Thinking gray colors are so five minutes ago? Not in my world. They remain timeless neutrals that work beautifully to calm a mood. Grey paint colors have played a starring role here at the Georgian where we have been busy renovating for a year. 6 Amazing Grey Paint Colors: Light & Medium Shades to Sample may help if you need a place to start for inspiration photos when you’re considering a tranquil grey color. Finding the just right color for your unique project and location is a mindful process that really shouldn’t be rushed. Sampling is an intelligent part of the process and necessary for arriving at the perfect hue, so don’t rush into a quick decision.
![Dining room with antique table, Louis style chairs, fireplace with mural above, and SW Repose Gray paint color on walls - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/dining-room-hello-lovely-studio-mirror.jpg)
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
7 Grey Paint Colors: Light & Medium Shades to Sample
Light greys can provide such an atmospheric backdrop for the rest of your decorating. Think of wintry skies, feathers, old stone, sterling, and the moon.
It is suggestive of quietude and peacefulness so if you’re after something energizing and dynamic, it may not be the right neutral for your space.
![Funny parenting tweet about 5 year old and sharks by James Breakwell on Hello Lovely Studio. #funnytweets #parentinghumor #sharks](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/funny-parenting-tweet-sharks-5-year-old-james-breakwell-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
In other story, we looked at blue-greys in particular.
![Lamp Room Gray Farrow & Ball painted cabinets in a timeless and classic kitchen by Park and Oak. Click through for Perfect Light Gray Paint Colors You'll Love as Well as Interior Design Inspiration Photos.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Classic-kitchen-Hinsdale-Park-Oak-6-1440x1862.jpg)
Buy Samples to Compare Different Greys
Pssst. Buy samples HERE before making your final decision for walls, ceilings, trim, cabinets and windows.
![Calm light gray paint colors to try from Farrow & Ball - Hello Lovely Studio. #graypaintcolors #greypaint #lightgray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CALM-LIGHT-GRAY-PAINT-COLORS-Hello-Lovely-Studio-Farrow-Ball.jpg)
![Funny quote about age from George Burns: age is an issue of mind over matter. #agequotes #funnyquotes #humorquote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/001-inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-GEORGE-BURNS-AGE.jpg)
If you don’t already have a Pinterest board devoted to paint, create a board and tap here to PIN THIS POST so you’ll have paint names at the ready when you head to the store to buy samples to try on your walls.
![Self-care and forgiveness inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio by Audrey Kitching. #forgiveness #selfcare #quotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/inspirational-quote-about-forgive-yourself-hello-lovely-studio-audrey-kitching.jpg)
I am including a range of grey paint colors from light to medium because your lighting conditions really do come into play. In a room with northern exposure, a lighter grey may give you the desired feel whereas a medium tone may read too dark.
![Self-care quote about people judging - Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowthquotes #selfcarequotes #selfkindnessquotes #encouragementquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/encouraging-quote-people-will-judge-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray 242
Pavilion Gray is a gorgeous medium gray and very similar to Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray which seems to fetch more attention and is also included below.
I recently painted our kitchen cabinets Pavilion Gray mixed at 66% saturation:
![Hello Lovely's kitchen with modern French style - come shop the look! #modernfrench #frenchkitchen #hellolovelystudio](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-hello-lovely-kitchen-banner-hellolovelystudio-modern-french.jpg)
When the kitchen is nice and bright with sunlight, the gray color is warmed by the sun and appears more blue. In the evening, the color appears more grey.
![Pom pom garland at the kitchen sink window - Hello Lovely Studio. #paviliongray #graykitchen #calacattagoldmarble](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/001-thanksgiving-28.jpg)
So don’t forget you can tweak a color’s saturation if it’s almost right but a bit too dark.
![Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray on my kitchen cabinets - Hello Lovely Studio. #graypaintcolors #paviliongray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/farrow-ball-pavilion-gray-kitchen-cabinets-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
In the next inspiration photo, this gray appears more taupe or greige:
![Pavilion Gray (Farrow & Ball) paint color on bookshelves in a cozy reading nook of a beach house living room (photo: Douglas Friedman; Interior Design: Kate Lester). #paviliongray #graypaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/glennon-doyle-abby-wambach-beach-house-reading-nook-living-room-cowtan-tout-leopard-upholstery-farrow-ball-pavilion-gray-kate-lester-design-architecturaldigest.jpg)
So keep in mind the fact that the undertones and lighting will interact and affect your perception of the color in your unique space.
