It is a soft grey shade with infinite possibilities. There are many debates as to what the background in a quilt should look like. Sometimes the background shouts back at you when it is in conflict with the chosen overall design, and others simply meld into the design and main fabrics and are 'Just Right'. Bella Solids - Zen Grey Yardage did this for me when it was paired with multiple patterns in a certain fabric line of a Jelly Roll (in progress). I will certainly use it again with deep, dark and bright contrasts.