Gray is one of the most versatile neutral colours, but it has some unique characteristics compared to other neutrals like beige, taupe, and white. Gray pairs well with almost any colour, and can feel modern, classic, or even moody depending on the shade. Light grays can create a soft, airy feel, while darker grays add drama and sophistication.
Choosing the perfect shade of gray paint can be trickier than it seems! Here are some key tips to help you find the right one for your space:
- Consider Undertones: Undertones provide complexity and nuance, and gray paint can have warm (beige, taupe, violet) or cool (blue, green) undertones. Blue undertones give gray a cooler, crisper feel, while violet undertones add a touch of softness, and green undertones create an earthy vibe. Look at the colour in different lighting to see how it shifts and changes.
- Test in Your Space: Paint 3-foot square samples on your walls and observe them at different times of the day. Various tones emerge depending on the natural and artificial light and can dramatically change how a colour looks. Light bulbs with a higher number like 5000K or 6500K give cooler light than bulbs with a warmer colour temperature of 2700K, while neutral bulbs at 3500K may make grays appear flat.
- Match Your Decor: Remember that furniture and flooring can draw out hidden colours. If your furniture and flooring have warm tones like natural wood, beige, or taupe, a warm gray will complement them better. Cool grays work well with modern, sleek designs like gray tile, marble, or concrete. Seek harmony through contrast and balance; dark furniture and flooring can make light gray walls pop, while light furniture can soften the look of darker gray walls.
- Room Orientation Matters: North-facing rooms receive indirect, cooler light with a bluish tint, so gray colours tend to appear cooler, or even icy or flat. South-facing rooms get warmer, golden sunlight for most of the day, and enhance warm undertones for a cozier and more inviting feel. East-facing and West-facing rooms have cool, muted light or golden, warm light throughout the day, so different undertones can enhance or balance coziness or coolness.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Consider your room size when choosing the perfect gray. Large rooms can handle deeper grays, but dark grays can overwhelm small rooms to make them feel even more confined. Be mindful that some grays can unexpectedly look purple or green once applied. Comparing swatches side by side can help reveal hidden undertones.
Because of its versatility, you can use gray as a neutral background for bold jewel tones or use delicate shades of gray to bring a soft, soothing vibe to any space. With the right colour temperature and undertones, gray paint colours can make a gorgeous backdrop for any room. Happy painting!