Benjamin Moore Pashmina
![Breathtaking front door and entry to traditional style white stucco mansion in Buckhead. The 2020 Southeastern Designer Showhouse 'Villa Flora' is painted Benjamin Moore Seapearl and trim is Benjamin Moore Pashmina. #paintcolors #seapearl #benjaminmooreseapearl #pashmina #benjaminmoorepashmina #houseexteriors #housecolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/southeastern-designer-showhouse-2020-exterior-david-christensen-atlanta-homes-lifestyles-villa-flora.jpg)
Lisa Furey used a couple of Benjamin Moore grays I love in her modern farmhouse coastal cottage property we have spotlighted on the blog. The first is BM Pashmina.
BM Pashmina reminds me of a very Parisian style grey, and Furey used it for the kitchen island. (BM Pashmina is similar to SW Agreeable Gray which is the color of the bedrooms here at my house at the moment.)
![Lisa Furey's white coastal cottage kitchen in Palmetto Bluff inspires with its colorful tile, quiet grey island, and modern black wall sconces. Click through for Perfect Light Gray Paint Colors You'll Love as Well as Interior Design Inspiration Photos. #bestgreypaint #paintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/coastal-cottage-kitchen-5.jpg)
This gray, like Agreeable Gray, is warm. You’ll get a better idea of warm and cool greys when you compare them side by side.
![Pashmina Benjamin Moore paint color. Click through for Perfect Light Gray Paint Colors You'll Love as Well as Interior Design Inspiration Photos. #bestgreypaint #paintcolors](https://i.pinimg.com/564x/e9/08/81/e908811bafc8c98bc7789d563b54245c.jpg)
For example, another gray the interior designer used in this project was this cool grey:
SHERWIN WILLIAMS Tinsmith 7657
SW Tinsmith 7657 is a cooler and gentler grey the designer used on bathroom vanities. The color reminds me of Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray.
Additional possibilities of greys with green undertones include Gray Owl, Mindful Gray, SW Dorian Gray.
![Coastal bathroom with vessel sink, shiplap, and round mirror. Click through for Perfect Light Gray Paint Colors You'll Love as Well as Interior Design Inspiration Photos. #bestgreypaint #paintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/coastal-bathroom.jpg)
If you’re curious about the white paint color in these baths, it is Benjamin Moore White OC-151.
![This bathroom vanity in a coastal cottage is painted Tinsmith by Sherwin Williams. Designed by Lisa Furey.Click through for Perfect Light Gray Paint Colors You'll Love as Well as Interior Design Inspiration Photos. #bestgreypaint #paintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/lisa-furey-master-bath-vanity-sherwin-williams-tinsmith.jpg)
![jung pueblo quote on Hello Lovely Studio about connection and relationships. #jungpueblo](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/001-connection-quote-personal-growth-jung-pueblo-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
SHERWIN WILLIAMS Dorian Gray
Have you noticed how a certain paint color will surge in popularity as folks use it left and right because of the buzz? Dorian Gray seems to enjoy Taylor Swift-level glory!
![Dorian Gray Sherwin Williams paint on kitchen cabinets - Stacy Risenmay. Click through for Perfect Light Gray Paint Colors You'll Love as Well as Interior Design Inspiration Photos. #bestgreypaint #paintcolors](https://www.notjustahousewife.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/new-drawer-fronts.png)
It’s always interesting to note how a particular paint color reads in a photo, yes? the cabinets above seem very light. Not sure if the photo was edited and the exposure increased or if natural light is washing out the color.
Here’s Dorian Gray on shutters and a front door:
![Repose Gray by Sherwin Williams paint color on the siding and Dorian Gray painted front door by Bell Sheep Studio. #paintcolors #bestgrey #doriangray #reposegray #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sherwin-williams-repose-gray-siding-dorian-gray-on-front-door.jpg)
You definitely get a feel for its warmth when you compare it to Repose Gray which is on the siding of this home.
