Gray has been a go-to neutral for years, but not all grays are created equal.
Some lean warm with beige or taupe undertones, while others are cool and crisp, bringing a fresh, airy feel to a space.
If you’re looking for a modern, sophisticated, and timeless paint color, cool gray is the way to go.
With their crisp, refreshing undertones, they create a clean and sophisticated look without feeling heavy or outdated.
These shades work beautifully in modern, coastal, and contemporary homes, offering a clean backdrop that pairs effortlessly with white trim, dark accents, and natural textures.
But with so many cool gray paint colors out there, how do you choose the right one?
That’s why I’ve rounded up the 19 best cool gray paint colors from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, covering a range of light, medium, and deep shades.
This list has the best of the best, from soft, light grays like Sherwin Williams Fleur de Sel to bold, statement-making choices like Sherwin Williams Serious Gray.
What are Cool Gray Paint Colors?
Cool gray paint colors are grays with blue, green, or violet undertones that give them a crisp, fresh feel. Unlike warm grays (which lean toward beige or taupe), cool grays create a more airy, modern, and calming aesthetic.
These shades work beautifully in contemporary, coastal, and minimalist spaces because they bring a sense of openness and sophistication.
Lighting plays a huge role in how cool grays appear. In bright natural light, they can feel light and breezy, while in lower lighting, their undertones can become more pronounced.
Some cool grays, like Sherwin Williams Gray Screen, have noticeable blue undertones, while others, like Benjamin Moore Gray Owl, have a softer green-gray appearance.
Choosing the right cool gray depends on your room’s lighting and the look you’re going for—icy and modern or soft and inviting.
Where to Use Cool Gray Paint Colors
Cool gray is one of the most versatile color families, making it perfect for nearly any space in your home. Here are some of the best places to use cool gray paint:
- Living Rooms – Cool grays like Sherwin Williams Silver Strand or Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray create a calm and elegant living room backdrop. They pair well with white trim and work beautifully with cool-toned furniture.
- Bedrooms – A serene, cool gray bedroom, like one painted in Sherwin Williams Reflection, promotes relaxation while still feeling stylish and modern.
- Bathrooms – Soft, silvery grays such as Benjamin Moore Sterling or Sherwin Williams Fleur de Sel bring a clean and spa-like feel to bathrooms.
- Kitchens – Cool grays work well on cabinets and walls, especially paired with crisp white countertops and stainless steel appliances. Sherwin Williams Olympus White or Benjamin Moore Metro Gray make excellent cabinet choices.
- Exterior Spaces – Deeper cool grays like Sherwin Williams Serious Gray provide a dramatic yet classic exterior color, especially when paired with white trim and black accents.
Colors to Pair with Cool Gray
Cool grays are incredibly flexible and can be paired with a variety of colors depending on the mood you want to create. Here are some of the best color combinations:
- Crisp White – Classic and timeless, pairing cool gray with a clean white (like Sherwin Williams Pure White or Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace) creates a fresh and airy feel.
- Deep Charcoal or Black – Darker grays and black add depth and contrast, making cool gray pop. Try Sherwin Williams Iron Ore or Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron for a bold accent.
- Soft Blues and Greens – Cool grays with blue or green undertones work well with coastal-inspired shades like Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue or Sherwin Williams Sea Salt for a relaxing vibe.
- Warm Woods – While cool grays lean on the cooler side of the spectrum, pairing them with warm wood tones (like oak or walnut) prevents a space from feeling too stark or sterile.
- Muted Pastels – Light grays pair beautifully with soft blush, lavender, or pale sage green for a subtle, elegant look.
What Is The Most Popular Cool Gray Paint Color For 2025?
While trends shift over time, some colors consistently remain at the top of the list. In 2025, Sherwin Williams Big Chill and Benjamin Moore Gray Owl continue to be among the most popular cool gray paint colors.
- Sherwin Williams Big Chill – A beautifully balanced light gray that doesn’t feel too icy but still maintains a fresh, modern look. Its subtle blue undertones make it a perfect choice for those who want a true cool gray without it feeling cold.
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl – This soft and airy gray has been a fan favorite for years. It works well in various lighting conditions and can sometimes shift between a cool gray and a barely-there greenish-gray, making it versatile and widely loved.
With homeowners gravitating toward neutral, timeless tones that offer flexibility, these cool grays continue to dominate in 2025.
Tips for Choosing The Best Cool Gray Paint Colors
Selecting the right cool gray can be tricky, especially since undertones and lighting can drastically impact how the color looks in your space. Here are some essential tips to help you choose the best cool gray paint color:
1. Consider the Lighting in Your Space
- North-facing rooms – Light in these rooms tends to be cooler and can enhance the blue or green undertones in a cool gray. A shade like Sherwin Williams Passive or Benjamin Moore Shoreline works well in these spaces.
- South-facing rooms – These rooms get warm natural light, which can soften a cool gray and make it appear slightly warmer. A shade like Sherwin Williams Tinsmith or Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray will balance beautifully.
- Artificial lighting – The type of bulbs you use can change how cool gray appears. LED lighting often enhances blue undertones, while warm incandescent bulbs can neutralize them slightly.
