The 20 Best Green-Gray Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams

Gorgeous, glorious, green…

According to Kermit, it’s not easy being green. It’s also not easy LOVING green when you’re looking for the best green paint color amongst so many friggin’ gorgeous shades!

When searching for your perfect light green paint color, it’s easy to be seduced by luxurious emerald tones or light, spring-inspired hues. But that’s not always what we want. In fact, sometimes, we unintentionally get a little more than we bargained for when it comes to ‘color’.

This is where gray comes in handy. That’s right—GRAY.

While not everyone loves gray walls (emotionally exhausted by trends of the previous 15 years), this mainstream neutral tones down colors, leaving our walls and cabinets with more muted, calmer versions of our favorite shades of blue, purple, and green.

Sure, some pine for a more genuine approach to color (pun intended), in which case, I’ve got that blog post, too. This one is dedicated to the best green-gray paint colors from Sherwin Williams—light, dark, you’ll see it all.

But first, let’s cover some basics…

COOL GREEN

Cool shades of green are mixed with blue. Once we add some gray to the mix, we get a cool shade of green-gray.

WARM GREEN

Warm greens are greens mixed with yellow. Once we neutralize that with gray, we get a warm green.

• If there’s just a bit of warmth, we get a warm green-gray.
• If we add more warmth, we get more of a green-greige (greige being warmer than gray).

MODERATE SHADES

Of course, there are the unisex greens that don’t cater hard to greige or gray, warm, or cool. They can be super open to changing their look depending on your room’s exposure, Kelvins (temperature) of your light bulbs, and perception.

And we’ll be looking at all of those, with a focus on colors that…

• Seem a bit heavy on the GRAY and light on the green
• Are more GREEN than gray
• Are light, medium, and dark shades

And everything in between!

1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS RARE GRAY 6199

Rare Gray doesn’t get nearly enough attention (kind of like me, wink wink). This gorgeous green-gray is the perfect solution for those who don’t want gray walls, but get a bit twitchy about greens that go too far.

Shown here with the equally badass Benjamin Moore Fieldstone, Rare Gray is a moderate, medium-depth approach to green and gray.

Between green and gray, which one is the main squeeze and which is the side piece (a classy term my teenage daughters taught me)? If you compare Rare Gray to a more legit gray, you’d think green, but compare it to green, and it’s pretty darn neutral, which is why it’s so fab. Just like Malcolm, it’s in the middle.

If you love Rare Gray, do your due diligence by sampling and comparing…

• Sherwin Williams Escape Gray
• Sherwin Williams Sensible Hue (#9 below). 
• If you want a bit more gray and less green, Sherwin Williams Gray Matters could hit the spot.

2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS CONSERVATIVE GRAY 6183

Conservative Gray suits its name as it approaches gray and green quite conservatively. 

Some would argue that it’s gray with a strong green (green-blue) undertone, while others would say it’s green (cool green-blue) with a strong base. Either way, it’s subtle and soft. 

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Conservative Gray…

Delivered to your front door – TOMORROW! 

As for depth, it’s one of the lighter shades on this page with an LRV of 63, making it a great contender for a room with an average (or better) amount of light. 

If you love Conservative Gray, make sure you compare it to…

• Sherwin William Aloof Gray (#16 below)
• Sherwin Williams Austere Gray (#6 below – for a bit more depth)
• If you wonder whether your room needs a warm or cool color, compare it to Sherwin Williams Sedate Gray, fo sho (#10 below). 

3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS EVERGREEN FOG 9130

While most Colors of the Year come and go, you KNOW you’ve got a winner when it sticks around for subsequent years.

Evergreen Fog is green, no doubt about it, but its foggy gray backdrop calms it down, leaving a light touch of green on whatever surface you paint it on. If you’re looking for the best green-gray paint color in this range, Evergreen Fog is it (it’s definitely the most popular). 

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Is it TOO green for this blog post? I don’t think so, but I sure as heck wouldn’t go any more green, or we lose a bit too much gray for this purpose. 