![Repose Gray by Sherwin Williams paint color on the siding and Dorian Gray painted front door by Bell Sheep Studio. #paintcolors #bestgrey #doriangray #reposegray #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sherwin-williams-dorian-gray-front-door-repose-gray-siding.jpg)
Sometimes you want just a slight contrast with a house exterior and trim or door color, and these two grey colors may be the combo you’re seeking.
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
I love how atmospheric, neutral, and balanced this cooler gray, BM Stonington Gray is – almost like a tranquil overcast day where you simply want to cozy on down with a book.
![Modern farmhouse bedroom painted Stonington Gray. Click through for Perfect Light Gray Paint Colors You'll Love as Well as Interior Design Inspiration Photos. #bestgreypaint #paintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/modern-farmhouse-girl-bedroom-8-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Seapearl by Benjamin Moore is the white color above the paneled wainscot in this powder room while Stonington Gray is the paint color on trim. #powderroom #paintcolors #benjaminmooreseapearl #benjaminmoorestoningtongray #seapearl #stoningtongray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/benjamin-moore-sea-pearl-paint-walls-powder-room-stonington-gray-wainscot.jpg)
In this farmhouse with industrial farmhouse style, Stonington Gray feels modern and chic.
![Stonington Gray Benjamin Moore on walls going up stairs. Click through for Perfect Light Gray Paint Colors You'll Love as Well as Interior Design Inspiration Photos. #bestgreypaint #paintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/modern-farmhouse-staircase-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
That’s something to consider when you are choosing colors for an older home. Certain tones are going to freshen the mood or even feel more youthful.
![Stonington Gray Benjamin Moore paint on walls of mud room. Click through for Perfect Light Gray Paint Colors You'll Love as Well as Interior Design Inspiration Photos. #bestgreypaint #paintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/modern-farmhouse-mud-room-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![An inspiring Apache Prayer on Hello Lovely Studio. #prayers #apacheprayer #inspirationalquote #gratitudequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/001-apache-prayer-inspirational-quote-gratitude-vision-strength-peace-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Grey colors are always a safe choice for bedrooms since most folks are after a restful, sanctuary, retreat-like feel.
![Serenely quiet modern farmhouse bedroom with walls painted Stonington Gray (Benjamin Moore). #stoningtongray #paintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/modern-farmhouse-girl-bedroom-7-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Grey in a kitchen or dining room? It has been a few years since I had a grey kitchen, and I would recommend sampling it on the wall to make sure it doesn’t bring down your mood. Certain colors will do that!
![Breakfast dining nook in a modern farmhouse with black hardwood floors and Stonington Gray wall color.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/modern-farmhouse-breakfast-room-5-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Kindness quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #kindnessquote #quotes #inspirationalquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-today-will-never-come.jpg)
SHERWIN WILLIAMS Repose Gray
Repose Gray 7015 is a gorgeous, calming grey color that I love living with at home. It is the wall color in most rooms on our main level as well as the color in our primary bath.
![SW Repose Gray walls in modern French renovated bath with vintage clawfoot tub - Hello Lovely Studio. #swreposegray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/001-april-2023-hello-lovely-bath-23.jpg)
It’s cool and not too light but not too dark. In rooms with abundant natural light, the blue undertones seem to come forward which is lovely.
![Hello Lovely modern vintage bath mood board resources for our Georgian's primary bath. #modernvintage #bathrooms](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/001-hello-lovely-modern-vintage-bath-mood-board.jpg)
As mentioned earlier, it is quite similar to Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray. Here is Repose Gray on kitchen cabinets:
![Elegant white farmhouse kitchen with Benjamin Moore Repose Grey cabinets, subway tile, gold accents, and reclaimed barn wood. Design: Finding Lovely. Wall color: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/White-and-Grey-Elegant-Farmhouse-Kitchen-Finding-Lovely-Range-Wal.jpg)
It has a soft quality about it, and unlike SW Agreeable Gray, it never seems beige to me.
But what if your room doesn’t get great light? Repose Gray may still be your grey.
![Dining room with classic style millwork, SW Repose Gray walls, and greyed oak hardwood floors - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/dining-room-piano-repose-gray-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
As I watch how the color changes over the course of the day, I like it even at night.
