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Chic and soothing bluish gray paint shades for a trendy and relaxing home
Blue gray paint colors are very popular, and they are the rise. Blues are calm and relaxing and when you combine them with gray undertones, you have a super stylish mix. Blue grays look more sophisticated and upscale than a typical blue, and since gray is so stylish, it’s the perfect recipe.
Blue grays are especially popular for bedrooms, since blues help you get the best night’s sleep, followed very closely by gray. And, they work for most rooms of the home, especially living rooms, dining rooms, bathrooms and even kitchens (if you have white cabinets).
Please note that this article contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.
Note: If you’re planning on painting yourself, here are some helpful tools to make the job faster and easier.
What is blue gray paint color? What does that really mean?
I considerblue gray to be primarily a blue color with gray undertones (or gray mixed in). So they are more like dusty blues. But, there are some others that believe it’s more of a gray color with cool blue undertones. The truth is there is a range of color expectations when someone say blue gray or bluish gray or grayish blue. So, I always need to double check with customers to probe what they really mean.
The best way to do this is show them color swatches and have them react. Did they mean something like this, or did they want something more blue or more gray (or lighter or darker).
For that reason, I’m going to share a wide range of blue grays – ones that are more gray, ones that are more blue, lighter ones and darker ones. i want to stress that there is no wrong answer here…it’s more a matter of what you prefer. All of these colors can work pending on your style and purpose. And, don’t forget that some of these colors can be used as accent walls (rather than all four walls. The world is your oyster.
What are the most popular blue gray paints colors?
1. Icy by Sherwin Williams
Icy (SW6534) is one of my favorites because it’s a light blue gray. It’s perfect for bedrooms if you want a light neutral blue. The gray undertones give it more sophisticated look (so you avoid the baby blue look). And, it works for areas that even in rooms that don’t have a ton of light.
Would you like to see this color in your own home? If so, you can get a sample here.
2. Flower Box by Benjamin Moore
I think this is my favorite Benjamin Moore blue gray. It’s the perfect balance of the two for a true upscale look. The one downside of this paint shade is that it’s only available in their Aura line. Aura is absolutely awesome – the best of the best – but it is a bit pricey, so it doesn’t work for everyone’s budget.
Would you like to see this color in your own room? If so, you can get a sample here.
3. Thundercloud by Behr
While Behr is not my favorite paint brand, I absolutely adore some of their blues, and Thundercloud (S520-5) has got to be my favorite. Every time I come across it on Pinterest I stop to take a look. It is so exquisite and soothing. It’s another example of a perfect blend of blue and gray. When you compare it to Flower box, it has super subtle green undertones and a bit less purple. I love them both.
4. North Star by Sherwin Williams
North Star (SW 6246) is more of a cool gray with pale blue undertones. It’s a very neutral color, so it works well for more masculine decor. I love it with dark hardwood floors and a light/white area rug.
You can find a sample here.
5. Granite Peak by Sherwin Williams
Granite Peak (SW 6250) is a dark gray with blue mixed in and some super subtle green undertones. It’s a deep grayish blue that is perfect for accent walls, powder or media rooms. It really adds drama to your space.
Grab a sample here.
6. Comet by Benjamin Moore
Comet (1628) is a light dusty blue. If you look closely, you’ll see pale purple and navy undertones infused with a strong gray.
You can find a sample here.
7. Bachelor Blue by Benjamin Moore
Bachelor blue (1629) is a deeper version of Comet so it almost reads as a light dusty navy. Both Comet and Bachelor Blue coordinate well together so you can use Comet as your base color and Bachelor Blue as an accent wall.
Would you like to see this color in your own lighting? If so, you can find a sample here.
Did you find my tips helpful? If so, feel free to buy me a coffee and support my blog.
Paint Samples
Now, let’s talk about samples…
It’s always best to test the paint colors in you own home and own lighting. The colors do look different pending your lighting and can even look different room to room.
You can definitely go to your local painting store to buy some samples (and a brush…be sure to paint with 2 coats), but I have a MUCH EASIER way for you. Check out SAMPLIZE.
