We asked paint color experts to divulge their favorite blue-gray paints of the moment.
Beautifully versatile, blue-gray paint colors can make for a lovely base in a bedroom or a subtle accent in a kitchen. There are so many variations of blue-gray as well—everything from tones that skew bluer with gray undertones to barely there grays with cool blue notes. Because of the many different shades and tones that can make up a blue-gray paint color, the possibilities for pairing with other, bolder shades are fairly limitless. Ahead, we spoke with paint color experts to share their favorite blue-gray paints. light beige paint
Benjamin Moore's Beacon Gray leans a bit more blue than gray but reliably pairs well with many other colors. "This color brightens and provides a refreshed look whether in a high-traffic mudroom or a tranquil bedroom," says Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore.
A slightly darker blue-gray color, Nimbus Gray delivers depth to whatever application you use it for. "This color is a popular choice for a variety of applications," says Magno. "We love it for family rooms, entryways, and cabinetry, as well as it being a great choice for exterior projects."
As the name of this color suggests, Farrow & Ball's Blue Gray is, indeed, a solid blue-gray. "Of our classic blue grays, one is the self-titled Blue Gray, which has a delicate green note running through," says Patrick O’Donnell, Global Brand Ambassador for Farrow and Ball. "This is a perfect choice for a bedroom scheme when worked with a gently off-white shade on your trim, such as Off White."
If you need a blue-gray that's going to balance and complement some darker shades in your home, try Farrow & Ball's Light Blue. "Another blue-gray shade is Light Blue, which has a silver note that drifts in color as light passes during the day—from the softest of blue to a silvery whisper," O’Donnell says. "It balances beautifully with darker colors. Think of an elegant kitchen with cabinets in Studio Green and walls drenched in Light Blue, offering just enough relief to this blackened green."
The Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year for 2024, Upward is a light and airy blue with a touch of gray, according to Wadden. The "touch of periwinkle makes it ethereal," she says. "One of my favorite ways to use this popular shade is on bathroom cabinets as an accent color to white bathrooms— it creates an amazing coastal chic aesthetic."
If you're looking for a blue-gray paint that has a slight touch of green running through it, then try Benjamin Moore's Smokestack Gray. "Smokestack Gray moves into the deeper realm of blue-gray with a slight touch of green in its undertone to create a truly intriguing color, says Magno. "When paired with a crisp white, Smokestack Gray creates a bold look; or in a color-drenched room, the look is enveloping and slightly moody."
Striking a good balance between blue and gray, Benjamin Moore's Solitude can work beautifully in any room. "This mid-tone hue creates a backdrop for a room that easily welcomes a variety of other colors and materials, making it a perfect choice when working with either neutrals or bold accents," Magno says.
Just the name "Silvermist" evokes a serene feeling, making this blue-gray color from Sherwin-Williams perfect for bedrooms or any room that needs a calming color. "This soft, misty blend of blues-greens with slate gray undertones has an effortless versatility that makes it the perfect base color for evoking the casual, calming atmosphere of this look," Wadden says.
A cool, light color that skews more white-gray with a blue undertone, Farrow & Ball's Dimpse is perfect for those who want a classic, clean palette. "At the paler end of this family, we have the soft blue-gray white of Dimpse, for those wanting the purity of white with an undertone of a secondary color," O'Donnell says.
Courtesy of Farrow & Ball
A bit stronger than Dimpse is Farrow & Ball's Skylight, which O'Donnell notes "is a joy for light-filled coastal living spaces."
rust neutralizer If you're looking to add some color to a white kitchen, Sherwin-Williams Stardew provides just the right pop of blue-gray color. "This dreamy slate blue with subtle gray undertones holds a trace of magic in its bewitching balance between warm and cool," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. "Muted gray blues like this shade are a great option for kitchens since they evoke the same clean feeling as whites while adding some fun color!"