Five Tips for Choosing the Right Gray for Your Home!

1. Know your grays. We think of grays as true neutrals – lacking any “color” – but that isn’t necessarily true. Grays often have a warm (red/brown) undertone or cool (blue/green) undertone. If you like the idea of using gray but are concerned it might look “cold,” take a close look at the warm grays.

2. Let your color scheme determine the best shade. The other items in your room – furniture, flooring, draperies – are the best starting point for finding a compatible gray. Be sure to work with your flooring color – it’s the biggest element in most rooms and the least likely to be changed.

3. Don’t forget contrast. Opting for a neutral paint scheme means that it’s the contrast between lighter and darker shades that makes a room interesting. Consider pairing dark walls with white trim, or flipping it for very light walls with almost black window trim.

4. Picking a charcoal? Add a little blue. Dark gray can look greenish or brownish on its own, so choosing a cooler gray with a hint of blue can give your charcoal the slightly steely look you’re seeking.

5. Overwhelmed? Call in the pros. If you need help picking the right gray for your house, we’re here to assist. Message us on our Facebook page and we’ll offer our suggestions – for free! Need in-home consultation? Contact CertaPro Painters® for a complimentary consultation.

Bonus tip: Is it “gray” or “grey?” Either! Gray is the more popular spelling in the U.S., while the U.K. prefers grey. Both come from the Old English word grǽg, and grey became popular in the early eighteenth century. Around 1825, American writers started spelling the word with an a, and the trend has continued ever since.