We polled members of the Remodelista Architect/Designer Directory to come up with our list of the best gray exterior paints out there. You’re done! And if you’re thinking of painting your house white, we’ve got you covered, too: check out 10 Best White Exterior Paints.
Swatch photographs by Katie Newburn for Gardenista.
Above: Top row, L to R: Benjamin Moore Sag Harbor Gray; ICI Grey Hearth; Dunn-Edwards Vulcan; Benjamin Moore Graphite; Benjamin Moore Bear Creek. Bottom row, L to R: Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain; Benjamin Moore Gravel Grey; Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn; Farrow & Ball Down Pipe; and Benjamin Moore Graystone.
Above: LA-based SIMO Design painted this home in Dunn-Edwards Vulcan, a cool blue-gray and the bluest of the shades in our top ten.
Above: Los Angeles designers Nickey Kehoe Inc. had this house painted in Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain, a dark gray with a rich brown undertone. The shade is also a favorite of SF Bay Area-based Geremia Design and Klopf Architecture. Photograph by Amy Neunsinger.
Above: Chatham, NY-based architect James Dixon chose Benjamin Moore’s Sag Harbor Gray for this Hudson Valley farmhouse. The light green-gray is part of Benjamin Moore’s historic colors series.
Above: SF Bay Area-based Ana Williamson Architect used Benjamin Moore Graphite on the siding of this modern home; the color is a true dark gray with just a hint of blue. On the trim, Williamson used Benjamin Moore Gunmetal and had the stucco integrally colored to match Benjamin Moore Timber Wolf.
Above: SF Bay Area-based interior designer Kriste Michelini chose Benjamin Moore Bear Creek as her favorite gray. Bear Creek is also rich in brown tones; lighter than Iron Mountain but darker than Grey Hearth. Photograph via Pinterest.
Above: Both LA-based DISC Interiors and SF-based Nicole Hollis chose Farrow & Ball Down Pipe as their favorite exterior gray. The popular color is a complex mix with hints of blue-green. Photograph via Farrow & Ball.
Above: NYC-based architect Alex Scott Porter has used Benjamin Moore Gravel Gray on several house exteriors, including the Maine island home shown here. Gravel Gray is the darkest of the shades we’ve recommended.
Above: LA-based Kevin Oreck Architect painted this new home in ICI Grey Hearth.
Above: Interior designer Laura Clayton Baker of LA-based The Uplifters Inc. used Sherwin Williams Peppercorn on this Washington, D.C. home. Peppercorn is the truest gray of those listed here, and pairs well with Clayton Baker’s other picks on this exterior: The trim is Sherwin-Williams’ Pure White and Tricorn Black, and the door is Benjamin Moore Vermilion in a high gloss finish.
Above: SF-based Klopf Architecture has used Benjamin Moore Graystone on several home exteriors; it’s a flattering shade in all kinds of light.
Don’t miss our designer-approved outdoor paint picks in white, gray, and black. Here, Architects’ White Exterior Paint Picks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the article about?
The article is about the top 10 paint picks of architects for shades of grey.
What is the reason for architects choosing shades of grey?
Architects prefer shades of grey because it is a versatile color that can be used in different settings and design styles.
What are the top 10 paint picks of architects for shades of grey?
The top 10 paint picks of architects for shades of grey are Benjamin Moore Gray Owl, Farrow & Ball Elephant's Breath, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal, Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray, Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray, Farrow & Ball Blackened, Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray, Farrow & Ball Cornforth White, Benjamin Moore Metropolitan and Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray.
What is Benjamin Moore Gray Owl known for?
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl is known for its soft and subtle gray shade that has a slight blue-green undertone.
What is Farrow & Ball Elephant's Breath known for?
Farrow & Ball Elephant's Breath is known for its warm grey shade with a hint of purple undertones that can add a cozy and inviting feel to any space.
What is the price range of these paints?
The price range of these paints can vary depending on the brand and size of the can. On average, they can range from $40 to $80 per can.
Are these paints suitable for all spaces?
Yes, these paints are versatile and can be used in different settings and design styles. However, it is important to consider the lighting and other elements in the space to choose the right shade of grey.
Where can one purchase these paints?
These paints can be purchased at any home improvement store and some paint suppliers. They are also available online through the respective brand's website and other online retailers.
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