Paint colors that hover somewhere on the spectrum between the ever-popular blue and gray are a timeless choice for creating a sophisticated and effortlessly elegant interior. Leah Harmatz, Founder of Field Theory Interior Design, explains, 'Blue-gray tones have an inherently peaceful quality, making a room feel spacious and welcoming. These tones are reminiscent of many elements found in nature, so they impart that sense of calm to a space.'
If you’re looking to decorate with blue paint but are apprehensive about injecting an unwelcome icy coolness into a room, Benjamin Moore just shared its most popular blue-gray shades that feel light and fresh, but by no means clinical or harsh.
Here, we explore four standout paints and how to use them beautifully in your home.
Silvery Blue 1647 – A soft and serene blue
A whisper-light blue with a gentle gray undertone, Silvery Blue 1647 brings a breath of fresh air to any room. This color is perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, or even living spaces where you want to introduce a hint of delicate color without overwhelming the space.
For a soft, layered look, pair it with a crisp white paint like Chantilly Lace OC-65 or pale neutrals like Classic Gray OC-23. If you're drawn to a coastal aesthetic, consider pairing it with natural textures like rattan, linen, and bleached wood.
Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore, describes this color as an 'Easy, breezy blue with a soft hint of gray, bringing added versatility. It can mimic clear skies and calming waters without feeling too powdery. Use this color on ceilings as a playful way to bring color to the sometimes-overlooked fifth wall. I also love it for bedrooms and bathrooms for a light and airy look.'
Silver Mist 1619 – A tranquil blue with subtle gray depth
Silver Mist 1619 is an effortlessly chic blue-gray that shifts beautifully in different lighting. It leans into a misty, cool-toned blue during the day and a soft, neutral gray in the evening, making it a great choice for rooms with lots of natural light or those lacking in natural light.
It pairs seamlessly with warm whites such as Swiss Coffee OC-45 and Pale Oak OC-20, creating a soothing, nature-inspired interior. Arianna says, 'I love to use it in spaces with minimal natural light to help the room feel more open. Use it on the walls, trim, and ceiling to create an uplifting oasis.'
Bunny Gray 2124-50 – A feathery gray with a hint of blue
If you're looking for a feathery soft tone with just a touch of blue, Bunny Gray 2124-50 is a perfect choice. It has a subtle softness that prevents it from feeling too cold, making it ideal for nurseries, guest rooms, and airy living spaces.
For timeless interiors, highlight your baseboards and trims with warm whites like Cloud White OC-130 or deeper blue-grays like November Skies 2128-50. If you want to create a sophisticated, monochromatic palette, consider color-drenching the walls and ceiling in Bunny Gray for a seamless, cocooning effect.
This shade comes highly recommended by Ariana. She says, 'This is one of my favorite blue-grays that I love to recommend for any type of space. It works particularly well when looking for a more neutral gray in rooms that have a lot of warm lighting. It can help balance out the sun-soaked rays often associated with rooms that have a lot of southern exposure.'
Wickham Gray HC-171 – A timeless classic
A beloved shade from Benjamin Moore’s historical collection, Wickham Gray HC-171 is an elegant gray with a subtle blue undertone. Pair it with crisp trim in Decorator’s White OC-149 for a fresh contrast, or introduce soft blues like Smoke 2122-40 for a more serene, tonal approach.
Wickham Gray is especially stunning in open-plan spaces, such as kitchens and sunrooms, reflecting light beautifully throughout the day. 'The grayest of these four options, this essential blue-gray has endless versatility, ' explains Ariana. 'When looking for a cool, refreshing neutral, this is always a great color to sample. I love to use it in connector spaces like living rooms, hallways, and kitchens because it is a great color palette staple that gives you a lot of options for the adjoining spaces.'
Blue-gray paints have a timeless appeal, offering a perfect balance between color and neutrality. Whether you’re drawn to the delicate coolness of Silvery Blue or the refined softness of Wickham Gray, these shades create a light, airy, and inviting atmosphere in any space.
