Grey has been a popular neutral paint color for homes for many years. However, in recent times, there has been a shift towards warmer, greige tones. Greige is a blend of grey and beige, resulting in a soft, cozy neutral that complements both cool and warm color schemes. As grey has dominated the neutral paint color market, many homeowners are now wondering if the modern grey they chose is actually more of a greige.
Defining greige
Greige is a portmanteau of grey and beige. It sits in between these two neutral tones on the color spectrum. True greys have no discernible undertones, while beige paint colors take on yellow or brown undertones. Greige balances these undertones, adding just a hint of warmth to a light grey base. The result is a versatile neutral that layers well with other paint colors and materials in a space.
Greiges are ideal for contemporary, transitional, farmhouse, and modern spaces. They create a soothing, welcoming backdrop without feeling sterile or cold. Greige is inherently cozy yet still refined. It avoids the yellowness of some beiges but maintains enough warmth to feel livable. Greige is an excellent choice for open floor plans, as it flows seamlessly between rooms.
The grey vs. greige debate
As grey color palettes have saturated the design market over the past decade, the distinction between grey and greige has become muddled. Many paint colors marketed as “grey” actually contain subtle warm undertones that would more accurately be described as greige. This confusion stems from a few factors:
The rise of warm neutrals
For years, cool greys dominated the neutral paint color market. However, as the prevalence of open floor plans increased, warm greiges became more popular for their cohesiveness throughout a home. Brands began marketing warm off-whites and greiges as “grey” to capitalize on grey’s popularity. Most consumers didn’t notice the subtle warmth.
Differing perceptions of undertones
What appears grey to one person may read as greige to another. Our eyes perceive undertones differently. Someone accustomed to cool greys is more likely to notice even faint warm undertones, categorizing the color as greige. Those used to warm beiges are less sensitive to subtle warmth, still considering the paint grey.
Influence of light
Lighting has a significant impact on how paint colors appear. The same grey or greige paint can look starkly different in warm morning light vs. cool afternoon light. A color without obvious undertones may appear to take on warmth or coolness depending on the lighting. This camouflaging effect muddles the line between grey and greige.
Identifying greige paint colors
When evaluating if a supposedly grey paint color contains greige undertones, consider these telltale signs:
The name includes “greige”
Paint brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams have started more accurately marketing greige tones using the term “greige.” Names like Benjamin Moore Gray Owl or Sherwin Williams Greige actually indicate greige paint colors, not pure greys.
Warm color descriptions
Read the description of the grey paint color. Words like “warm,” “toasted,” “tan,” and “pebble” suggest greige undertones. Cool grey shades describe colors like “icy,” “heather,” and “slate.”
The LRVs differ
Compare the grey paint color’s Light Reflectance Value (LRV) to a pure grey like Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray. If the LRV is higher, it likely contains warmth characteristic of greige. Pure greys around 50% LRV reflect light neutrally. Greiges often range 55-65% LRV.
| Paint Color | LRV |
| Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray | 50% |
| Benjamin Moore Gray Owl | 60% |
View in multiple lights
Look at a grey paint swatch in natural daylight, warm incandescent light, and cool fluorescent light. Does it maintain a consistent appearance or shift warmer or cooler? Greige paints will appear more beige in warm light and grey in cool light, while true greys look the same.
Compare to a true grey
Hold the questionable grey paint chip next to a known true grey like Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray. Look for differences in temperature. Even a barely perceptible warmth likely indicates greige. Cool greys appear icy in comparison.
Greige room ideas
Once you’ve determined a paint color has greige undertones, take advantage by pairing it with colors that complement its versatility. Here are some greige color scheme ideas:
Greige and blue
From navy to powder blue, shades of blue look crisp against greige backdrops. The greige prevents the blue from reading too cold.
Greige and green
Earthy sage greens and lively chartreuse complement greige’s natural warmth. Dark greens also feel grounded with greige.
Greige and blush
Using greige as a neutral base, add feminine blush pink accents through pillows, furnishings and artwork. Touches of pink feel sophisticated against greige.
Greige and terracotta
For a Southwestern vibe, match greige walls with terracotta carpets, vases, tiles and throw blankets. The greige softens terracotta’s boldness.
Greige and black
Charcoal black provides dramatic contrast to light greiges. Black window frames, hardware and lighting add bold interest.
Greige and white
Crisp bright white trims really allow greige’s subtle warmth to shine. White ceilings, shelving, moldings and accessories keep the room airy against greige walls.
Greige paint recommendations
Here are some top-rated greige paint colors from leading brands:
| Brand | Greige Paint Color |
| Benjamin Moore | Revere Pewter |
| Sherwin Williams | Agreeable Gray |
| Behr | Gray Cashmere |
| Valspar | Latte |
These greige paint colors beautifully balance warm and cool undertones for a versatile, inviting neutral backdrop.
Conclusion
Many modern “grey” paint colors actually contain hints of beige that categorize them as greige. While frustrating when longing for a cool grey aesthetic, greige’s adaptability presents unique possibilities for sophisticated, livable spaces. Lean into greige’s strengths like cohesion in open layouts and harmonious pairings with other colors. Greige truly deserves appreciation for offering the best of both grey and beige paint worlds.