9 Blue-Gray Paint Colors the Experts Swear By

Steely Gray by Sherwin-Williams

Indulge in a moody blue-gray scheme with Steely Gray by Sherwin-Williams. "Don’t let the name fool you; this color has a rich yet subtle blue undertone," says Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors. "We love using it in living spaces because it creates a calming feeling and is a great color foundation to build upon."

This open-plan kitchen from her Luxe Canyon Living project uses the shade to set a sophisticated tone for a contemporary blue and gray tonal scheme. "It’s a great choice for traditional and transitional design aesthetics, and it looks beautiful paired with deep charcoals & natural stone tones," she says.

Paint Color: Steely Gray by Sherwin-Williams

Adirondack Blue by Behr

If you're in search of a dark blue-gray shade to accent a light neutral scheme, opt for Adirondack Blue by Behr. The rich slate blue shade has a captivating depth that feels comforting yet refreshing. "The nature-inspired color looks fantastic in bathrooms and kitchens as an accent color, especially paired with warm neutrals like Even Better Beige and Blank Canvas," says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint Company.

Note how the blue-gray Adirondack kitchen island makes a striking focal point and anchors this kitchen design while perfectly complementing the mosaic backsplash. "Light wood tones on floors or cabinetry and matte finishes on lighting and hardware provide a soft organic touch," Woelfel says.

Paint Color: Adirondack Blue by Behr

Oyster Bay by Sherwin-Williams

Another perennial favorite amongst Verruto’s clients is Oyster Bay by Sherwin-Williams. "While it’s technically categorized as green with slate-blue undertones when paired with a cool color palette, we see a beautiful gray hue appear," she says. "It’s a favorite because it works great in spaces where you’re trying to balance warm and cool tones."

The shade beautifully complements gray stone or marble floors or against natural wood and brass hardware, as seen in this bright bathroom. "It’s also a great choice if you’re trying to achieve a crisp, cool vibe with coastal influences," she adds.

Paint Color: Oyster Bay by Sherwin-Williams

Blue 01 by Lick

"Lick’s Blue 01 is one of our most popular blues," says Tash Bradley, Lick’s director of interior design and color psychologist. "It’s a pale, soft light blue with a grey undertone that works perfectly on walls, ceilings, and woodwork." She advocates introducing Blue 01 in the bedroom thanks to its restful quality. "Blue is the color of the mind, meaning it’s incredibly soothing mentally and helps to aid a good night's sleep," Bradley says. Because it is a cool shade, she doesn’t recommend using it in a north-facing room as it can feel quite cold. "Blue 01 better suits a room that is south, east, or west facing."

Paint Color: Blue 01 by Lick

Wall Street by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

Transform your living room with a coat of Wall Street HGSW7665. "Perfectly balancing blue and gray tones, Wall Street, from our Vintage Homestead Color Collection, is a deep color that makes a beautiful backdrop for multi-purpose spaces," says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager for HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams. "Blue tones are perfect for office spaces as they promote productivity while creating a retreat library space to relax."

Banbury recommends accenting the space with brass finishes and black accents for a sleek, contemporary look. A white ceiling will lift the room, preventing it from feeling overly dark and cocooning.

Paint Color: Wall Street HGSW7665 by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

Solitude by Benjamin Moore

Give your living room a modern facelift with Solitude AF-545 by Benjamin Moore. "As part of the Affinity Color Collection, Solitude strikes a balance between soft, harmonious, and rich with color," says Hannah Yeo, color marketing and development manager at Benjamin Moore. This blue-gray paint color has a high gray percentage, giving it a cool, modern feel. "The gray undertone pairs well with neutrals, pinks, greens, and other soft hues," Yeo says. For a bolder color scheme, contrast Solitude’s cool gray undertone with a vibrant, warm orange accent, like Buttered Yam AF-230. "This ever-versatile color transcends era and architectural style—even making it a great exterior color."

Paint Color: Solitude AF-545 by Benjamin Moore

Blue Arrow by Valspar

Blue Arrow 5001-3C is one of Valspar’s 2023 Color of the Year, making it an increasingly popular shade. This blue-gray paint color stands out from the crowd with its subtle yellow undertone that pushes a glimpse of warmth through the cooling blue-gray tones. "This color has been the most popular blue-gray in our chip ordering service, where DIYers start their color shopping journey," says Sue Kim, Valspar's director of color marketing. "This cooled-down blue with a yellow undertone brings a modern charm to any space and leaves a lasting impression."

The shade works well inside and out, providing the perfect celestial backdrop to your backyard hangout. Look at how good this blue-gray shade looks with warm wood and natural stone textures.

Paint Color: Blue Arrow 5001-3C by Valspar

Light Blue by Farrow & Ball

You can’t go wrong with Light Blue, one of the original Farrow & Ball paint colors and an enduring favorite. Patrick O’Donnell, international brand ambassador of Farrow & Ball, calls it "a nuanced shade, shifting between blue, green, and grey depending on the light." Its complex character also gives it a versatility that’s hard to find in other blue-gray shades. "Light Blue provides an elegant backdrop to every room, from living rooms and kitchens to a restful bedroom scheme," he says.

For a laidback, traditional look, O’Donnell suggests pairing Light Blue with Slipper Satin on woodwork, like trims and built-in carpentry. "Or, for a more modern approach, consider pairing it with our darkest green, Studio Green, or a soft brown such as Mouse’s Back to highlight the subtle undertones within the Light Blue shade," he says.

Paint Color: Light Blue by Farrow & Ball

Overcast by C2 Paints

Give your home a bright and breezy feel with Overcast by C2 Paints. As the name suggests, this blue-gray shade is a powdery sky blue with an equal amount of silvery gray that dulls down the blue color, like a layer of wispy gray clouds. "Overcast is a light, sensory blue-gray that reminds me that pale soothing colors can still have a strong attitude and presence," says Philippa Raddon, C2 Paint's color and design expert. Despite the gray undertone, this blue-gray still feels light and radiant. "It heralds a luminosity because of the pigment quality," says Philippa, who recommends pairing it with  C2 Barnacle #872 for an earthy neutral feel, soft white C2 Sheer #804 to keep things open and ethereal, and a mid-tone gray, like C2 Carbon Dust #968.

Paint Color: Overcast by C2 Paints