Gray (Grey) Color Meaning & Symbolism | The Color Gray (Grey)

Poor Color Gray. It gets a really bad rap.

First of all, hardly anyone is ever really sure if the color is spelled “gray” or “grey”. As info, both spellings are correct.

Then, there are the usual associated negative symbolism and color meanings of gray:

Institutional Gray
Gray Hair
A Gray Day
A Gray Mood
Gray as Death

However, as with all colors, we at The Simple Stencil think gray is beautiful – perhaps because we dug more deeply into gray/grey meaning and symbolism.

Some see gray as an “unemotional” color – detached and neutral. We suggest these are positive traits for a color to have!

Whereas other colors excite and get emotions churning, gray is perfectly balanced. While most folks think of gray as being only a mixture of black and white, this is rare.

More often than not, gray has tones of many other colors mixed in. Yet this perfectly appointed color manages to bring all together as one, elegant hue!

In times of chaos, what could be better than being able to detach from the situation and get to a place of neutrality? When we’re in the “neutral zone”, it’s easier to see things more clearly.

Some feel gray is too reserved (hence, boring) as a “stand alone” color. It’s doesn’t have enough black in it to be “mysterious” and it doesn’t have enough white in it to be “luminescent”.

Well, tsk, tsk, tsk.

We say the reserved nature of gray speaks volumes. Reserved means solid and steady. In uncertain times, gray brings a sense of order and calm to the world. It is reassuring. Even those who thrive on adrenaline rushes need some reassuring every now and again.

The color psychology of gray is, well, a gray area.

Gray can be associated with depression and being “institutionalized or controlled”. Yet, those who love the color gray are known to have extremely upscale tastes as well as a tendency to enjoy more futuristic designs (cars, computers, phones, homes, clothing, etc.).

There are so many ways the color gray/grey can be the perfect choice for your home, office, school, and sacred space. We can create just about any vinyl wall decal you can dream up!

If gray isn’t what you’re looking for, at The Simple Stencil your vinyl wall lettering and wall quotes can be ordered in many different colors! We have a wide variety of hues to choose from.

Because color is a deeply personal choice, we hope you find value in reading all about the psychology and meanings of all your favorite colors!