You thought picking a neutral would be a cake walk, but curiously you find yourself staring at a purple wall, when you are sure you bought a gray. Perhaps you are questioning why this is when neutrals are the recommended, no fail, go with anything and everything colors. Here is a little insight to why neutrals can be fickle and some tricks for zeroing on the right ones for your home.
I’m going to deliver some truths here, so brace yourself. I’m sorry to break it to you, but you’ve been lied to all this time regarding neutrals.
Neutral truth 1: Neutrals are not simple, in any respect.
Neutrals are exceptionally complex colors that belong to color families. They are colors that have been mixed, muddied and toned down to the point where they can appear to have no color. The more colors we mix into a color the lower the chroma, and the more complex it becomes.
Take a look at the chroma scale below:
A color’s chroma is how bright or intense it is. High chroma colors are what we would consider clean, bright and free of any kind of muddying. Low chroma colors are the opposite; they are not clean or pure and what we consider neutrals or neutralized colors. Low chroma colors can be muddied to the point they are difficult to discern for what they are. Recognizing their color family takes a little practice in undertone identification.
Neutral Truth 2: Neutrals can be warm or cool
All six color families have neutrals. The neutrals of each family will retain thier color family attributes, though with diminished impact. Cool color families (green, blue, purple) will have cool toned neutrals with cool color properties. Warm color families (red, orange, yellow) will have warm toned neutrals with warm color properties.
Let’s compare a blue and red chroma scale,
and take a closer look at the two on the end.
The red family neutral, left, feels warmer than the blue neutral on the right. A big step in the right direction for selecting neutrals is to acknowledge this and chose a neutral as you would a higher chroma color. For example, you want a neutral wall color, but you’d prefer a cozier feel over a spacious one. If you were selecting a higher chroma color you might select an orange or yellow color to suit this need. The best place to select neutrals then would be from the yellow or orange family.
What about gray? Grays are achromatic right?
Neutral Truth 3: Grays are not achromatic
Colors can be so muted, washed out and neutralized that they don’t register as colors remember? When a color reaches that point, we call it a gray. True, achromatic gray is the end of the road for the chroma of a color, and a last point that all color families will share. However, before you reach that point, there are thousands of grayed colors.
I’ve pulled some examples of grays from each color family for comparison.
Greaceful Gray PPU18-12, Burnished Clay PPU18-09, Creek Bend 790F-4, Falcon Gray PPU26-04, Gentle Rain 790E-2
Red toned grays feel very complex. Some lighting can make theses grays appear as mauves or to have a subtle pink tint.
Smokestack N220-3, Sculptor Clay PPU5-8, Eiffel For You MQ2-37, Elephant Skin PPU18-16, Griege PPU24-11
Orange toned neutrals make up the greige (beige + gray), and taupe families. These tones, in warmer lighting conditions, can appear as browns.
Whitewash Oak PPU24-12, Arid Plains PPU25-07, Silver Drop 790C-2, Tanglewood N320-3, Silver City MQ2-59
The yellow family is, by far, the most forgiving and versatile as far as grays go. In warm lighting conditions these grays can appear like tans or off whites.
Battleship Gray N360-4, Pumice MQ6-23, Old Celadon PPU25-05, Granite Boulder 790D-4, Brampton Gray PPU11-16
These grays can appear as sages or spruces depending on the temperature of the lighting. Green undertoned grays are popular choices for exterior use.
Tin Foil N500-3, Dark Pewter PPU18-4, Rainmaster MQ5-22, Ocean Swell PPU25-19, Sterling 780E-3
These tones will impart a cooler feel to a room and can appear blue in darker conditions. Like the green family, blue toned grays are popular choices for exteriors.
Classy MQ5-4, Natural Gray PPU18-10, Silver Bullet N520-2, Smokey Wings PPU26-07, Suede Gray PPU18-17
Purple undertoned hues are probably the most challenging of the gray tones. Not only can it be difficult to recognize the undertone, but their murky, complex nature reveals itself in a color that changes its appearance throughout the day.
Neutral Truth 4: Lighting will make or break your neutral
The color complexity of neutrals means they are very susceptible to the influence of lighting. Light is color, and different sources of lighting, natural or artificial, will effect how the neutrals appear.
Take this light gray room with standard midday light.
In the early morning with the bright warm morning sun it might look more like this:
In a home with the blue light of a north facing window it might look like this:
The only thing that has changed in the room is the light temperature. You can see now how the perceived wall color is dependent on the light source.
You should have an idea now why the color you selected may appear so different than what you thought you picked out. Let’s review some of the key takeaways about neutrals to help you choose the perfect shade for your home.
#1.) Neutrals retain the color attributes of their parent families, just on a softer scale. For example yellow based neutrals will impart a warm feeling, blue based neutrals a cool feeling.
#2.) Neutrals have more color nuance than brighter, clean shades. You’ll want to pay close attention to undertone when selecting shades.
#3.) Lighting plays a huge role in the perception of colors, and neutrals are particularly sensitive. Be sure to test your color in your space to see how it will appear throughout the day.
We strongly recommend sampling colors on your walls before committing to a color. This is especially true for neutrals whose appearance can be quite transitional throughout the day.
For more information, ideas, and inspiration on color visit our Color Studio at behr.com. Our Paint Your Place tool is a great starting point for exploring, comparing and contrasting color within your own space.
Colorfully yours,
Quinn
This is great info! How can you tell which color family a gray is with Behr Paint?
Some of the descriptions give hints but not all – is there an easy way to tell if the color is warm or cool and to which color family it belongs?
Hello there, thank you for visiting our blog!
Grays that have a blue or green undertone are cooler grays.
Grays that have a red, orange or yellow undertone are warm grays.
If there are specific grays, you prefer please let me know and I can get you some suggestions.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
This article was super helpful. I have been struggling to find a warm grey (light) to put on my walls. Every time I bring home a color sample the shade was showing some other color (blue, green, mauve, etc). I ended up painting the walls a white shade. Not the happiest with the color, but I had to make an informed decision.
So super helpful!
Hi Angie – thanks for visiting the Colorfully BEHR blog, glad you found this article helpful.
Colorfully yours,
Diana
What shade white would I paint my walls to be a shade darker than the weathered white trim.
I have an open concept kitchen and living room. The living room gets east morning light and the kitchen gets bright west afternoon light. My cabinets are white, my floor is a grey laminate and counter tops are marble laminate …. I have a neutral couch and light wood dining table. Can you give me an idea of what colour I can use for the walls…. I want a light colour … grey preferably to keep it airy and light.
Hi Tammy -thanks for contacting us with your question.
Consider using one of the following light gray/greige colors:
Silver Ash
Smoky White
Weathered White
https://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/GR-W11
https://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/BWC-13
https://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/HDC-NT-21
Diana O.
Looking to paint cabinets in my laundry room. Thinking a gray (maybe green undertones?) to accent new white quartz counters. Walls are Behr Toasty Gray and tile floors are a wood-look plank with brown and gray veining. It’s a south- facing room with windows. Any recommendations?
Hi Hillary – thanks for sending your question.
Check out some of our favorite midtone grays with a green undertone, we think these would look great on your cabinets, paired with Toasty Gray walls.
Classic Silver
Heirloom Silver
Pumice
https://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/PPU18-11
https://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/PPU25-08
https://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/PPU25-06
Colorfully yours,
Diana
Thanks for your help… I’m trying to get a paint not only for honey oak cabinets, but also floors. I have beige furniture in my living room… Could you suggest a color to go with what I have, and also would gratifying gray match with everything? Thanks so much for your help.
I’m looking for a light greige to go with honey oak cabinets… Would you please recommend some… Thanks
Hi Kathy – thanks for contacting us for color advice, try Tranquil Gray DC-007 or Vintage Pewter DC-009 from the BEHR Designer Collection.
https://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/DC-007
https://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/DC-009
Let us know what you think about these colors.
Colorfully yours,
Diana
I need a neutral for a basement den with no natural light. I want the ceiling to be the same color of the walls with a dark gray trim. It will be a movie and game room.
Would you please recommend a few greige options for cabinets that would work well with Dragonfly on the walls?
Hello Sylvia, thank you for visiting our blog!
We recommend the following greige tones to coordinate.
Greige PPU24-11, Grey Mist HDC-CT-21, Chic Gray PPU26-11 or Sculptor Clay PPU5-08.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Looking for a medium to dark grey to pair with bright white upper kitchen cabinets. Not sure if it should be warm or cool. But definitely want it “ neutral”.
Kitchen has natural light from windows.
Hello Amy, thank you for visiting our blog!
For a bright white we recommend Polar Bear 75 and for a medium to dark gray you can try Dark Ash 770F-5.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Looking for a med to dark gray , that gives a warm look to exterior home.
Maybe a taupe Gray or Gray that have a hint of a brown warmth look.
Any suggestions?
Hello Cyndi, thank you for visiting our blog!
Yes we have some perfect recommendations. Please take a look at Graceful Gray PPU18-12, Greige PPU24-11, or Grey Mist HDC-CT-21.
