Bay Waves

Technical Profile

What color is Bay Waves? It's a light cool gray with the hex code #CED1D0. Colors similar to Bay Waves include Kilz Chalk Gray, Vista Paint Grey Mare, PPG Elemental. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Bay Waves has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Bay Waves (#CED1D0) by Valspar is a light gray paint color with a understated, nearly neutral quality. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. On the temperature spectrum this shade carries a cool cast, lending calm and collected elegance. Its RGB channels are closely balanced, contributing to its neutral, even-keeled visual character. With a Light Reflectance Value of 82, it reflects the vast majority of light, helping smaller rooms feel more spacious. Light neutrals like this are go-to choices for whole-home color schemes, working seamlessly in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and hallways without competing with decor. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. The cool cast of Bay Waves pairs well with crisp whites, silvery grays, and blue-toned accents for a sleek, modern palette. Its neutral undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Valspar is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Kilz, Vista Paint, PPG and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Bay Waves offers a breezy, coastal serenity that keeps spaces feeling clean and refreshed. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for virtually every design style from minimalist Japandi to rustic farmhouse to sleek contemporary. As part of the Valspar palette, Bay Waves benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. High-LRV colors like Bay Waves are forgiving in most lighting conditions, but they can pick up reflected color from adjacent walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces, so evaluate samples in situ. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order Bay Waves (4008-1A) directly from Valspar or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.