consider the aesthetic and practical aspects of your project.
The finish you choose can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your space, as well as its durability and ease of maintenance.
Matte and Eggshell Finishes
Matte and eggshell finishes are popular choices for walls and ceilings. They have a low sheen and are great for hiding imperfections in the surface of your walls.
Matte finishes have a flat appearance. Eggshell finishes have a slight sheen that adds a bit of depth and dimension to your walls.
Matte and eggshell finishes are great for bedrooms, living rooms, and other spaces where you want a soft, muted look.
They are also a good choice for spaces with a lot of natural light, as the low sheen will help prevent glare.
Satin and Gloss Finishes
Satin and gloss finishes have a higher sheen than matte and eggshell finishes, making them a good choice for trim, doors, and other accents.
While close, there is a difference between the two. Satin finishes have a soft, velvety appearance, while gloss finishes are shiny and reflective.
Also note that satin and gloss finishes are more durable than matte and eggshell finishes, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
They are also easier to clean and maintain, as they are less likely to absorb dirt and grime.
Room-Specific Blue-Gray Painting Tips
When painting a room in blue-gray, there are a few things to consider to make sure you achieve the desired look and feel.
Here are some tips to help you create a relaxing and sophisticated space in your home.
Creating a Relaxing Bedroom
Your bedroom is your sanctuary, and painting it in blue-gray tones can help create a calming and peaceful atmosphere. When choosing a blue-gray color for your bedroom, consider the natural light that enters the room.
If your bedroom receives a lot of natural light, you can go for a darker shade of blue-gray, such as Boothbay Gray by Benjamin Moore, to create a cozy and intimate space.
On the other hand, if your bedroom doesn’t receive a lot of natural light, a lighter shade of blue-gray, such as Sherwin-Williams Network Gray, can help brighten up the room and make it feel more spacious.
To enhance the relaxing atmosphere in your bedroom, consider pairing your blue-gray walls with white or cream-colored bedding and furniture.
You can also add some texture and warmth to the room by incorporating natural materials, such as wood or rattan, in your decor.
Sophisticated Living Room Ideas
Blue-gray is a versatile color that can work well in both traditional and modern living rooms.
To create a sophisticated look in your living room, consider pairing your blue-gray walls with metallic accents, such as gold or silver, and plush fabrics, such as velvet or suede.
If you have a large living room, you can experiment with different shades of blue-gray to create a layered and dynamic look.
For example, you can paint one wall in a darker shade of blue-gray, such as Benjamin Moore’s Silver Mist, and the rest of the walls in a lighter shade, such as Sherwin-Williams Upward.
Blue-Gray Bathrooms and Kitchens
Blue-gray is a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens because it can create a clean and refreshing look.
When painting your bathroom or kitchen in blue-gray, consider pairing it with white or light-colored cabinets and fixtures to create a fresh and modern look.
To add some depth and dimension to your blue-gray bathroom or kitchen, consider incorporating patterned tiles or wallpaper in complementary colors, such as white or beige. You can also add some greenery to the space by incorporating plants or herbs in your decor.
Lighting and Its Impact on Paint Colors
Natural Light vs. Artificial Light
When choosing the best blue-gray paint color for your space, it’s important to consider the lighting. Natural light and artificial light can greatly impact how a paint color appears in a room.
Natural light can vary throughout the day and can even differ from room to room depending on the direction the windows face.
North-facing rooms tend to receive cooler light, while south-facing rooms receive warmer light. East-facing rooms receive the most light in the morning, while west-facing rooms receive the most light in the afternoon.
It’s important to consider these factors when choosing a blue-gray paint color, as the color may appear different throughout the day.
Artificial light can also greatly impact how a paint color appears. Different light bulbs can produce different colors of light, which can affect the overall appearance of the paint color.
Choosing the Right Bulbs for Blue-Gray Tones
When choosing light bulbs for a room with blue-gray walls, it’s important to choose bulbs that will complement the color.
Cool-toned bulbs, such as daylight bulbs or cool white bulbs, can enhance the blue tones in the paint color.