Evergreen Fog is a soft, medium-depth green-gray with an LRV of 30. This depth makes it super popular for rooms, accent walls (like the shiplap accent wall in this bathroom below), kitchen cabinets, and exteriors – things not every green-gray can claim. 

Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog: IMAGES, Info, & More

Do your due diligence by comparing Evergreen Fog to similar shades. A tweak in undertones, depth, and temperature can make one color the perfect choice over another! 

• Sherwin Williams Acacia Haze (badass and beautiful and a touch more green-blue)
• Sherwin Williams Cornwall Slate (#12 below)

4. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ILLUSIVE GREEN 9164

Illusive Green is a popular mid-toned shade of green. It’s a green for those who’re (that’s a funny one to type – thank god for apostrophes) leery of too much color but still need a good wink and a nod.

In this next image, you’ll see Illusive Green, the tone-darker Attitude Gray, the slightly more gray-blue hue of Tin Lizzie, and the equally cool but darker-looking green-gray Cityscape.

While I could’ve chosen any one of the above as awesome green-grays to share with you, I chose Illusive Green as I like it the most with this soft, warm white cabinet color and quartzite countertop (similar to Fantasy Brown, but not quite).

Of course, you can compare Illusive Green to the above colors, buuuut…

• If you want a slightly lighter take on Illusive Green, check out Sherwin Williams Unusual Gray (more like ‘Unusual Green-Gray’).
• Sherwin Williams Acacia Haze is like Illusive Green with less gray/more color. 

5. SHERWIN WILLIAMS SEA SALT 6204

I love Sea Salt—and not just on my potato chips. Sea Salt is, hands down, one of the most popular green-gray paint colors. 

However, I was hesitant to include it in this blog post. Why?

Not everything is as it seems with Sherwin Williams Sea Salt.

Why? 

Ermmmm, this is looking more blue than green, innit?

Yes, Sea Salt can look as it should—green-gray. However, it often picks up some blue, quite a bit of it. This means you must carefully sample it in your space and compare it to similar shades before biting the bullet. To say that Sea Salt is one of the best green-gray paint colors would be false advertising for the times it caters more to blue. 

But we HAVE to talk about it, as hot damn, is it ever popular! 

Sea Salt is a light-depth green-gray (including a whack load of blue) with an LRV of 63. HOWEVER, it just can’t decide which color it likes best—green or blue (more often, I put my money on blue).  

Sherwin Williams Sea Salt: IMAGES, Info, & More

All the photos in my blog are from my Online Color Consulting clients, readers, and friends— because real homes deserve to be celebrated (dirty laundry and all!) While not magazine-perfect, they’re packed with ideas and proven color choices to help you create a home you’ll love.

Sample and compare—you just never know which color will strike your lil’ fancy (or your big one). 

• Sherwin Williams Silver Strand is a good comparable with more gray and flexibility with undertones.
• If you want the reverse of Sea Salt – so GRAY with a flexible green-blue undertone, you have to check out Sherwin Williams Aloof Gray (#16).
• Bump on down to Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray (#11) as many rooms and finishes can handle a bit more depth.  

6. SHERWIN WILLIAMS AUSTERE GRAY 6184

Austere Gray is pretty enough to bring a tear to my eye – just one eye though, not both.

Is it green, or is it gray?

While it’s definitely more ‘colorful’ than neutral, it’s pretty soft and subtle.

If you’re one of those who like it a little rougher, you may want to read this green-inspired blog post instead, for greens with a bit more color commitment.

Back to Austere Gray. In this next image, it certainly doesn’t look like a warm green-gray, but it’s not overly cold either…

Now look at how it shifts shapes in this next space (same home, different exposure)…

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In the second image, not only is Austere Gray a bit cooler-looking, but it also has a bit more color (green-blue). This makes Austere Gray a popular sage green paint color.

Not 100% sure about Austere Gray? Even if you are, it never hurts to sample and compare –  you might find something even better! 

