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Looking for a gray that’s not too cold, not too warm, and never dull? I hear you—I’ve tested dozens in real rooms so you don’t have to. These are my top Sherwin-Williams grays that consistently perform.
1. Agreeable Gray (SW 7029): The Chameleon Classic
- Warm greige with minimal undertone commitment, though a slight green undertone may be seen—works in most homes.
- Looked great on a kitchen island beside brass hardware and wood floors—no purple, no blue, just easy contrast.
- effortless neutral that brightens a space, provides warmth, and blends seamlessly with almost any color palette
- LRV ~58–60 makes it medium-light, perfect for both walls and cabinets.
- READ THE FULL REVIEW
2. Repose Gray (SW 7015): Calm, Cool & Classy
- One of Sherwin-Williams’ most-loved grays for its balanced mix of warmth and cool grey.
- Rich enough for cozy living spaces, but never heavy. Still, test in low-light rooms—it can lean cooler.
- Pairs beautifully with Pure White trim, navy accents, or natural wood tones.
- READ THE FULL REVIEW
3. Mindful Gray (SW 7016): Mid-Tone Neutral That Plays Nice
- Between Repose Gray and Dorian Gray—neutral with a whisper of red, avoiding green or blue undertones.
- Great on walls, cozy on cabinets, and subtle enough for open-concept homes.
- READ THE FULL REVIEW
4. Dorian Gray (SW 7017): Warm & Cozy Mid-Tone
- Slightly darker than Mindful Gray, with warm brown undertones.
- Ideal for bathrooms, cabinets, or as a grounding wall color.
- READ THE FULL REVIEW
SHOP THIS ROOM LOOK
5. Dovetail (SW 7018): Depth Without Darkness
- Warm, soft brown-gray with an LRV around 26.
- Works beautifully in mudrooms, on cabinetry, or paired with stone and wood textures.
- READ THE FULL REVIEW
Photo Credit: West Magnolia Charm
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6. Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019): Bold and Moody
- Deep, rich brown-gray—sophisticated and bold.
- Try this one on accent walls, built-ins, or even exterior shutters.
7. Requisite Gray (SW 7023): The Under-the-Radar MVP
- Mid-toned greige that flies under the radar but offers versatility and subtle warmth.
- A beautiful backdrop for both warm and cool décor.
- Great paint color in kitchens.
8. Worldly Gray (SW 7043): Warmth Without Yellow
- Slightly warmer than Agreeable Gray, but with no yellow in sight.
- A great pick for whole-home color schemes.
- A lovely paint color to go with dark wood features in the home.
- Need a white paint color to pair with? Try Shoji White.
- READ THE FULL REVIEW
READ MORE: 14 AMAZING GREEN PAINT COLORS
9. Useful Gray (SW 7050): Calm and Collected
- A subtle, refined gray with a touch of warmth.
- Works especially well in offices, bedrooms, and transitional spaces.
10. Analytical Gray (SW 7051): Muted Sophistication
- Deeper than Useful Gray with earthy warmth.
- A great fit for dens, libraries, or any room needing a grounded neutral.
Photo by SAB Homes LLC – Browse dining room photos
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KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PAINT COLORS
Are you looking for a way to keep track of all the paint colors in your home? Have you ever had to touch up some paint in your home and forgotten what the paint color was? It’s like you are playing the guessing game, what color, paint, finish, and brand? It’s completely frustrating! I have the perfect solution to keep your paint colors all in one place. My simple paint color tracker can keep you and your paint colors organized!
Use Samplize Peel & Stick Paint Samples for a mess-free way to test paint colors!
Quick Comparison Table
| Color | LRV | Undertone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agreeable Gray | ~58–60 | Warm greige | Walls, cabinets, open spaces |
| Repose Gray | ~58 | Balanced cool/warm | Living, bedrooms, versatile use |
| Mindful Gray | ~48 | Slight red | Walls, offices, warm neutral palette |
| Dorian Gray | ~39 | Warm brown-gray | Cabinets, bathrooms, bedrooms |
| Dovetail | ~26 | Warm, soft brown | Exteriors, cabinetry, mudrooms |
| Gauntlet Gray | ~17 | Warm brown-gray | Accent walls, kitchen islands |
| Requisite Gray | ~45 | Warm greige | Whole-home neutral, entryways |
| Worldly Gray | ~57 | Soft warm greige | Whole house, light-filled spaces |
| Useful Gray | ~59 | Warm neutral | Offices, hallways, bedrooms |
| Analytical Gray | ~47 | Earthy greige | Libraries, dining rooms, cozy corners |
Every space is different. My biggest recommendation is to pick three colors you are drawn to, get samples, and put them in the rooms you want to paint.
Then live with them for a few days, checking the swatches in various lighting conditions. You want to ensure you cover all bases before choosing your perfect gray.
READ MORE: HOW TO TEST PAINT COLORS
Regardless of the shade you choose, finding balance is key. Bringing in texture and warmth with your decor pieces, such as fabric, wood, and fixtures, will help make the room not feel cold and bleak.