2. Test Large Swatches
Cool gray can shift drastically in different lighting and against different elements in a room. Always test a large swatch (or use peel-and-stick samples) on multiple walls before committing.
3. Check Undertones Carefully
Even though all the grays on your list are “cool,” their undertones vary. If you want a true gray with minimal color interference, Sherwin Williams Reflection is a safe choice. If you prefer a gray with a hint of blue, Sherwin Williams Silver Strand or Benjamin Moore Nimbus would be great options.
4. Pair It with Your Existing Decor
Cool gray works best in homes with modern, coastal, or contemporary styles. If your space leans toward warm-toned furniture and décor, you may need to balance the cool gray with wood accents, beige tones, or warmer lighting to keep the space from feeling too stark.
The Best Cool Gray Paint Colors
Here are my favorite Cool Gray paint colors to decorate with.
1. Sherwin Williams Big Chill
If you want a true, no-nonsense cool gray, Big Chill is one of the best out there. It sits right in the sweet spot—not too warm, not too icy—and that’s what makes it so versatile.
It has subtle blue undertones that keep it feeling fresh, but it never leans into that cold, sterile territory.
This is the kind of gray that works in literally any space: living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms—you name it.
It’s especially good if you’re looking for a modern yet inviting feel. Paired with crisp white trim, Big Chill creates a clean and sophisticated look without feeling too stark.
2. Sherwin Williams Gray Screen
Gray Screen is what I call a “commitment” cool gray. If you truly want that cool-toned aesthetic—without it looking too soft or muted—this is your color.
It has stronger blue undertones than Big Chill, making it feel even cooler and slightly more dramatic, especially in north-facing rooms.
It’s perfect for modern interiors, coastal homes, or anyone who loves the clean, airy look of a crisp gray without hints of beige creeping in. I
f you’ve ever been disappointed by a gray turning warm after painting, Gray Screen is the solution.
3. Sherwin Williams Passive
Passive is the gray you pick when you want something effortlessly stylish. It’s light, it’s cool, and it works almost anywhere.
The beauty of Passive is that it doesn’t scream “blue” the way Gray Screen sometimes can, but it also doesn’t lean warm. It stays solidly in the cool gray family, with just a whisper of softness.
This makes it an excellent choice if you want a cool gray that won’t overpower the rest of your decor. Whether you’re going for a modern farmhouse or a sleek minimalist look, Passive adapts beautifully.
4. Sherwin Williams Silver Strand
If you love cool grays with a little personality, Silver Strand is for you. This one leans into a soft, muted green-gray, which gives it a sophisticated, almost spa-like feel.
It’s incredibly calming, making it perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, or anywhere you want a serene vibe. While it’s still firmly in the cool gray family, it has a depth that keeps it from feeling too chilly.
If you’ve ever felt like traditional grays look too flat, Silver Strand might be the perfect balance of cool, soft, and interesting.
5. Sherwin Williams Reflection
True to its name, Reflection has a light and airy feel that makes a space feel open and expansive. This is a cool gray with a soft, ethereal quality, almost like a subtle mist over a lake.
It has very faint blue undertones, but nothing too overpowering—just enough to keep it from looking flat.
Reflection is a great choice if you’re looking for a light, easy-to-live-with cool gray that pairs well with both modern and traditional decor.
It’s especially good in rooms with lots of natural light, where it can take on an almost silvery quality.
6. Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
If there’s one cool gray that’s become an all-time favorite, it’s Gray Owl. This color is a bit of a chameleon—it can shift slightly depending on the lighting, sometimes reading as a soft blue-gray and other times leaning into a misty green-gray.
This adaptability is what makes it so popular. If you want a cool gray that doesn’t feel harsh or overly cold, Gray Owl is a perfect middle-ground choice.
It has enough warmth to avoid looking stark but still stays firmly in the cool category. This makes it an amazing pick for open-concept homes where you want consistency from room to room.
7. Sherwin Williams Olympus White
For those who love the idea of a crisp, barely-there gray, Olympus White is a dream. It’s one of the lightest cool grays on this list, making it ideal for creating an open, airy feel in any space.
It works exceptionally well in small rooms where you want to enhance brightness without defaulting to pure white. While it has subtle blue undertones, they’re soft enough that Olympus White never feels too stark or cold.
If you love the look of Scandinavian-style interiors or coastal-inspired spaces, this color is a no-brainer.
8. Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray
Now, let’s talk about Coventry Gray, one of Benjamin Moore’s richest cool grays. This color has more depth compared to some of the lighter options, making it feel a little moodier and more dramatic.
It has a steely blue undertone that keeps it firmly in the cool gray family, but what makes it special is its ability to add instant sophistication to a space.
It’s stunning in dining rooms, offices, and even on kitchen cabinets if you want a chic, modern look. If you’re looking for a cool gray that makes a statement without feeling overpowering, Coventry Gray is the one.
9. Sherwin Williams Tinsmith
Tinsmith is one of those underrated cool grays that deserves way more attention. It’s a soft, mid-tone gray with just the right amount of coolness—not too blue, not too icy.
