The 10 Best Blue Gray Paint Colors to Make Your Walls Pop

I can’t believe it has taken me this long to write this post. I did an extensive blue gray paint color search last year when I was painting my combined living room/dining room

(We’ll talk about this paint color above later. This room looks different right now from this picture but the walls look the same!)

Blue-gray paint colors have been increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a versatile and sophisticated look that works well in a variety of spaces.

But with so many blue-gray paint colors to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for your home. And I know this first hand.

That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the 10 (ok maybe 12) best blue-gray paint colors that should catch your attention.

From light and airy to deep and moody, these colors are perfect for any room in your home.

So, whether you’re looking to create a serene bedroom or a cozy living room, these paint colors are a great place to start.

The Top 10 Best Blue Gray Paint Colors

Blue gray paint colors have become increasingly popular in interior design, and for good reason. They are calming, versatile, and sophisticated, making them a great choice for any room in the house.

Here are the top 10 (or 12) best blue gray paint colors to consider for your next project.

1. Sherwin Williams North Star

 

 

Sherwin Williams North Star is a beautiful light blue gray with green undertones. It’s a perfect choice for a coastal-inspired bedroom or bathroom. Designers love it for its soothing effect and versatility.

2. Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray

 

Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray is a medium blue gray with gray undertones  (and I believe it has a cult following). It’s a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms because it pairs well with both warm and cool accent colors.

3. Behr Silver Strand

Behr Silver Strand is a light blue gray with a touch of green. It’s a neutral color that works well in any room. Its light reflectance value (LRV) of 69 makes it a great choice for rooms with limited natural light.

(PS…If you know me, you know I love Behr Paint)

4. Sherwin Williams Misty

Sherwin Williams Misty is a cool-toned blue gray with gray undertones. It’s a popular choice for bedrooms because of its calming effect. It pairs well with both warm and cool accent colors.

5. Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

 

Now this paint color has a real cult following. I almost painted my office this color but decided on Hague Blue by Farrow and Ball (color matched at Behr)

Technically I should add Hague Blue to this list but I’ll just group it with Hale Navy. I did write a whole blog post on Hague Blue if you are really bored.

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy is a deep blue gray with blue undertones. It’s a bold choice for an accent wall or front door. It pairs well with lighter blue gray paint colors like Benjamin Moore Silver Gray.

6. Benjamin Moore Silver Gray

Benjamin Moore Silver Gray is a light blue gray with gray undertones. It’s a popular choice for bathrooms because of its calming effect. It pairs well with warmer accent colors like pink and peach.

7. Sherwin Williams Santorini

Sherwin Williams Santorini is a medium blue gray with a touch of green. It’s a popular choice for kitchens and living rooms because it pairs well with both warm and cool accent colors.

8. Benjamin Moore Gentle Gray

Benjamin Moore Gentle Gray is a light blue gray with gray undertones. It’s a neutral color that works well in any room. Its LRV of 68 makes it a great choice for rooms with limited natural light.

9. Benjamin Moore Arctic Gray

 

Benjamin Moore Arctic Gray is a light blue gray with a touch of green. It’s a popular choice for bedrooms and bathrooms because of its calming effect. It pairs well with both warm and cool accent colors.

10. Benjamin Moore Gray Wisp

Benjamin Moore Gray Wisp is a light blue gray with a touch of green. It’s a popular choice for bathrooms and bedrooms because of its calming effect. Its LRV of 68 makes it a great choice for rooms with limited natural light.

11. Light Blue Farrow and Ball

 

12. Wedgewood Gray Benjamin Moore

 

 

Choosing the Right Blue Gray Paint Color

When choosing the best blue gray paint color for your space, it’s important to consider lighting and complementary colors.

Paint samples are a great way to test out different shades in your space before committing to a color. I cannot stress how important it is to sample your paint colors in your home for a few days.

When it comes to choosing the right blue gray paint color, there are a few things to consider before making a final decision. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect shade for your space.

Consider the Undertones

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a blue gray paint color is the undertones.

Blue gray colors can have either a gray undertone or a green undertone, and this can make a big difference in how the color looks in your space.

If you want a cooler, more calming color, look for a blue gray with a gray undertone. If you want a warmer, more inviting color, look for a blue gray with a green undertone.

Think About Lighting

Lighting can also have a big impact on how a blue gray paint color looks in your space.

If you have a lot of natural light, a darker blue gray color may work well. If your space is darker, you may want to choose a lighter blue gray color to help brighten it up.

It’s also important to consider the direction of the light in your space.

North-facing rooms tend to have cooler light, so a warmer blue gray may work well. South-facing rooms tend to have warmer light, so a cooler blue gray may work better.

Test Paint Samples

Before committing to a blue gray paint color, it’s important to test out a few different shades to see how they look in your space. Paint samples are a great way to do this.

Many paint companies offer small sample sizes that you can purchase and try out on your walls.

It’s also a good idea to test the paint samples at different times of day to see how the color looks in different lighting conditions.

I usually get my paint samples from Samplize and I have them stuck to my walls as long as possible until I have to make that final decision

Where to Use Blue Gray Paint Colors

Blue gray paint colors can be used in a variety of rooms and spaces in your home. Here are some ideas for where to use blue gray paint colors, broken down by room:

Bedrooms

Blue gray paint colors can create a calming and serene atmosphere in a bedroom. They work well with natural wood tones and neutral bedding. Consider painting an accent wall or the entire room in a blue gray shade like Benjamin Moore’s Gray Wisp or Sherwin-Williams’ Passive.

