In recent years, warm grey paint tones have gained popularity, especially with the emergence of the term 'greige' - a colour that lies between grey and beige. Grey, being a neutral tone derived from a blend of black and white, harmonises effortlessly with all colours.
Sounds simple, right? Well, not always!
Believe it or not, grey can actually be one of the most challenging colours to get just right. The key to finding that elusive perfect grey lies in selecting the right undertone and correct paint. Often, an incorrect undertone or a lack of pigments in the paint can result in a flat and cold appearance on your walls.
In this blog post, we will be focusing on warm greys, but before we delve into the different warm grey paint colours, let's first explore what to consider when buying paint.
Undertones:
Warm greys will usually consist of yellow, taupe and brown undertones, giving a warm base colour to your interior. Pair with tones such as copper, moss green and beiges.
Cool greys will normally have a blue undertone, resulting in a fresh and soothing colour in the room. Some shades of cool grey even have a touch of a pink to them. Pair cool greys paint colours with soft pinks and with richer colours such as plum and teal for a punch of colour.
Natural Light:
The natural light is always important when choosing a paint colour for a room. Especially in a country like England, where we have a cool Northern light and often a grey sky. With north and east facing rooms it’s often better to embrace the rooms direction and decorate it in a darker colour.
If you prefer to go light steer away from blue and lilac undertones as these will be too cool, opt for warmer greys with yellow or reddish undertones.
South and west facing spaces are far easier to decorate because of the natural light, you can use any tone of colour. Cool greys are an exemplary choice in these spaces and will create a light and airy interior whereas warm greys can create a relaxed space and a perfect backdrop for other colours.
Paint Ingredients:
When choosing paint and creating a colour palette, we as consumers are generally driven by colours, quality and price but few of us stop and think about the chemical composition of paints. One of the main chemicals in paint is a man-made, carbon based agent known as volatile organic compounds (VOC’s).
Even once your paint has dried, it will continue to give off these harmful VOC’s into the atmosphere, in some cases for years afterwards. Where possible I would recommend using a low or zero VOC paint. If you can’t find a low VOC option, opt for a water-based paint as this usually has less harmful ingredients.
Keep in mind that the pigment percentage in paint will have an effect on the finished result. The pigment percentage of paint should be in the 30-60% range. As a rule of thumb the cheaper the paint the less colour pigments it contains.
Paint Testers:
Always order a tester of the paint colour (or colours) you like before committing. If you have newly plastered walls, use a primer, but also paint the sample on your wall for reference as your wall may be more porous than painting it on a piece of paper. View the sample at different times of the day in the space to see how the light affects it.
Warm Grey Paint Colours:
1. Baked Cheesecake:
Baked cheesecake is the perfect taupe to complement any modern interior. Warm, inviting and tempting this warm grey paint colour has a hint of a green undertone, making it versatile and a perfect option for those who want to create a cosy, modern interior. You can easily pair this colour with darker shades of grey and colours such as dark green and copper brown would sit well with this colour.
2. Gobi:
Gobi, named after the vast desert located in Northern China and Southern Mongolia and has soft shades of red pigments, creating a light grey colour that looks warm in brighter, open spaces. When in smaller less lit rooms, Gobi can be more warming and neutral. This warm grey tone is the ideal balance of beige and grey creating a calm and gracious interior.
3. Teddy:
Teddy is an earthy grey paint colour with a touch of green that can create a unique and inviting atmosphere.This warm grey paint colour is soft with a subtle shade of grey that is fused with a hint of green, reminiscent of lush foliage and natural elements. This warming tone, with grey undertones, to create the perfect 'greige' and pairs perfectly with neutral, warm accessories. This warmer tone is especially apparent when grouped with a natural hardwood floor and natural materials and solid accent colours.
4. Praline Star:
Praline Star is the perfect, warming shade to create an inviting space, this beautiful neutral has hues of grey. This is a perfect tone of grey, with its soft lavender undertone, this is a neutral, warm grey paint colour, that sits in the middle of the grey colour spectrum. This subtle and chic colour catches the light beautifully, making it a perfect complement when used with other neutral shades.
5. Natural Cotton:
Deriving it's name from pre-brightened, starched cotton, Natural Cotton is a perfect, organic off white. With neutral undertones, this light 'greige' shade makes the ideal paint colour for the whole house, making it the perfect alternative to brilliant white. Pair with warm colours such as taupe and dark wood furniture, inject colour with dark greens and earthy purples.
6. London Bridge:
Inspired by the famous Tower Bridge, London Bridge is a classic and versatile light grey paint colour. This soft feminine shade of grey works well when paired with dusty pink tones or muted greens. With warm undertones, this perfect warm grey paint shade will never go out of style and is beautiful in bedrooms or even used on kitchen cabinets. This is a good option for those who want to create a muted grey interior.
7. Taupe:
Taupe is the perfect warm neutral paint colour to create an inviting and tranquil finish. This particular warm grey paint colour, with neutral undertones adds a refreshing and organic touch to any space. Whether used in a living room, bedroom or even kitchen, this beige grey paint tone can add depth and character to your space while maintaining a cosy and welcoming feel.
8. Mink Lashes:
Created with a perfect blend of tones, this uplifting, inviting tone is ideal for adding subtle colour to your walls. Indulgent and luxurious, Mink Lashes is the perfect soft shade of warm sand hue.
This warm grey paint colour has a rich tone with a neutral undertone, resulting in a perfect mid grey colour. Natural and grounded, pair with Hygge wallpaper to create a Scandi style decor.
9. Victoria:
Victoria is a calm, neutral grey paint colour that is soft and graceful can bring a sense of tranquility and elegance to any room. Imagine a delicate shade of grey that exudes a gentle soothing aura, creating a serene and peaceful environment. This grey paint tone paint strikes the perfect neutral balance to create a timeless and versatile backdrop for your space.Victoria is the perfect choice for those seeking a modern yet elegant interior.
10. Warm Baguette:
Hygge, the feeling of enjoying small pleasures in life, inspired this warming tone. Like the feeling of a warm baguette, fresh from the oven, this shade is comforting and cosy. Contemporary, cool and a little moody, Warm Baguette has a warm undertone, making it cosy and inviting. Whether used in a living room, bedroom or home office, this warm and earthy paint colour will create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere, allowing you to relax in style.
The world of paint colours offers a multitude of options, but when it comes to creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere, wonderfully warm grey paint colours truly stand out. These hues bring a sense of comfort and tranquility to any space, making them perfect for those seeking a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you opt for a light and airy warm grey or a deeper, more dramatic shade, these colours effortlessly blend sophistication with a touch of warmth. So, embrace the beauty and versatility of warm grey paint colours and transform your home into a haven of style and serenity.