Hope these help!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Do you know what undertones Greg mist has? Can’t seem to find it online anywhere
Hello Mandy, thank you for visiting our blog!
Grey Mist is a quiet gray and may appear as a pale greige.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I am painting the fireplace in my family room a dark grey. I tried Cracked Pepper and it was too dark. Actually black. I was looking for a nice dark graphite color with blue under tones. Then for my walls a lighter grey or blue color. There isn’t a lot of Natural light, but I want it to feel cozy. Suggestions?
Hello Greg, thank you for visiting our blog!
We recommend Charcoal Blue N490-5 for your fireplace and for your walls in French Silver PPU18-05.
Hope these help!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Thanks for the reply. After much testing, I chose Graphic Charcoal N500-6 for the fireplace and Charcoal Blue N490-5 for the walls. It is fantastic. The Bear Dynasty paint was the best paint I have used.
Hello, I have been having a terrible time picking out paint. I think I could become a salesman with all off the paint swatches and sample containers that I have from various companies. The lighting in my living room is difficult (for now) . I need help! Is there anyway that I could send you pictures and then maybe you could point me in the right direction?
Thank you!
Hello Dawn, thank you for visiting our blog!
We are happy to help!
Please send photos and description to coloradvice@behr.com
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hello! Please point me in the right direction for a grayish color for a modern farmhouse look. Or maybe i dont need to go with gray? I have no clue where to start lol! Currently have contractor grade flat walls in sherwin williams “worldly gray” but im looking to switch it up a bit. Kitchen is all white.
Hello Michelle, thank you for reaching out!
You can go with a gray or a soothing blue-green farmhouse tone.
Here are a few recommendations that will coordinate with your furnishings.
Classic Silver PPU18-11, Riverdale N410-3, Zen PPU11-14, or Sonic Silver HDC-MD-26.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Paited our walls Cameo White. Floors are Lifeproof Ashland Valley. Not sure on what trim and baseboard color should be. Looking at Graceful Gray?
Hello Kim, thank you for reaching out!
Graceful Gray is a perfect choice fo your trim and baseboards to pair with Cameo White.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I am looking for a master bath paint color. I have Off Broadway on my accent wall that looks fabulous behind the custom black walnut vanity and shelving. The difficulty is matching with the above as well as complimenting the gray and taupe based flooring and marbling in the shower. There is LED for lighting. I have an east facing window where SW Belgian White looks pink. Swiss Coffee, Mocha Light, and Popular Gray look awkward. Please HELP !!
Hello Dagmar, thank you for visiting our blog!
A color for your master bath that coordinates we recommend is Classic Silver PPU18-11, or Greige PPU24-11. You can utilize 8oz samples to test them and see what you like best.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi, I am looking for a neutral for my master bath and bedroom. Every neutral I try in the bathroom appears to be lavender (I have a block glass south facing window). I would like a coolish neutral without looking like lavender. My bedroom is darker and I have whitewash furniture. Can you advise what color I should use.
Thank you, Maureen
Hi Maureen,
I suggest you try Behr Color Tools: https://www.behr.com/consumer/colors/paint/explore/all-colors/neutral
If you are having a problem with color looking too lavender, you can move the opposite way in the color selection to find an option that may work. Always try color samples first as the lighting and other items in your room will affect the color appearance.
Colorfully yours,
Larayne
I’m going thru same thing . I was simple light gray , with no blue or brown to tint to it. Look up tempered gray , agreeable gray & repose gray. I’m getting another sample tomorrow of tempered gray
I have a large bedroom 20×20 and have no idea what colors to use on the walls or carpet for the floor. Would Cameo white in a neutral color be too bright?
Hello Margaret,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
If the look you are aiming for is a modern crisp look then Cameo White is a great tone.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi ! I need a wall paint color that would go good with smokey gray laminate flooring and white kitchen cabinets. I also have white , gray with blackspecs granite.
Thank you in advance
Hello Juanita,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
We recommend the following colors for your walls.
Chic Gray PPU26-10, Silky White PPU7-12, Classic Silver PPU18-11 or Weathered White HDC-NT-21.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I’m looking for a light neutral for my kitchen. The cabinets are a Cherry finish. Wondering what color would work best. Also would like something that can be continued throughout the rest of the house.
Thanks!
Hello Crystal,
thank you for visiting our blog.
We recommend the light neutral tones.
Chic Gray PPU26-10, Creamy Mushroom PPU5-13, Cotton Grey HDC-NT-20, or Creamy Mushroom PPU5-13.
Hope these helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Which gray would go with French Colony, dark brown walnut stain, black furniture, lighten up the room, and still look gray and not beige or any other color? We have east and west facing windows.
Hello Savannah, thank you for visiting our blog!We recommend the following gray tone that will work with French Colony. Evening White N460-1 or Planetary Silver N460-2.
Hope these help.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Looking for a light neutral for walls, to ‘tone’ golden oak trim, also have the color parchment paper on the ceiling.
Hello Rachel,
thank you for visiting our blog!
We recommend the following neutrals to coordinate.
Transluscent Silk MQ3-36, Creamy Mushroom PPU5-13, Baja PPU7-08.
Hope these help!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I chose Flannel Grey in my kitchen and throughout the main living area. It turns a lavender later in the day. Is there a color of the same saturation you could suggest that would hold the grey without morphing? Should I have gone to a red hue? We haven’t moved in yet but I already am worried. Help!
Hello Kari,
thank you for visiting our blog!
A warmer gray could work better but we recommend purchasing an 8oz sample first to see how it appears.
You can try Graceful Gray PPU18-12 which is a bit warmer.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I’m looking for a white with a purple/gray undertone for a basement stairway that gets NO natural light and limited incandescent light. the stair treads and risers are painted Graphic Charcoal N500-6
Hello Deb, thank you for visiting our blog.
a white with purple/gray we recommend Swirling Water PR-W10.
This color will also coordinate with the Graphic Charcoal.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I want a warm grey with a complimenting cream trim…please suggest.
Hello Jennifer, thank you for visiting our blog!
A warm gray we recommend is Graceful Gray PPU18-12 with cream trim in Swiss Coffee 12.
Hope you find these suggestions helpful!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Looking for a light neutral (grey). Have areas with deep blue carpet and rooms with blue, hints of brown tan and grey travertine tile. Sampled Sterling but seeing a lot of baby blue, I don’t want a nursery look.
Hello Liz, thank you for visiting our blog!
We recommend Chic Gray PPU26-10. It is a little warmer so should not have that blue look to it.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I’m looking for a very light gray with a green undertone. Any suggestions?
Hello Rae, thank you for visiting our blog.
Yes we recommend Campfire Ash N320-1, Soft Secret PPU25-10 or Mission White PPU24-15.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hello Rae,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
A very light gray with a green undertone we recommend is Mission White PPU24-15.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I want a very light Greige leaning toward the warmer tones.
Hi Valerie – thanks for contacting with your question.
We would recommend checking some of our favorite “greige” tones
Cotton Grey HDC-NT-21
Toasty Gray N320-1
Dove HDC-MD-21
Colorfully yours,
Diana
Hello, can you suggest a gray for kitchen cabinets, my countertops are pinky/ mauve tile (circa 1950’s 60’s) I’m not a fan of purple toned grays, I was thinking red undertones might go well. I was leaning towards Falcon Gray. Any suggestions, thank you!
Hello Marisa,
Thank you for visiting our blog! Falcon Gray is indeed a purple toned gray.
We recommend a different tone for your cabinets such as Classic Silver PPU18-11 or Fashion Gray PPU18-15 which is a warmer gray.
Hope these help!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I’d like to paint our living room in a light gray that will complement the rug which has deep pink and purple. The room has a large east facing window. I was thinking purple or red undertone. What gray would you suggest?
Hi Dora – thanks for your question.
Based on the information you provided, we think you might like one of the following grays with a very subtle purple undertone.
Burnished Clay PPU18-09
Doeskin Gray N200-2
Graycloth PPU26-09
Colorfully yours,
Diana
Hello Dora,
thank you for visiting our blog.
I recommend a warmer gray tone such as Chic Gray PPU26-10 to coordinate.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I am painting my dining room that has a chair rail. The top part will be ashen tan which is also color of adjoining living room. The woodwork is painted swiss coffee. Looking at graceful gray of smokestack or any other suggestions for the bottom of wall?
Hello Suzanne,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
So there is enough contrast between the two colors I recommend Graceful Gray or a color a bit darker such as Fashion Gray PPU18-15 or Rustic Taupe N200-4.
Hope these help!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Thank you so much for such helpful information! I painted our master bedroom Downtown Gray PPU24-10, with a navy accent wall. Could you recommend a lighter shade of gray for the attached master bathroom? Downtown is definitely too dark; the lighting in the bathroom is not great – there is one 3×3 east-facing window. Thank you!
Hello Kala,
Thank you for visiting our blog, here are a couple lighter gray tones that will work for your master bathroom.
Chic Gray PPU26-10, Silver City MQ2-59, or Platinum PPU26-11.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Is there a grey or greige that would go with natural almond trim and cabinets?
Hello Heather, thank you for visiting our blog,
Here are some gray options that will coordinate with Natural Almond.