Bathrooms

Blue gray paint colors can add a spa-like feel to a bathroom. They pair well with white or gray tile and fixtures.

Consider painting the walls in a blue gray shade like Farrow & Ball’s Pavilion Gray or Behr’s Silver Drop.

Kitchens

Blue gray paint colors can add a touch of sophistication to a kitchen. They work well with white or gray cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

Consider painting the walls in a blue gray shade like Valspar’s Blue Arrow or Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray.

Blue Gray paint colors are perfect for cabinets too. I painted our lower cabinets in our old house Wedgewood Gray by Benjamin Moore

Living Rooms

Blue gray paint colors can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in a living room. They work well with neutral furniture and natural wood accents.

Consider painting an accent wall or the entire room in a blue gray shade like Behr’s Light French Gray or Sherwin-Williams’ Repose Gray.

Our living/dining room went through a (un-needed but I was bored) makeover and I painted both rooms Light Blue by Farrow and Ball and I love this color.

Dining Rooms

Blue gray paint colors can add a touch of elegance to a dining room. They work well with dark wood furniture and metallic accents. Consider painting the walls in a blue gray shade like Benjamin Moore’s Silver Chain or Farrow & Ball’s Blue Gray.

Like I said, our dining room is also Light Blue by Farrow and Ball

Nurseries

Blue gray paint colors can create a soothing and calming atmosphere in a nursery. They work well with white or light wood furniture and neutral bedding.

Consider painting an accent wall or the entire room in a blue gray shade like Sherwin-Williams’ Sea Salt or Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl.

Front Doors

Blue gray paint colors can add curb appeal to your home’s exterior. They work well with natural stone or brick accents and greenery.

Consider painting your front door in a blue gray shade like Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray or Behr’s Creek Bend.

I had originally painted our front door when we moved into this house Nature’s Reflection by Behr and I loved the pop of color.

 

In addition to these specific rooms and spaces, blue gray paint colors can also be used in home decor, cabinets, and flooring. However, it’s important to consider the overall color scheme and style of your home before committing to a blue gray shade.

Coordinating Colors with Blue Gray Paint

When it comes to decorating a room with blue-gray paint, choosing the right coordinating colors can make all the difference. Here are some ideas for coordinating colors that will complement blue-gray paint and create a cohesive look in your space.

Neutral Shades

 

Neutral shades like white, beige, and gray are perfect for creating a calming and sophisticated look when paired with blue-gray paint.

These colors will help to balance out the coolness of the blue-gray and create a serene atmosphere. Consider incorporating these neutral shades through furniture, decor, and textiles.

Brighter Colors

If you want to add some pops of color to your room, consider incorporating brighter colors like yellow, green, or pink. These colors will add some warmth and energy to the space, while still complementing the blue-gray paint. Use these brighter colors sparingly through accent pieces like throw pillows, rugs, or curtains.

Wood Tones

Wood tones like natural oak, walnut, or mahogany can add warmth and richness to a room with blue-gray paint.

These earthy tones will help to balance out the coolness of the blue-gray and create a cozy atmosphere.

Consider incorporating wood tones through furniture pieces like coffee tables, side tables, or bookshelves.

Complementary Colors

For a bold and dramatic look, consider pairing blue-gray paint with complementary colors like orange, red, or purple.

These colors will create a high-contrast look. Use these complementary colors through accent pieces like artwork, throw blankets, or decorative objects.

 

Overall, when choosing coordinating colors for blue-gray paint, it’s important to consider the mood and atmosphere you want to create in your space.

Whether you opt for neutral shades, brighter colors, wood tones, or complementary colors, the key is to create a cohesive and balanced look that feels both stylish and comfortable.

Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Blue Gray Paint

Choosing the perfect blue gray paint color can be a daunting task. There are so many shades and undertones to consider that it can feel overwhelming.

However, there are some common mistakes that people make when choosing blue gray paint that can be easily avoided.

Ignoring Undertones

One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing blue gray paint is ignoring undertones. Blue gray paint colors can have undertones of purple, green, or even icy blue. It’s important to consider the undertones of the paint color because they can greatly affect the overall mood of the room.

Not Testing Samples

Another mistake people make is not testing paint samples. It can be tempting to choose a paint color based on a swatch or online image, but it’s important to see how the color looks in the room.

Paint can look different depending on the lighting and other colors in the room. Testing a sample can help ensure that the chosen paint color is the right one for the space.

Choosing Too Dark or Too Light

Choosing a paint color that is too dark or too light is a common mistake. A paint color that is too dark can make a room feel small and cramped, while a paint color that is too light can feel bland and uninviting. It’s important to consider the depth of the paint color and how it will look in the room.

When choosing a blue gray paint color, it’s important to keep these mistakes in mind. Undertones, paint samples, and depth are all important factors to consider when selecting the perfect shade.

The perfect shade of blue-gray paint will depend on a variety of factors, including the room’s lighting, size, and furniture.

However, there are some general guidelines that can help you choose the right shade of blue-gray paint. For example, if you want a more traditional and romantic feel, a gray-blue with purple undertones might be the way to go.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more coastal vibe, a gray-blue-green might be a better option.

It’s also important to consider the room’s function. If you’re painting a bedroom, you might want to choose a more calming and relaxing shade of blue-gray. If you’re painting a home office, you might want to choose a shade that promotes focus and productivity.

The key to choosing the perfect blue-gray paint color is to experiment and have fun with it. Don’t be afraid to try out different shades and see how they look in different lighting conditions. And remember, if all else fails, you can paint and repaint again…that’s what I do!

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