Worldly Gray vs Agreeable Gray

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Trying to decide between Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray and Agreeable Gray? I break down undertones, lighting behavior, LRV, and real-life usage so you can confidently choose the perfect greige. Here’s the designer-approved comparison you need before painting

If you’ve ever stood in the paint aisle holding two gray swatches and whispering, “Why are you doing this to me?” — trust me, I’ve been there. In fact, I basically live there. Today, we’re putting two of Sherwin Williams’ most-searched-for neutrals into the ring: Worldly Gray SW 7043 vs Agreeable Gray SW 7029.

Both are fan favorites. Both are marketed as “greiges.” And both love to shift personalities depending on lighting — kind of like me before and after my morning coffee. But which one is right for your home?

Let’s break them down.

Quick Comparison: Worldly Gray vs Agreeable Gray

Feature	Worldly Gray (SW 7043)	Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)
LRV	57	60
Tone	More taupe-leaning greige	Warm greige with subtle green
Undertones	Taupe + very soft green	Warm beige + a kiss of green
Best Rooms	Bedrooms, offices, north-facing rooms	Open-concept spaces, living rooms, hallways
Vibe	Calm, grounded, earthy	Soft, warm, crowd-pleasing

Worldly Gray: The Quiet, Grounded Greige

Worldly Gray is like the friend who shows up with fresh sourdough, remembers your birthday, and also waters your plants when you’re away. It’s steady. It’s calming. It’s greige… but with a bit more depth than your typical “builder-beige.”

LRV 57

With an LRV of 57, it has enough depth to bring interest, but not so much that it closes in a room. If you want color without “too much” color, this is your gray.

Undertones

Worldly Gray has:

• Taupe undertones (cozy and neutral)
• Very subtle green (keeps it from going flat)
• Occasional tiny flashes of violet in low light — don’t panic, it’s rare.

Because of that taupe base, it often feels a touch more sophisticated and grounded compared to Agreeable Gray.

Best Used In:

• North-facing rooms that need warmth
• Bedrooms where you want a soft, calm backdrop
• Homes with earthy finishes (stone, taupe carpets, natural wood)

Where It Struggles

Cool, shadowy rooms may push it slightly green. If you don’t like green undertones, consider yourself warned.

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

Agreeable Gray: The Crowd Pleaser

Agreeable Gray is basically the avocado toast of paint colors. Wildly popular, works with everything (lighting permitted), and is still trending after a decade.

LRV 60

Slightly lighter than Worldly Gray, Agreeable Gray reflects more light and can brighten darker spaces. This makes it a go-to for large open rooms or whole-home color schemes.

Undertones

Agreeable Gray has:

• Warm beige undertones
• Soft green-gray notes
• A very smooth, soft finish overall

Because of the warmth, it almost never feels cold, even in north-facing rooms.

Best Used In:

• Open-concept living spaces
• Hallways and entryways
• Homes with warm wood tones, greige floors, or beige countertops
• Anyone who says “I just want something neutral that won’t fight me”

Where It Struggles

Very warm lighting (hello, orange lamp shades) can make it lean beige. If you don’t want warmth amplified, keep your bulbs around 3000K.

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

✅ Key Differences: Worldly Gray vs Agreeable Gray

1. Depth

Agreeable Gray is a little lighter. Worldly Gray has more body.

2. Undertones

• Worldly Gray: taupe + soft green
• Agreeable Gray: warm beige + soft green

Worldly Gray feels moodier and earthier. Agreeable Gray feels softer and more universally flattering.

3. Lighting Behavior

Agreeable Gray is more predictable.

Worldly Gray can show more color and complexity.

4. Aesthetic Vibe

• Worldly Gray: a little more refined, grounded, elegant
• Agreeable Gray: airy, warm, flexible, friendly

Which One Should YOU Pick?

Choose Worldly Gray if you want:

• A richer, taupe-leaning greige
• A cozy, grounded look
• Something that pairs beautifully with natural wood
• A warm gray that doesn’t feel too beige

Choose Agreeable Gray if you want:

• A super flexible whole-home color
• Something light, bright, and universally appealing
• A warm neutral without yellow
• A gray that behaves in almost every type of lighting

And if you’re still not sure? Order Samplize samples. Peel them, stick them, stare at them while you drink your coffee wine and question your life choices — it’s the only scientific way.

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

Best Trim and Ceiling Colors

Pairs Well With Both:

• Sherwin Williams Pure White
• Sherwin Williams Extra White
• Sherwin Williams High Reflective White

Pure White is my go-to if you want warm but not too warm.
High Reflective White is the crisp, clean option.

FAQs

Is Worldly Gray warmer than Agreeable Gray?

Yes — Worldly Gray typically reads warmer due to its taupe base.

Does Agreeable Gray look green?

It can briefly flash a soft green undertone in certain lighting, but it rarely looks actually green.

Does Worldly Gray work in dark rooms?

Yes, but it may lean more taupe or show a hint of green. Sampling is essential.

Is Agreeable Gray or Worldly Gray better for exteriors?

Agreeable Gray performs better outdoors because it’s lighter and more predictable. Worldly Gray can work but will appear darker.

Can I use Worldly Gray or Agreeable Gray with gray flooring?

Yes — just avoid blue-grays. Warm gray or greige flooring is best.

Final Thoughts

Worldly Gray and Agreeable Gray are absolutely two different colors with their own sets of characteristics. Neither is wrong — you just have to figure out what feels right in your space. And the best way to confirm which color will work better is by sampling them. Trust me, this will save you the frustration of guessing.

Use Samplize Peel & Stick paint samples. Trust me: No mess, no commitment, no emotional damage.