On the other hand, warm-toned bulbs, such as soft white bulbs or warm white bulbs, can make the blue-gray paint color appear more gray.
It’s important to choose bulbs that will enhance the undertones of the blue-gray paint color and create the desired atmosphere in the room.
Accessorizing with Blue-Gray Paint
Blue-gray paint is a versatile color that can be paired with a variety of furniture and decor styles.
Here are some tips on how to accessorize with blue-gray paint to create a cohesive and stylish look.
Furniture and Decor Tips
When choosing furniture and decor to complement blue-gray walls, consider pieces in neutral colors, such as white, beige, or gray.
These colors will create a clean and sophisticated look that won’t compete with the wall color.
For a bolder look, consider adding pops of color with accessories like throw pillows, vases, or artwork.
If you prefer a more cohesive look, consider choosing furniture and decor that has a similar undertone to the blue-gray paint.
For example, if your blue-gray paint has a cool undertone, choose furniture and decor with cool undertones, such as blues, greens, and grays.
If your blue-gray paint has a warm undertone, choose furniture and decor with warm undertones, such as yellows, oranges, and browns.
Textiles and Wall Art
Textiles and wall art are a great way to add visual interest and texture to a room with blue-gray walls.
Consider adding throw blankets, area rugs, or curtains in complementary colors and textures to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
When choosing wall art, consider pieces that have a similar color palette to the blue-gray paint.
This will create a cohesive and polished look. Alternatively, you can choose artwork that provides a pop of color and contrast to the blue-gray walls.
Premium Paint Brands
If you’re looking for high-quality blue-gray paint, then you might want to consider some of the following premium brands:
- Benjamin Moore: Benjamin Moore has a wide range of blue-gray paint colors to choose from, including popular shades like Gentle Gray and Beacon Gray. Their paints are known for their durability and coverage, making them a great choice for any room in your home.
- Sherwin Williams: Sherwin Williams is another popular brand that offers a variety of blue-gray paint colors. Their paints are known for their smooth application and long-lasting finish, and they also offer a range of sheens to choose from.
- Farrow & Ball: Farrow & Ball is a luxury paint brand that offers a range of blue-gray paint colors, including popular shades like Pavilion Gray and Light Blue. Their paints are known for their rich pigments and depth of color, making them a great choice for creating a sophisticated look in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top Sherwin Williams blue gray paint colors for a cozy atmosphere?
If you’re looking for a cozy atmosphere, Sherwin Williams Network Gray (SW 7073) is a popular choice. It has a blue undertone that can lean slightly into green. This makes it a versatile color that can work well in different lighting conditions.
Another great option mentioned above is Sherwin Williams Repose Gray (SW 7015), which has a subtle blue-gray undertone that can create a soothing and calming effect.
Benjamin Moore paint colors that have a soft blue gray hue?
Benjamin Moore Iceberg (2122-50) is a light blue with strong gray undertones that can create a soft and muted look.
Another option is Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (OC-52) is another popular choice, mentioned above, with a cool blue-gray hue that can work well in a variety of spaces.
Which blue gray paints are best suited for a living room’s ambiance?
For a living room, you may want to consider a warmer blue-gray paint color, like Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray (SW 6205).
It has a green undertone that can create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray (HC-170) is another great option, with a soft blue-gray hue that can work well in a variety of lighting conditions.
Light blue gray paint options that can brighten up a room?
If you’re looking to brighten up a room, consider a light blue-gray paint color such as Benjamin Moore Silver Mist (1619), which has a cool and refreshing look.
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt (SW 6204) is another great option, with a soft blue-green hue that can create a relaxing atmosphere.
How do I choose a warm blue gray paint that feels inviting?
To choose a warm blue-gray paint color, look for shades with green or yellow undertones. This can create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments (1563) is a gentle blue green gray that is warm and inviting.
Behr Hush (PPU26-16) is a shade that offers a gentle blend of blue and gray tones with a subtle warmth. This makes it an ideal choice for creating a serene and inviting atmosphere in any room.