Blue-gray colors are tranquil and sophisticated shades that combine the relaxing qualities of blue with the subtlety of gray. When decorating, blue-grays create peaceful spaces and pair well with many colors from warm neutrals like taupes and tans to other cool shades like pastel blues and greens.
While there are many beautiful blue-gray paint colors to choose from, the lightest and airiest blue grays have an ethereal quality perfect for airy, coastal, or cottage-style rooms. Just like when buying blue jeans, lighter blue grays feel more casual and relaxed while darker blue grays feel more formal and elegant.
The Color Spectrum
To understand the lightest blue grays, it helps to first understand how the color spectrum works. Colors can be described by their hue, value, and chroma:
– Hue refers to the color family – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple. Blue-grays are made by combining the hues blue and gray.
– Value refers to how light or dark a color is. The lightest blue grays have a high value near white.
– Chroma refers to how saturated or vivid a color is. Blue grays have low chroma and are more muted rather than rich.
So when looking for the lightest blue gray, we want a high value blue-gray paint color with low chroma.
Popular Light Blue Gray Paint Colors
Many paint brands offer light blue gray paint colors. Here are some of the most popular:
| Paint Color | Paint Brand | undertones | LRV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Strand | Benjamin Moore | Green | 73 |
| Gray Owl | Benjamin Moore | Neutral | 60 |
| Wind’s Breath | Sherwin Williams | Blue | 73 |
| Rain | Behr | Blue | 67 |
| Silhouette | Valspar | Violet | 68 |
LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value, a measure of how much light a color reflects. The higher the LRV, the lighter the color. As shown, many popular light blue grays have LRVs between 60-73. Silver Strand from Benjamin Moore is an extremely pale blue gray with an LRV of 73.
While the LRVs give us a numerical gauge, the undertones also affect how light a color reads visually. Cool undertones like green and blue will read lighter, while warm undertones like violet will read darker even if the LRVs are similar.
The Lightest Blue Gray Paint Colors
Based on LRVs and undertones, these paint colors represent the lightest and airiest blue grays from major paint brands:
| Paint Color | Paint Brand | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Strand | Benjamin Moore | 73 |
| Gossamer Veil | Benjamin Moore | 73 |
| Gray Owl | Benjamin Moore | 60 |
| Rosetta Stone | Valspar | 73 |
| Wind’s Breath | Sherwin Williams | 73 |
| Rain | Behr | 67 |
Benjamin Moore’s Silver Strand and Gossamer Veil have the highest LRVs at 73. They read like whitewashed blue grays – soft, airy, and serene.
Valspar’s Rosetta Stone is also an LRV 73 ultra-light blue gray with subtle hints of green. It creates a soothing backdrop for decor.
Sherwin Williams’ Wind’s Breath is a light airy blue gray with blue undertones. At LRV 73, it’s light as a breeze.
Behr’s Rain is the lightest gray blue from their Marquee collection with an LRV of 67. This green-gray is tranquil and relaxing.
Decorating with Light Blue Grays
Decorating with the lightest blue-gray paint colors allows you to create a soothing, minimalist aesthetic. Here are some tips:
– Use light blue grays in bedrooms for a relaxing zen vibe. Pair with white, light wood, and neutral textures.
– In bathrooms, light blue grays evoke a spa-like ambience. Coordinate with marble, stone, ceramic tiles, and chrome accents.
– For living spaces, use light blue grays as a backdrop then layer in pops of color through decor and textiles. Try complementing with corals, pale yellows, and orchid purples.
– In kitchens, lean into cottagecore charm with light blue cabinets, open shelving, and butcher block. Accent with warm metals and wood tones.
– For exterior house colors, light blue grays create an approachable elegance. Trim windows in crisp white and select a warm wood door.
Colors that Work Well with Light Blue Gray
The beauty of light blue gray paint colors is their versatility to work with cool and warm palettes. Here are some colors that coordinate beautifully with light blue gray walls:
| Cool Colors | Warm Neutrals | Pops of Color |
|---|---|---|
| White | Beige | Sage Green |
| Ice Blue | Camel | Coral |
| Pale Gray | Tan | Sunflower Yellow |
| Pastel Pink | Warm White | Lilac |
| Mint Green | Oak | Navy Blue |
| Lavender | Putty | Forest Green |
Cool hues like white, gray, and pale blues are seamless matches. For neutrals try beige, taupe, tan, or greige. And don’t be afraid to liven it up with sage greens, sunny yellows, or bright teals and corals.
Considerations Before Choosing
When selecting your light blue gray, here are a few considerations:
– Undertones: Do you prefer cool blue, neutral or warm green/violet undertones? This will impact how the color reads.
– Room size & light: Lighter colors suit airy, sunlit spaces best. Adjust the depth for smaller darker rooms.
– Existing elements: Look at floors, furniture and counters to see what undertones they have and choose a coordinating blue gray.
– Personal preference: Decide whether you want an almost white blue gray or one with a bit more color pigment.
Test paint swatches on the wall at different times of day before fully committing. And don’t be afraid to layer in accent colors that you love!
Conclusion
The lightest and airiest blue grays blend cool blues with ethereal whites for a lightweight, relaxed vibe. Benjamin Moore’s Silver Strand and Gossamer Veil represent the lightest blue grays, along with Valspar’s Rosetta Stone. Combining an LRV over 70 with barely-there blue or green undertones creates a dreamlike, peaceful ambience. When decorating, pair these barely blue grays with crisp whites, natural wood tones, and textured neutrals. Then accent with lush greens, coral pinks or serene blues for a layered coastal or boho chic aesthetic. Paint your walls in the lightest of blue grays to effortlessly create a stylish, tranquil retreat.