• For a slightly cooler green hue, Sherwin Williams Contented (#7) is awesome. 
• While it shifts gears a bit, I’d definitely compare Austere Gray to Comfort Gray (#11) and Sherwin Williams Sensible Hue (#9 below). 

7. SHERWIN WILLIAMS CONTENTED 6191

This color’s name says everything you need to know about it. Oh, you want to know MORE? 

Contented is more green than gray, but as far as ‘greens’ go, it’s still pretty content with itself. This calm approach makes it one of the best green-gray paint colors for those who want to see green on their walls without being overwhelmed by it. 

Here’s a Peel & Stick sample of Contented…

With its LRV of 52, Contented is pretty comparable in depth to Austere Gray (51), but offers a bit more color (green, obviously) and can look a touch cooler. This is because Contented is a cool green at heart. 

Even if you’re content with Contented, don’t start painting until you compare it to these shades…

• Sherwin Williams Austere Gray (#6) is an awesome comparison for Contented. 
• Sherwin Williams Filmy Green is an option if you want a lighter green paint color. 
• You have to compare it to Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray (#11) – a million times, yes.

8. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ATTITUDE GRAY 7060

Ooooo, this girl has got some SPUNK! Attitude Gray comes in hot and heavy with an LRV of 20, making it a real skookum medium-depth color. 

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Attitude Gray can be open to interpretation, but if you ask this color cowgirl, it’s a green-gray as it’s a bit more green-centric than gray (but not by a ton). 

If Attitude Gray gives you too much ‘tude, compare it to these similar shades…

• Sherwin Williams Cityscape is a bit stonier looking while still having a green-gray look (#20, added at the last minute!).
• Add a wink more warmth and softness with Sherwin Williams Link Gray (#18) – I bet you won’t regret it! 

9. SHERWIN WILLIAMS SENSIBLE HUE 6198

Of all the colors on this page, this one is in my top 3. Sensible Hue is the epitome of green-gray vs. gray-green and is open to interpretation. While I see it as green (green-blue) with a ton of cool gray, if you believe otherwise and see it as more gray, I won’t argue (okay, I might). 

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Sensible Hue has an LRV of 46, so it’s well into the light-medium range. One step darker gives you Sherwin Williams Rare Gray (which we looked at earlier). One step lighter gives you Aloof Gray, which we’re looking at shortly! 

REVIEWS OF: SW Analytical Gray | SW Argos| SW Sensible Hue | SW Amazing Gray | SW Magnetic Gray | BM Wales Gray

Of the above samples, Argos and Magnetic Gray almost made the cut but often swing a touch too blue (although Argos was DARN CLOSE). Also, notice how well these colors complement/contrast the warm oak flooring—it’s like I know what I’m doing (and yes, you can hire me, too!)

But you’re not done yet. Make sure you compare Sensible Hue to these similar shades – you might fall in love! 

• Sherwin Williams Rare Gray is definitely a good comparison (#1)
• If you want a bit more color on your walls, Sherwin Williams Sedate Gray (next) should do the trick.

10. SHERWIN WILLIAMS SEDATE GRAY 6169

If you love warm greens, Sedate Gray could be just what the doctor ordered (get it—sedate—sedation?). Anyway. 

Here’s a Peel & Stick sample of Sedate Gray…

Sedate Gray is a light (LRV 61), warm gray/greige with a beautiful, muddy undercurrent. And don’t think muddy is a bad thing.

When it comes to greiges and warm grays, muddy is often the goal. 

Here are a few tweaks on Sedate Gray…

• Sherwin Williams Techno Gray (amazeballs) is a bit darker and warmer.
• Sherwin Williams Useful Gray (#13 below) is the best comparable.
• If you want more green and warmth, Sherwin Williams Ancient Marble is a stunner. 

Click HERE or on the above image to see packages! 

11. SHERWIN WILLIAMS COMFORT GRAY 6205

If I wrote these colors from most to least favorite, Comfort Gray would be near the top of the list. However, because I like to keep you on your cute little manicured toes (yes, you too, David), I mix things up.

