Choosing the perfect neutral gray paint color can be a challenging task. With so many shades of gray to pick from, how do you know which one is just right for your space? The most neutral grays are not too warm or cool. They don’t skew brown or have purple/blue undertones. True neutral grays create a balanced backdrop that allows other colors in the room to take center stage.
The Meaning of Neutral Gray
A neutral gray is a hue that does not lean too far in any direction. It sits right in the middle of the grayscale and does not have a strong chroma or intensity. Neutral grays work well as wall colors because they act as a subtle backdrop. Unlike brighter whites or deeper charcoals, neutral grays don’t dominate a room. Instead, they provide a soft, muted foundation that lets other decorative elements shine.
How is Neutral Gray Different from Cool & Warm Grays?
On the grayscale spectrum, warm grays skew towards brown/beige undertones while cool grays veer towards blue/purple. Neutral grays strike a balance right in the middle. They are neither too taupe nor too icy. Here’s a visual way to understand the differences:
| Warm Grays | Neutral Grays | Cool Grays |
|---|---|---|
| Beige undertones | No strong undertones | Blue/purple undertones |
| Look taupe/mushroom | True medium gray | Can look icy |
| Bring warmth | Create balance | Read modern/sleek |
While warm grays are cozy and cool grays are sleek, neutral grays are the “just right” middle ground. They provide an airy, easygoing backdrop without skewing too far on the color spectrum.
Choosing the Most Neutral Gray Paint Color
With so many gray paint options out there, how do you discern which one is the most neutral? Here are some tips:
- Look at the undertones. Neutral grays don’t have strong beige, brown, blue or purple undertones.
- Check the RGB or HEX color values. Neutral grays will have relatively balanced readings for the red, green and blue values.
- Compare swatches in different light. The most neutral grays maintain their evenness in warm and cool lighting.
- Consider the LRV (light reflective value). Mid-range LRVs around 50% typically indicate a neutral gray.
- Test samples on walls. Paint large swatches and view at different times of day.
When evaluating shades of gray, it also helps to line them up next to each other. This allows you to directly compare undertones. If one swatch stands out as extra warm or cool, it likely isn’t neutral. The most neutral shade will blend in with the others.
Popular Neutral Gray Paint Colors
Here are some of the most popular neutral grays from leading paint brands:
Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
A longtime bestseller, Repose Gray is a light-medium neutral that works everywhere from living rooms to bedrooms. It has an LRV of 58% and subtle green undertones.
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Gray Owl is one of Benjamin Moore’s most popular grays. The quintessential neutral, it pairs well with any color scheme from bold brights to pastels.
Behr Mindful Gray
Behr’s Mindful Gray is a crowd-pleaser with barely perceptible cool undertones. Its versatility and affordability make it a go-to neutral gray choice.
Valspar Kettle Gray
Clean and airy, Kettle Gray is a lighter neutral that brightens up rooms. Its subtle warmth plays well with antiques and navy blues.
PPG Worldly Gray
With an LRV of 50%, Worldly Gray lives up to its name. This globally appealing neutral works everywhere from modern homes to historic spaces.
Using Neutral Gray in Room Colors Schemes
Going for an all-neutral palette? Different shades of neutral gray can create subtle depth and contrast. Accent with other neutrals like white, beige, charcoal and black.
Anchoring bold brights? Neutral grays allow bolder paint colors to take center stage without overwhelming a space.
Trying traditional color schemes? Soft neutrals complement classic color combinations like red, yellow and blue.
No matter your desired aesthetic, neutral gray paint colors offer versatility. They provide a harmonious backdrop for any style. Just take care not to go too dark or the space may read drab and gloomy.
Neutral Gray in Different Rooms
Living Rooms
In living spaces, neutral grays help furniture and accent colors stand out. They prevent louder furniture like floral sofas or striped chairs from clashing. Neutral walls also make it easier to refresh décor seasonally.
Bedrooms
Peaceful and relaxing, neutral grays make ideal bedroom colors. They ensure the space stays restful even if you opt for bolder bedding and furnishings. Go slightly darker for drama or lighter for an airy spa-like feel.
Kitchens
Cooking spaces often have enough visual interest with cabinetry, tile and stainless steel appliances. Neutral grays provide a subtle supporting backdrop that won’t compete with those elements.
Bathrooms
In bathrooms, medium to lighter neutral grays give an open, airy feeling even without natural light. Pair them with shades of white for a clean and soothing oasis.
Home Offices
Harmonious neutral grays aid concentration in home offices and other workspaces. They balance energetic accent colors to prevent overstimulation.
Achieving Different Looks with Neutral Grays
While neutral by definition, various shades of gray can help you achieve different aesthetics. Here are some examples:
- Light gray – airy, ethereal, peaceful
- Medium gray – flexible, versatile, transitional
- Charcoal gray – cozy, warm, inviting
- Soft gray green – relaxing, calm, spa-like
- Dove gray – elegant, subtle, timeless
- Heather gray – organic, harmonious, earthy
Shift the undertones, depth and sheen to make a neutral gray feel breezy and light or cocooning and cozy.
Tips for Decorating with Neutral Grays
Curating a stylish space with neutral gray as a backdrop? Keep these tips in mind:
- Inject colors and patterns via accent pieces like pillows, rugs and art.
- Add warmth with wood furniture, metallic finishes and natural textures.
- Anchor the neutral with black structural elements like window frames or beams.
- Show restraint with bold colors. Allow the neutral gray to shine.
- Use multiple shades of neutral gray for dimension and depth.
Neutral grays provide flexibility in décor. Play with cool blues and greens or warm taupes and tans. The most neutral gray will welcome any accent color or palette.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect neutral gray paint color comes down to balance. You want a hue that falls right in the middle of the spectrum without skewing too warm or cool. Popular neutral grays from leading paint brands hit this sweet spot. They offer the versatility to work with any style and palette. Just beware going too dark. To keep a space bright and inviting, maintain airiness with lighter neutral grays accented by splashes of color and texture.
