Best Blue Gray Paint Colors
Blue gray paint colors combine the calming vibe of blue with the sophistication of gray, offering a perfect balance for modern interiors. Whether you want a serene bedroom, a cozy living room, or a spa-like bathroom, these shades deliver timeless elegance. In this guide, we’ll explore the best blue gray paint colors from Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore, plus tips for using them effectively and product recommendations based on real reviews.
Why Blue Gray Paint Colors Are So Popular
Blue gray is loved by homeowners and designers because it works in almost any space. It’s versatile and complements both cool and warm tones in furniture and flooring. It creates a relaxing feel which is ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, or any room where calmness matters. It’s also timeless, and unlike trendy colors, blue gray rarely goes out of style. Before you start painting, make sure the surface is clean to avoid streaks or uneven coverage. Here’s a helpful guide on how to clean walls before painting to get a smooth base.
Understand Undertones and Lighting First
Choosing the right shade means understanding how light affects color and how undertones can shift the mood.
Undertones to Watch
Blue grays can have subtle green, violet, or even brown undertones. For example, Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray carries a hint of green, while Sherwin Williams Mineral Deposit leans slightly purple. These undertones will influence how your color feels in the room.
Lighting Makes a Difference
North-facing rooms make colors appear cooler and more gray, while south- or west-facing rooms bring out the blue warmth in these shades. If you’re painting ceilings as well, this guide on the best way to paint a ceiling can help you achieve crisp, clean transitions.
Best Sherwin Williams Blue Gray Paint Colors
Sherwin Williams has some standout blue paint with gray undertones that homeowners love.
Sherwin Williams Gray Screen (SW 7071)
Light, airy blue gray that is perfect for bedrooms and living rooms. It creates a clean backdrop for white trim and keeps spaces feeling open.
Sherwin Williams Rain (SW 6219)
A medium-depth blue gray that is ideal for accent walls or cozy dens. It adds personality without being overpowering and pairs beautifully with white trim.
Sherwin Williams Tradewind (SW 6218)
A soft, refreshing tone with subtle gray that’s perfect for coastal-inspired spaces. It pairs beautifully with warm wood accents and light floors.
Sherwin Williams Mineral Deposit (SW 7652)
A cool gray with purple undertones that’s great for offices, dining rooms, or dramatic hallways. It adds depth and sophistication without making rooms feel too dark.
Best Benjamin Moore Blue Gray Colors
Benjamin Moore blue gray colors offer depth and richness with timeless appeal. Here are the top favorites.
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray (HC-170)
A subtle gray with blue undertones that is extremely versatile for any space. It works beautifully with crisp white ceilings.
Benjamin Moore Gray Cashmere (2138-60)
A soft blue gray with green undertones that feels calming and spa-like, ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms.
Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray (HC-165)
A mid-tone blue gray leaning slightly green that is a classic choice for kitchen cabinets, trim, or built-ins.
Benjamin Moore Nimbus Gray (2131-50)
A deeper gray with rich blue undertones that is excellent for accent walls or moody spaces. When planning your project, it’s useful to know how long it takes to paint a room so you can allocate enough time for each coat.
Popular Light Blue Paint Colors with Gray Undertones
If you want brightness without looking like a nursery, these popular light blue paint colors with gray undertones are ideal.
Sherwin Williams First Star
A cool-toned, very pale blue gray that works well in small or dark rooms and reflects light beautifully.
Benjamin Moore Silver Gray
An airy and elegant shade that adds subtle color without overwhelming the space and keeps rooms feeling fresh.
Sherwin Williams Lullaby
A whisper-soft blue with gray undertones that feels calming and clean, perfect for bathrooms or nurseries. These work especially well if you pair them with a neutral ceiling. Here’s a list of the best ceiling paint colors that can complement blue gray walls.
How to Use Blue Grey Interior Paint in Your Home
Using blue grey interior paint is all about placement and balance.
Accent Walls
Choose darker tones like Nimbus Gray or Mineral Deposit. These add depth and drama behind a bed, fireplace, or bookcase.
Entire Rooms
Go with lighter colors like First Star or Silver Gray. They make rooms feel airy and open while keeping a clean look.
Small or Low-Light Rooms
Avoid dark blue grays, which can feel heavy. Lighter warm-leaning shades will keep the space feeling fresh. If you plan to paint the ceiling in the same project, see this list of best white ceiling paint to ensure your trim and ceiling don’t clash with your wall color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping large samples is the most common mistake. Always test on at least a 2×2 ft area. Don’t ignore trim color—white trim makes blue stand out while cream softens it. Avoid choosing the wrong finish because glossy paint can exaggerate undertones and wall flaws. Also read about the benefits of painting your home if you’re debating a full repaint.
Recommended Blue Gray Paint Products
Here are a few best grayish blue paint colors you can try through sample pots or budget-friendly alternatives.
Oslo Home Touch-Up Paint (Comparable to Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray)
Pros: Low odor, quick-drying, perfect for testing small areas
Cons: Small 20ml size, not suitable for large walls, slight tone variation possible
Prestige Paints Interior Paint & Primer (Comparable to Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray)
Pros: Built-in primer, good coverage, easy cleanup
Cons: Semi-gloss finish may highlight wall imperfections, undertone may vary slightly from original
Before you start rolling, make sure you have quality tools. This list of best paint roller covers can help you get a smooth, streak-free finish.
Styling Tips for Bluish Gray Interior Paint
Use white ceilings to enhance contrast and make the room feel taller. Add warmth using warm wood furniture, brass fixtures, or cream textiles to balance cool tones. Control lighting carefully, warm LED lights (2700–3000K) make blue grays feel cozy, while daylight bulbs make them cooler. Pick the right sheen: matte hides flaws, eggshell adds soft glow, and satin is durable yet subtle. If you want your paint job to dry faster, here’s how to make paint dry fast so you can enjoy your room sooner.
Final Thoughts
Blue gray paint colors offer an unbeatable blend of calm and sophistication. If you want a safe yet stylish choice, try Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray or Sherwin Williams First Star. They are subtle enough for whole rooms but still give that signature blue gray character. If you prefer something moodier, Benjamin Moore Nimbus Gray or Sherwin Williams Mineral Deposit create beautiful depth on accent walls. Whatever you choose, always test samples in your own light before committing.