While this next image isn’t overdecorated or magazine-ready, I ONLY use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients, friends, and followers. I use REAL HOMES, REAL PEOPLE, REAL BUDGETS (a novel idea).

Plus, I know you’re here just for my wit and charm, right?

Comfort Gray is amazeballs—and that’s an understatement. Coastal, comfy, soothing, lakeside-lovin’, this green-gray captures everything I’ve ever wanted in a green-gray, and then some.

What’s ‘and then some?‘

While I’m not always a fan of cool greens, at least not in my home, this green-gray has the perfect kiss of blue – no tongue, just a peck on the lips that keeps you wanting more. Just be careful, as it’s closely related to the previously, hesitantly mentioned, Sherwin Williams Sea Salt.

While Comfort Gray doesn’t grab blue as much/often, it’s hiding in there. 

Sherwin Williams Comfort Gray: IMAGES, Info, & More

Comfort Gray might be your shade, but you won’t know until you sample and compare it to…

• Sherwin Williams Oyster Bay for a bit more depth
• If you want a bit less blue mixed in, compare it to Sherwin Williams Austere Gray (#6) which should tweak it nicely.
• You might even swing into Sherwin Williams Contented (#7). Some people are surprised at how green-blue Comfort Gray is once they compare it to a more committed green hue. 

12. SHERWIN WILLIAMS CORNWALL SLATE

If you love Evergreen Fog but worry that it’s a bit too colorful, take a gander at Cornwall Slate. 

Cornwall Slate is still green…ish, but it’s more green-gray than Evergreen Fog without dipping hard into the gray pool (the popular sequel to Deadpool). 

As for depth, Cornwall Slate’s LRV of 29 puts it pretty on par with Evergreen Fog, making them great colors to compare. 

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However, Cornwall Slate has some competition. Check out these bad boys, compare them, and see which settles best in your space…

• Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog (#3) for more green and less gray
• Sherwin Williams Acacia Haze for more COLOR! 
• Sherwin Williams Illusive Green (#4) is another potential contender

13. SHERWIN WILLIAMS USEFUL GRAY 7050

Like Sedate Gray, Useful Gray is on the border of gray-green and greige-green, thanks to its noticeable warmth. 

Useful Gray is a light, warm gray-greige-green with an LRV of 59. This depth makes it great for the average room, but its overall approach leaves it a touch murky for a darker room.

Muddy is good, murky isn’t. 

Also, note that Useful Gray is more neutral than colorful. 

Here’s a Peel & Stick sample of Useful Gray…

If you love Useful Gray, you need some colors to sample and compare with it…

• Sherwin Williams Sedate Gray (#10)
• Sherwin Williams Jogging Path (mad love)
• Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray (a more neutral comparison)

14. SHERWIN WILLIAMS GRIZZLE GRAY 7068

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking at Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams, Grizzle Gray is, hands-down, one of the best green-gray paint colors if you want to see a bit more green on your walls without going over the top.

In fact, Grizzle Gray has few comparable colors – it’s a color unto itself. 

This next home office is glorious in Grizzle Gray. I love how it contrasts with the white trim and bounces off of and contrasts nicely with the dark wood door…

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Sure, there’s the super subtle look of Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray (womp womp wooomp – hardly gray-green or green-gray.) and the more colorful look of Pewter Green (stunning, but goes too far), but that’s not what we’re looking for—we’re looking for green-gray with a noticeable degree of gray.

Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray: IMAGES, Info, & More

As mentioned, there’s not many great comparables for Grizzle Gray, but you just never know until you try (that’s what my hubby tells me anyway)…

• Sherwin Williams Night Owl (#19) offers a bit more color
• I’d definitely explore Sherwin Williams Cityscape (#20) – same idea, but a bit lighter.