Grey Mist HDC-CT-21, Greige PPU24-11, or Chic Gray PPU26-10.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi, can you recommend a light creamy color or light beige that does t have a yellow or pink hue/undertone ?
What undertone color will allow an area to appear larger? Looking for a small open concept home.
Hello Amber, thank you for visiting our blog!
If you would like your area to appear larger we recommend lighter tones. Any undertone is great as long as the color is on the lighter side.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I would like a darker from Behr with a warmer undertone and a high LRV.
My daughter wants to paint her north facing room (which does have a big window) a dark blue, but I don’t want it looking like a cold cave.
Can you give us some recommendations to consider?
Hello Cathy,
thank you for visiting our blog!
We recommend the following dark blues.
Shipwreck S470-6, Poseidon S480-6, Dolphin Blue S470-4, or Shipyard S500-6.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I am looking for a pure light gray. No blue undertones. We previously chose platinum and it looks very blue in our home. Any advice?
Hi Caroline, Unfortunately, there is no way to formulate a true gray, they tend to have undertones of blue, green, yellow etc. but here are a couple of grays that I will recommend which come close – Sonic Silver HDC-MD-26, Classic Silver PPU18-11 or Silver Marlin N360-2.
Colorfully yours,
Larayne
We are looking at making our baseboards and trim gray… our walls are white with accent walls that are a farmhouse turquoise. Suggestions? Thank you!
Hi Sara,
You will want to pick a gray that has the same undertones as the other colors in your room. You can try Silver Feather or Soft Secret they have green undertones and will look nice with Turquoise.
Colorfully yours,
Larayne
Hello,
I’m looking to brighten up my dull basement but I also would like a hint of color.i want the main to be a grey color. Nothing too dark due to the basement already being dark.
Thank you
Hi Maya,
Here are some color suggestions for your basement. These are all Gray tones but they have a hint of color to them. Also, they should be light enough to brighten up your basement.
Option: Dolphin Fin with either Heirloom Silver or Old Celadon.
Option: Silver Feather with Hailstorm Gray
Colorfully yours,
Larayne
I’m looking to paint a large interior with big windows and high ceilings, I’d like something light grey neutral with blue maybe?
Hi Steph,
Here are some light grays that have blue undertones that you can try: Loft Space, Silent White.
A dusty blue/gray color option (light and dark): Solemn Silence, Intercoastal Gray.
I suggest you try a color sample before you commit as the lighting, time of day and other items in the room may affect the color appearance.
Colorfully yours,
Larayne
Looking for your help, please. We just painted our office in Tin Foil which turned out to be way too dark and too blue than we expected… so we’ll have repaint. Looking for a lighter grey without obvious undertones. Thank you.
Hi Mary,
Unfortunately, there is no way to formulate a true gray that does not have obvious undertones, but here is a couple that I will recommend – Sonic Silver HDC-MD-26, Classic Silver PPU18-11 or Silver Marlin N360-2. These are less blue and slightly lighter.
I suggest you try a color sample before you commit as the lighting, time of day and other items in the room may affect the color appearance.
Hoping one of these colors work out for you!
Colorfully yours, Larayne
I am painting my living room BEHR Titanium gray, I would like a complimenting tan, beige, but don’t want to use anything dark such as smoke stack. Can you recommend a color?
Hi Robin,
Try Spun Wool. This is a light Beige that will look nice with Titanium Gray. If you want a hue that is a little darker but still lighter than Smoke Stack try either Wheat Bread or Sculptor Clay.
Colorfully yours,
Larayne
I’m looking at painting my living room/dining room with an accent wall in sophisticated teal, what gray would you suggest I use on the other walls.
Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Charline – thanks for your interest in BEHR paint.
Sophisticated Teal is one of our favorite blue-greens and while this shade is a great accent for any space, it is on the cool side of the spectrum so you might want to consider using a warm gray for the rest of the walls. Check out some warm grays you might want to consider: Greige PPU24-11, Gray Mist HDC-CT-21 and Downtown Gray PPU24-10.
These colors will inject warmth and add depth to the living room.
Colorfully yours,
Diana
I am so color frustrated. I have a west facing room with bay windows. My furniture is rust. I need to somehow pull it together. I painted it ppg desert dune, a grey taupe. It looks like prison walls! I’d like to forgo any grey. Please, help.
Hi Beth,
Neutral tones will look nice with rust. Some suggestions: Granite Dust, Creamy Mushroom, Roman Plaster. I suggest you try a color sample before you commit as the lighting, time of day and other items in the room may affect the color appearance.
Colorfully yours,
Larayne
I’m looking for a grey color to paint both a hallway (that is small and dark and does get much light) and the living room that it opens up into. The living room has north facing windows and it overlooks a river with a big blueish-grey bridge. Do you have any suggestions for light greys that will work in both the tight hallway and the more open living room with the bridge views?
Hi Catherine,
We have some beautiful Grays. Here are some of my favorites: Dolphin Fin, Silver Feather, Platinum. I suggest you try a color sample before you commit as the lighting, time of day and other items in the room may affect the color appearance. Hope you find the right gray!
Colorfully yours,
Larayne
I’m looking to paint my home office (converted bedroom) facing SE. I want an inviting yet fresh feel in a neutral color. I really like Natural Gray but fear it would be too dark. Any advice?
Hi Stephanie – Natural Gray is actually considered a light gray and would be okay for a SE facing room however, if you would like to try something lighter we recommend checking out Graycloth PPU26-09.
Colorfully yours,
Diana
Hi, I recently refreshed my kitchen using Timber Wolf Gray on my cabinet walls (pickled oak cabinets) and Sterling on all the other walls. The Timber Wolf Gray really toned down the pinkish hue from my cabinets and I am very happy with the outcome. I love the Sterling so much that I am going to carry it on into the living/dining room. My living room/dining room gets SE light and I was going to use the Timber Wolf Gray on one wall as an accent wall and all the others Sterling. However, in putting the sample swatch up the blue undertones really show up more so than in the kitchen. Any recommendation on a different gray shade that will still go well with the Sterling?
Hello Jessica, thank you for visiting our blog! We love the look you are going for! Your kitchen sounds amazing!
Another darker tone that will work as an accent for Sterling is Dark Ash 770F-5, Slate Rock N460-5, or Imperial Gray PPU26-02.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hoping you can help. We are remodeling our kitchen. The wood accents will be American walnut and my cabinets alabaster. My sun light comes in from the west. I’m struggling with what color of gray to paint my walls. We have decided to go with a color of gray because of the colors in our counter tops, I think that it will bring the whole room together but there are so many colors of gray I just can not decide. I would greatly appreciate it your help.
Hi there Sally, thank you for visiting our blog!
We recommend Classic Silver PPU18-11 it is not too dark or too light and will compliment your decor style.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Does Antique Tin have a blue undertone
Hello Leslie, thank you or visiting our blog!
Antique Tin does have a subtle blue undertone.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Our home’s interior is, at the moment, entirely white. What would be a good tone of gray, or specific gray, to add? We want to paint our stairway down to unfinished basement (floor and possibly stairs are/will be slate gray). The stairwell is behind a door in the kitchen. We want to add some color but do appreciate how the bright white makes our small house feel bigger and more open. Any help would be appreciated!
Hello Stephanie, thank you for visiting our blog!
Adding some gray will give it a nice touch with your white walls which do help to brighten and make your home feel larger.
A great gray tone I recommend is Classic Silver PPU18-11. It is not too dark or too light so it will still make your home feel larger.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Just painted my guest bathroom Silver Bullet(N520-2) walls and did the vanity in Battleship Gray. We are not loving it. Can you please suggest a good coordinating color ?
I like Mission Control (N520-4) what is your opinion?
Thank you for your help.
Hello Stacy, thank you for visiting our blog!
For your vanity you can go with a darker gray for more contrast. Mission Control is a good option, as well as Iron Mountain N520-5.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
My daughter wants to paint her east-facing bedroom gray with one yellow accent wall. I just painted all of her trim white. Can you recommend coordinating yellow and gray paint colors? thanks!
Hello Stacey, thank you for visiting our blog! We are happy to help.
I recommend Surfboard Yellow P280-4 as an accent wall and remaining walls in Classic Silver PPU18-11. As for trim you can do that in Polar Bear 75.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I wish ALL paint company’s would break down this important information on neutrals.
Well done!
Hello, I have painted my home with Cottage White. What grey color would be the best compliment color? Thank you
Hello Carol,
Thank you for visiting our blog! We are happy to help!
First, how do you plan on using the gray tone? For example, are you using it as an accent wall?
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hello I am painting my living room natural gray , what coordinating ceiling color would you suggest ?
Hello Marie, thank you for visiting our blog!
I recommend Polar Bear 75 for your ceiling.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
This article was really helpful!! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
I just painted my study w/Behr Classic Silver…OMG it is Beautiful. I am wanting to paint my family w/ a light gray or white w/ a blue hue. What can you suggest?
Hello Lisa, thank you for visiting our blog!
A lighter shade of gray that will coordinate is Chic Gray PPU26-10, Drizzle PPU26-14 or Platinum PPU26-11.