How You Can Use Them In Your Home
- Agreeable Gray for living rooms—pairs with wood floors, crisp white trim, brass lamps.
- Repose Gray on bedroom walls—soothing backdrop under both lamps and daylight.
- Mindful Gray on a small office wall—neutral without feeling sterile.
- Dorian Gray on a powder room vanity—adds elegant depth.
- Dovetail in a laundry room—complements tile and utility spaces.
- Gauntlet Gray as an exterior shutter color—pairs beautifully with creamy white siding.
- Requisite Gray in the foyer—calm and welcoming.
- Worldly Gray in a sunroom—plays beautifully with natural light.
- Useful Gray in the guest room—calm and clean.
- Analytical Gray in a cozy den—warm, enveloping, and stylish.
FAQ – People Ask Me This All the Time
Q: Which gray is most neutral?
A: Agreeable Gray is Sherwin-Williams’ top-selling neutral because it’s not too warm or cool.
Q: Will gray look blue in my room?
A: It can, especially in north-facing or low-light rooms. That’s why testing samples is non-negotiable.
Q: Should I use gray on cabinets or walls?
A: Medium grays like Repose or Mindful are beautiful on cabinets. Light grays like Agreeable are perfect for walls.
How to Choose Your Gray (The Right Way)
- Narrow to two shades: One medium-light, one mid-tone.
- Order peel-and-stick samples (I love Samplize!) and test in multiple light conditions.
- Snap daytime and nighttime photos to check undertones.
- Pair with trim & fabric swatches to ensure harmony.
Final Word
Choose a gray that matches your lighting, furniture tones, and overall vibe. Agreeable Gray is a safe, flexible pick; Repose Gray offers a soft balance; Worldly Gray adds subtle warmth; and Gauntlet Gray delivers moody depth. And always sample before you commit.
Want help picking the perfect shade? Grab Samplize peel-and-stick samples and start testing. Your walls will thank you.
And if you’re still stuck, check out:
- My full Guide to Choosing Paint Colors
- The latest Color of the Year trends
- More Sherwin-Williams paint reviews
You’ve got this—and I’m here if you need help!
Looking for an easier way to swatch paint colors? Try Samplize Peel & Stick paint samples. These peel & stick paint samples let you test a paint color in all different areas of a room. You know how I feel about testing paint colors in all lighting situations. And the best part about Samplize? They are mess-free! Check them out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
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Do you still need a little more guidance finding a paint color?
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Don’t forget your tools and accessories!
Drop clothes are a must for any painting project. Paint is messy! Save yourself the time and hassle of unnecessary cleanup by using drop clothes. You’ll be happy you did.
A high quality paint brush will go a long way. Same goes for paint rollers.You want to use tools that will work with you, making your painting job easier.
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Are you still conflicted with a paint color choice? Let me help. Request a quick paint color consultation with me by clicking HERE
I’m Cate. As a seasoned paint color consultant and former proprietor of the highly regarded painting company WOW 1 Day Painting in Bergen County, my journey in the world of design and home improvement has been a colorful one, quite literally. Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Northern New Jersey, I’ve cultivated a passion for transforming spaces through the power of paint, furniture restoration, and thoughtful home decor.
Joan Collins
Sunday 30th of October 2022
Hi. We just painted our kitchen cabinets pussywillow by sherwin williams. Now we need to paint the kitchen walls . Any suggestions for a lighter wall color ? Thank you
Cate Griffing
Tuesday 1st of November 2022
Hey Joan, City Loft is a nice light color that would work well with pussywillow.
Candy Knutson
Thursday 25th of November 2021
I read these best grey colors all the time and still my favorite gray is Seattle gray. It started out with Frazee Co. then it was Valspsr but I got .ine at Sherwin Williams. It's extremely changeable. It looks like a different color in every roomand changes with the time of day. I put it e erywhere with alabaster trim and an accent wall or ceiling( 5th wall) in every room.
Jacqueline C. Ward
Monday 18th of October 2021
We are doing Dovetail on our home exterior and trying to figure out a nice modern blue to paint the door with? Any suggestions?
Lisa Murphy
Saturday 2nd of October 2021
We are putting shiplap in our existing kitchen to cover outdated wallpaper. We will be painting the cabinets as well. The trim in our house is white. Our kitchen floor is brick and we have hardwood flooring throughout. We are going to repaint the walls throughout the house with a warm gray. Need to know what color scheme to go with for the shiplap/cabinets to complement the trim and adjoining rooms. I’m stumped.
Teresa
Saturday 2nd of October 2021
Im looking for a more cream/beige (very light) w/ a hint of gray. My colors are warm. Dark hardwood flooring, white baseboards, sage sectional, dark blue rug w/ hints jewel tones (gold and red/burgundy). I'd like a subtle contrast in the walls and baseboards, but definitely warm. Debating on Worldly Gray and Useful Gray. I don't want to see purple, blue or green in the wall color once painted. Suggestions!