When decorating a room, choosing paint colors can be a challenging task. Specifically, figuring out if two different shades of gray will work well together on the walls and trim can be difficult. There are several factors to consider when selecting grays for an interior color palette. In this article, we’ll explore if and how two different grays can be combined in harmony.
The Nature of Gray
Gray is a complex neutral color that can take on different undertones depending on the ratios of black, white and other hues it contains. On one end of the spectrum, grays can read very cool with hints of blue or green. On the other end, grays can appear quite warm with subtle earthy, brown, or red undertones.
There are countless shades of gray paint ranging from the lightest whisper white grays to the near-black charcoal hues. With so many options, grays provide versatile neutral backdrops that give spaces a sophisticated, cozy, or modern feel.
When working with grays, it’s essential to pay attention to the specific undertones of each shade. Matching up grays with similar undertones will create a cohesive, blended look. Combining grays on opposite ends of the spectrum makes for a bolder, more high-contrast palette.
Tips for Combining Gray Paint Colors
Here are some helpful tips when working with multiple gray paint colors:
– Stick with grays in the same color family for a seamless look. If you want cool tranquil grays, choose shades that lean blue/green. For a cozy scheme, select warm grays with brown/red undertones.
– Limit the gray palette to 3 or fewer shades for a simple, elegant look. Too many grays in one space can start to look disjointed.
– Use a light gray on the trim/ceiling and a mid-tone gray on the walls for a traditional approach. This mimics greige color combos.
– Go bold with deeper charcoal on the lower half of a wall paired with a soft pale gray upper wall and trim. This creates a dramatic two-tone look.
– Add visual interest and define spaces with an accent wall in a gray that strongly contrasts the main wall/trim color.
– Incorporate gray with different sheens, like matte walls with high-gloss trim. This adds dimension.
– Mix warm and cool grays cautiously. Limit this high-contrast combo to adjacent walls or small accents.
Choosing Complimentary Gray Paint Colors
When selecting two gray paints for your home, here are some handy tips for picking shades that work together seamlessly:
– Compare color swatches in both natural daylight and under incandescent light. This helps reveal the undertones.
– Choose gray paints from the same brand color collection designed to coordinate.
– Select gray paint colors with similar LRVs (Light Reflectance Values). LRVs under 55 are darker shades while LRVs over 70 are lighter. Staying within the same lightness range creates cohesion.
– Pick grays within the same color temperature. Cool grays match best with other cool grays. Warm grays pair well together. Mixing very warm and cool shades is trickier.
– Test gray paint samples on the wall. Paint large 2 foot by 2 foot sections to get a real sense of how the tones interact in the space.
– Adjacent gray walls should not have a strong contrast between light and dark. A 30% or less contrast between LRVs maintains harmony.
– Limit intense contrasts between gray walls and trim to smaller feature areas instead of entire rooms.
Examples of Coordinating Gray Paint Colors
Here are some examples of tried and true gray paint pairings from leading brands:
Light Warm Grays
| Wall Color | Trim Color |
| Sherwin Williams Repose Gray | Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze |
| Benjamin Moore Gray Owl | Benjamin Moore Coastal Fog |
| Behr Silver Drop | Behr Platinum |
Light Cool Grays
| Wall Color | Trim Color |
| Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray | Sherwin Williams Pure White |
| Benjamin Moore Classic Gray | Benjamin Moore White Dove |
| Behr Virtual Taupe | Behr Ultra Pure White |
Mid-tone Warm Grays
| Wall Color | Trim Color |
| Sherwin Williams Dovetail | Sherwin Williams Natural Choice |
| Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal | Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray |
| Behr Gray Matters | Behr Beach House |
Mid-tone Cool Grays
| Wall Color | Trim Color |
| Sherwin Williams Passive | Sherwin Williams Amazing Gray |
| Benjamin Moore Horizon | Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue |
| Behr Foundry | Behr Rapture Blue |
Deep Warm Grays
| Wall Color | Trim Color |
| Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black | Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray |
| Benjamin Moore Black Panther | Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray |
| Behr Slate Tile | Behr Gray Matters |
Deep Cool Grays
| Wall Color | Trim Color |
| Sherwin Williams Peppercorn | Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray |
| Benjamin Moore Stormy Sky | Benjamin Moore Horizon |
| Behr Dark Cavern | Behr Silver Bullet |
As you can see, popular paint brands offer a wide selection of coordinated gray tones in various depth levels and undertones. Referencing LRVs and color temperatures makes it easier to identify grays that work seamlessly together. Testing samples in your home is the best way to make sure you’ve achieved the look you envisioned.
Achieving Balance with Multiple Grays
Balancing dark and light, warm and cool grays successfully in a space requires thoughtful planning. Here are some principles to follow:
– Use darker grays sparingly as accent walls or on lower portions of a wall with lighter grays above.
