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Warm Gray vs Cool Gray Paint Colors

ByAllisa Jacobs Updated on

Whew, gray paint had it’s moment there for a bit. Seemed like everywhere we looked there was gray paint and white trim. And you know, gray can be a good neutral color. However, in the midst of it all, there were so many gray paint colors flying around. Folks ended up with pinkish gray walls or unexpectedly bluish gray exteriors. Why? Well, because there is a big difference in warm gray vs cool gray paint colors. I’ll break down all the details here and which gray paints actually stands the test of time. 

two gray paint swatches, text reads Warm vs Cool Grays: Agreeable Gray and Passive

Warm Paint Colors vs Cool Paint Colors

First, if you’ve checked out my other paint posts you might’ve noticed I make a pretty big deal about warm or cool color undertones. Why? Because it makes alllll the difference. In fact, I wrote a whole post on How to Tell if Paint is Warm or Cool which can help sort things out. 

When it comes to gray paint, one gray color is not equal to another. Some feel stark and others feel cozy.

This is all due to the undertones, or the ratio of other colors in the paint mix. To make it super simple, warm colors will have more red in their mix and then appear more pink, rosy, or orangeish. Cool colors on the other hand, have higher amounts of blues and greens and then appear more steely or icy. 

And, to go one more step, true neutral colors have an even amount of each (Red, Green, and Blue) so they have more subtle undertones. In this case, a true neutral gray will look just that – gray. 

Warm Gray Paint Colors

preview of Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray 7029 warm gray paint paint color shown on wall with wood bench, brass vase, and pink pillow and throw blanket

When it comes to interior paint, warm gray paint colors seem to be a little more common. In fact, they tend to run pretty warm leaning more towards a greige. These colors will give a cozy, classic, and comfortable vibe. 

Common Warm Gray Paint Colors

Cool Gray Paint Colors

preview of Sherwin Williams Passive 7064 cool gray paint color shown on wall with wood bench, brass vase, and pink pillow and throw blanket

These colors are often chosen for spaces that are looking for a more airy, fresh look. I think they work well best for coastal decor or spa like settings.

Common Cool Gray Paint Colors

One of Behr’s best selling gray paints, Light French Gray, is actually so blue, I’m hesitant to group it with the grays at all. I imagine many folks struggle once this color is on the wall if they weren’t expecting such a strong Tiffany Blue hue. 

How to Choose Between Warm Gray vs Cool Gray Paint Colors?

Now, you might be asking yourself, how do I choose between warm gray and cool gray paint? Great question! Right out of the gate, I’d suggest a third option: more neutral gray colors and I’ll offer some ideas below. 

That said, if your heart is debating all the options there are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • Look at existing features such as flooring and cabinets. It’s usually safest to keep warm elements with other warm elements and likewise for cool
  • Often, warm colors are more common and can be easier to work with 
  • Cool colors work well for coastal decor styles or for more spa like spaces

Neutral Gray Colors

preview of Sherwin Williams Light French Gray 0055 paint color shown in bedroom with white bed, artwork on wall, and nightstand with lamp

I’m a big fan of true neutral colors with balanced undertones. While harder to find, there are a few neutral gray paint colors I love.  Light French Gray from Sherwin Williams (not Behr mentioned above) is a pretty balanced gray that won’t have a lot of surprises. The newer to the scene Clare Paint has a couple of great options, one of them, Penthouse is especially lovely. 

Gray Paint Color Checklist 

Want to keep all these colors (and more!) on hand and sorted? I’ve created a free pdf checklist with warm, cool, and neutral gray paint colors including color swatches, links, and labels. Grab it below to keep on hand.

Final Thoughts on Warm Gray vs Cool Gray

Overall, you can see that there are a lot of differences in warm gray vs cool gray paint colors. It seems subtle at first, but can make a big impact in a space. This decision is not to be taken lightly! Whether you’re going for a more cozy, comfortable vibe with warmer colors or a fresh, icier look with cool colors, I hope this post has helped break it all down. And, if like me, you don’t want any undertones – check out those neutral gray paint options! 

And if you’re still considering, read my post on the best Paint Color Visualizers and How to Test Paint Samples to see the warm vs cool difference firsthand.

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Allisa is a home stylist and professional digital creator dedicated to creating authentic spaces. She is passionate about sharing her design perspective to help others create a home they love.

Building on her background in special education and learning about the connection between our surroundings and mental health, Allisa began forging a home design career path in 2019. She is honored to have had her design work and ideas featured in publications including HGTV magazine, Apartment Therapy, Dwell, Spruce, Martha Stewart, and Hunker Home.