When it comes to choosing the perfect shade of grey paint for your walls, there are a few key factors to consider. The grey color palette is extremely versatile and can range from cool undertones like blue-greys to warm undertones like taupe-greys. The shade you choose will impact the overall look and feel of the space. Lighter greys tend to make a room feel more open and airy, while darker shades create a cozier ambiance. Ultimately, the “best” grey paint depends on your own personal style and decor.
Different Types of Grey Paint
There are three main categories of grey paint to choose from:
Cool Greys – These grey shades have hints of blue or purple undertones. They create a calming and serene look. Examples include foggy grey, icy gray, cadet grey.
Warm Greys – Warm grey paint colors have yellow, brown, red, or taupe undertones. They feel cozy and inviting. Examples include greige, mushroom grey, driftwood grey.
Neutral Greys – True greys without any undertones fall in the middle of the spectrum. They create a clean, sophisticated look. Examples include ash grey, cloud grey, granite grey.
Factors to Consider
When deciding on the best grey paint color, keep these factors in mind:
Natural Lighting – Rooms with northern light usually look best with cool grey tones, while southern exposure works well with warm greys. Evaluate how the natural light hits the space.
Artificial Lighting – Incandescent bulbs cast a warm glow that pairs nicely with greys with taupe undertones. LEDs and fluorescents lend a cooler cast that flatters shades with blue undertones.
Existing Furnishings – Look at the color temperature of your furnishings. Warm greys compliment wood tones, while cool greys match metals and glass.
Personal Preference – Consider your own decorating style. Do you prefer contemporary and sleek or comfortable and rustic? This will help guide your grey choice.
Which Grey Tones Work Best in Different Rooms
The grey you select for your walls can vary by room based on the mood you want to create:
Living Rooms – Warm medium to dark greys like dove grey or taupe grey promote relaxation in living spaces. Stay away from cold grays here.
Kitchens/Dining Rooms – For dining areas, choose a crisp shade like silver grey or charcoal grey to stimulate appetite. Avoid beige-greys.
Bedrooms – Soft tranquil blue-greys like glacier or cadet grey help promote restful sleep. Prevent greys with brown undertones.
Bathrooms/Powder Rooms – Bold slate greys or blue-greys bring an invigorating spa-like feel. Preclude warm greys in dim bathrooms.
Home Offices – Sharper gray shades keep productivity high. Go for cold greys like overcast or graphite.
Kids’ Rooms – Muted shades like cityscape grey work well in children’s rooms. Avoid dark or bold greys.
Most Popular Grey Paint Colors
Based on research across top paint brands, the most popular greys for walls are:
| Paint Color Name | Paint Brand | Undertone |
|---|---|---|
| Revere Pewter | Benjamin Moore | Warm with taupe |
| Edgecomb Gray | Benjamin Moore | Warm with beige |
| Agreeable Gray | Sherwin-Williams | Warm with taupe |
| Accessible Beige | Sherwin-Williams | Warm with beige |
| Silver Strand | Valspar | Slightly warm |
| Gray Screen | Valspar | Neutral |
| Mindful Gray | Behr | Slightly warm |
| Gray Matters | Behr | Neutral |
As you can see, warmer greys with taupe and beige undertones tend to be the most sought-after shades. They provide a versatile, welcoming look for any room. However, cooler tones like silver, blue-gray, and slate grey are rising in popularity as well.
Best techniques for painting grey walls
Once you’ve selected the ideal grey shade, use these techniques to ensure you get the look you want:
Prime walls first – Priming creates a uniform surface so the grey paint looks smooth. Use a high quality primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3.
Use a mini roller – Mini rollers create less brushstrokes and a more seamless finish compared to paint brushes. Use a high density microfiber roller.
Cut in edges first – Outline trim, corners, and edges with an angled paint brush before rolling paint onto walls. This creates crisp lines.
Use two coats – Most grey colors require two coats for proper coverage and even color. Allow first coat to fully dry before adding the second.
Maintain wet edge – To prevent lap marks, always paint from wet to dry edges and complete wall sections before taking breaks.
Finish with ceiling/trim last – Paint the walls first, then do the ceiling and trim. This prevents drips from getting on freshly painted grey walls.
Following these simple tips will help you achieve a professional-looking grey paint finish. Take your time, use high quality applicators, and work methodically for best results.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal grey paint shade for your home ultimately comes down to a combination of factors – the room, natural and artificial lighting, furnishings, and personal taste. Warm, cozy greys with taupe undertones tend to have mass appeal and work in most rooms. But don’t be afraid to go bold with a dark charcoal or soft with a hazy blue-gray if it fits your space. Testing grey paint samples on the wall before fully committing is highly recommended. With the right preparation and technique, you can apply the perfect sophisticated grey finish to any room.