Buzz
Image: ClareThere's a reason why gray shades are a favorite choice for many. While being a neutral color, gray brings more dimension and character to a room than white. It’s a classic that remains relevant and never goes out of fashion. With over 50 shades to choose from, you're bound to find one that perfectly suits the atmosphere you aim to create.
The challenge when selecting the ideal hue for your space? Narrowing down the many options. The subtle undertones of gray make it tricky to pick the right one. To help, we asked experts from leading paint companies to reveal their top-selling and most popular gray shades. They also shared how each tone can change the feel of a room. Next time you're repainting, try one of these pro-approved gray hues and avoid any painter's remorse.
1. Agreeable Gray, by Sherwin-Williams
"Agreeable Gray SW 7029 is our top choice in gray paint because it's an ideal tone for any space, whether it’s a family room or a bedroom," says Sue Wadden, Sherwin-Williams’ director of color marketing.
"It's warmer than most other grays, making it perfect for the trend toward warmer tones and beiges that homeowners are increasingly drawn to." Looking for a gray that’s both adaptable and soothing? This warm shade is a reliable choice.
Undertone: WarmTo purchase: sherwin-williams.com.
2. West Coast Ghost, by Backdrop
Not a fan of warm tones? Keep it cool with Backdrop's beloved gray, West Coast Ghost. "People have always been big fans of West Coast Ghost," says Natalie Ebel, co-founder of Backdrop. "This gray with cool undertones brings an elevated, architectural vibe that can truly brighten and open up a space."
Want to create the illusion of a larger room? Apply a coat of this fail-safe gray.
Undertone: CoolTo purchase: $59 per gallon, backdrop.com.
3. Seize the Gray, by Clare
"Seize the Gray is the ideal gray shade and one of our top sellers," says Nicole Gibbons, founder and CEO of Clare paint.
"Many other brands offer an overwhelming variety of grays, and it can be challenging to find the perfect one. At Clare, we wanted to ensure we had a reliable, go-to gray in our collection, and Seize the Gray is that perfect match! It’s a crisp, neutral gray without undertones, making it both versatile and calming."
Undertone: None, neutralTo purchase: $54 per gallon, clare.com.
4. Balboa Mist, OC-27, by Benjamin Moore
"One of our best-loved grays, this shade has a hint of warmth that makes it incredibly versatile, effortlessly complementing a wide variety of other colors from whites to pastels to deeper tones," says Andrea Magno, director of color marketing and development for Benjamin Moore. For an open-concept space, where you want the paint colors to blend smoothly, this gray is a perfect match.
Undertone: WarmTo purchase: benjaminmoore.com.
5. Cornforth White, by Farrow & Ball
"One of our top-selling grays at Farrow & Ball is Cornforth White, named after the esteemed British architectural historian John Cornforth," says Patrick O'Donnell, international brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. "It belongs to our 'Easy Neutral' collection, a gentle range of grays that all feature an underlying brown tone. This makes them feel warm and never too cool when used indoors, ensuring they work effortlessly throughout the home. They pair beautifully with our Strong White for a crisp yet cozy gray interior, and can be accented with caramel and chocolate tones."
For those seeking a home that's both warm and elegant, this classic shade of gray will never disappoint.
Undertone: WarmTo purchase: farrow-ball.com.
6. White Metal, by Behr
"Among Behr's best-selling colors is White Metal N520-1, a fan favorite and one of their most sought-after gray shades," says Erika Woelfel, Behr's color expert. "This hue creates an illusion of space, making rooms feel open and expansive, while also providing a sophisticated, neutral backdrop for any space in your home."
Woelfel mentions that she's observed this adaptable gray being used everywhere, from garages to bathrooms. It's truly the perfect gray for every room in the house.
Undertone: CoolTo purchase: behr.com.
7. Filtered Shade, by Valspar
"Filtered Shade is a soft, warm gray with a subtle touch of lavender, introducing a sense of drama to any space. It's the perfect balance between gray and greige," says Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar.
Kim recommends this shade for rooms of all sizes, particularly small ones. "Filtered Shade has the lightness that makes smaller spaces feel more open. In a small bathroom or bedroom with warmer lighting, it creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere with a hint of quiet luxury," she explains.
Undertone: Warm
To purchase: lowes.com
8. Repose Gray, by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
"Repose Gray is an incredibly versatile color. With its cool undertones balanced by a hint of warmth, this shade blends effortlessly with any color palette in your home," says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager for HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams. "It manages to remain light and airy, yet adds just enough color to make a space feel more dynamic."
For homes with open floor plans or abundant wood accents, Banbury notes that this shade enhances those features and brings a refreshing feel to the entire space.
Undertone: Cool
To buy: hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com
9. Ghost Writer, by Glidden
Ghost Writer (PPG1007-3) belongs to the 'greige' family, which infuses warmth and coziness into any room, according to Glidden color expert Ashley McCollum.
"We’re also noticing a shift toward warmer grays," McCollum notes. "The warmth in the undertones of Ghost Writer, while still maintaining a neutral base, gives this shade a distinctive quality."
Undertone: Warm
Purchase here: glidden.com