Colorfully yours,
Deanna
I just recently painted my living room Very Navy for the other walls in the house I was to paint a grey! Can you suggest a warm tone grey that would compliment Very Navy
Hello Mercy, thank you for visiting our blog!
Here are a few grays that will coordinate.
Chic Gray PPU26-10, Sonic Silver HDC-MD-26, Classic Silver PPU18-11, or Greige PPU24-11.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Love Behr paint.
Read the article on picking neural colors,
Great information.
Can you please suggest a ceiling color to use with the Behr Greige color walls?
Hello Dennis, thank you for visiting our blog. A ceiling color to pair with Greige is Polar Bear 75.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Would you also recommend Polar Bear for the baseboard/door trim molding color?
Thanks,
Dennis
Hello Dennis,
Thank you for visiting our blog.
Yes Polar Bear is the ideal baseboard and trim molding color.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I have my living room painted Behr Elephant skin & painted my landing Behr Pier. Love it but on cloudy days it’s extremely dark. I have another gallon of Pier can it be lighted so it’s not so dark on cloudy days?
Hello there, thank you for visiting our blog!
You can take the gallon back to the Home Depot and see if they would be able to lighten it. Although there is no way to tell what will come out of it.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi. I just laid light natural hickory floors and open concept kitchen is black and white. I am looking to paint the walls white and gray. Finding the right gray is challenging. I want the gray to look like GRAY next to the white walls. I thought silver bullet but now realize it’s too blue. I don’t want anything leaning on beige…help!
Hello Angela, thank you for visiting our blog! We know grays can be a little tricky but we are here to help!
Here are a few grays that may work for you.
Chic Gray PPU26-10, Classic Silver PPU18-11, or Sonic Silver HDC-MD-26.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Need paint color suggestions for guest bath.
East facing room with 10 foot ceilings.
Bright white 12x 24 white tile on shower walls, frameless shower doors. Black vanity, marble floor.
Grays? Or white?
Hello Judy, thank you for visiting our blog!
A gray tone or white tone will work nicely.
A couple whites that I will recommend are Polar Bear 75 or Silky White PPU7-12.
A couple grays are Classic Silver PPU18-11 or Evening White N460-1.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hello, I currently have swiss cream baseboards and trying to find the right gray for my walls. Everyone I choose really shows the purple or blue undertone. Which would u recommend?
Hello Kandace, thank you for visiting our blog!
I recommend Classic Silver PPU18-12 or Sonic Silver HDC-MD-26.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
One more question, do you recommend matte or eggshell for the walls?
For bedrooms you can go with matte.
Will check out the colors you recommend. Thanks again!
Hi, It’s Noel again. I’m painting the 3 bedrooms and will be selling the house in the next 2-3 years. Don’t know if that makes a difference in what neutral colors you recommend.
Thanks again for your help!
Hello Noel, thank you for visiting our blog!
Appreciate the information!
Neutrals are great to use when you will be putting your home on the market.
I recommend the following neutral tones.
Baja PPU7-08, Wheat Bread 720C-3, Dove HDC-MD-21, or Cotton Grey HDC-NT-20.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I just purchased Behr Greige and am thinking that it’s too dark. Would a good lighter option be Whitewash Oak since the PPU color code is similar?
Hello Jessica, thank you for visiting our blog!
A lighter version would actually be Chic Gray PPU26-10.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
What undertones does Sculptor Clay have? I love this color, and I see pink, but don’t want my whole living room to look pink when I’m done.
Hello Amy, thank you for visiting our blog!
Sculptor Clay does have a warmer undertone to it which may appear beige.
We recommend purchasing an 8oz sample first to see what undertones it picks up in your living room.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Would you please recommend a light gray complement to Falcon Gray? We have Falcon Gray on kitchen cabinets and are looking for a wall color. The other red-toned grays listed above appear too tan/pink on the walls.
Hello Jessica, thank you for visiting our blog!
Here are some lighter grays that will compliment Falcon Gray.
Natural Gray PPU18-10, Halation PPU26-15, or Chic Gray PPU26-10.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I painted my living room Griege PPU 24-11. My dining room is a mustardy colored yellow and hallway up the steps is a buttercup yellow. I want to repaint the dining room another color but not sure which colors would match Griege. Can you list some spcolors in the yellow and light reddish burgundy colors?
Hello Gina! Thank you for visiting our blog!
Here are a couple yellow and red tones to go with Greige.
Mars Red PPU2-11, Pompeian Red PPU1-08, Spiced Wine PPU1-13
Filtered Moon M270-4, Royal Gold M280-4 or Lunaria M280-2
You can view these on our website in ColorSmart
https://www.behr.com/consumer/colors/paint/explore
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi, I am looking for soft warm gray for bedroom walls, my furniture is dark , I would like it to look light not dark, since it only have one window..Thank You
Hello Shana,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
We recommend the following soft warm gray tones.
Chic Gray PPU26-10, Painter’s White PPU18-08 or White Moderne PPU24-14.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
We are looking for a gray for our foyer and hallways through the house. We don’t have a lot natural light. We have tried silver bullet, flannel gray, repose gray, grey mist and we cannot find a gray that looks gray. The flannel gray has been the best actual gray so far but it seems a little too dark for the amount of space we will be using it in with not having slot of natural light.
My husband likes the silver bullet but it looks too blue to me.
Any recommendations?
Hello Nisha, Thank you for visiting our blog!
Appreciate the information! Classic Silver PPU18-11 may be a bit more neutral and not so blue in comparison to Silver Bullet.
I recommend testing Classic Silver to see if that is a better option.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I have painted my family room and hallway Behr Smokestack. I thought I would like to take this color into the master bedroom but due to lack of natural lighting it is darker than I wanted. I am not interested in a white room but more of a warm room. I would like to do an accent wall of Juniper Berries. After reading you blog on neutrals I am leaning towards Sculptor Clay or Tanglewood. Do you have any recommendations on a gray or other neutral color that might pair will with Juniper Berries and not be too white?
Hello Melissa,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Juniper Berries is a great color and would pair well with Sculptor Clay, Classic Silver PPU18-11, or Roman Plaster PPU7-10.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I am looking to paint 3 bedrooms (The Master is pretty large). I would like to paint all 3 rooms the same. Could you recommend a warm brown/grey (Greige) color please.
Thank you
Hello Karen,
Thank you for visiting our blog! Here are some great brown/gray tones for your bedroom.
Greige PPU24-11, Chic Gray PPU26-10, Downtown Gray PPU24-10.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hello,
I like the tone of the color Cotton Grey, but it is too dark for my space. Can you recommend a lighter color with similar tones? Would Cotton Knit be a good alternative?
Hello Sarah, thank you for visiting our blog!
Cotton Knit is a bit lighter and would be a great alternative!
Happy Painting!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Great article and comments. My house is lacking windows and it’s dark almost all the time ( it’s not dark only in the morning, but during the rest of the day it’s dark for me) especially with current beige walls (though it’s lighter beige) plus we have red-toned wood floors and dark wood furniture pieces. I would like to go for a modern look and brighten the rooms. I think I would prefer white with a slightly grey undertone that won’t look dark after sunset yet doesn’t have blue or purple or yellow tones. What color would you suggest?
Thank you!
Hello Inna, Thank you for visiting our Blog!
I am happy to help you brighten and lighten up your home!
White is a great choice to do so. I recommend the following white tones.
Polar Bear 75, Silky White PPU7-12, White Moderne PPU24-14.
We do offer 8oz samples which are very helpful with testing the colors.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Lots of great tips on the blog. Great job BEHR! I am trying to find the right exterior trim color to be a close color match to my grout lines. The home is dark red brick with Limestone accents on the corners and window sills. Looking for something in the greige family that would compliment brick. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hello Marie,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
A greige tone will work nicely to compliment the dark red brick.
Greige PPU24-11, True Taupewood PPU24-09, Iron Gate MQ2-60, or Perfect Taupe PPU18-13.
We do offer 8oz samples so you can test these colors first to see how you like them.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hello, we are looking at grey paints for our south facing kitchen. What is a good neutral grey for oak cabinets and white trim. Would Seagull grey work? Hoping for something with no undertone and that will brighten the room (we are in the Pacific Northwest so I don’t want the grey to mimic our cloudy skies too much 😉 Thank you!
Hello Danielle, thank you for visiting our blog!
Seagull Gray is a great choice that is a light gray tone. Another option is Painter’s White PPU18-08. We do offer 8oz samples that you can use to test on your walls and see what you most prefer.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Thinking of using “Sharkskin Suit – PPU25-04” in an office where there are flecked grey tiles on the floor with some patterned areas of flecked green and flecked terracotta colors. I don’t want to feel like the room is a battleship. What is the undertone of this particular color? and do you have any other recommendations for us to look at?
