Agreeable Gray vs. Modern Gray

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Can’t decide between Agreeable Gray and Modern Gray? You’re not alone — these two Sherwin Williams favorites are often mistaken for twins, but trust me, they have very different personalities. In this post, I’m breaking down the undertones, lighting behavior, and best room uses for both so you can finally pick your perfect gray (without painting five test swatches on your wall… again).

If there’s one paint color showdown I’ve been asked about a million times, it’s Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray vs. Sherwin Williams Modern Gray.
Both are popular, both are versatile, and both have “gray” in the name—but trust me, they’re not twins. They’re more like cousins who kind of look alike in photos but have totally different personalities when you meet them in person.

So, grab your coffee wine (or your paintbrush), because we’re diving deep into undertones, lighting behavior, and where each of these grays truly shines.

Quick Overview: The Stats

Paint Color	Undertone	LRV	Color Family	Vibe
Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)	Warm greige with subtle green undertones	60	Greige	Soft, balanced, welcoming
Modern Gray (SW 7632)	Warm gray with pink/rosy undertones	62	Warm neutral	Airy, cozy, slightly blush

Both colors have mid-to-high LRVs (Light Reflectance Values), which means they reflect a fair amount of light. They’re great for keeping a room feeling open and bright—but the undertones are what set them apart.

Agreeable Gray: The VERY Popular Neutral

You know, when you go to a party and there’s that one person who always brings the good snacks and is basically someone who gets along with the entire party?

Agreeable Gray is that person. It’s that perfect “not too warm, not too cool” greige that designers (and homeowners) can’t stop talking about.

Here’s what makes Agreeable Gray a crowd favorite:

• Balanced undertones: It leans warm but stays neutral enough to work with both cool and warm decor.
• Incredible versatility: Works beautifully in open-concept homes where one color needs to flow through multiple spaces.
• Lighting adaptability: Looks slightly cooler in north-facing light and warmer in southern light—but never goes muddy or weird.

Where I love to use it:

• Main living spaces
• Hallways
• Bedrooms (especially paired with crisp white trim, chef’s kiss)
• Open-concept layouts

Pro tip: Pair it with SW Pure White for trim and SW Iron Ore for accents. It’s a combination that’s timeless, calm, and just sophisticated enough.

Modern Gray: The Softer, Rosier Sibling

Now let’s talk about Modern Gray, the quieter, cozier cousin in this comparison. While Agreeable Gray feels perfectly neutral, Modern Gray has a gentle rosy-beige undertone that makes it feel warmer and softer—especially in low-light rooms.

Here’s what makes Modern Gray stand out:

• Warm and welcoming: Its pink undertones bring warmth that’s subtle but noticeable.
• Excellent for low-light rooms: Where cool grays can feel cold, Modern Gray feels soft and comfortable.
• Pairs beautifully with warm materials: Think wood tones, brass finishes, and creamy whites.

Where I love to use it:

• Bedrooms and bathrooms where you want a calm, warm backdrop
• Traditional or transitional-style homes
• South or west-facing rooms that get golden light

Pro tip: Try it with SW Alabaster on trim for a serene, cozy vibe—or go moody and pair it with SW Urbane Bronze accents.

The Big Difference: Undertones

Let’s get to the heart of it: Agreeable Gray has green undertones, while Modern Gray leans pink.

That might sound subtle, but it makes a huge difference depending on your furniture, flooring, and lighting.

• If you have warm wood floors or pink-beige tile, Modern Gray might enhance those undertones in a way that feels too rosy.
• If your home has cooler tones (grays, blues, blacks, or white trim), Agreeable Gray’s greige balance will blend more seamlessly.

In short:

• Go with Agreeable Gray if you want a true neutral that works with anything.
• Choose Modern Gray if you love warmth and softness with a hint of sophistication.

Agreeable Gray vs. Modern Gray in Different Lighting

Lighting makes or breaks gray paint colors, so here’s what you can expect:

North-Facing Rooms:

• Agreeable Gray: Appears cooler, slightly more gray than beige.
• Modern Gray: The pink undertone can look muted and dusty.

South-Facing Rooms:

• Agreeable Gray: Looks warm and balanced—like it was made for sunshine.
• Modern Gray: Glows softly with a subtle blush warmth (almost greige-blush).

East/West-Facing Rooms:

• Agreeable Gray: Shifts slightly throughout the day, but stays consistent.
• Modern Gray: Can feel more pink in west-facing evening light.

Side-by-Side Comparison Summary

Feature	Agreeable Gray	Modern Gray
Undertone	Greige with subtle green	Warm gray with pink undertone
LRV	60	62
Mood	Versatile, balanced, adaptable	Warm, cozy, slightly rosy
Best for	Whole-house color, neutral backdrop	Bedrooms, soft spaces
Works with	Cool or warm tones	Warm decor and natural light

My Expert Take

If you want a paint color that plays well with everything—furniture, lighting, flooring, decor, pets, and probably your morning mood—Agreeable Gray is the safer choice. It’s one of those rare shades that never feels wrong.

But if your style leans warm, cozy, and slightly feminine—or you want a color that makes your home feel soft and layered—Modern Gray deserves your attention.

If I had to pick one for an open-concept living room, I’d go Agreeable Gray.
For a bedroom or bathroom where you want warmth and serenity? Modern Gray wins.

Sample Before You Paint

Paint colors never look the same in every home (I know—frustrating!). Always test before you commit.
I love using Samplize peel-and-stick samples because they’re mess-free, reusable, and true to color.

👉 Order Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray peel-and-stick sample from Samplize
👉 Order Sherwin Williams Modern Gray peel-and-stick sample from Samplize

FAQs

Which is lighter—Agreeable Gray or Modern Gray?

• They’re nearly identical in brightness, but Modern Gray (LRV 62) is just a touch lighter than Agreeable Gray (LRV 60).

Does Modern Gray look pink?

• Sometimes! Especially if your flooring or lighting has warm or pink undertones. Always sample before painting.

Is Agreeable Gray still popular in 2025?

• Absolutely. It’s one of those “can’t miss” neutrals that continues to top designer favorite lists. It’s classic, not trendy—and that’s why it works.

Can I use both in the same house?

• Yes! I love using Agreeable Gray in main living areas and Modern Gray in bedrooms for a softer transition.

Final Thoughts

I can’t give you a clear winner… sorry, this is one of those “it depends” situations.

• Want versatility and balance? Go with Agreeable Gray.
• Want warmth and softness? Go with Modern Gray.

Either way, you’re not losing. You’re just choosing between two very good options—kind of like picking between two flavors of ice cream that both go perfectly with brownies (and if you know me, you know brownies are always involved).

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