15. SHERWIN WILLIAMS CASCADE GREEN 0066

Whereas some greens are like a Tinder Date, minimal commitment while winking at the possibilities, Cascade Green is more like ‘Married at First Sight’ as you’re COMMITTING to green.

This isn’t to say it’s obnoxious, it’s just not shy as it has less gray than many of the more popular green-grays.

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16. SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALOOF GRAY

What…a…snob. Aloof Gray is so conceited, it won’t even tell you what color it is. Green? Gray? WHO KNOWS?

What we do know is that Aloof Gray has an LRV of 58, making it a light-depth paint color and most popular for the walls of a room and exteriors, but not cabinets. 

While this lovely old Heritage home had potential before…

It looks fresher and happier in a few coats of Aloof Gray…

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As for color commitment, Aloof Gray is a gray with a decent green-blue undertone. Give it the right light and the blue can pick up a bit of steam, so sample it carefully. 

17. SHERWIN WILLIAMS RETREAT 6207

While some stronger shades of green might have you retreating in fear, Retreat tips the color scales a bit more toward green over gray, offering a wicked pretty approach to green-gray.

Check it out in this repurposed dining room…

And seriously, check it out on these painted wood kitchen cabinets…what the WHAT?! Once this baddy gets hit with some hardware and a timeless backsplash, this kitchen will be stunning.

Sherwin Williams Retreat: IMAGES, Info, & More! 

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Want to warm things up but keep the same depth? 

18. SHERWIN WILLIAMS LINK GRAY 6200

If you ask me, Link Gray is one of the best green-gray paint colors in this range. Sure, there are darker versions, including Thunderous and Cast Iron, but I love the balance of green, gray, and depth this color offers. 

Link Gray is a strong, medium-depth green-gray with its LRV of 21, making it Retreat’s kissin’ cousin (illegal in some States, but not on this blog). 

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Link Gray.

As for color commitment and temperature, I like that Link Gray doesn’t cater hard to being warm or cool. And while it’s more green-gray than gray-green, it doesn’t overcommit. 

19. SHERWIN WILLIAMS NIGHT OWL 7061

Night Owl is our best comparable for Grizzle Gray, as there are so few dark colors in the darker green-gray/gray-green range. And whereas Grizzle Gray is a green-gray with a buttload of gray (look it up, it’s a word), Night Owl comes at things a bit wilder, with more green/less gray. 

Night Owl has an LRV of 13 – exactly the same as Grizzle Gray. This makes it a medium-dark color that’s stunning for accent and feature walls, cabinets, islands, shutters, and SO much more. 

20. SHERWIN WILLIAMS CITYSCAPE

At first, it was the best 19 green-gray paint colors, but Cityscape kept winking at me (although it clearly needs glasses, as this next image is a bit blurry)… 

Cityscape is a darker green-gray with a heavy dose of gray taking the edge off. It’s pretty comparable to Grizzle Gray in its approach; the main difference is that G.G has an LRV of 13, and Cityscape sits at 22. Grizzle Gray is a medium-dark, whereas Cityscape is a medium-depth (albeit, a super solid one). 

Here’s Cityscape on an exterior in the sunshine (it will look darker in the shade)…

Sherwin Williams Cityscape: IMAGES, Info, & More

And while I might sound like a broken record (for those of you born pre-2000s; for the rest of you, a broken…download?), SAMPLE AND COMPARE!

• You have to compare Cityscape to Sherwin Williams Attitude Gray (#8).
• Of course, Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray (#14) is worth exploring for more depth.
• Bump up to Sherwin Williams Tin Lizzie if you want to see a slightly lighter look, but it’s slightly more likely to grab a wink of blue.

Phew. This momma needs a drink. 

READ MORE

Sage Green-Inspired Paint Colors For Any Room

The Best Green Paint Colors for CABINETS

The Best Blue & Green Paint Colors for Bedrooms

The Best Light Green Paint Colors

The Best Medium to Dark Green Paint Colors

Need help?

Let me pick your 3 best colors for you! 

Kylie M’s Online Paint Color Consulting / E-Design