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Is Gray a Cool Color?

Published in Color Temperature 1 min read

Gray's temperature depends on its undertones. It's not simply cool or warm; there's a spectrum.

Understanding Gray's Temperature

While we often associate gray with cool, cloudy days, this isn't the whole story. The perception of gray's temperature hinges on its underlying hues.

  • Cool Grays: These possess blue undertones, lending them a cool, almost bluish appearance. Think of a stormy, overcast sky.

  • Warm Grays: These grays have yellow or brown undertones, giving them a warmer, softer feel. Greige, a blend of gray and beige, is a prime example of a warm gray.

Therefore, gray itself isn't inherently cool or warm; its temperature is determined by its subtle color variations.

Examples of Cool and Warm Grays

  • Cool Gray Example: Imagine the color of wet asphalt on a cloudy day. That's a cool gray.
  • Warm Gray Example: Think of the color of a well-worn, sandy beach. That's more of a warm gray.

The presence of blue undertones pushes gray toward the cool side, while yellow or brown undertones shift it towards the warm spectrum.