Samplize offers 12” x 12” peel and stick paint samples that are EASIER, AFFORDABLE and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.
Here are a few reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients:
- Samples come right to YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, pending on location
- At $5.95, they’re more affordable than the samples/brushes/foam boards than traditional samples…and of course easier and way less messy
- If you keep the samples on the white paper, you can move them from wall to wall and room to room
They are amazingly accurate as they are made with 2 coats of real paint, so they are color correct.
Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE.
8. Dockside Blue by Sherwin Williams
Dockside Blue (SW 7601) is dusty blue gray. If you look closely, you’ll notice some subtle green and aqua tones. The grays smooth out color and more sophisticated look than your typical blue.
Would you like to see this color in your own home? If so, you can get a sample here.
9. Sterling by Benjamin Moore
Sterling (1591) is a cool gray that’s super neutral. This color is a bit tricky as it reads gray on the paint chip, but in real like it looks a bit more blue than gray once it’s on the walls. it’s just the way the light reflects on it. This is why it always make sense to get testers and put them on your walls so you can see the color with your lighting.
Get a sample here.
10. Upward by Sherwin Williams
These next 5 blue grays all work together. You’ll find them all on the same Sherwin Williams Color strrip in their color fan deck. They all use the same tone, so you can coordinate these colors together – either in different rooms of the home, or use as accent walls.
Upward (SW6239) is a very subtle gray blue. In fact, you barely notice the blue. You’ll see that as you move down the color strip, the blue becomes more saturated and noticeable..In the below picture, this color looks bluer than it usually does.
You can get a sample here if you’d like to see it in your own home.
11. Windy Blue by Sherwin Williams
Windy Blue ((SW6240) is one of my favorite blue grays. The blue comes through much stronger than it does in upward and since I love blues, it perfect for my tastes. The subtle grays round out the color and give it staying power. Pair it with dark hardwood floors and black furniture and you’re all set.
Would you like to see Windy Blue in your own room? If so, you can get a sample here.
12. Aleutian by Sherwin Williams
Aleutian (SW 6241) is a deeper blue gray and it just works. It works equally well with dark and light hardwood floors (or even an off white carpet). Add navy and white accents and you’re in great shape.
You can get a sample here.
13. Daphne by Sherwin Williams
Daphne (SW 9151) is a slightly darker version of Aleutian. It pairs well with Windy Blue as well as Distance or Indigo Batik. It contrasts really well with white base molding and trim, so if you have a room with wainscoting or bead board.
Would you like to see this color in your own room? If so, you can get a sample here.
14. Bracing Blue by Sherwin Williams
Bracing Blue (SW 6242) is an even deeper version of Daphne. It’s a deep darkish color and often works well with a lot of white (e.g. white cabinets, wainscoting etc.) or as an accent wall. It’s a deep dusty blue.
You can find a sample here.
Before I cover the final 7 bluish gray paint colors, I wanted to share a VERY helpful video from Sherwin Williams, with some quick and super useful DIY painting tips. It’s just 2 minutes and covers types of brushes and painting techniques. Also, at the end of this article, I share the painting tools and accessories that we use (with links to buy them on Amazon).
Sherwin Williams and Pottery Barn Painting tips for DIY homeowners
15. Stillwater by Benjamin Moore
Stillwater (1650) is a darker blue gray. In fact, I might call it a dusty navy. Due to the gray undertones, it makes this navy look a bit lighter than your typical navy, so it doesn’t swallow up a room. There are also some super subtle green undertones, so it gives it a soothing feel.
Get a sample here.
16. Morning Fog by Sherwin Williams
Morning Fog (SW 6255) is really a gray. It’s a cool gray due to the subtle blue undertones. It’s a really steely gray with depth and stamina. It pairs with with Granite Peak.
You can find a sample here so that you can see it in your own room.
17. Manor Blue by Benjamin Moore
Manor Blue (1627) is pale blue gray that gives it a muted tone and upscale look. It also has a smidge of violet undertones for a more soothing effect. It’s a great choice for modern farmhouse decor.
Would you like to see this color in your own home? If so, you can get a sample here.