Hello Janet, thank you for visiting our blog! Sharkskin Suit is a cool gray with a subtle sage undertone. It will work well with your flooring. It is not too dark of a gray so it will not have a battleship feeling. Other suitable grays would be Classic Silver PPU18-11, or Elephant Skin PPU18-16.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hello! Our main wall color throughout the house is Behr Wheat Bread which I love. Now I am trying to find a coordinating color for our master bath. It is very small with limited natural light, so I thought we should go a bit lighter than Wheat Bread, and possibly slightly more towards gray than beige. Would Silver Drop work? Do you have any other recommendations? Thank you so much!
Hello Jennifer,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Silver Drop indeed is more gray and a tad lighter. That would be a great option for your master bath room.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Where would lunar surface fall? Is it a purple toned?
Hello Kelly, Thank you for visiting our Blog! 🙂 Lunar Surface is a cool gray with a subtle blue-green undertone.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
What undertones are in Behr’s Foggy London PPU-25-09? I’ve tried 3 pots and they all seemed to have a very blue or purplish hue. I have no windows in this bathroom and every sample looks strange. I’ve appreciated your article! Thanks?
Hello Erin, Thank you for visiting our Blog!
Foggy London does have a cool undertone that may appear blue.
Lighting does play a role in what undertones are more dominant in a color.
You could do a warm gray such as Chic Gray PPU26-10 or Classic Silver PPU18-11.
Hope this helps!
Colorfully yours,
Deanna
Hi, I have a big entranceway that is marble -white/grey with black and bronze flecks. This is up against teak wood in the living room. There is a skylight above the entranceway and plenty of windows. The walls are green/yellow everywhere, which matches the living room, but not the marble. Can you comment on whether I Should go with Chic Gray or similar?
Thanks
Hello Sandra,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Chic Gray is a great choice to go with since it is a warmer gray and it will bring out the marble. We do have 8oz samples available at the Home Depot so you can test this color out. Another great suggestion is Greige PPU24-11 which is just a tad darker. Hope this helps!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi, I’m so glad I found this! I need help! I just painted my bathroom Griege! And for some reason I cant just love it! I feel like it has a blueish tint to it, even though I read it has a orange undertone. I think its light that is coming through, making it look like that. I’m also comparing it to my other walls that I have painted wheat bread, which I love that is down the hall. I feel like I should of picked more of a taupey grey. I was thinking about switching it to sculptors clay? Can you help me? The look I’m going for is boho farmhouse. Thank you 🙂
Hello Alexis, Thank you for visiting our blog!
You could indeed do Sculptor Clay. Another option is Almond Wisp PPU5-12 or Chic Gray PPU26-10.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hello there! I have an open floor plan that I am planning on painting a light gray. My hardwood floors are a slightly warmer dark brown, and charcoal grey colored sectional. I am pretty certain that I have northern exposed lighting, so therefore all the paints I’m picking are looking icy blue or purple. Do I need to look for grays with an orange undertone to counteract the blue northern lighting? If so, can you please recommend some light gray colors?Thanks, Stacie
Hi there Stacie, we recommend trying a warm gray to avoid the coolness.
Please take a look at the following grays.
Chic Gray PPU26-10, Graycloth PPU26-09, Moth Gray N200-1 or Doeskin Gray N200-2.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Help! I have low lighting (very little natural light) and small rooms to boot and all the grays I paint on the walls pull cool blue or lavender. Do you have any suggestions for a gray that won’t do so?
Hi I need help! I want a true gray color for an extremely small bed room. I want it to look big & a color that doesn’t look depressing. I wanted to add a light gray like Seagull gray but my husband wants something a little more dark. The floors are a really dark brown & the furniture is black brown. What color do you recommend? Want color tones make a room feel bigger?
Hi there Miriam,
Keeping a lighter tone will make the room feel bigger. In this case Seagull Gray will work best for keeping the room spacious. If your husband prefers a darker color perhaps consider an accent color in the room. So for Seagull Gray you can do an accent color in Mined Coal PPU18-18.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I am painting a condo in Florida with lots of windows facing east. I’m thinking of painting the LR which is open to the kitchen) a SW alabaster or white dove shade and the kitchen cabinets a slightly deeper shade. The floors are light driftwood. My sofa is red, chairs are a greenish khaki, and there’s an oriental rug with reds/taupes. What shades do recimnend for the kitchen cabinets?
Hello,
I just painted my home exterior silver marlin with Palais white trim. The house looks pale, as silver marlin is not very dark at all. Please give me an idea of paint colors I can use to paint the garage door, front and side doors, as well as window trim . I want the house to have a nice look. Rightnow it’s too light.
Hi, I’m looking to paint my kitchen cupboards and walls. I do have beige countertops and beige backsplash with some grey in it. Should I do the cupboards darker than the walls and what undertone would I use with beige?
(Correction from previous post)
Hi! I just tried out several gray samples, all of which turned out looking BLUE! . I have a lot of windows with lots of sun to my kitchen, living room and dining. I am looking for a light neutral gray that is clean and brightens up the room..without a blue look. Any suggestions?? Thanks in advance
Hi! I just tried out several gray samples, all of which turned out looking gray . I have a lot of windows with lots of sun to my kitchen, living room and dining. I am looking for a ligh neutral gray that is clean and brightens up the room. Any suggestions?? Thanks in advance!
Hi.
I am planning on painting my open floor plan house that includes: living, family, and kitchen the color of perfect taupe or rustic taupe. There’s an adjacent hallway which is visible from all rooms. Was thinking of painting the hallway a softer shade like Ashen Tan or wheat bread. Which two color combinations should I use considering I have espresso furniture/kitchen cabinets and would be using navy blue accents as decor. Am I using the correct color combination with correct undertones? Also, daughters bedroom are painted classic silver and decorated with blue which looks very classy and clean. But I don’t know what color to choose for my master bed and bath. I want everything to flow! Please help!
Hi….I love BEHR Paint. Can you recommend a nice soft cream colored paint for bedrooms/bathroom?
Hello Amy,
Thank you for being a BEHR Fan!
Here are some great cream tones.
Delicate Lace PPU5-11, Heavy Cream PPU5-10, Bleached Linen PPU5-09 or White Veil OR-W14.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I just bought a 5 gallon bucket of “Etched Glass” and not really loving it in my kitchen, which have cinnamon cabinets and concerned with how it will look in my living room where the brick is all different shades of light tan stone work. Also, seems to be clashing with my oil rubbed bronze lighting fixtures. Where did I go wrong? Do you have any recommendations to fix the 5 gallon to a shade of grey that will compliment what I the cabinets, fireplace stonework and lighting fixtures? Thank you for your help!
Great article! Undertones are so important and very difficult to see in a paint chip. My roof shingles (Owens Corning SAND DUNE) have blue gray flecks in them. I would like my two story house to be a medium tone gray and am considering painting it Pencil Sketch N500-4. My trim and vinyl windows are white. Do you have any other suggestions for blue grays? Also, what front door color would pop?
Thanks so much!
I have dark paneled walls, which I will Kiltz over and want to select paint in the Behr, Marqueise since it requires 1 coat only. I have a charcoal gray sectional sofa and gray distressed end and TV tables. I have white back ground curtains with light blue, navy blue and gray paint strokes. Have a red brick wall and want to paint same color we select for walls. Hope to put down a rug in nuetral tones, right now it is a red brick faux floor. The room does not get a lot of sunlight. Can you please suggest some colors for wall paint , as well as trim paint?
Hi, Am having to paint my foyer, and my great room or living room and dining room. The walls are cathedral ceiling and the floor is gun stock oak.
I have long rust/brunt orange curtains hanging on the sides of the walls.
Am looking for a nice grey for the entrance to this large room with tall walls 20″ on 3 sides along with the dining room.
Additionally i need a nice color for the kitchen ( it used to be some orange to go with my curtains). Cabinets are maple. I dont mind doing another fresh orange… but need you to recommend a grey for the living/family room and orange for kitchen
What color undertone does anonymous have? It sometime looks warm and then sometime it looks cool to me. Please help me figure it out. I love it but want to keep the same theme going in my home. Your guidance is appreciated.
I would like to paint out entire first floor a grey. I have a blue undertone right now and love it. But I would like a warmer gray. I don’t mind if it looks a little different color in different rooms. Tons of natural light and high ceilings. Any suggestions?
Hi there Ruth, if you are in search for a warmer gray we recommend the following tones.
Chic Gray PPU26-10, Graycloth PPU26-09, Moth Gray N200-1 or Doeskin Gray N200-2.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I am so glad to find this site. I have tried subtle touch, silver bullet, planetary silver, planetarium, and sterling. At night they look great but during the day they look bluish/purplish. So I tried dolphin fin and toasty gray and they look too yellowish, dolphin not as much. We have such different lighting, any suggestions? Our couch is charcoal and our end tables are a farmhouse warm wood with hints of cool colors.
Hello! I am looking to paint our great room, and both adjoining hallways an inviting grey neutral. Currently, the great room is a medium green and the hallway is a rather dark shade of brown – we painted neither of them. The hallways especially feel very dark and closed in. One gets no natural light unless the office door is open, and the entry has only the transom and small door window. We get morning and midday sun in the great room from the slider and windows. We have dark brown, beige, gray, wheat, and rust/red colors in our upholstery/curtains/accessories. I would like to temper the wheat & beiges, but add in a little blues. I’m looking for a soft gray that has green/blue undertones, that will lighten up the house, but still keep in feeling cozy and inviting. I realize I’m looking for a unicorn right now, but thought you could point me in the right direction. Thanks for any help you can give!
