Best Gray Paint Colors: 8 Designer-Approved Grays for 2024
Gray paint colors have dominated interior design for over a decade—and for good reason. They're sophisticated, versatile, and work with nearly any style. But with hundreds of grays available, choosing the right one is crucial. The wrong gray can look cold, purple, or even green in certain lighting.
We've tested countless grays and curated the 8 best gray paint colors that consistently deliver beautiful results. From warm greiges to cool true grays, here are the shades designers trust most.
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Try the Visualizer FreeThe 8 Best Gray Paint Colors
Agreeable Gray
America's most popular paint color. This warm gray-beige (greige) adapts beautifully to any lighting and works with virtually any decor style. It's the ultimate safe choice that never disappoints.
Repose Gray
A slightly cooler, more gray version of Agreeable Gray. Repose Gray is perfect when you want true gray with just enough warmth to feel inviting. It's a designer favorite for its versatility.
Revere Pewter
A rich, warm gray with green undertones that creates sophisticated, grounded spaces. Revere Pewter has more depth than lighter grays, making it perfect for creating cozy yet elegant rooms.
Cornforth White
Don't let the name fool you—this is Farrow & Ball's most popular gray-white. It's light and airy with subtle warmth, creating spaces that feel bright yet sophisticated.
Edgecomb Gray
A light, airy greige that leans more beige than gray. Edgecomb Gray creates a soft, welcoming backdrop that pairs beautifully with both warm and cool accent colors.
Pavilion Gray
A sophisticated mid-tone gray with subtle green undertones. Pavilion Gray has European elegance and works beautifully in both traditional and modern settings.
Classic Gray
A versatile light gray that's warm enough to feel cozy but light enough to brighten a room. Classic Gray is a fail-safe choice for those nervous about going too dark.
Dovetail
A rich, medium-toned gray with warm undertones that adds drama without overwhelming. Dovetail is perfect for accent walls or spaces where you want more depth than light grays provide.
Gray vs. Greige: What's the Difference?
Greige (gray + beige) has become incredibly popular because it offers the best of both worlds: the sophistication of gray with the warmth of beige. Colors like Agreeable Gray and Revere Pewter are greiges—they read as gray but have warm undertones that prevent them from feeling cold.
True grays like Repose Gray or Pavilion Gray have minimal beige and read as pure gray. They work well in modern spaces with cool lighting but can feel cold in north-facing rooms.
The Undertone Test
Hold your gray sample against a true white paper. The undertone will become obvious—you'll see hints of purple, green, blue, or beige. In north-facing light, undertones appear stronger, so test in your actual room at different times of day.
How to Choose the Right Gray
Consider Your Lighting
North-facing rooms: Use warm grays (Agreeable Gray, Revere Pewter) to counteract cool light.
South-facing rooms: Cooler grays work beautifully with abundant warm light.
Rooms with warm wood: Warm greiges complement, while cool grays provide contrast.
Think About Depth
Light grays (Classic Gray, Edgecomb Gray) brighten spaces and make rooms feel larger. Medium grays (Dovetail, Pavilion Gray) add drama and sophistication. Start lighter than you think—grays often look darker once on all four walls.
Find Your Perfect Gray
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Try the Visualizer FreeFAQs About Gray Paint
What is the most popular gray paint color?
Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray is America's #1 selling paint color. Its warm greige undertones work in almost any space and lighting condition.
Why does my gray paint look purple?
Many grays have purple or violet undertones that become visible in certain lighting. To avoid this, choose grays with clearly warm (beige/taupe) or clearly green undertones instead.
What colors go with gray walls?
Gray pairs beautifully with white trim, warm wood tones, navy blue, blush pink, mustard yellow, and most earth tones. The key is matching the undertone—warm grays with warm accents, cool grays with cool accents.
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