Repose Gray by Sherwin Williams

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Today, I am reviewing the fantastically versatile Sherwin Williams Repose Gray.

Repose Gray is the ideal neutral gray paint color for almost any home. And you can take it from me: I used this fantastic gray paint color all over my home, in every room, excluding the bedrooms.

So, along with explaining why it’s so fantastically versatile, I’ll also fill you in on undertones, LRV, comparisons, you know, all that fun stuff.

In this color review, you will learn all about Sherwin Williams Repose Gray, which again is a neutral gray /greige paint color. Although this gray color can appear warm in brighter light conditions, it is generally cooler in tone. Repose Gray has violet undertones, which is the kind of gray that most homeowners associate with the color “gray. This versatile neutral shade looks best in rooms with ample natural light. Violet grays are often described as having the same color as elephants.

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WAIT! Before you start painting make sure you have the best painting tools to make your job easier. It will take hours off your painting times!

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Is Repose Gray still a popular Color in 2024?

Although more earthy colors are trending nowadays, the answer is yes! Repose Gray is an iconic Sherwin-Williams gray paint color. While white wall colors are also very popular, they can sometimes feel cold and even a bit challenging to decorate with. Because of that, homeowners are turning towards warmer neutrals. Not everyone desires a house with white walls. If you are seeking a color that contrasts well with trim and ceiling, Repose Gray could be a potential option for your home. The thing to keep in mind is to ensure that this color complements your countertops, floors, carpets, and decor.

What is the LRV of Repose Gray?

Repose Gray has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 58, which isn’t terribly high.

The LRV scale ranges from 1 (pure black) to 100 (pure white), and it gauges the amount of light the paint color either absorbs or reflects. So, the higher on the scale the more light reflective the paint color will be. A great article to read to learn more about LRV is Light Reflectance Value: What Do Those Numbers Mean

What undertones does Sherwin Williams Repose Gray have?

Repose Gray’s undertones are a mix of brown, gray, and greige with a kiss of purple. 

I know, I know. You hear purple and think that if you choose it as your wall color, you are basically going to have purple walls.

That’s not the case. The hint of purple gives Repose its pizzaz. It gives it substance, so this gray paint color doesn’t fall flat or look dull and boring. 

Is Repose Gray a warm color?

Repose by Sherwin Williams is a warm neutral gray. However, because of the hint of purple/blue in it, it pulls cooler than many other gray paint colors.

A great color to compare it to is Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray. Worldly Gray is clearly warmer than Repose.

When compared side by side, you can see how SW Repose Gray is cooler than SW Worldly Gray.

If you are a fan of cool colors, Check out these Sherwin Williams Cool Grays.

How does lighting affect Repose Gray?

The way a color is perceived is highly dependent on lighting. For example, a room with tons of natural light pouring in will look different from a room with little to no natural light.

Northern Exposure

As the graphic above shows, if you have a North-facing room, the coolness of colors is brought out. 

So, in Repose Grays’s case, when painted in a north-facing room, the color will appear cool rather than warm.

You may also see hints of the color’s purple/blue undertone. As I mentioned before, I have this fantastic gray in most of my home, and some days, when I’m looking at the color on the bathroom walls, I notice the tiniest hint of purple.

This is something to consider, especially if you are looking for a paint color with a warmer feel. 

Southern Exposure

This living room is so beautiful with south-facing light. In addition to Repose Gray on the walls, I also painted the fireplace using Dovetail. I painted the trim and doors using Extra White.

The beauty of this color is that it can be used just about anywhere. It’s so versatile, and it makes a beautiful backdrop for any decor style. As you can see in the photo below, an eclectic decor style is going on: cotton stems, vintage pieces, a farmhouse-style chair, simple picture frames, and more.

eastern exposure

Eastern exposure typically means that the room receives sunlight in the morning, which tends to be cooler and softer compared to the warm, direct sunlight of the afternoon. It is likely to maintain its serene and versatile character while subtly adapting to the nuances of the morning light, creating a welcoming and timeless atmosphere.

Western Exposure

Western exposure rooms typically receive warm, golden sunlight in the afternoon and evening. This warm light can enhance the warmth of the color, giving the room a cozy and inviting feel. Compared to rooms with cooler exposure, the gray may appear slightly warmer and more inviting, with softened undertones and rich depth that enhance its timeless elegance.

Can I use Repose Gray for Cabinets?

You can absolutely use it for cabinets. It looks fantastic with quartz that has matching undertones. Before making decisions, be sure to compare your samples with countertop and backsplash colors.

Can I use Repose Gray for Exteriors?

Repose Gray is an excellent color for exterior trim. Why? Because it appears lighter in the sun and can look almost white. It also is fantastic as a whole-house white paint color.

Remember that colors appear much lighter outside in the sunshine, and this color will look like a soft white without any harshness.

What are the Best White Trim and Ceiling Colors For Repose Gray?

I love it with clean or bright off-whites like SW Extra White, SW White Snow, or SW Pure White. SW Westhighland White is a warmer and darker shade compared to those colors, but it also looks lovely. Whites with yellow undertones, such as SW Alabaster or SW Greek Villa, will work, but I advise swatching these colors together with Repose Gray to make sure you like them together.

These white paint colors are great options for trim as well.

