Warm grey is a popular paint colour that can add a subtle, inviting vibe to any space. As the name implies, it sits between stark white and cool greys on the colour spectrum, providing a soft, cozy neutral that pairs beautifully with many decor styles. Understanding the undertones, shades and uses of warm grey paint can help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next paint project.
What Makes a Grey Paint Colour “Warm”?
Grey paint colours span a wide range on the colour wheel from cool to neutral to warm undertones. Warm greys get their inviting personality from subtle hints of reds, yellows, oranges or browns mixed into the base grey. This gives them a slightly tan, beige or taupe appearance that reads warmer than blue- or green-based greys.
Many people find warm greys more soothing and relaxing than crisper, cooler greys for walls and furniture. Their versatility also makes them popular for colour schemes that seamlessly blend with warm metallics, natural wood tones and organic textiles.
The Range of Warm Grey Paint Colours
Like any paint colour family, warm greys come in a wide spectrum of hues and shades. Lighter warm greys take on more beige or greige characteristics, while deeper, charcoal-inspired warm greys may have subtle brownish or aubergine tones. Here are some of the most popular types of warm grey paint colours:
Light Warm Greys
Buttery off-whites and greiges are inviting warm grey shades for open, airy spaces. Their softness encourages relaxation in bedrooms, living rooms and studies. Popular light warm greys include:
– Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
– Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray
– Behr Pale Wool
Midtone Warm Greys
Versatile midtone warm greys pair beautifully with many colour schemes. Their flexibility makes them suitable for nearly any room. Some popular options include:
– Behr Gray Cashmere
– Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
– Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray
Dark Warm Greys
Deep, dramatic warm greys provide striking accents and focal walls. Their cozy warmth softens the darkness. Good dark warm greys include:
– Behr Peppercorn
– Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
– Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black
How Light Reflectance Affects Warm Greys
The light reflectance value (LRV) of paint colours affects how light or dark they appear. Warm greys with higher LRVs look lighter in a space, while those with lower LRVs read darker. Here is how different LRVs compare for warm greys:
| LRV Range | Appearance |
|---|---|
| 70-90% | Very light warm greys |
| 50-69% | Light to midtone warm greys |
| 35-49% | Mid to dark warm greys |
| 0-34% | Very dark warm greys |
Knowing a paint colour’s LRV helps predict how it will look on the walls in different lighting. Darker warm greys can read very different in a sunny room versus a dim one.
Use of Warm Greys by Room
Among today’s top paint colours, warm greys suit nearly any room. Here are some of their best uses by space:
Living Rooms
Midtone warm greys create a welcoming backdrop in living spaces where families relax and entertain. Pair with greens, blues and warm metallics for an inviting ambiance.
Bedrooms
Peaceful, lighter warm greys encourage restfulness in bedrooms. Accent with crisp whites and natural textures for a cozy retreat.
Kitchens
Warmer grays with beige hints complement oak or walnut cabinetry in kitchens. Midtone shades work well on walls.
Bathrooms
Use soft warm greys on vanities and walls to offset crisp white tile. Deeper shades can ground spa-like baths.
Dining Rooms
Try a dramatic warm charcoal on one dining room wall as an accent. Lighter warm greys encourage guests to linger at the table.
Offices
Warm greys boost concentration and focus when used as office wall colours. Avoid going too dark in windowless spaces.
Outdoor Spaces
For patios and porches, lighter warm greys work well on siding, trim and furniture. Their versatility complements any outdoor style.
Tips for Decorating with Warm Grey Paint
Painting with warm greys provides flexibility in decor but benefits from a few decorating tips:
– Test greige swatches at different times of day since light impacts their appearance.
– Go lighter on large expanses of walls to avoid a cave-like feeling. Use deeper shades for accents.
– Pair warm greys with metals and minerals like golds, coppers and rust tones. Crisp whites give contrast.
– Add warmth through textures like wood furniture, sisal rugs and linen upholstery which play to the colour’s softness.
– In shadowy rooms, opt for warm greys with higher LRVs to maximize light reflection.
– View colour cards in both artificial and natural light to assess undertones accurately.
Choosing Your Warm Grey Paint
Once you decide to use a warm grey paint colour, choosing the perfect shade involves:
– Evaluating undertones in the space’s lighting at different times of day. Cool, blue-based greys can read very neutral in warm, yellow lighting.
– Sampling paint swatches on walls to see effects of natural light. Colour strips alone don’t give an accurate impression.
– Assessing adjacent colours like woods, metals, tiles and fabrics that will impact the grey’s perception.
– Considering the feeling you want for the space – relaxed, moody, airy, focused, etc. Warm greys range from energetic to serene.
– Viewing the shortlist of contenders in all lighting, next to furnishings, to make the best choice. Be sure to compare at night as well.
Achieving Different Warm Grey Finishes
Like any paint colour, warm greys take on slightly different looks depending on the sheen finish:
| Finish | Appearance | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Flat/matte | Muted, velvety | Hide wall imperfections |
| Eggshell | Soft glow | Walls, ceilings, woodwork |
| Satin | Smooth, slight sheen | Trim, doors, cabinets |
| Semi-gloss | Shiny, reflective | Doors, molding, accent walls |
| High-gloss | Glossy, mirror-like | Furniture, cabinets, shelving |
In general, lower sheens work best for large neutral wall expanses, while higher gloss options provide depth on architectural details.
Warm Grey Colour Combinations
One benefit of warm greys is their versatility for colour pairings. Here are decor ideas for popular warm grey colour schemes:
Warm Greys and Blues
– Navy accent chairs or throw pillows
– Deep teal artwork and decorative objects
– Pale blue pillows and tasseled curtains
Warm Greys and Greens
– Olive throw blanket on sofa
– Sage green kitchen island
– Emerald decorative vases and wall art
Warm Greys and Yellows
– Sunny yellow pillows or occasional chair
– Beeswax or ochre ceramic table lamps
– Brass light fixtures and hardware
Warm Greys and Roses
– Blush pillows and area rug
– Rose quartz kitchen accessories
– Deep fuchsia candles and flowers
Warm Greys and Metallics
– Coppery bronze side tables and mirrors
– Silver and brass coffee table books
– Metallic finishes on barware and serving pieces
The Takeaway on Warm Grey Paint
With their adaptable personality, it’s easy to see why warm grey paint colours remain popular across interior design styles. Choosing the right warm grey hue, properly lighting the space and decorating to complement its undertones results in stylish, welcoming rooms where families naturally congregate. Whether you prefer beige-based greiges, mushroomy midtone warm greys or earthy charcoal shades, experimenting with this versatile neutral can transform the feel of a room.
Conclusion
Warm greys are a sophisticated, versatile neutral paint colour option. Their red, orange and brown undertones give a cozy, welcoming feel compared to cool greys. Lighter beige-greys suit airy bedrooms and living spaces, while deep charcoals provide drama on accent walls. Pair warm greys with blues, greens, yellows and metallics for a relaxing yet stylish room. Consider the light and existing colours to find the perfect warm grey paint for your next decorating project. With the right shade and complementary accents, warm greys create a soothing, inviting backdrop for any home.