![Elegant white farmhouse kitchen with Benjamin Moore Repose Grey cabinets, subway tile, gold accents, and reclaimed barn wood. Design: Finding Lovely. Wall color: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FindingLovely_Jan15-1683.jpg)
I find that rather surprising given that where I live in Northern Illinois can be quite gloomy and grey outside. In our powder bath where there aren’t any windows at all, the color is still not too cool.
![Powder bath in Georgian renovation with framed grisaille tree mural - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/powder-room-framed-mural-hello-lovely-studio-repose-gray.jpg)
While Repose Gray is a cool grey, it is a great color for cabinets since it won’t feel cold or sterile.
![Elegant white farmhouse kitchen with Benjamin Moore Repose Grey cabinets, subway tile, gold accents, and reclaimed barn wood. Design: Finding Lovely. Wall color: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/White-and-Grey-Elegant-Farmhouse-Kitchen-Finding-Lovely-Renovation-2.jpg)
![Brene Brown inspirational quote about courage, wholeheartedness, and integrity on Hello Lovely Studio. #brenebrown #personalqrowth #quotes #couragequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Brene-Brown-inspiratonal-quote-hello-lovely-studio-be-all-in.jpg)
![Repose Gray (Sherwin-Williams) paint color on house exterior with trim painted Alabaster White and shutters/door Dorian Gray - @bellsheepstudio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/bellsheepstudio-sherwin-williams-repose-gray-siding-house-exterior-dorian-gray.jpg)
Design Tips for Choosing the Right Gray
1. Consider all the various nuances of light grey paint colors (is it cool, warm, bluish, mushroom-ish?).
![Beautiful luxurious bath in a Sipple Home on Pasquo in Franklin, TN. #luxurybath](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pasquo-sipple-home-006.jpg)
2. Decide whether objects in the room are cool (choose a cool grey) or warm (choose a warm grey).
![Round wood dining table with farmhouse style.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Round-Farmhouse-Dining-Table-300x300.jpg)
![Linen slipcovered chair](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Linen-Slipcovered-Dining-Chair-300x517.jpeg)
3. Assess the lighting in your space…does it receive a ton of natural light (go with a less pigmented hue) or very little sunlight (go with a more pigmented option).
![Beautiful white farmhouse exterior with brick, shutters, and haint blue ceiling on porch - Pasquo Rd. in Franklin, TN. #modernfarmhouseexterior](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pasquo-rd.-franklin-tn-house-exterior.jpg)
4. Choose a few greys to test and compare.
But how many samples of grey?
Sample At Least 3 Colors
It is helpful to begin your search for the perfect light gray paint with at least three possibilities since the differences between them supplies you with valuable information.
![Ashley Gray (Benjamin Moore) in my French country kitchen with Silestone Ivory Coast counters, warm white Thomasville cabinets, and white oak hardwood flooring - Hello Lovely Studio. #bmashleygray #hellolovely #frenchkitchens](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/001-benjamin-moore-white-sand-french-country-kitchen-breakfast-room-2.jpg)
It may be possible to consider one gray color at a time and then decide it’s all wrong or (yay!) perfect. But typically you need to view multiple tones in order to tease out what’s working and not working for you.
![Serene and peaceful breakfast dining room with farm table and Swedish chairs - Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #diningroom #farmtable #frenchNordic #benjaminmoore #ashleygray](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/french-farmhouse-nordic-dining-room-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
When you view three or more shades of grey in your space, it’s easier to identify undertones coming forward or how a color may feel too dirty, too green, too cool, or too brown.
Psst. We recently painted our closet SW Repose Gray. I know closet interiors are almost always painted white, but we wanted some contrast with the white closet modules:
![Shop the look of my DIY closet with these storage finds - Hello Lovely Studio. #closetessentials #customclosets](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/shop-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-custom-diy-closet-banner.jpg)
Craving a Moody Darker Grey?
OMG. I spied this shade of grey on a door in Leanne Ford’s IG (are you following me there?), and it’s gorgeous!
![PPG Diamond 1 Qt. PPG1036-6 Phantom Flat Interior Paint with Primer](https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/b1f1b017-b68d-4778-9abf-235d8fc44994/svn/phantom-ppg-diamond-paint-colors-ppg1036-6d-04f-e1_1000.jpg)
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.