Light gray-blue is a soft, calming color that can work well in many spaces. When mixing paint colors to achieve a light gray-blue hue, you’ll want to use a combination of gray, blue, and white pigments. The specific ratio of colors can create subtle variations in the tone and feel of the final mixed shade.
Key Factors in Mixing Light Gray-Blue
Here are some key tips to keep in mind when mixing a custom light gray-blue paint color:
- Start with a base of white paint, which will lighten the shade.
- Add a small amount of blue paint, which will give it a cool undertone.
- Include a touch of black or gray paint, which will mute and soften the color.
- Adjust the proportions of each paint until you achieve the desired hue.
- Sample your mixed color on a test surface before committing to a larger area.
- Consider purchasing a few premixed shades to compare and help guide your mixing.
The specific blue and gray paint colors you select will impact the end result. For a more green-leaning blue, use phthalo blue. For a purer blue, try ultramarine. Play around with blending different blues and grays until you land on your perfect light gray-blue.
Choosing Blue and Gray Paint Colors
Here are some examples of blue and gray paint colors that can be combined to create a light gray-blue:
Blue Paint Choices
- Baby Blue
- Celestial Blue
- Cloudless Blue
- Dreamy Blue
- Light French Blue
- Pale Blue
- Powder Blue
- Robin’s Egg Blue
- Sky Blue
Gray Paint Choices
- Cloudy Gray
- Dove Gray
- Foggy Gray
- Galaxy Gray
- Heather Gray
- Hazy Gray
- Light French Gray
- Silver Gray
- Smoke Gray
Select a few colors from each list that appeal to you. Test out mixing a few combinations on paint swatches. Adjust the proportions until you find your perfect light gray-blue for your space.
Achieving Specific Gray-Blue Tones
Here are some tips for mixing light gray-blues in certain color directions:
Green Gray-Blues
For a green-leaning light gray-blue, use phthalo or teal blue. Pair it with a green-tinged gray like sage, celadon, or silvery green-gray. The green notes will come through beautifully.
Purple Gray-Blues
For a purple-toned gray-blue, try combining a violet blue like periwinkle or wisteria blue with a gray that has lavender or lilac undertones. This creates a soft, soothing gray-blue.
Neutral Gray-Blues
For the most neutral light gray-blue, stick to a pale sky blue and a medium dove gray or silver gray. Avoid blues and grays with strong undertones to keep it neutral.
Bright Gray-Blues
To make your gray-blue feel crisp and bright, amp up the amount of baby blue or sky blue used. Pair it with a clean white-based gray like silvery moon or wispy gray.
Match Existing Gray-Blues
If you’re looking to match an existing gray-blue paint color, the easiest method is to purchase a small sample pot of the color to use for mixing experiments. Test out combinations of different blues and grays next to your sample. Adjust your mixing ratios until you achieve as close to an exact match as possible. An alternate option is taking a sample chip to your local paint store for digital color matching.
Recommended Color Mixing Ratios
Here is a table with some recommended starting ratios for mixing custom light gray-blues using a white base:
| Blue Paint | Gray Paint | White Base |
| 1 part baby blue | 1 part dove gray | 6 parts white |
| 1 part sky blue | 1 part silver gray | 8 parts white |
| 1 part periwinkle blue | 1 part lilac gray | 10 parts white |
| 2 parts phthalo blue | 1 part sage gray | 12 parts white |
These mixing ratios are simply a starting point for your experiments. Feel free to adjust the proportions as needed to get your ideal custom light gray-blue!
Light Gray-Blue Paint Brands
For convenience, you may want to explore some premixed light gray-blue paint colors from leading brands. Here are a few beautiful options to consider:
- Benjamin Moore Crystalline
- Behr Daydream
- Sherwin-Williams Online Blue
- Valspar Nebulous Blue
- PPG The Galvanized Bucket
Browse swatches of premade shades like these for inspiration. See if any appeal to you enough to skip the mixing step. Pay attention to gray-blues described as “powder,” “ice,” “cascade,” “rain,” or “whisper” for that beautiful, pale blue-gray hue.
Decorating with Light Gray-Blues
When used well, light gray-blues can add beauty and interest to any space. Here are some tips for decorating with this versatile color:
- In living rooms, pair it with warm neutrals like tans and creams for a soothing coastal feel.
- In bedrooms, accent it with pale woods, white linens, and touches of green for a dreamy vibe.
- In kitchens, complement it with bright white, stainless steel, and natural wood tones.
- In bathrooms, accent with crisp white trim, silver fixtures, and marble/quartz materials.
- Outdoors, use it on siding or patio furniture softened with natural textures like wicker and weathered wood.
The muted nature of light gray-blues makes them extremely versatile. Let the unique tone you mix guide you as you decorate the space around it. Achieving the perfect custom light gray-blue shade for your next paint project is within reach by blending blues, grays, and white in tuned proportions.
Conclusion
Mixing a custom light gray-blue paint color is an enjoyable process of experimentation. Start with a white base and add soft blue and gray paints in small amounts until you achieve your perfect hue. Factor in the undertones of both colors and adjust ratios as needed for green, purple or neutral grays. Test your mixed color before committing to get it just right. Premade light gray-blue options can also provide great inspiration. When used thoughtfully, light gray-blues can add beautiful, calming style to any living space.