Hi Quinn!
I have very warm tile floors and after learning the hard way (initially chose planetary silver which looked great in a smaller room, but was too “blue” in the main open area of the house) have chosen Chic Gray as the color for most of my walls. It looks like the only recommended color “white” for trim/baseboards would be Mourning Dove and/or White Veil. I was hoping for a brighter white color for my baseboards/doors, but want something that doesn’t clash with the Chic Gray and warm tiles. If I SHOULD go with one of those colors that’s OK!! I need an honest opinion!!! I would like to paint the stairway and upstairs a light color, but it needs to look nice with the Chic Gray. What light colors would you recommend?
Also, do you think Chic Gray was a good choice for warm tiles?
I have a eat-in kitchen, no dining room. I want to paint my lower cabinets a grey blue (upper cabinets are white) and paint the walls a cranberry red. I have grey speckled Formica countertops, white bead board backsplash and white appliances. The cranberry red would only show above the cabinets and on the walls of the dining end of the kitchen. I’ve used Behr products in the past and like them. Can you suggest a grey for the cabinets and cranberry color for my walls?
I am painting my master bedroom. I want a very pale gray paint and I am going to use white trim. The carpet in the room will be Shaw 00930 Spring in Kyoto . Would you please recommend a paint color and trim to go with this color carpet? My bedroom furniture is dark brown, with a poster bed. The master bath floor is taupe flooring with taupe granite with white marble accents. Can you please recommend some paint colors? Thank you
Hi! What are the undertones of flannel gray and silver bullet? I like them, but am worried my husband will think they look blue. We’re painting our kitchen cabinets. Black granite, stainless steel appliances, medium dark wood floors and white walls. Is there a way to use one of these colors, but tone the “coolness” down a bit? 🙂
Hey Angie,
He’s right, those colors have a blue-violet undertone. But, that doesn’t mean they won’t work in your space. I suggest you grab those paint chips along with Planetary Silver N460-2, Silver Marlin N360-2 and Toasty gray N320-2 to view in your room. Silver Marlin and Toasty gray are warm grays, the others cool. See how the colors look with your existing elements and color palette before committing. That way you will know which gray tone works best in the space.
I am painting a mid-century rental with nice space, high ceilings, maple hardwood floors but the old “orange varnish” doors and baseboards, which I dislike but am not allowed to touch.The orientation is east-west. I cannot try out the paint in advance despite your good advice. The proprietor only wants Behr paint – no problem there! I’d like a warm grey throughout but something that will “enhance” or at least not clash with all the hardwood and varnish. What do you recommend?
Hey Carole,
We suggest a warm toned gray such as Sculptor Clay PPU5-8, Sandstorm N310-3, Toasty Gray N320-2, or Silver City MQ2-59.
I’m painting a bedroom I’m thinking about the color anonymous. What is the under tone? What are your thoughts on this paint color? Thanks!
Hello Eric,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Anonymous is a great choice! it is a gray with a cool undertone to it.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I have medium warm gray shower tiles in my small bathroom with no natural light. The floors are a slightly lighter “watercoIor” warm gray. I want to paint the walls in a very light warm grey color. What do you suggest? The color Greige blended well with the tile but it is too dark. What would be a few shades lighter with the same undertone?
Hello Melissa,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
We will recommend the following gray tones – White Moderne PPU24-14, Evening White N460-1 or Moth Gray N200-1.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
We have a great room with tall ceilings,and painting Silver Bullet in the kitchen above our very very white cabinets,black appliances,black and white countertop ..Want to continue to paint the living room and dining room..What colors are super modern and clean to go with Silver Bullet? Our frontroom has a gray sectional couch and modern fireplace…afraid of more gray in the room..looking for a modern and clean look..ideas?? Does more gray look Good? White colors? Confused
Hello Tama,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
You cold carry on a darker version of the Silver Bullet into the dining room that is Flannel Gray N520-3 and paint the front room in a white such as White Moderne PPU24-14. This will also a good flow throughout your home.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hello, i painted two bedrooms with sharkskin suit and hailstorm grey. i like the sharksuit …it looks grayish blue. Do you think Graceful Gray would be a complementary whole house color for LR, den and hallways? Planning to use wheat btead in laundry and bathrooms and smokestack in master bedroom. Thoughts, recommendations on the color scheme?? Thank you in advance!
Hello Rachel,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Graceful Gray will work in your home. Although it does not have blue tone to it like Sharkskin Suit. If you would prefer more of a cooler gray then I will recommend Planetary Silver N460-2 or Classic Silver PPU18-11.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi Quinn!
I’m dead set on painting my master bathroom Graylac. Do you have any suggestions for a coordinating bedroom color? My floor in bedroom is a dark wood almost black. Thank you for your feedback and I love this post!
Hi Jessie!,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
We will recommend the following colors for your bedroom to coordinate. 🙂
Silver Bullet N520-2, Flannel Gray N520-3, White City N140-1 or Roman Plaster PPU7-10.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi Deanna! Hopin you can help me. I’m looking for gray paint for my living room, dining room and second floor hallway which connects to the dining room so perhaps the dining room and second floor hallway should be the same or close colors? The issue I’m having is my I have dark accent furnitures when we painted the house to resemble old Italy feel and now we want modern farmhouse but warm, not muddy paint. My dining room furniture is dark wood, with dark wood blinds and gold curtains – this room will flow into the staircase for the second floor hallway. My living room has brown microfiber sofas,dark wood blinds, and wine curtains. No trim on the ceilings and the living room floor is covered with a Persian rug which has wine, light blue and gray in the design. The dining room floor is white tiles and the stairs and second floor hallway is dark wood floors. the samples I’ve painted on the wall are either too cool, muddy or do not complement my warm accents and furniture. Please help!!!!
Hello Emily I will be happy to help! 🙂
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Yes you can indeed do the dining room and second hallway in the same color. So you would need two coordinating grays. One being for living room and other dining/hall.
Greige PPU24-11/Chic Gray PPU26-10
Graycloth PPU26-09/Smokey Wings PPU26-07
Halation PPU26-15/Elemental Gray PPU26-06
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Wow. Wish I had this blog before posting my entire interior burnished clay. I have one room that this color actually looks grey but in every other room it has a mauve/purple look in certain lighting.
I am ready to redo and want a grey/white color that does not have a mauve or blue look in certain lighting. I just want it to look white with hints of grey. My house is a one story, in the woods and it looks dark all the time. So I want a color that will brighten the entire house but not be stark white. I’ve tested just about every brand and color and cannot get past the blue tones and mauve tones. Any recommendations on a color that will work with my grey laminate and tile floors with acorn colored wood furnishings? Going for mid century modern which tends to be white walls most of the time.
Hello Jenni,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Sorry about that, under certain lighting it could appear as a mauve. We will recommend the following colors white-grays to brighten. White Moderne PPU24-14, Painter’s White PPU18-08, Seagull Gray N360-1.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
This is so helpful! My husband and I just started looking at samples for our living room/front room. We did some samples of Tin Foil, Pencil Sketch, and Dark Pewter on different walls but they’re all too close in shade to our blue toned furniture we have– now I know why! What gray would you suggest we use so we still have that gray look but it’s not so matchy matchy with our furniture?
Hello Alexa,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Those grays have a blue tone to them so perhaps a gray that is not so blue such as Lunar Surface N460-3, Chic Gray PPU26-10, Silver Marlin N360-2, Classic Silver PPU18-11, Greige PPU24-11.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Thank you Deanna,
I have applied sample colors and am happy with the look.I understand about the light at different times of the day. We have a room painted a light shade of gray, on cloudy days or later in the day the color appears to be blue.
You are very welcome Mary Lou 🙂
I have warm sage green walls with organey oak wood trim. I want to paint my kitchen cabinets a gray (preferably lite). What color gray would work best.
Hello Tami,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
We will recommend the following grays – Classic Silver PPU18-11, Silver Marlin N360-2, Still Gray N360-3, Lunar Surface N460-2, Chic Gray PPU26-10.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
My husband &I always use Behr paint inside. I would like to know if Siberian Ice and Treasure Map are compatible colors. I am going to use Treasure Map in the kitchen area and Siberian Ice in the larger portion of this open floor pan.
Thank you for your advice.
Hello Mary Lou,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Those two colors work perfectly and harmoniously together. 🙂
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi ! What color is the front door on this page? Thank you, Felice
Hello Felice,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Are you referring to the small icon to the right of the web page?
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Great information, thanks! I am searching for a neutral that will complement the existing soft, buttery yellow walls throughout my home. It feels like a cool yellow not warm. You can see the room I want to paint from the yellow entryway so I want them to flow. If I could describe the color I want it’d be light, gray brown taupe, with no pink undertones. I think the yellow and pink undertones would clash. Can you recommend a color family or undertone or paint colors that would work? Thanks!
