Grey 01 vs Grey 17: Which Cool Grey Paint Fits?
By Designer Home Interiors - Designer Paint & Wallpaper | Lick | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Comparisons
Grey 01 and Grey 17 are both greys, but they pull in opposite directions. Here's how to choose between cool and warm undertones for your walls.
Quick answer
Choose Grey 01 if you want a fresh, airy cool grey with soft blue undertones for a light Scandi feel. Choose Grey 17 if you want a dark, cocooning grey with warm red undertones for a cozier, more enveloping room.
The undertone decides the mood
Grey 01 and Grey 17 are both greys, but they behave very differently on a wall. Grey 01 carries sky-blue undertones that keep it soft rather than cold and harsh, so it reads as a fresh cool grey. Grey 17 is a dark grey with warm red undertones, which gives it a comforting, cocoon-like feel.
That difference matters more than the grey label itself. Blue-leaning greys tend to feel lighter and more open, while red-leaning greys add depth and warmth. Neither is universally better; the right pick depends on the light in your room and the mood you want.
Finish options are not the same
Grey 01 is described with a matt finish that keeps things smooth and muted, which suits the soft, understated look the shade is going for. Grey 17 is available in Matt, Eggshell, and Ultra Flat Matt finishes for interior use.
If you need a specific finish for a particular surface or sheen level, Grey 17 gives you more choices on the supplied information. If you simply want the muted matt look, Grey 01 already delivers that in its described finish.
Price and size: check before you commit
Grey 01 is listed at USD 26.65 against a comparison price of USD 41.00, and Grey 17 at USD 30.75 against the same USD 41.00 comparison price. Both come with Finish, Size, and Location options, so the final cost depends on the size and finish you select.
Coverage per tin is not stated in the supplied product information, so use the retailer's size guidance and your wall measurements rather than guessing. Ordering a small size first is the safest way to test either shade in your own light.
Key trade-offs
- Cool and fresh vs warm and enveloping: Grey 01's blue undertones keep it soft and fresh; Grey 17's red undertones make it comforting and cocoon-like. Pick the mood first, then the shade.
- Lightness vs depth: Grey 01 is a cool grey that stays soft rather than harsh, so it suits rooms where you want an open, airy feel. Grey 17 is a dark grey that adds depth, so it works better where you want the walls to feel enclosing.
- Finish flexibility: Grey 17 offers Matt, Eggshell, and Ultra Flat Matt; Grey 01 is described with a matt finish. If you need eggshell or ultra flat matt, Grey 17 is the one with those options. Check the finish list against the surface you're painting before ordering.
Product facts at a glance
- Grey 01: A cool grey with sky-blue undertones and a matt finish. The blue undertones keep it soft and fresh rather than cold, making it a natural fit for airy, Scandi-style rooms.
Grey 01 - Grey 17: A dark grey with warm red undertones, available in Matt, Eggshell, and Ultra Flat Matt. The warmth adds depth and a cocooning feel, and the extra finish options let you match the sheen to the room.
Grey 17
Which shade is right for you?
Best for
- Rooms where you want a fresh, airy cool grey with a soft Scandi feel
- Spaces that need a light, muted neutral wall paint rather than a dark statement
- Anyone who wants a simple matt finish without choosing between sheens
Not for
- Rooms where you want a dark, cocooning, warm-toned grey
- Projects that specifically need eggshell or ultra flat matt finishes
- Anyone who wants red-based warmth rather than blue-based freshness