– Choose a dominant gray for large areas and use the second gray minimally for trim or small feature walls.
– In open floor plans, repeat at least one of the grays in multiple rooms to create flow.
– Add pops of color and natural textures to soften and balance very dark charcoal gray walls.
– Allow plenty of natural light into spaces with cooler deep gray tones to avoid a grim feeling.
– Warm up very light grays with wood furnishings and inviting textiles in the space.
Gray Color Schemes in Different Rooms
Gray hues can transform the look and feel of every room in unique ways. Here are some examples of gray paint ideas suited to various rooms:
Living Rooms:
– Light warm gray walls with bright white molding and ceilings
– Mid-tone cool gray on accent wall behind sofa
– Deep charcoal feature wall with stone fireplace
Bedrooms:
– Pale warm gray walls and trim for a relaxing retreat
– Bold dark gray on wall behind bed contrasting lighter walls
– Cool gray walls with darker gray ceiling for modern look
Kitchens:
– Light warm grays on upper cabinets, deep gray lowers for dimension
– Medium cool grays on perimeter walls, white on island, and ceilings
– Deep charcoal on lower walls with bright counters and backsplash
Bathrooms:
– Light gray walls with bright white wainscoting and trim
– Warm light gray vanity with cool mid-tone walls
– Dramatic deep charcoal walls with rows of picture frame wainscoting
Offices:
– Light blue-gray walls with bright white shelving and trim
– Contrasting light and dark gray accent walls
– Warm light gray desks with cool gray file cabinets
Dining Rooms:
– Light warm gray walls with crisp white trim
– Cool gray walls with warm gray wainscoting below chair rail
– Deep smoky gray on one wall, light gray on remaining walls
Whether going for an airy coastal vibe or modern industrial look, the versatile nature of gray makes it suitable for any room when thoughtfully combined.
Creative Uses of Multiple Gray Tones
Using two shades of gray paint together creatively can add striking visual dimension and beauty to a space. Some inventive ways to utilize gray tones include:
– Painting built-in bookshelves or display cabinets a deep charcoal to anchor a room
– Using contrasting bands of light and dark grays on walls or architectural beams
– Painting window wall trim a lighter gray than surrounding walls for contrast
– Adding panels or frames with a gray slightly different than walls for accent
– Painting ceilings a few shades deeper than walls to feel enveloping but not too heavy
– Carrying a gray tone from walls onto the interior of open cabinets for a harmonious look
– Using darker gray strategically on recessed panels to add depth
– Trying an ombre technique shifting from light to dark gray across a large wall
Dining Room Example
| Built-in Display Cabinet | Sherwin Williams Black Magic (deep charcoal gray) |
| Perimeter Walls | Sherwin Williams Repose Gray (light warm gray) |
| Ceiling | Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray (light cool gray) |
| Wainscoting | Sherwin Williams Passive (mid-tone cool gray) |
This dining room uses the creative gray palette above to add striking visual architecture and contrast while remaining cohesive. The dark charcoal built-in anchors the light walls, while the gray ombre wainscoting lends dimension and depth.
Overcoming Challenges Combining Grays
When working with multiple grays, there can be some potential pitfalls to avoid:
– Avoid pairing grays with significantly different undertones that clash. Stick to warm, cool, or greige combos.
– Don’t choose grays with LRVs too similar or with little contrast. Add architecture with trimwork, wainscoting, etc.
– Don’t overdo it with too many gray tones in one space. Limit yourself to 2 or 3 for unity.
– Very dark saturated grays can feel cold and cavelike if used heavily. Balance with lighter tones.
– Don’t put dark grays on ceilings as this can feel oppressive. Reserve black for ceilings only.
– Avoid using intensely contrasting gray tones in small rooms. Bold pairings work best in larger open spaces.
To overcome these challenges, always thoroughly test gray paint samples on walls to ensure an appealing palette before committing fully. Pay attention to light and shadows to see how the grays interact. Add plenty of texture and natural elements so the grays feel balanced and inviting.
Conclusion
In summary, combining two shades of gray paint successfully just takes thoughtful planning and editing. Limit the palette, pay attention to undertones, test extensively, and balance intensities across large and small spaces. While bold high-contrast gray schemes make exciting accents, choose a more nuanced harmonious palette for large areas. Follow the undertone rule, stick to 3 or fewer shades, and add plenty of other colors and textures.
When thoughtfully combined, two shades of gray can add beautiful visual interest and dimension to your home’s interiors and give spaces a stylish polished look. So feel confident in mixing and matching grays, but do so judiciously for a tailored, curated palette. With the right grays in the right proportions, your room can feel anything but drab.