Using gray in your interior schemes is a timeless color choice, but the key to mastering this cool hue without it appearing drab is to land on the right shade of gray paint.
While gray paint can sometimes weigh down rooms, a successful gray paint will do the opposite: creating a timeless backdrop that allows the rest of the room's decor to shine.
Benjamin Moore has some of the best gray paints available, repeatedly used by designers throughout projects. To give you the lowdown on what these are, we've rounded up seven favorite shades below.
7 best Benjamin Moore gray paints
From light grays with subtle warm undertones that work to create a calming backdrop, to dark charcoal shades that feel moody and sophisticated, there are plenty of popular Benjamin Moore gray paints to consider using in your next interior project.
1. Cheating Heart
Beginning with one of the darkest gray paints, Benjamin Moore's Cheating Heart is a deep charcoal with cool undertones.
'I love Cheating Heart by Benjamin Moore,' says interior designer Laura Williams of ATX Interior Design, who used this shade here in this guest bathroom. 'The walls, trim, and door were painted this color and it gave such a moody impact.'
This shade makes a slightly softer alternative to decorating with black, so you can create a bold interior scheme without it feeling too overpowering.
2. Revere Pewter
Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter is a shade much loved by interior designers and homeowners alike. A neutral paint that strikes a perfect balance between warm and cool tones, this shade reads as a warm gray and will ensure a cozy feel.
Interior designer David Frazier used Revere Pewter in this bedroom, for a color-drenched look that feels cohesive and more interesting than white. 'Revere Pewter is one of my favorites,' says David. 'It is a great, warm gray with undertones of taupe. The shade avoids feeling too cool or austere while maintaining a warm neutral hue.'
3. Collingwood
A versatile light gray paint, Benjamin Moore's Collingwood is recommended by designers for its versatility.
In this modern kitchen, interior designer Jessica Cinnamon of Jessica Cinnamon Design Inc. used this shade on the kitchen cabinets. 'It is a gray that has ever so slightly cooler undertones while still being soft. It is very easy to mix with other materials and colors.'
Designer Swati Goorha of Swati Goorha Designs is also a fan of Collingwood, adding: 'If I use grays, I steer towards warm tones like Benjamin Moore’s Collingwood. I love their subtle blend of sophistication and coziness. These hues provide a versatile backdrop, balancing warmth with modern elegance. They complement various decor styles, making them perfect for creating inviting and stylish living spaces.'
4. Gray Mist
Falling into the category of greige paints, Benjamin Moore's Gray Mist is an incredibly versatile neutral color that works well as a backdrop in many rooms of the home.
'Benjamin Moore's Gray Mist is the perfect foundation for a neutral palette,' says Leigh Anne Schurr of Philadelphia-based Marguerite Rodgers, who used this timeless shade in this guest bedroom, paired with a darker trim color. 'The warm and creamy shade is versatile and effortless, bringing a sense of tranquility to a room.'
5. Halo
Described by Benjamin Moore as a soft 'shade of silver with a touch of green', Benjamin Moore's Halo is a gentle neutral color that reads almost as a beige.
'This near-perfect gray is incredibly subtle,' says interior designer Sarah Storms. 'It is a silvery white tint with green undertones allowing it to blend seamlessly into any room. I have used this color in hallways starting in the foyer and traveling upstairs because it is a beautiful clean slate to layer anything onto. I have also used this in living rooms opposite a dark dining room as a beautiful contrast that is not too stark.'
6. Classic Gray
'Benjamin Moore's Classic Gray has always been a favorite of ours,' says interior designer Christine Zippert of CC Zippert.
This paint color is known as a great alternative to white, adding more depth but maintaining a light and airy look.
'It's ultra-light, making it such a great tonal shift from pure white, without reading too yellow or too stark,' adds Christine. 'It's great for kitchen cabinets that aren't quite white or great for walls when you want to warm up the space without going too dark or monotone.'
7. Nimbus
Looking for a warm shade of gray paint? Benjamin Moore's Nimbus is recommended by designers for its ability to create a cozy feel while maintaining a pared-back and understated look.
'Nimbus is on the warmer end of the gray spectrum so it is a nice soft gray to use when you don’t want a space to feel too cold,' explains designer Rosanna Bassford, founder and principal at Memmo Interiors.
'We used Nimbus on the cabinets in this kitchen to complement warm wood tones and the warmer kitchen countertop stone.'
Whether you're looking for light grays or dark grays, these Benjamin Moore paints are tried, tested, and loved by designers for good reason. Why not consider trying out one of these paint colors in your own home as an alternative to white?