Hello Lida,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
We will recommend the following gray/brown taupe to flow with your existing soft yellow.
Almond Wisp PPU5-12, Spun Wool N220-1, Ashen Tan N220-2, Chic Gray PPU26-10.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi Deanna,
I am trying to find the perfect gray for my bedroom. We have dark brown (espresso) furniture and the trim of the room is white. I don’t want to go too light or too dark but I want it to be calming. We have 2 large windows for natural light and the room is not that big. Any suggestions? Also, I am looking for a gray to paint the walls in our coming soon baby boy’s nursery. The décor will be red, white & navy baseball theme and the crib and furniture are dark brown (espresso) color. Any suggestions for that too? Also, would like a calming gray but not too dark as the room is on the small side. Thank you for having this blog and taking questions!
Hi Cara! Thank you for your interest in BEHR paint! 🙂
Here are some calming grays that you can choose from for your bedroom and nursery.
Classic Silver PPU18-11, Evening White N460-1, Seagull Gray N360-1, Silver Marlin N360-2, Sonic Silver HDC-MD-26 or Planetary Silver N460-2.
Any of those will coordinate in your room and also the nursery.
Congratulations and Happy Painting! 🙂
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Thank you so much for this article. After reading it, we used Burnished Clay to coordinate with warm gray furniture and accents of burgundy and rose pink. The red undertones in the Burnished Clay paint are perfect! The paint has hints of warmth that blend beautifully! Thank you for teaching me how to finally pick out the right shade of paint!
Hi Judi!
You are very welcome, thank you so much for being a Behr fan! 🙂 We are always here to help with Color Advice!
Happy Painting!
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
looking for a grey with purple undertones, is this a warm colour of gray?
Hi Sue, Thank you for your interest in Behr paint! a purple toned gray will be more on the warm side.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
This article has been very useful, thank you. What color undertone does Toasty Gray N320-2 have?
Hi Tasha,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR paint!
Toasty Gray has a green tone to it.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Could you please tell me what the undertone of Evening white is? I’m looking for a light grey to brighten my house that doesn’t have and blue or purple undertones.
Hello Madison,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Evening White may have a cool undertone with a hint of blue depending on lighting and such. You can get an 8oz sample to see how it appears on your wall. Other grays you can test are Moth Gray N200-1, White Moderne PPU24-14.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
It looks like I’m not alone in getting a blue/purple when trying to find a neutral. My room is open floor plan with kitchen, dining, and family room. The walls are currently gold which i want to brighten up to a nice neutral. The Kitchen cabinets and baseboards are painted Navaho White which I want to keep. Floors are Bruce oak hardwood stained in gunstock, which has a lot of gold and red tones (I think). I have an area rug with sage green and burgundy in the family room along with a brown couch with burgundy in the print, also a brown leather chair. There is also black accents in the room, including a console and black dining chairs. I had painted SW Shitake (which supposedly has taupe undertones) but stopped, as it looks like a purple and clashes with the Navaho White baseboards as well as the yellow sage green in my area rug. I am looking for a nice neutral in Behr. Not a grey, but something warmer, but not a beigy pink either. My room has medium light, and often leans more on the dark side. Any recommenation would be greatly appreciated’
Hello Laura,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Also thank you for the great information it is very helpful to envision what you want.
Here are some neutral tones that will coordinate – Roman Plaster PPU7-10, Baja PPU7-08, Cotton Knit PPU7-11, Vintage Linen PPU7-16, or Casual Khaki N300-3.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Is there a grey suitable for a north facing bedroom?
Hi Cat,
Thank you for visiting our blog! 🙂
North facing rooms can often be cooler and lighter colors may appear more subdued.
Here are some recommendations of grays you can sample on your wall. Classic Silver PPU18-11, Sonic Silver HDC-MD-26, Chic Gray PPU26-10, Silver Marlin N360-2.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi! I have painted my entire home graceful gray and I am ready to paint the kitchen cabinets. Our countertops are eternal calacatta gold by silestone. Our backsplash is a crackled pewter arabesque design. I want the cabinets to be light but not quite white so I was looking at Spun wool. Does that play well with Graceful Gray? Any other recommendations?
Hi Erica,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Spun Wool pairs very nicely with Graceful Gray. As well as Moth Gray N200-1, Chic Gray PPU26-10.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I’m looking to paint my living room a shade of gray. Decor is brown/beige tones, Any suggestions?
Great read by the way
Hello Julissa,
Thank you for visiting our Blog!
Here are some great shades of gray for your living room – Doeskin Gray N200-2, Graceful Gray PPU18-12, Graycloth PPU26-09 or Chic Gray PPU26-10.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I’m looking to paint my living room white with gray undertone. I’ve tried different samples and they look purple or blue. My living room faces West and there is not much natural ligh, especially during the morning. I have a teal colored TV stand and wood floors with a variety of shades of brown. I’ve spent time and money looking por the perfect white/light gray and I am overwhelmed. Any suggestions?
Hello K,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Sorry about that! We will recommend the following white/grays: White Moderne PPU24-14, Painter’s White PPU18-08, or Silver Polish BL-W13.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I have a room which hardly gets any natural light. It does, however have open ceiling. There is lots of red oak trim. Presently the paint color is appearing too dark in the room most likely due to not enough natural light. What gray paint color could I use to brighten up the room without it looking purple or blue?
Hello Tonia,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
We will recommend the following gray hues – Classic Silver PPU18-11, Evening White N460-1, Seagull Gray N360-1, or Silver Marlin N360-2.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi – I have recently selected Silver Bullet for my home, Can you recommend accent colors that can go with silver bullet? it’s just for the fireplace wall, can Pencil Sketch be an option?
Hello SG,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Yes Pencil Sketch can definitely be an option. As well as Iron Mountain N520-5, or Charcoal Blue N490-5.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I love Drizzle – PPU2614. I bought a charcoal grey couch. What color would be good to accessorize? In the yellow/gold family or the blue family? Thanks!
Hello there Hilary,
Thank you for visiting our blog! 🙂
Either color for your accessories will work perfectly. If you want to add some warmth then go with the yellow/gold. If you want the mood to be calming and relaxing then blue tones will coordinate.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hello! I have sampled Chic Grey and had the darkness reduced down by about 50%. What undertone does this grey have? I am trying to pair a nice neutral grey with my accent wall which is painted with Binary Star. Want to make sure I avoid a lavender looking wall. Thanks!
Hello Joy,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Chic Gray has a beige undertone to it.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Glad I found this article before I painted – but I am currently about 8 paint samples in and I’ve tried them on my wall. My great room flows into my kitchen with an open floor plan. I have greys in my kitchen, and creams and blue in my Great Room. Some of the greys looked really dark and I don’t want them too dark because my home is already overcast since I don’t get much sun. I have a lot of windows, but the sun hits the back of my house which is where the kitchen and great room are. Even with all of the lights on during the day, the home still has a slight darkness to it. Which grey would most complement kitchen/great room area? Thanks
Hello Millison,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
We will recommend the following grays – Chic Gray PPU26-10, Seagull Gray N360-1, Silver Marlin N360-2, Sonic Silver HDC-MD-26, White Moderne PPU24-14.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I’m having a difficult time finding a white to go with gray that isn’t too bright but doesn’t look dirty either. We are going back and forth between antique tin and legendary gray though I’d love a suggestion for a more pure gray with less undertones. Thank you for any suggestions!
Hello Trish,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
We will recommend Polar Bear 75, Silky White PPU7-12, or Swiss Coffee 12. I will more so recommend Legendary Gray PPU26-03 since Antique Tin has a blue metal undertone. Other recommendations include – Cosmic Quest N460-4, Chic Gray PPU26-10, or Sonic Silver HDC-MD-26.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Very helpful article! I use Behr paint exclusively in my home.
Thank you for being a BEHR Fan Nancy! 🙂
Happy Painting!
Great article! Can you suggest a light gray exterior paint color for a 2-story shake shingle home in sunny coastal San Diego? It’s been hard to find a color that’s not too icy or too tan…what undertone family should I be looking into?
Thank you!
Hi Natalie,
We will recommend the following grays to coordinate – Lunar Surface N460-3, Cosmic Quest N460-4, Graycloth PPU2609 or Chic Gray PPU26-10.
I found some options that are in between, hope one of these work!
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hello,
What wall color do you recommend if I have cool gray tone hardwood floor’s and beige couches. I painted the living room and antique white and didn’t know that undertone was yellow! Help please!
Hello Jenna,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
We will recommend the following tones – Spun Wool N220-1, Seagull Gray N360-1, White Moderne PPU24-14, Ashen Tan N220-2 or Cotton Knit PPU7-11.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi! I found what I think is a light gray gray – not blue, purple or green. It’s Chic gray. I love it, but my husband thinks it’s too dark after we put samples on each wall. What would you call it? And do you think it has an undertone? Thanks!
Hi Hilary,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
Chic Gray is a neutral gray, under certain lighting it may have a beige undertone.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I recently spent a bit of time looking for the perfect gray. Rolling Pebble was represented on Behr’s website as gray. I got a free sample at a store and it is totally green. Confused!
Hello,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR Products!