18. Krypton by Sherwin Williams
Krypton (SW 6247) is a light cool gray. It also has subtle blue undertones. It’s a deeper version of North Star, but the blues permeate through a bit more.
Would you like to see this color in your own room? If so, you can get a sample here.
19. Mineral Alloy by Benjamin Moore
Mineral Alloy (622) is a darker gray blue. As the name implies, it looks like a metal color. It’s part of their classics line and I see it most often bedrooms as it’s on the darker gray/blue side…so it’s one of those colors that relaxes you and helps you fall asleep faster.
Need a sample? You can find a sample here.
20. Tranquil Pond by Behr
Tranquil Pond (PPU15-07) is another favorite. It looks super similar to Benjamin Moore’s Flower pot, as well as similar to Thundercloud, but it’s a bit more purple. So, it’s kind of like a dusty blue purple.
21. Gentle Gray by Benjamin Moore
Gentle Gray (1626) is a light gray blue with an aqua undertone. This color tends to shift based on lighting and the other elements in the room. Sometimes it looks more gray, other times more blue and other times it looks like a dusty aqua. The grays make it look more upscale and sophisticated than a typical aqua.
Would you like to see this color in your own room? If so, you can get a sample here.
Best blue grays from Sherwin Williams
Here’s a recap of my favorite blue grays from Sherwin Williams:
Icy- Upward
- Windy Blue
- Aleutian
- Daphne
- Bracing Blue
- Dockside Blue
- North Star
- Krypton
- Granite Peak
- Morning Fog
Paint Samples
Now, let’s talk about samples…
It’s always best to test the paint colors in you own home and own lighting. The colors do look different pending your lighting and can even look different room to room.
You can definitely go to your local painting store to buy some samples (and a brush…be sure to paint with 2 coats), but I have a MUCH EASIER way for you. Check out SAMPLIZE.
Samplize offers 12” x 12” peel and stick paint samples that are EASIER, AFFORDABLE and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.
Here are a few reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients:
- Samples come right to YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, pending on location
- At $5.95, they’re more affordable than the samples/brushes/foam boards than traditional samples…and of course easier and way less messy
- If you keep the samples on the white paper, you can move them from wall to wall and room to room
They are amazingly accurate as they are made with 2 coats of real paint, so they are color correct.
Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE.
Best blue grays from Benjamin Moore
Flower Box- Comet
- Bachelor Blue
- Sterling
- Stillwater
- Gentle Gray
- Mineral Alloy
- Manor Blue
WAIT! Need help keeping track of your paint colors and sheens This tracker makes it easy! GET YOUR PAINT TRACKER HERE!
Blue grays from Behr
While Behr isn’t my favorite paint brand, I will say that some of their shades are absolutely amazing, especially in the blue color palette. You should know that both Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore have formula cards for Behr so they can make them (as well as each others’ paint shades). Here are some amazing Behr blue grays:
- Thundercloud (S520-5)
- Tranquil Pond (PPU15-07)
Helpful tools if you are going to paint yourself
- Painting brush – this one costs a bit more, but it’s totally worth it. It will help you paint faster and more accurately. If you’re going to paint yourself, don’t skimp here. Incidentally, this is Amazon’s Choice as well.
- Painter’s tape – a must have. Use for all the trim as well as ceiling area
- Paint roller kit – this includes a tray. Use the brush for the edges and the roller for main areas of the wall (and ceiling).
- Drop cloths – Yes, you’ll need them for sure. Some people have some on hand, but often not enough if you are doing many rooms.
Do you need any paint shade fan decks?
Amazon can help with that. It’s so much easier when you have the full color wheels and can see all of these in your own home (vs. going back and forth to the store MULTIPLE times).
Sherwin Williams Benjamin Moore
Final thoughts on blue grays
As you can see, there’s a wide range of paint shades when it comes to blue grays. I love this color combo because it combines two of my favorite colors – blues and grays. Different people have different expectations when they say blue gray…or gray blue. Hopefully, you can find at least 1 bluish gray that love…because that’s all you’ll ever need.
Related painting articles:
Did you find my tips helpful? If so, feel free to buy me a coffee and support my blog.
