One of the Best Gray-Blue Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams Network Gray!

If you’re familiar with gray paint colors, you’ll be WELL aware of the fact that they love to pick up wild and wonderful undertones, and Sherwin Williams Network Gray is no exception.

And while I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing some of the more popular grays like Gray Owl, Revere Pewter and Repose Gray, there’s something to be said for a gray that’s a bit more unique and NOT as popular – although after this blog post it just might start popping up in our Pinterest feeds!

What type of paint color is Network Gray & what are its undertones?

Network Gray is gray paint color with a ‘decent’ blue undertone. This means it won’t have the stormy blue subtlety of Sherwin William’s Big Chill nor the muddy hint of green in Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter. In fact, Network Gray could ALMOST be called Network Blue in comparison to more traditional gray paint colors!

Now, you might look at that wee little color chip and think to yourself, ‘time to put down the wine Kylie – that’s gray’, and you’d be right on both accounts. But, it’s a gray with blue in it- trust the crazy Ginger (and remember, we steal souls on a regular basis).

Gray Paint Colors – The 3 Undertones You HAVE to Consider

And there are two things that blue just LOVES to do, and that is a) lean to the green side, or, b) lean to the purple side (read more HERE). The wicked cool thing about Network Gray is that it doesn’t cater obviously to EITHER side, offering some great flexibility.

North, East, South, West: Which Paint Color is the Best?

What’s the LRV of Network Gray?

Network Gray is a great way to get out of the safer, lighter range as it has more depth, body and visual interest, without going too heavy or dense. With an LRV of 37, Network Gray is a medium tone, but its cool look keeps it looking fresh and modern if you have adequate lighting.

The Ultimate Guideline to LRV – Don’t Choose a Color Without It! 

Where does Network Gray work the best?

Network Gray just loooooves south-facing rooms. With their warm-toned exposure, south-facing rooms are the perfect foundation for Network Gray to add some cool balance.

See how Network Gray balances out the warm tones coming in the living room windows? The warm tones of the natural sunlight soften Network Gray a bit, while Network Gray takes the warm edge off of the sunlight.

Network Gray also works really well with wood tones as long as you want to enhance your wood tones. Do you have cherry or oak wood cabinets? Network Gray will bounce off those warm tones, creating a lower contrast palette with its depth, but a high contrast look because it’s a cool color (opposites attract and create a dynamic palette).

Click HERE or on the above image to see available packages

Let’s take a quick break to talk about paint samples…

Undoubtedly, you’ll be heading out soon to grab paint samples – stop right there! I want you to check out SAMPLIZE. Samplize offers peel and stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a FEW reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…

• samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, depending on location
• they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling
• if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

Where to AVOID colors like Network Gray

Like any paint color, Network Gray will be at its BEST on walls with at least a reasonable amount of lighting. And while some colors can rise above the shadows, Network Gray isn’t one of them. If you have a dark room or shadowed hallway, you may want to look at another paint color (although it can be gorgeous in a dark room if you have the right decor/interior lighting to visually support it!).

What’s the best white paint color with Network Gray (for trim)?

Network Gray is pretty versatile. If you want to enhance that cool look, check out one of Sherwin William’s warm white paint colors. Sherwin Williams High Reflective White or Extra White can be great partners if you want to keep things a bit more crisp and clean.

Which paint colors go with Network Gray?

When coordinating paint colors with Network Gray, you have quite a bit of flexibility, including colors such as:

• many warm and cool off-white paint colors
• light depth warm gray and taupe paint colors with violet hues
• darker, moody gray paint colors
• warm and cool white paint colors

READ MORE

The Best Sherwin Williams Gray and Greige Paint Colors

The 12 Best WHOLE HOME Gray & Greige Paint Colors

The 9 Best Benjamin Moore Gray Paint Colors

Paint Color Review: Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

Not sure if Network Gray could work for you? 

Check out my Online Color Consulting and E-Design Packages; I’d love to help!

Chat soon,

Originally written in 2017, awesome updated for you in 2022