Blue gray colors are a gorgeous color combination that has a nod to the past, but still feels very modern and new. There is a sophistication to it, yet can bring a fresh look that pairs well with multiple design styles.
I love a good blue color. It can be quite a chameleon color and a beautiful neutral when mixed with gray. The gray blue and blue gray color palette has many light and dark blue gray paint colors. Let’s explore more about the more popular colors in this color family.
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What is a Blue Gray Color?
A blue-gray color is the mixture of blue and gray colors together. Another name for blue gray color is livid. Livid means a medium bluish-gray tone. The contrasting color would be brown which are comprised of dark orange and red colors.
These colors are classified as “warm,” where as blue gray or livid colors are comprised of dark blue and azure colors are classified as cool.
What Are The Most Popular Blue Gray Paint Colors?
There are so many colors on the market that can be considered blue gray colors, let’s narrow it down a bit and categorize it by brands Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore.
Sherwin Williams
- Stardew SW 9138
- Misty SW 6232
- North Star SW 6246
- Jubilee SW 6248
- Storm Cloud SW 6249
- Breezy SW 7616
- Distance SW 6243
- Krypton SW 6247
Benjamin Moore
- Silvery Gray
- Smoke
- Boothbay Gray
- Van Courtland Blue
- Cloudy Sky
- Water’s Edge
- Van Deusen Blue
- Gentleman’s Gray
Sherwin Williams Gray Blue Colors
Misty-Misty by Sherwin Williams has a more gray look, but it is considered a barely there blue with strong gray undertones. It has an LRV of 64. In natural light, it is very light and airy calming blue.
Northstar-Northstar by Sherwin Williams has more blue in it than Misty. They have a similar LRVs (Northstar 62, Misty 64) and both have strong gray undertones. A difference between these two is Northstar is a warm gray blue color where Misty is cool.
Sherwin Williams Light Blue Gray Colors
Breezy-Breezy is a light slate blue from Sherwin Williams. It’s hue is a bit darker with an LRV of 41. A dusty blue with gray undertones makes it a relaxing and calming shade.
Jubliee-A slate gray blue that has a cool tone with blue undertones. LRV is 45. These slate blues would be gorgeous in different spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms to bring a tranquil atmosphere.
Krypton-This color is more of a blue with a slate gray undertone. LRV is 52 which is the brightest in this group of slate dusty blues.
Stardew-It has a balance of warm and cool undertones. Another startling pretty slate blue with an LRV of 43, it’s light but muted mid blue tone.
Sherwin Williams Dark Blue Grays
Distance-This one has a denim hue with gray undertones. LRV is 15. Distance is a deep, dark tone that is still cool. I love a good moody room and this would be a comforting muted blue to put on your walls.
Storm Cloud-Storm Cloud is a nod to nature in its hue. The color of a dark storm cloud, hence the name, its a dark blue shade with deep gray undertones. LRV is 23, slightly lighter than Distance.
Benjamin Moore Light Grayish Blue Colors
Boothbay Gray is a steel gray color with blue undertones. I love this cool toned color in most rooms, it’s a very versatile color. In some lights it is gray, others this color appears blue. LRV is 43.26.
Smoke is a medium gray with blue and green undertones. LRV is 56.49. Next to other dusty or slate blue gray or greyish blue paint colors, it takes on a gray green paint color. But on it’s own it is usually a smoky blue shade.
Silver Gray is almost a pastel blue that has gray undertones. I love how soft and muted this is color feels which makes a space feel very peaceful. LRV is 61.31.
Benjamin Moore Medium Blue Gray Paint Colors
Cloudy Sky is a gray with steely blue and green undertones. It’s LRV is 32.34. The dark and moodiness of this color would look so good in a bathroom or primary bedroom.
Van Courtland Blue is medium-toned blue that is part of the historical collection from Benjamin Moore. I love the Old World feel of it. It’s LRV is 31.47.
Water’s Edge is another Old World Blue like Van Courtland Blue, but slightly darker. It is almost pastel looking in bright natural light, but versatile enough to add that dark European moodiness. LRV is 30.
Benjamin Moore Dark Blue Grey Colors
Van Deusen Blue-This dark blue is on the trim and picture rail in my son’s room. It’s the most gorgeous classic navy color. LRV is 10.04. It has some gray undertones, but they are subtle.
Gentleman’s Gray is a dark teal color with gray and purple undertones. I love the richness of this deep navy color. LRV is 5.37.
Why Are These Blue Gray Colors So Popular?
We have lived in an age of neutrals for so long. There were the browns and tans of the 2000s, then grays of the 2010s, and now the light greiges from the 2020s.
Now, I am excited to say that these blueish gray and grayish blue colors are becoming more and more popular. With the varying undertones and how muted and soft these colors are, they act as a neutral.
There are a lot of these soft blues seen in historic homes of the past, but they work so well with many different styles of the present. Whether modern and clean or country and quaint, there is a blue gray color for you.
Where Can We Use These Colors?
First, you can use these colors wherever you like in your house. I would recommend the more blue colors for a bedroom or bathroom. They bring a calming atmosphere.
One of the lighter blue gray colors would look stunning in a living room paired with lots of patterns and bright colors.
Next let’s talk about exterior, all of these colors would look beautiful, but there is something so peaceful about the blue gray hue of Stardew by Sherwin Williams.
The grayer colors would be good in larger rooms and more open areas or maybe on kitchen cabinets for character.
Finally, I love this gray blue hue of Booth Bay Gray from Benjamin Moore that my friend Alexis painted her kitchen cabinets. It has made me want a blue kitchen. Absolutely gorgeous!
The darker hues are great for trim or smaller projects or as an accent color or go bold in a small space.
Final Thoughts
There are so many good blue gray paint colors on the market, and we have looked at some of the most popular ones from Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore. I hope I have inspired you to look at some color for your next paint project.
Breezy by Sherwin Williams is going in my kids bathroom, I think. Which one is your favorite? Which one would you choose?
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