Choosing the right gray paint color can be tricky. While most grays have a neutral undertone, some can take on different hues in different lights. So you may think you’ve picked a light gray, only to find it looking slightly blue on your walls. Understanding what makes some grays take on a blue cast can help you avoid or embrace this effect.
What Makes Gray Paint Look Blue?
There are a few key factors that can cause gray paint to look blue in certain lighting:
- Undertone – Grays with blue or purple undertones will reflect more blue light.
- Sheen – Higher sheen paints intensify a gray’s undertones.
- Lighting – Cool white or natural light brings out blue/purple undertones.
- Surrounding Colors – Adjacent walls and furnishings affect perception of gray.
So if you choose a gray with cool undertones, use a higher sheen, and have cool lighting, the gray will likely take on a noticeable blue cast. Warmer grays with brown, tan, or green undertones are less likely to look blue except under the coolest lighting conditions.
Gray Paint Colors That Might Look Blue
Here are some popular gray paint colors that often look blue or purple in certain lights:
| Gray Paint Color | Brand |
|---|---|
| Winter Haze | Benjamin Moore |
| Reflection | Sherwin Williams |
| Gray Magic | Valspar |
| Full Moon | Behr |
| Neutral Ground | PPG |
These popular grays tend to have detectable hints of blue or purple, which are intensified by higher sheens like satin, semi-gloss or high gloss. So they can shift from gray to a grayish-blue in many indoor lighting conditions.
Warm Gray Paint Colors
Choosing a warm gray is one way to avoid a blue cast. Here are some warm grays that stay true to color:
| Warm Gray Paint Color | Brand |
|---|---|
| Revere Pewter | Benjamin Moore |
| Mindful Gray | Sherwin Williams |
| Rockport Gray | Valspar |
| Gray Slate | Behr |
| Virtual Taupe | PPG |
These warm grays have beige, brown, tan or greige undertones. So they maintain a more neutral appearance in natural and artificial light. While not completely immune to looking blueish, these colors are less likely to take on unwanted purple/blue tones.
Neutral Gray Paint Colors
If you want a middle ground between cool and warm grays, consider these more neutral options:
| Neutral Gray Paint | Brand |
|---|---|
| Gray Owl | Benjamin Moore |
| Repose Gray | Sherwin Williams |
| High Reflective White | Valspar |
| Cadet Gray | Behr |
| Virtual Elephant | PPG |
While not completely neutral, these grays sit between the cool and warm side of the spectrum. So they are less likely to look jarringly blue or take on intense purple undertones in cool lighting. This makes them a versatile option for those seeking an understated, lighter gray.
How Lighting Affects Gray Paint
The perceived color of any gray paint is heavily influenced by the lighting conditions where it’s applied. Here’s how different light sources affect the appearance of gray:
- Natural Daylight – Grays look the most neutral and true-to-color in natural daylight. But cooler north-facing light may bring out subtle blue undertones in some grays. While warm southern exposure minimizes any traces of purple or blue.
- Cool White LEDs – Modern white LED bulbs and fixtures emit a cool blue-tinged light. This light source will emphasize any cool undertones in gray paint colors. Causing them to take on a noticeable blue or purple cast.
- Warm White Incandescents – Incandescent and halogen bulbs cast a warm, yellowish light which masks cool undertones in paint. So grays appear more neutral and true-to-color under these warm bulb types.
- Fluorescent Lighting – Standard fluorescent tubes tend to emit clinical, blue-green hued light. This can bring out purple/blue undertones in gray paints. Unless corrected with special diffusers or Warm White fluorescent tubes.
So be aware that any gray paint will look its truest in natural light. And the type of bulbs installed will also impact whether cool gray colors take on a noticeable blue tint in indoor settings.
How Paint Sheen Impacts Gray Tones
The sheen level chosen for gray paint also affects how its undertones are displayed. Here’s an overview:
- Flat/Matte – With no or minimal reflection, flat and matte sheens look soft and muted. They downplay undertones the most out of all sheens.
- Eggshell – With subtle surface sheen, eggshell finishes provide a mellow, velvety appearance. Blue/purple undertones may be faintly visible in some lighting.
- Satin – The mid-sheen luster of satin intensifies color. So blue and purple undertones will be more apparent in gray satin paint.
- Semi-Gloss – With considerable surface shine, semi-gloss will strongly accentuate undertones in gray paint.
- Gloss – The most reflective sheen, high gloss exaggerates undertones to their maximum contrast. Causing dramatic color shifts in grays.
In general, higher gloss sheens make undertones more noticeable. So a cool-toned gray in flat or eggshell paint may look only slightly blueish. But in semi-gloss or gloss, the bluish cast becomes obvious.
How Surrounding Colors Influence Gray
The colors next to and around a gray paint application also impact its visual appearance. This effect is due to simultaneous contrast – where colors seem to take on the opposite hue of colors nearby. Here are some color effects to be aware of:
- Adjacent warm colors – Warm yellow, peach or terra cotta wall colors near a gray wall can neutralize any blue/purple undertones. The gray will adopt a hint of the adjacent warm hue.
- Nearby cool blues – Shades like sky blue or navy will intensify and accentuate the cool purple/blue notes in a gray. Making it look more icy or blue-hued through contrast.
- Opposite a green – Green’s natural complement, red-violet, gets pulled out of nearby grays. So the gray can adopt a subtle lavender tone next to bold greens.
decorator’s tip is to preview gray paint samples next to existing furnishings, accent walls and decor in the space. This helps ensure that the gray’s undertones play nicely with the whole color scheme.
Strategies to Minimize Blue Undertones in Grays
If you prefer your gray to stay neutral without veering blue or purple, here are some application strategies:
- Choose a gray with warm brown, beige, tan or greige undertones
- Use flat or matte paint sheens which subdue undertones
- Install warm white or vintage style light bulbs
- Position gray walls near warm peach, yellow or terra cotta tones
- Preview gray samples in your existing lighting conditions
- Test gray paint out on boards both in daylight and artificial light
With careful selection and sampling, you can find the perfect neutral gray for your space. One that stays graceful and sophisticated without unwelcomed purple or blue colors creeping in.
Conclusion
The appearance of gray paint is heavily dictated by the specific pigments used and lighting conditions it’s viewed under. Grays with cool blue and purple undertones are more likely to take on a blue cast in many indoor settings. Choosing warmer grays with hints of brown, tan or greige keeps the color more neutral. And being aware of how light sources and surroundings tint grays helps prevent or minimize an unintended bluish tone.
With your desired end look in mind, test potential gray paints in all possible lighting scenarios. See how the samples appear at different times of day and when paired with existing furnishings and accent walls. This helps ensure your perfect sophisticated gray doesn’t wind up looking too blue for comfort.