Rolling Pebble does have a green undertone. The colors online are not the truest representation. Please read below.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully yours,
Deanna
Hello L,
Truly Sorry about that, Rolling Pebble is not a gray. It is a brown with a deep green undertone.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
I’m looking to paint our new home a transitional shade of gray. Fire place is red brick, decor is brown/beige tones, but bedroom is white furniture with gray accents. Was thinking greige but worried the orange undertones will clash with the reds. Any suggestions?
Hello Krys,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR Products!
Orange/Red will not clash as they are warm tones so they will flow.
Here are some grays that will flow – Graceful Gray PPU18-12, Classic Silver PPU18-11, Greige PPU24-11 or Ashen Tan N220-2.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I was looking for a true soft gray color for a bedroom. Store rep recommended white metal which looks too blue on the walls. I also purchased a sample of silver bullet which looks purple. can you please recommend a soft natural gray with minimal undertones.
Hello Mary,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR Products!
We will recommend the following grays with subtle undertones Classic Silver PPU18-11, Sonic Silver HDC-MD-26 or Silver Marlin N360-2.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna T.
Could you please tell me what the undertone of Doeskin Gray N200-2 is? I’m wanting to use it with Hilo Bay PPU15-09 and want to know if they share undertones/temperature. To my eye the samples looked good by each other but on a larger scale that’s harder to tell.
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR Products!
Doeskin Gray has a warm brown undertone therefore they will coordinate with one another.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully yours,
Deanna
Hi
I would appreciate your suggestions on a Greige paint for the walls of a small “Coach House ” 16 ‘ X 24′ but the space included a bath, kitchen, and large open living area that is multipurpose TV, dining, cabinet Murphy bed. The structure is being built. For the kitchen cabinets I have chosen Diamond in Cloud.
It is important to note that this is in FL on a small lake and has on the back wall an 8 foot sliding glass door and on the side 6’ sliding glass. door, with cathedral ceiling. I was thinking I might be safe going with a darker Gray but I’m very unsure.
Thanks so very much
Hello Sharon,
Thank you for visiting our blog!
We will recommend the following greige colors – Chic Gray PPU26-10, Smokestack N220-3, Ashen Tan N220-2, Greige PPU24-11.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Can you please tell me which undertones are in Baja? I recently bought it to paint most of my hallways and open plan rooms.
Hi Gina,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR Products!
Baja has beige yellow or a green undertone depending on lighting.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Could you please tell me what under tones are in fast as the wind. I’ve tried so many samples….but so far they’ve been blue and lavender! Or can you recommend a color? I painted a blue gray in my guest bath and love it but I don’t want it for my main floor which is an open floor plan. If I didn’t paint stripes on my walls I wouldn’t paint at all! Lol Thank you!
Hello I have a small home and I would like to make it look bigger! Right now it’s a yellow gold color in the entry hall, kitchen, dining room, and living room! And when you are in the living room I have a small hallway on both sides that you can see. They are both a deep red right now! I want to paint the whole house a light grey color, my trim is white! I don’t like the blue and green under tones that I’ve sampled so far in the sliver bulet and one other gray color! I just can’t find the gray I’m looking for! My cabinets are oak and my floors are dark also! Please helpThank you!
Hello Amy,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR Products!
We will recommend the following gray tones – White Moderne PPU24-14, Close Knit T17-01, Chic Gray PPU26-10, Evening White N460-1 or Seagull Gray N360-1.
Due to differences in monitors and technical factors, the colors here cannot be represented with
their true qualities. These color samples should only be considered a guide. Please refer to actual swatches for true color. We strongly recommend beginning with an 8 oz. sample container of the color you choose and apply it to a small area on your wall to ensure your satisfaction with the color choice. It is always a good idea to see how the light and ambient conditions affect the color at different points in the day.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
what darker blue-toned grays are good for exterior of a 2 story colonial house?
Hello Nadine,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR Paint!
Here are some perfect blue-toned grays – Antique Tin PPU18-03, Dark Pewter PPU18-04, Intergalactic N450-5, Charcoal Blue N490-5 or Moonquake N450-4.
Also we offer 8oz samples for purchase so you can test these marvelous shades of gray on your walls prior to making a big purchase.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Hi! I love the light greige walls with white trim. I’m trying to paint a tall room with large windows (lots of light) this modern “farmhouse” color. The problem is the current walls are light mustard yellow (90’s) BM revere pewter looks really silver, SW perfect greige looks eggplant.
Would I go with a yellow base grey? Which of your paints would you recommend? Thanks!
Hello KE,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR Paint!
We will recommend the following light greige hues – Ashen Tan N220-2, Spun Wool N220-1, Greige PPU24-11, or Moth Gray N200-1.
Also we offer 8oz samples for purchase so you can test these marvelous shades of gray on your walls prior to making a big purchase.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Have blue tinted windows and a lot of natural light. What undertone would you suggest for a nice true light gray?
Hi Monta,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR Paint!
We will recommend the following light grays.
Evening White N460-1, Seagull Gray N360-1, Drizzle PPU26-14, Silent White PPU26-13.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
How can I tell which grays are yellow toned, or blue toned, etc? Is there something about the numbering system, or some other way, besides being able to see the undertone with your own eyes? Because I have the equivalent of tone deafness with respect to color. 🙂
Hi Mary,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR Paint!
The cooler blue/purple/green toned grays will be throughout N320 to N570.
The warmer red/yellow/brown toned grays will be from N200 to N310.
If there is a certain gray you are having a hard time deciphering the undertone please let us know and we will be happy to help.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
What a great question and answer!
I have a deep red dining room that I want to leave. I want to paint the room adjoining a grey. As well as the kitchen and family room a shade of grey. What colors would flow well with red? Thank you!!
Hi Donna,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR Paint!
Here are some shades of gray that will work with a deep red.
Ashen Tan N220-2,Doeskin Gray N200-2, Graceful Gray PPU18-12, Classic Silver PPU18-11, Sonic Silver HDC-MD-26, or Nightingale Gray N200-3.
Also we offer 8oz samples for purchase so you can test these marvelous shades of gray on your walls prior to making a big purchase.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
So if I have a home with blue toned gray exterior paint and white trim, what door color do you recommend??
Hi Anne,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR Paint!
We will recommend the following colors for your front door.
Precious Stone M470-6, Royal Gold M280-4, Valley of Glaciers M480-6, Amiable Orange M230-6, or Antique Tin PPU18-03.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
Please help! I have very old oak flooring throughout my home, which of course has yellowed a lot! I would like to paint hallways a soft grey perhaps, so would i use a yellow based grey? or stick to a cooler blue based grey? What do you recommend? thank you.
Hi Harriet,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR Paint!
Either color gray will work nicely.
Here are some recommendations that will coordinate.
Planetary Silver N460-2, Evening White N460-1, Seagull Gray N360-1, Evaporation N450-1, or Toasty Gray N320-2.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
This was a very informative read. I’m looking to paint my master bedroom in the next few months a shade of grey. I haven’t even began to research yet, so I’m happy I found this. Hopefully it won’t be too overwhelming when the time comes. Thank you.
A most excellent and totally helpful tutorial on grays. I love gray paint. They are complex but when you nail it, you’ll know it! I went through the process many times and it’s def all about the undertones. When you have that “ah-ha moment” do the dance baby!!
Hello,
I painted a couple of walls in my 2 story great room with Natural Gray (before finding this page) and testing it on 2 walls. Of course it looks light purple on one of the smallest wall that I didn’t test and of course I bought a 5 gallon bucket. Any suggestions? I want to lighten up my great room and have tried at least 10 different samples. I have tried BM revere pewter (too yellow), behr graceful gray, greige and classic silver, glidden pebble beach to name a few!
Traci,
Thank you for your interest in Behr Paint!
An option could be taking it to the Home Depot so they can see what to add in order to make is less purple. It is only appearing purple on that wall perhaps that wall can be a different color in an accent hue and remaining walls can be in the Natural Gray.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
I am painting my kitchen cabinets in Sweet As Honey. They are appliqued on the front with grape vines and the look is kinda country french/victorian vintage. The countertops are slate formica with rope edge trim. Backsplash is white subway tiles with black grout and black rope edge trim. White appliances. The kitchen is open to the family room, which has buttery yellow and oxblood upholstered furniture. The space measures 18′ x 22′.
White for the walls is way too bright. Im looking for a gray green or green gray, whichever you might suggest. I want it to be soft and vintage. Morning light is plentiful, not so much in the aftrernoon. I tend toward warm colors, cooler tones are visually offensive although i love them for other people.
Thank you so much in advance for your suggestions! I love Behr, it is the only paint I ever use☺️
Kathryn,
Thank you for your interest in BEHR paint!
A gray green or green gray will work perfectly. Here are some recommendations that will work nicely with your kitchen furnishings – Light Year N370-3, Eon N370-2, Heath Gray N380-2, Foggy London PPU25-09 or Soft Secret PPU25-10.
Colorfully Yours,
Deanna
What is the color on the walls used in your example?
Hi Tina,
The wall color featured in the example is Silver City MQ2-59.