stålgrå

Stålgrå (steel gray) is a color term used in Swedish design and fashion to describe a neutral gray shade reminiscent of unoxidized steel.

The name is a compound of stål (steel) and grå (gray). In Swedish color naming, it denotes a cool, mid-to-dark gray that leans toward blue or green depending on lighting and pigment.

In practice, stålgrå is used as a versatile base color in interiors, exterior architecture, and product design. It reads as modern and restrained, suitable for walls, furniture, wardrobes, and automotive finishes. Its cool undertone makes it pair well with white, black, navy, and natural wood.

Because there is no universal standard for the shade beyond the name, different paint brands offer slightly different swatches labeled stålgrå. The perceived color can vary with material, finish (matte, satin, gloss), and lighting conditions. Digital representations in RGB or hex encode as approximations that differ by display. For precise use, one should consult physical color swatches from the relevant brand.

See also: color naming in Swedish, neutral colors, steel color.