Storm gray is a popular neutral paint color that works well in many rooms of the home. It gained popularity in the 2010s as part of the trend toward gray paint colors. Storm gray gets its name from resembling the dark, ominous clouds of an approaching storm. While the color may sound dreary, storm gray adds a sophisticated, cozy element to interior spaces. In this article, we’ll explore what storm gray is, how it looks, what colors go with it, and where to use it in your home.
What Is Storm Gray?
Storm gray is a medium-dark gray with subtle blue undertones. It sits between a light gray and a charcoal gray on the spectrum of gray paint colors. Storm gray often features just a hint of warmth to offset its cooler gray tone. You may also see storm gray called thunder gray or tempest gray.
Storm gray gets classified as a complex neutral paint color. It goes well with many color schemes since gray colors pair nicely with different hues. The blue-gray hue of storm gray gives it more dimension than basic gray. Storm gray comes off as refined and elegant but also relaxed.
The Color Profile of Storm Gray
Every paint color has specific qualities, dimensions, and codes. Here’s a look at the defining characteristics of storm gray:
Hue Family: Gray
Color Family: Neutral
Hex Code: #878d96, #656d75
RGB Values: 135,141,150 – 101,109,117
CMC: 4.2
Munsell Color: 10PB 4/1
Pantone: PANTONE 428 C
As you can see, storm gray is fundamentally a gray but leans slightly toward blue with its hints of purple and green. The muted blue comes through more in some storm gray shades than others. Storm gray often has an LRV (light reflective value) between 40-50%, meaning it reflects a decent amount of light while remaining a darker neutral.
What Does Storm Gray Look Like?
Storm gray is a chameleon color that adapts easily to different lighting conditions. It appears lighter and more blue-gray in well-lit rooms. In dim lighting, storm gray takes on a nearly black appearance. The subtle warmth integrated into most storm grays keeps the color from looking flat.
Here are some key characteristics of storm gray’s appearance:
– Medium-dark gray tone
– Hints of blue, green, and purple
– Subtle warm undertone
– Soft, muted finish
– Reflective quality
– Adaptable color
Storm gray comes in a range of depth levels. You’ll find light storm gray, storm gray, and dark storm gray. Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray is a popular light storm gray. BM Hale Navy leans darker. Compare paint swatches to find your preferred storm gray intensity.
What Colors Go With Storm Gray?
The versatility of storm gray makes it simple to pair with other paint colors. From bright accent hues to layered neutral schemes, storm gray works with almost any color combo.
Here are some top colors that go nicely with storm gray:
Whites: Alabaster white, simple white, antique white
Beiges: Greige, tan, almond, khaki
Browns: Coffee, chocolate, chestnut, rust
Blues: Navy, denim, robin’s egg, periwinkle
Greens: Sage, olive, mint, emerald
Yellows: Gold, lemon, buttercream
Reds: Brick, cranberry, tomato
Purples: Eggplant, lilac, orchid
Blacks: Charcoal, black
Gray is extremely versatile, so storm gray can suit both cool and warm color schemes. Try storm gray with camel, cream, and burgundy for a cozy vibe. Or pair it with aqua, leafy green, and sunny yellow for a bright, beachy feel. Storm gray also matches well with metallics like gold, silver, bronze and brass.
| Color Scheme | Color Combination |
|---|---|
| Cool | Storm gray, navy, light blue |
| Warm | Storm gray, taupe, terracotta |
| Monochrome | Storm gray, dove gray, charcoal |
| Analogous | Storm gray, ice blue, marine blue |
| Complementary | Storm gray, mustard yellow |
When decorating with storm gray, limit yourself to 2-4 complementary colors for a soothing, polished look. Gray provides the perfect supporting neutral.
Where to Use Storm Gray
Storm gray works in nearly any interior space when selected in the right finish. Here are some ideal rooms and areas to paint or decorate with storm gray:
Living room – Storm gray creates an intimate but stylish living room. Use it on the walls or on accent furniture.
Dining room – For drama in a dining space, paint the walls storm gray and pair with lighter neutrals.
Bedroom – A restful storm gray bedroom has peaceful, relaxing vibes.
Bathroom – Storm gray makes bathrooms feel like modern spas. Use it on vanities, tile, or accent walls.
Office – Paint an office storm gray to stimulate focus and concentration.
Kitchen – For a cohesive kitchen, paint lower cabinets storm gray and pair with white uppers.
Exterior – Storm gray works nicely on home exteriors in certain styles like Craftsman and modern.
Doors and trim – Swap basic white trim for storm gray to complement walls or stand alone.
You can also use storm gray on furniture, rugs, bedding, and accessories like throw pillows and vases. The gray color adapts well to any texture or material. Just watch that it doesn’t clash with existing colors.
Paint Brand Storm Grays
Many major paint companies offer popular storm gray paint colors. Here are some top brand storm grays to consider:
Benjamin Moore
– Stonington Gray HC-170
– Gray Owl OC-52
– Plymouth Gray HC-168
– Hale Navy HC-154
Sherwin-Williams
– Repose Gray SW 7015
– Mindful Gray SW 7016
– Naval SW 6244
– Passive SW 7064
Behr
– Gray Cloud S460-3
– Silver Drop PPU18-14
– Night Watch PPU18-07
– Evening Hush PPU18-15
Valspar
– Turkish Coffee 4004-10B
– Rock Dust 4003-3A
– Lakeshore Fog 4011-5A
– Weathered Stone 4008-9A
Test different storm gray paint swatches at home before selecting a final shade. Lighting affects color, so you may notice slight differences once it’s on your walls. Most brands also allow you to customize the undertones.
Get the Storm Gray Look
Achieving the popular storm gray look comes down to choosing the right storm gray paint or products. Here are some tips:
– Select a gray with subtle blue-purple undertones to get that stormy sky vibe. Avoid grays with strong green or brown hues.
– Look for an LRV between 40-50% for a medium-dark storm gray effect. Or go lighter or darker.
– Matte, eggshell, and satin storm gray finishes complement most spaces.
– Be sure your storm gray pairs well with existing furniture and decor.
– Paint storm gray on feature walls or use it sparingly to allow other colors to shine.
– Combine storm gray with texture, metallics, and natural materials for extra dimension.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and make storm gray your own. The versatile gray color adapts well to personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common storm gray paint questions here:
What colors make up storm gray?
Storm gray features a gray base with hints of blue, purple, green, and sometimes brown. The blue-gray influence comes through most.
Is storm gray warm or cool?
Storm gray is considered a warm-neutral gray. It falls somewhere between cool grays and warm beigey grays. The subtle warmth balances the blue tones.
What color complements storm gray?
Classic storm gray complements include white, light blue, navy, sage green, and wood brown. But storm gray is versatile enough to suit vibrant colors too.
What rooms should I paint storm gray?
Storm gray works excellently in living rooms, bedrooms, dining spaces, offices, and bathrooms. You can also use it in kitchens and on exteriors.
What finish should I get for storm gray?
Matte or eggshell storm gray finishes are ideal for walls. Use semi-gloss or high-gloss sheens on trims and cabinets for durability and shine.
Conclusion
Storm gray is an on-trend, versatile neutral paint color that features a medium gray tone with subtle blue undertones. It pairs nicely with both warm and cool palettes. Use storm gray on walls, furniture, doors, cabinets, and accessories for an elegant, soothing look. Just be sure to find the right depth and undertone of storm gray for your space. With the right complementary colors, storm gray creates a stylish, captivating interior space.