If you’ve ever struggled to find a gray that doesn’t turn too warm or too cold, Tinsmith is one of those perfect in-between shades.
It’s an especially great option for exteriors, where its fresh, clean look can enhance curb appeal while still feeling classic and timeless.
Indoors, it works beautifully in bedrooms, hallways, or anywhere you want a subtle but polished gray.
10. Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray
Last but definitely not least, Wickham Gray is one of Benjamin Moore’s most elegant cool grays. It has a soft, almost misty quality, with subtle blue-green undertones that shift depending on the lighting.
In bright natural light, it reads as a clean, airy gray. In lower lighting, you might notice its greenish-gray side a bit more. This versatility is what makes Wickham Gray so appealing—it’s cool, but never cold.
It works beautifully in classic homes, modern spaces, and everything in between. If you want a cool gray with a timeless, sophisticated feel, Wickham Gray is a top contender.
11. Benjamin Moore Sterling
Sterling is that perfect light gray when you want a fresh, cool-toned backdrop that doesn’t feel too dark or heavy.
It leans into blue undertones, giving it a crisp and airy feel, making it ideal for spaces where you want a modern and refreshing vibe.
The beauty of Sterling is that it works well in rooms with both natural and artificial light—it never looks too washed out in bright spaces, yet it doesn’t darken too much in shadowy corners.
If you love a clean, sophisticated gray that reads undeniably cool without feeling cold, Sterling is a winner.
12. Sherwin Williams Ellie Gray
If you’re looking for a cool gray with depth, Ellie Gray is one of the best choices.
It’s deeper than some of the lighter grays on this list, which makes it a fantastic option for accent walls, cabinetry, or even exteriors.
The blue undertones keep it from feeling too warm, but it has a richness that adds a bit of drama—without going full-on charcoal.
Ellie Gray is perfect if you want a cool gray that makes a subtle statement while still feeling effortlessly neutral.
13. Sherwin Williams Morning Fog
There’s something incredibly peaceful about Morning Fog—the name says it all. It’s a soothing mid-tone cool gray with blue undertones that make it feel crisp and clean.
If you’re worried about grays looking too sterile, Morning Fog is a great compromise. It’s cool, but with a softness that makes it feel inviting rather than stark.
This shade is stunning in bedrooms, living rooms, or even a cozy home office where you want a modern, relaxed atmosphere.
14. Benjamin Moore Metro Gray
For those who love deeper, more moody cool grays, Metro Gray is a standout. It has blue and violet undertones that give it a bold, sophisticated presence.
Unlike lighter cool grays that feel airy, Metro Gray has weight and drama, making it perfect for accent walls, dining rooms, or anywhere you want to create a bit of contrast.
It pairs beautifully with white trim and natural wood tones, balancing warmth and coolness effortlessly. If you want a cool gray that feels luxe and dramatic, Metro Gray is the way to go.
15. Sherwin Williams Fleur de Sel
If you’re searching for an ultra-light cool gray, Fleur de Sel might just be the one. This shade is right on the edge of white and gray, offering a hint of cool gray without overwhelming a space.
It has subtle green-blue undertones, which keep it feeling fresh and modern rather than icy.
This is a fantastic choice for small rooms, bathrooms, or spaces where you want to reflect as much light as possible while still getting a touch of cool-toned color. It’s a designer favorite for that airy, barely-there gray look.
16. Sherwin Williams Silverpointe
Silverpointe is one of those rare cool grays that can work in almost any lighting condition. It has a delicate balance of blue and green undertones, which means it stays cool without going too stark.
It’s a fantastic option for homes with varied lighting throughout the day—some cool grays can shift too much, but Silverpointe maintains its elegant, neutral feel.
If you want a soft, versatile cool gray that won’t feel too chilly, this one is a must-try.
17. Benjamin Moore Shoreline
For a soft, airy cool gray, Shoreline is a dream. This shade is light and subtle, with just enough blue undertone to keep it feeling fresh.
It’s ideal for creating that coastal, serene aesthetic without leaning too starkly into icy tones.
It works beautifully in open-concept spaces, reflecting natural light in a way that makes rooms feel larger and brighter.
If you’re hesitant about grays looking too bold or dark, Shoreline is a gentle and easygoing choice.
18. Benjamin Moore Nimbus
Nimbus is a sophisticated, mid-tone cool gray that feels effortlessly modern. It has just the right balance of depth and softness, making it an excellent choice for living rooms, kitchens, or bedrooms.
The blue undertones keep it firmly in the cool category, but they’re not overwhelming, which makes it easy to pair with both light and dark furniture.
If you want a gray that feels elegant and timeless while still having that cool, modern edge, Nimbus is a fantastic option.
19. Sherwin Williams Serious Gray
Last but certainly not least, Serious Gray is for those who love bold, deep cool grays. This shade leans into a strong blue undertone, giving it a sleek and almost stormy look.
It’s the kind of color that adds instant drama and depth, making it perfect for accent walls, cabinetry, or even a striking exterior paint choice.
If you want a cool gray that makes a statement while still feeling refined, Serious Gray delivers.