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There is no denying I’ve tested my fair share of gray paint colors. More than anyone reasonably should in one lifetime. But when you find a gray that is one to write home about, it transforms a room. PPG is seriously stepping up their gray game. It’s time to stop sleeping on these guys.
If you’re on the hunt for the best gray PPG paint colors, I’ve got you covered — from warm and cozy to cool and crisp. I’ve personally swatched, compared, and lived with these colors (hello, obsessive paint testing), so you don’t have to.
Let’s talk undertones, lighting tricks, and which rooms these grays really shine in.
1. PPG Fog (PPG1010-2)
- Undertones: Cool blue-gray
- LRV: 67
- Best for: Bathrooms, bedrooms, and modern kitchens
Why I love it: Fog is like the soft whisper of a rainy day. It reads as a true gray in most lighting but has just enough coolness to keep things crisp without feeling sterile. Perfect for when you want a clean, calming vibe.
Pro tip: Pairs beautifully with matte black hardware and marble counters.
Similar Colors: Benjamin Moore CSP-500 WHISPER & Sherwin Williams SW 9561 GUILD GREY
2. PPG Whiskers (PPG1025-3)
- Undertones: Warm greige
- LRV: 60
- Best for: Living rooms and open floor plans
Why I love it: Whiskers is that Goldilocks gray—not too warm, not too cool. It plays nice with oak tones, which makes it a dream if you’re updating a home with existing wood finishes.
Similar Colors: Benjamin Moore OC-28 COLLINGWOOD & Sherwin Williams SW 7029 AGREEABLE GRAY
3. PPG Dover Gray (PPG1001-5)
- Undertones: True black
- LRV: 15
- Best for: Dramatic accent walls, dining rooms, moody bedrooms
Why I love it: Dover Gray is a bold beauty. It’s a saturated, cool charcoal gray with a true black undertone that adds instant drama to any space. Want to make a statement? This is your gray. It’s not for the faint of heart—but when paired with soft whites and touches of gold, it strikes the perfect balance between bold and elegant.
Design tip: Use it on an accent wall behind a bed or sofa, then layer in warm lighting and creamy textiles to soften the edge.
Similar Colors: Benjamin Moore CW-695 LAMPBLACK & Sherwin Williams SW 7067 CITYSCAPE
4. PPG Gray Stone (PPG1009-4)
- Undertones: Neutral gray with slight warmth
- LRV: 47
- Best for: Bedrooms and dens
Why I love it: Gray Stone lives right in the middle—it doesn’t lean blue or brown, which makes it a great “neutral” gray that works well across styles. It’s cozy without being too dark.
Similar Colors: Benjamin Moore HC-169 COVENTRY GRAY & Sherwin Williams SW 7658 GRAY CLOUDS
5. PPG Pewter Gray (50YY 47/053)
- Undertones: Blue-violet
- LRV: 47
- Best for: Accent walls or moody living rooms
Why I love it: Pewter Gray is a bold move, but a good one. It gives your space that high-end, moody drama that looks amazing in candlelight or soft evening light.
Warning: It will make you want velvet throw pillows and whiskey neat.
Similar Colors: Benjamin Moore 1551 LA PALOMA GRAY & Sherwin Williams SW 7023 REQUISITE GRAY
6. 6. PPG Flagstone (PPG1001-4)
- Undertones: True gray with a black base
- LRV: 26
- Best for: Interiors, exteriors, and anywhere you want a solid, balanced gray
Why I love it: Flagstone is a midtone, cool, no-nonsense gray. It doesn’t lean warm or cool—it’s that rare true gray unicorn. With its black undertone, it has just enough depth to ground a space without making it feel too dark.
Design tip: Feeling adventurous? Pair Flagstone with lemony yellows for a retro mid-century pop, or keep it classic with crisp white trim and natural wood accents.
Similar Colors: Benjamin Moore CW-700 SLATE & Sherwin Williams SW 7659 GRIS
7. PPG Dust Bunny (PPG1000-1)
- Undertones: Slight pink-beige
- LRV: 59
- Best for: Anywhere you want a touch of warmth without going full beige
Why I love it: It’s playful but refined. And I mean, the name alone—Dust Bunny? Come on. Instant charm.
8. PPG Silver Reflection (50BG 54/017)
- Undertones: Cool blue
- LRV: 54
- Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms
Why I love it: Silver Reflection feels fresh and clean, especially in rooms where natural light is limited. It leans cooler, so it works great with stainless steel appliances and white trim.
9. PPG Shark (PPG1006-2)
- Undertones: Warm with a soft red base
- LRV: 73
- Best for: Whole-house interiors, especially open-concept spaces
Why I love it: Don’t let the name fool you—Shark is more cozy than fierce. This light, warm veiled gray has a subtle red undertone that gives it a soft, welcoming feel. It’s a great go-to for anyone who wants a neutral that’s not too cold, not too beige, and still feels fresh.
Design tip: Pair Shark with clean white trim (think Chantilly Lace vibes) for a timeless, airy look that works in every room.
Similar Colors: Benjamin Moore 2108-70 LACEY PEARL & Sherwin Williams SW 7014 EIDER WHITE
10. PPG Thin Ice (PPG1001-3)
- Undertones: Soft, cool blue gray
- LRV: 70
- Best for: Ceilings, trims, and super bright spaces
Why I love it: Thin Ice is one of those barely-there grays that works like a charm if you’re scared of committing to a full-on gray wall. It’s subtle, but it makes a room feel polished and intentional.
Similar Colors: Benjamin Moore 871 PEARL RIVER & Sherwin Williams SW 6231 ROCK CANDY
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My Best Tips for Choosing the Right Gray from PPG
Choosing a gray is never just choosing a gray. Here’s what I always tell my clients:
- Check the undertone. All grays lean somewhere—blue, green, purple, taupe—so test them in your lighting.
- Use large samples. So you’re not guessing.
- Consider your lighting. North-facing rooms make grays look cooler; southern light warms them up.
- Look at your floors. Your wood floors and counters affect how the gray will read.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most popular gray PPG paint color?
PPG Fog and Whiskers are hands-down favorites. They’re versatile and easy to use in a variety of spaces.
Is gray going out of style?
Nope! Gray is evolving—think warmer greiges and layered textures. It’s not leaving the design world anytime soon.
How can I tell if a gray will look blue?
Test it! A gray with a cool undertone will read more blue, especially in cool lighting (like north-facing rooms). I always recommend sampling before painting. You can grab samples here.
Final Thoughts
Gray may seem simple, but trust me—it’s sneaky. Undertones matter. Lighting matters. And most importantly, how you want the room to feel matters.
These ten PPG gray paints are the ones I return to again and again in consultations because they just work. Whether you’re after cozy warmth or crisp elegance, there’s a gray here that will make your space sing.
Have a favorite? Tried one of these grays? Leave a comment and let me know—I’m always up for a good paint chat.
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I’m Cate. As a seasoned paint color consultant and former proprietor of the highly regarded painting company WOW 1 Day Painting in Bergen County, my journey in the world of design and home improvement has been a colorful one, quite literally. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Northern New Jersey, I’ve cultivated a passion for transforming spaces through the power of paint, furniture restoration, and thoughtful home decor.