16 grey paint colors for bedroom
I often hear people say that grey is a “boring” or “sad” color, but I couldn’t disagree more. When you find the right shade, grey becomes the ultimate backdrop for a restful sanctuary. It is versatile, sophisticated, and, according to color psychology, inherently calming—perfect for the one room where you need to switch off and recharge.
However, picking the right grey is tricky. Undertones can shift from blue to purple or even green depending on your lighting. To save you the headache of testing a hundred samples, I have curated a list of the 16 best grey paint colors for bedrooms.
I’ve included data on Light Reflectance Value (LRV)—which measures how much light a color reflects—to help you gauge how bright or moody these shades will feel in your space.
1. Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)
If you are looking for the perfect “greige”—a blend of grey and beige—this is it. Agreeable Gray is Sherwin-Williams’ best-selling paint color for a reason. It holds a warmth that prevents a bedroom from feeling cold or sterile, which is a common fear people have with grey.
With an LRV of 60, it reflects a significant amount of light, making your room feel airy during the day. I love pairing this with crisp white trim because the contrast highlights the subtle beige undertone. It works beautifully in both north and south-facing rooms.
2. Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray (SW 7015)
Repose Gray is my top recommendation if you want something slightly cooler than Agreeable Gray but still incredibly inviting. It has a tranquil quality that lives up to its name.
This shade has a subtle violet undertone that you might catch in certain lighting, but it largely reads as a true, soft grey. With an LRV of 58, it is just a touch darker than Agreeable Gray, offering a cozy depth that encourages sleep without making the room feel cave-like.
3. Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (OC-23)
For those of you who love white walls but want just a hint more personality, Classic Gray is a fantastic choice. It is an ultra-light shade with an impressive LRV of roughly 74.
This color functions almost as an off-white. It bounces light around the room, making small bedrooms feel much larger. I suggest using this shade if you have colorful bedding or art, as it provides a sophisticated, neutral canvas that won’t clash with your decor.
4. Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray (HC-170)
Stonington Gray comes from Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection, and I find it to be one of the most elegant options available. It is a “grown-up” grey—silvery, refined, and distinctly cool.
It sits at an LRV of roughly 59, so it has enough weight to contrast beautifully against white ceilings. I advise you to test this one carefully if you have north-facing light, as the blue undertones can become quite pronounced in cooler lighting conditions.
5. Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray (SW 7016)
If you want a grey that actually looks grey, Mindful Gray is a solid mid-tone option. It has an LRV of 48, which means it absorbs more light than the options I listed above.
I find this color adds a layer of richness to a master bedroom. It is neutral enough to pair with warm wood furniture or cool metallic accents. Because it is darker, it wraps the room in a cozy embrace that feels very grounding at the end of a long day.
6. Farrow & Ball Ammonite (No. 274)
I simply adore the understated quality of Ammonite. Named after fossils found on the Dorset coast, this shade has a very natural, organic feel to it.
It is neither too warm nor too cool, making it a fantastic “safe” choice that still looks high-end. Farrow & Ball paints are known for their depth, and Ammonite delivers a hushed, calming atmosphere that is perfect for drifting off to sleep.
7. Sherwin-Williams Dorian Gray (SW 7017)
Dorian Gray is the darker, moodier cousin to Repose and Mindful Gray. I recommend this shade if you have a larger bedroom or high ceilings, as it helps bring the space in and makes it feel more intimate.
It has a medium depth that pairs exceptionally well with cream or linen-colored textiles. If you are nervous about painting the whole room this dark, try using it on an accent wall behind your bed to create a focal point.
8. Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (2137-60)
Gray Owl is a cult favorite among interior designers for its crisp, cool cast. It has an LRV of around 65, making it light enough to act as a neutral backdrop, but it definitely has personality.
You should know that Gray Owl frequently flashes a blue or green undertone. I think this makes it feel very fresh and spa-like, but you need to make sure those undertones coordinate with your flooring and furniture.
9. Sherwin-Williams Worldly Gray (SW 7043)
This is another stunning greige, but I find it slightly softer and less yellow than Agreeable Gray. It mimics the color of natural stone.
Worldly Gray is incredibly versatile. It has a slight green undertone that helps it bridge the gap between warm and cool color palettes. If you change your duvet cover often, this paint color will likely match whatever you throw at it.
10. Sherwin-Williams Drift of Mist (HGSW9166)
I love Drift of Mist for an ethereal, airy bedroom vibe. It is a lighter grey with a white base and a cool undertone, sitting at an LRV of 62.
It feels very modern and clean. I find it works best in rooms with plenty of natural light, where it can really glow. Pair it with natural textures like rattan or bamboo to keep the room feeling warm and lived-in.
11. Sherwin-Williams Dovetail (SW 7018)
Sometimes, you just need a bold choice. Dovetail is a rich, saturated grey that leans toward a masculine aesthetic. It is quite dark, so it makes a serious statement.
I love using Dovetail in bedrooms with white wainscoting or molding. The contrast is striking and instantly makes the room feel expensive. It’s perfect for creating a “cocooning” effect that helps you disconnect from the world.
12. Farrow & Ball Cornforth White (No. 228)
Don’t let the name fool you—Cornforth White is definitely a grey. It is the mid-tone in Farrow & Ball’s “Relaxed Neutrals” group and sits right between Ammonite and Purbeck Stone.
I find this color incredibly easy to live with. It is soft and unassuming, creating a retreat-like vibe. It’s ideal if you want a color that feels historic and timeless rather than trendy.
13. Sherwin-Williams Popular Gray (SW 6071)
Popular Gray lives up to its name by being a crowd-pleaser. It is a warm greige that leans heavily into beige territory, making it one of the “muddiest” greys on this list.
I recommend this color if you have a lot of warm wood furniture in your bedroom. A cooler grey might clash with oak or mahogany, but Popular Gray harmonizes with them perfectly.
14. Sherwin-Williams Amazing Gray (SW 7044)
Amazing Gray is a bit of a shapeshifter. It has a distinct brownish undertone that makes it feel very earthy and grounded.
In low light, it can look quite warm, almost taupe. I think this makes it an excellent choice for bedrooms where you want to emphasize comfort and coziness over stark modernism.
15. Sherwin-Williams Alpaca (SW 7022)
Alpaca is a unique, warm grey that I find charming. It has subtle purple and taupe undertones that give it a luxurious, velvety appearance on the wall.
This color looks stunning with metallic accents like gold or brass lamps. Because of its warmth, it keeps the bedroom feeling inviting even in the dead of winter.
16. Sherwin-Williams Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019)
Finally, for those who love drama, there is Gauntlet Gray. This is a deep, charcoal-leaning shade that commands attention.
I use this color when I want to create a moody, boutique-hotel vibe. It looks incredible paired with crisp white sheets and dark wood floors. Just remember that dark colors absorb light, so you will need good artificial lighting for the evenings.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a paint color is the first step toward better sleep and a more beautiful home. I hope this list helps you narrow down the endless options to the one that speaks to you.
If you are ready to start your project, grab a few peel-and-stick samples of your favorites and see how they look in your actual lighting. A fresh coat of paint is the easiest way to make your bedroom feel brand new.