How to lighten Sherwin Williams Repose Gray

A different way to use Repose is by lighting it by 50%, 25%, or whatever % you want. Basically, this means that when mixing a color, you start with your base, which is white. Then, you add colorant to make the color of your choice.

So, let’s say we were adding 12 drops of blue and 12 drops of black colorant to the white base. To lighten that color, you’d equally reduce the number of drops, so 12 drops now become six drops. 

I decided to use this paint lightening method in our business office. Even though it is a relatively light color, I was afraid it would look a bit dark in the space since there was a low-light space.

It lightened the color just enough to do the trick.

What is the easiest way to Sample?

Use it in different sheens

Another way to use it is in different sheens. Let me give you an example.

Let’s say you decided to paint your kitchen cabinets Repose Gray in an eggshell finish and use a flat finish on the walls.

The color will look different if the finish or sheen is changed. A higher sheen will reflect more light, making it appear lighter, and a lower sheen will do the opposite and make it look a bit dark. 

It’s a great way to use a color you love in multiple ways.

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Looking For More Paint Color Ideas?

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Sherwin Williams Repose Gray vs. Agreeable Gray

What is the difference between Repose Gray and Agreeable Gray?

• Agreeable Gray has an LRV of 60, which is a hair lighter than Repose at 58.
• Agreeable Gray has more warmth and green undertones. 
• When it comes to being a greige, Agreeable Gray takes this one.
• In a south-facing room, Agreeable Gray is at its best, showing off the warm, soft, greige color it truly is.
• Unlike how Repose can show the purple/blue undertone it has, Agreeable Gray has green.

Repose Gray vs. Agreeable Gray: who’s the winner? That’s a tricky question to answer. It’s all about preference and lighting. Both of these gray paint colors are no-fail colors. It all comes down to whether or not you want more of a cool or warm-toned gray wall color.

Check out my full Agreeable Gray review for more information.

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray vs. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter

• Revere Pewter has an LRV of 55.51, a bit lower than Repose, and it does appear darker.
• As you can see, BM Revere Pewter is undoubtedly a warmer color.
• Depending on the light, most often Revere Pewter can look green and slightly muddy. 

Light French Gray vs. Repose Gray

• Sherwin Williams Light French Gray has an LRV of 53, which is lower than the RG
•  Light French grey is more cool-toned when compared to Repose.
• Whereas you can see some of the undertones Repose has in different lighting, Light French Gray stands fairly neutral. There are not too many surprises with that guy.

Which Benjamin Moore Colors are like Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray?

As stated earlier, the closest paint color to Repose Gray would be Benjamin Moore Collingwood, although it is slightly lighter. It is not advisable to match paint colors, especially for light neutrals or white paints, which can appear greenish when applied to walls. Collingwood will provide you with a similar appearance and ambiance despite not being an exact match.

Coordinating Colors

It’s not difficult to find other colors to coordinate with Repose since it works well with just about everything. Blue-gray paint colors in particular.

However, I love pairing it with SW 7014 Eider White, SW 7017 Dorian Gray, SW 7642 Pavestone, Tricorn Black, and my favorite teal, SW 6222 Riverway.

You can also pair it with rich, muted, saturated jewel tones or fresh colors. Don’t pair muted and fresh colors together. Repose can go either way, either muted or fresh. Yellow paint colors or creamy yellowish whites can look dingy.

1.  Pinky Beige
2. Granite Peak 
3. City Loft 
4. Wool Skein 
5. Riverway
6. Artichoke 
7. Iron Ore 
8. Dovetail

Color Recap

• has an LRV of 58.  
• It is a warm gray that does pull cool in certain lighting.
• The undertones are gray, brown, greige, and an itty bitty hint of purple/blue. And this is why Repose Gray can look blue at times. 
• In a north-facing room, it will look cooler, and in a south-facing room, it will pull warmer.
• It looks great with a clean white trim like SW Snowbound or SW Extra White.
• You can use this fabulous gray anywhere your heart desires: in a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, exterior—you name it, you paint it.

To sum it up, Sherwin Williams’ Repose Gray is a stunning greige with violet undertones that pairs perfectly with bright whites or wood tones. This color is generally considered cool and is commonly used as an interior wall color and also on the exterior.

Final Thoughts

I love this color because it is a good balance between warm and cool. Some grays are just too cool and usually look blue, or they are too warm and look somewhat yellow. In my mind, it is the perfect mix of both. 

Finally, I love how this gray adjusts according to the lighting.

It looks its best on a bright, beautiful, sunny day, showing off its cooler side. On a gloomier day, the warmth comes out more, providing a cozy feel to your space.

I’d have to say it’s the slight coolness this otherwise warm paint color has. I find it works beautifully with just about any decor style, making it an optimal gray paint choice. It’s the gray I always and will continually recommend.

Want a shade darker? Check out Mindful Gray by Sherwin Williams or Dorian Gray. Or do you prefer a gray with a bit more of a cool tone? If so, check out SW Passive.

Don’t forget that it’s always a good idea to paint large swatches where you intend to use the color when it comes to paint colors. Lighting will change in the room, so pay attention and be observant. You want to ensure you love the color in every lighting situation.

Use Samplize Peel & Stick Paint Samples for a mess-free way to test paint colors!

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