Grey is a neutral color that can range from light to dark and cool to warm. A dark bluish grey is a shade that mixes grey with blue tones, creating a rich, elegant hue. This muted blue-grey color is versatile and can work in many design schemes, both traditional and modern. In this article, we’ll explore what defines a dark bluish grey color, look at some examples, and discuss how to use it effectively in your home or work space.
Defining Dark Bluish Grey
So what exactly makes a color a dark bluish grey? There are a few key characteristics that set it apart from other greys.
Bluish Undertones: While pure grey contains equal mixes of black and white, a bluish grey skews the balance towards blue. The blue tones give it a cooler, more mellow feel than a pure dark grey.
Darker Value: A dark bluish grey will fall in the darker range of the value scale, usually around the 20-40% lightness range. This makes it several shades darker than a light grey.
Muted & Soft: Even with the blue tint, a dark bluish grey remains muted and soft. The dark value diminishes the vividness of the blue, creating a subtle, hazy color.
No Vibrancy: Greys lack vibrancy and chroma by nature. A dark bluish grey may pick up some slight vibrancy from the blue but not to a vibrant degree.
Common Color Names
Dark bluish greys go by many names depending on the specific hue and shade. Here are some of the most common color terms used:
- Slate Grey
- Steel Grey
- Dark Slate Grey
- Storm Blue
- Charcoal Blue
- Gunmetal
- Carbon Grey
- Dark Cadet Grey
- Blue Grey
These colors have subtle variations in undertone and saturation of the blue. But overall they occupy the same dark, cool grey color space.
Use in Design
The muted elegance of a dark bluish grey makes it quite versatile in design and decor. Here are some popular ways it is used:
Neutral Backdrop: Dark bluish greys make excellent neutral backdrop colors. Their darkness and coolness allow bolder colors to really pop while not overpowering a space. They create soothing, relaxed spaces.
Modern Accent: For contemporary, sleek designs, dark bluish greys provide refined accent colors. Paired with black, white and metallics, they lend an edgy, urban vibe.
Natural Pairings: Dark bluish greys complement natural color palettes. They work well with greige, tan, light wood tones, and natural materials like rattan, jute and linen.
Industrial Inspiration: The cool steeliness of these colors fits right in with industrial design. Pair with exposed brick, black metals, and reclaimed wood.
Aquatic Palettes: Dark blues are reminiscent of bodies of water. Use dark bluish greys and light blues together for tranquil, coastal designs.
Examples of Dark Bluish Greys
To get a better sense of what these colors look like, here are some specific dark bluish grey shades from a few major paint companies:
| Paint Company | Color Name | Hex Code |
|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Moore | Cape Cod Grey | #CFD2CF |
| Sherwin Williams | peppercorn | #6c7a89 |
| Behr | Dark Cement | #6B7880 |
| Valspar | October Rain | #B3C7D9 |
As you can see, there is some variation but they occupy the same blue-infused grey family. Benjamin Moore’s Cape Cod Grey is a greenish charcoal blue, while Valspar’s October Rain is more of a pale stormy blue. But all evoke the mood of a cool rainy day by the ocean.
Use Lighting to Alter Appearance
One important factor to understand about dark bluish greys is that lighting impacts how they appear. Natural and artificial light sources can shift colors in subtle ways.
Under warm, incandescent lighting, the blue tones in the grey recede, making it appear more pure grey. But in cool fluorescent or LED lighting, the blue undertones come forward more, intensifying the blue-grey impression.
The color may also appear lighter and brighter in well-lit rooms. In dim lighting, the dark grey value takes over, making the blue appear darker and more somber.
So be sure to view paint swatches and samples under similar lighting conditions to get an accurate impression of the color. The time of day and type of lighting in the space will affect how the color is perceived.
Use Contrasting Colors to Make it Pop
Because dark bluish greys are more subdued in saturation, they work best when paired with more vibrant accent colors. The muted grey lets the accents shine without competing.
Some color combinations that look great with dark bluish greys:
– Chartreuse and teal
– Golden yellow and navy blue
– Pastel peach and robin’s egg blue
– Cerulean blue and burnt orange
– Seafoam green and cherry red
The contrast of light vs dark and warm vs cool makes these pairings pop. Try combining a dark bluish grey base with two vibrant accents for a bold, lively color scheme.
Sample Living Room Design
Here is an example of how to effectively use a dark bluish grey color in a living room interior:
Walls: Paint the walls a dark cadet blue grey like Sherwin Williams Peppercorn. This sophisticated neutral backdrop lets other colors shine.
Trim: For the window, door and baseboard trim, use a crisp clean white in a semi-gloss finish. This contrasts nicely with the walls.
Furniture: Choose one large statement piece like a sofa or armchair in a light pastel peach. Then incorporate sleek black and metallic accents in the tables, frames and decor.
Textiles: Bring in teal and peach through patterned throw pillows, area rugs and curtains. Use textures like velvet, linen and jute to add cozy sophistication.
Lighting: Use both vibrant cool daylight from windows and windows and warmer accent lighting at night. Metallic lighting fixtures reinforce the modern glam vibe.
This color palette and design balances the dark bluish grey with bright, energetic accents for a welcoming and refined living room. The grey provides a serene background for the other colors to dance.
Conclusion
A dark bluish grey is an elegant, versatile neutral that provides endless possibilities. With its cool blue undertones and deeply saturated value, it can set a modern, stylish or tranquil mood depending on the accompanying colors and textures. Whether you favor traditional neutrals or bold color contrasts, explore dark bluish greys to add sophisticated flair to your next design project. Let this dynamic color anchor your space while giving your other choices room to shine.
