Color Guide: How to Work With Light Gray
The hottest new neutral can be cool or warm, formal or casual, and feminine or masculine. Talk about versatile
Light gray is this decade's trendiest neutral. It has replaced beige as the wall color of choice. (I actually don't know if this is true in a statistical sense, but it sure feels like it.)
A true neutral gray is a mixture of black and white, but we hardly ever see a true neutral gray. What we see are infinite shades of warm and cool grays. Warm grays have yellow or brown undertones. Cool grays have a blue undertone. The ubiquitous "greige" is a very warm gray that can look almost beige.
Cool or blue grays tend to have a very crisp, almost icy look to them. They are wonderful with bright whites in formal rooms and with blues and beiges. You can treat them almost like a light blue. Warm or yellow grays are complemented by creamy whites and warm colors like yellows, pinks and natural woods.
But, of course, there are no fast rues. A cool gray can be the perfect way to offset wood, and you are more than welcome to mix a warm gray with blues.
These examples show a variety of mash-ups that work and illustrate the beauty and versatility of the color.
A true neutral gray is a mixture of black and white, but we hardly ever see a true neutral gray. What we see are infinite shades of warm and cool grays. Warm grays have yellow or brown undertones. Cool grays have a blue undertone. The ubiquitous "greige" is a very warm gray that can look almost beige.
Cool or blue grays tend to have a very crisp, almost icy look to them. They are wonderful with bright whites in formal rooms and with blues and beiges. You can treat them almost like a light blue. Warm or yellow grays are complemented by creamy whites and warm colors like yellows, pinks and natural woods.
But, of course, there are no fast rues. A cool gray can be the perfect way to offset wood, and you are more than welcome to mix a warm gray with blues.
These examples show a variety of mash-ups that work and illustrate the beauty and versatility of the color.
This cool gray accent wall in a big, modern room works because all the wood warms it up.
This domed ceiling in a cool light gray (with hand-painted embellishments) gives this elegant room a dreamy quality.
This pinkish gray is in the greige family. Dove Tale by Farrow & Ball; it's modern but welcoming and cozy too.
A very blue gray (Benjamin Moore's Glass Slipper) helps bridge the gap between the traditional elements in this room and the modern windows. The dollops of color relax it and give it warmth.
A very pale cool gray is a soothing background for a simple, modern nursery.
A pale blue-gray on the walls and a darker warm gray behind the open shelving help give this modern farmhouse dining room its eclectic vibe.
This silvery gray wall covering sure looks like Maya Romanoff‘s Mother of Pearl collection.
Find a local painter to transform your walls
Find a local painter to transform your walls
Decorating With Light Gray
Variations in gray. A light gray bookshelf and desk against a slightly lighter gray on the walls. It all adds up to a sophisticated and soothing space.
Variations in gray. A light gray bookshelf and desk against a slightly lighter gray on the walls. It all adds up to a sophisticated and soothing space.
Gray leather upholstery is such a nice change from the more usual black, white or brown. And it goes with anything. This chesterfield-style sofa would be at home in a traditional, modern or eclectic room.
Here's the ethereal gray and white combo I was talking about earlier. Just like sleeping in a cloud.
This oversize tufted headboard give this room a regal and commanding presence, but the soft gray keeps it welcoming and comforting.
Light Gray to Set Off Color
First, these textured plaster walls are just too gorgeous to be true. Second, gray sets off bright pops of color as well as bright white. Wow, now that's magenta.
First, these textured plaster walls are just too gorgeous to be true. Second, gray sets off bright pops of color as well as bright white. Wow, now that's magenta.
These bright turquoise chairs are set off beautifully by these cool blue-gray walls.
Shop for turquoise chairs on Houzz
Shop for turquoise chairs on Houzz
In a wonderfully eclectic room, lots of ethnic pattern and color are balanced by the crisp gray walls and white trim.
Sunshine yellow and light gray are a match made in heaven. Just think sunshine and rain clouds.
Light Gray in the Kitchen
Light gray sets off the texture in marble and goes well with stainless appliances. But look for a warm shade to avoid the laboratory look.
Light gray sets off the texture in marble and goes well with stainless appliances. But look for a warm shade to avoid the laboratory look.
Light gray Shaker-style cabinets are a great way to modernize a traditional look.
This very warm greige on the upper cabinets gives this kitchen a cozy farmhouse look but is still crisp and modern.
This weathered wood wall adds texture and a hit of nature to a stark white space.
Light Gray Exteriors
A light gray Craftsman home with white, charcoal and red accents.
Contact a local siding and exterior expert
A light gray Craftsman home with white, charcoal and red accents.
Contact a local siding and exterior expert
Light gray is the traditional color of Cape Cod–style houses.
Light gray on a colonial-style home.
This very warm Copley Gray has an earthiness that looks great with wood.
Light French Gray Paint
A true light gray. This will appear much darker on the walls. As with any paint, make sure you test the color on the walls before buying.
Tranquility, in Benjamin Moore's Affinity palette, sets off the white trim and wainscoting in this feminine and traditional room. Bright white and light gray often have a sort of ethereal and romantic look together.