Not every gray paint can satisfy you! Yes, that’s right.
Whenever you think of considering a gray paint color for your home, the endless list of grays with either green, purple, or blue undertones will appear.
There are some true gray paint colors and some grays that highlight a specific color undertone! Meanwhile, some grays are cool and some are warm.
So yeah, there are a ton of Sherwin-Williams Grays to consider!
So, today – I will be discussing a gray paint color that’s quite timeless, sophisticated, modern, and charming all in one.
Yes, Sherwin-Williams Gray Matters it is!
This solid gray paint color is a medium to darker-toned gray with deep green undertones (not very dominant though).
It can tend to add a strong character and depth to your space – hence, equally efficient in creating a bold and subtle statement.
Hence, if you like the feel of grays and an utmost monochromatic vibe, this color is something to look forward to!
So, are you excited to know what this tone of gray has for you?
Well, in this color review, I will be discussing a couple of scientific details, color inspirations, do’s and don’ts, and applicable color palettes.
Let’s get started!
Sherwin-Williams Gray Matters SW 7066 Details and Specifications
What separates the gray with blue undertones from gray with green undertones or purple undertones?
Well, it’s the details and specifications.
If you are new here, let me tell you – there are quite some facts and scientific terms that you would want to acquaint yourself with. (Before choosing a paint color for your home)
It’s important to analyze these values and then determine where, when, and how to use these paints!
So, first and foremost, one of the most important terms that I usually observe getting ignored is Light Reflectance Values (LRV)!
Every color has an associated Light Reflectance Value!
For Gray Matters, the LRV is 39!
Which falls on the darker to the medium end of the scale – and somehow aligns on the bolder end.
Remember, the higher the value, the lighter the paint color is! (On a scale of 0-100)
And vice versa!
Oh, if you want to just try Gray Matters so you’ll know just how it’ll look, you can easily with a peel-and-stick sample from Samplize. Order some samples now!
Moving ahead, let’s discuss the RGB and HEX Values of the color.
Red = 167
Green = 168
Blue = 162
HEX Value = #a7a8a2
Now that I am concluding, I promise not to bore you with these scientific details anymore.
Let’s talk about the practical aspects of this popular gray paint color.
How Does This Color Feel in a Space
I wouldn’t call this gray paint a gray-green color. (Because the undertones are quite hidden and sneaky)
In a space, this gray paint will add boldness, drama, and a strong character that the home will absolutely adore and admire.
Well, if you want to create an illusion of a smaller space, this color will help pull the walls closer to create a balanced environment.
For very small spaces, be careful and use this paint color only as an accent.
Secondly, this gray paint will always feel cool and elegant – well, not too icy to create a chilly environment nor too warm.
Yes, it’s somewhere on the medium or neutral end.
How Does Light Affect the Color?
Light – whether natural or artificial has a role to play here!
The more light you give to this paint – the lighter it’s bound to feel. Hence, always use this paint in a room that receives sufficient natural light.
Otherwise, it might look dull and dingy!
Moreover, depending upon the compass directions, this gray paint might feel different.
For instance, in north-facing rooms, this color will look crisper and grayer. Whereas in the south-facing rooms, this gray will appear more neutral and greenish.
Now here’s another aspect to consider!
Always analyze the view from the windows of that specific room.
In this case, if you have a large window facing a lush, green lawn, SW Gray Matters will appear even greener! Yes, a good green!
To truly see what your home’s environment and lighting will do here, try out a real paint sample. It takes out the guesswork!
What are the Best Coordinating Colors?
Creating color palettes can be quite a fun task to do. (I absolutely love it)
So, you must choose the best complementary colors in order to define a palette that looks eye-catching and cohesive.
This gray will best pair with crisp whites, lighter grays, shades of teal, dark red, and yellows.
And other than that, you have a wide plethora of color opportunities and options to pair with! (You can be as creative as you want)
However, you have to be careful as to what vibe you need in your space for a perfect color combination.
So, I am going to enlist the two most popular color schemes here – monochromatic and contrasting.
Monochromes are generally great for modern and contemporary setbacks.
On the other hand, Eclectic, Mid-Century Modern, and Farmhouse play well with contrasts.
So, here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a monochromatic palette!
- SW 9163 Tin Lizzie
- SW 7067 Cityscape – see my review here!
- SW 7068 Grizzle Gray – see my review here!
On the other hand, here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a contrasting color palette!
- SW 6757 Tame Teal
- SW 6203 Spare White
- SW 6673 Banana Cream – see my review here!
For your ceilings, trims, and moldings – SW Pure White will help produce a true hue of SW Gray Matters.
SW Gray Matters Vs Similar Colors
Although you must know that even though the following colors look similar, they might still differ in the undertones or reflectivity!
So, two of the closely related colors are SW 7659 Gris and BM PM-7 Platinum Gray!
Let’s see how all of them differ.
Gray Matters Vs Gris
Sherwin-Williams Gris is a bold steely gray that feels neutral to its hue.
Yes, when observed closely, you wouldn’t find the blue or green undertone that may be present in the former paint color.
With an LRV of 39, the reflectivity values are exactly the same! Hence, equally dark enough.
Order a wall-stick sample of Gris here to help you compare colors in your own space.
Gray Matters Vs Platinum Gray
Benjamin Moore Platinum Gray is a medium-toned bold gray that has an undertone of brown to it!
Yes, it’s not a true gray paint – so always ensure where you plan to use it!
This gray paint has an LRV of 39.64 – which is quite similar to the above-mentioned!
Do yourself a favor and grab some stick-on sample sheets of these two colors and see what looks best in your home.
Where to Use Gray Matters?
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SW Gray Matters is a pretty gray paint that can make a beautiful statement in any corner of your home.
It is not necessarily an accent – rather can also play a great neutral or base (and can be used on all the walls of your rooms).
Especially with Mid-Century Modern, Modern, contemporary, transitional, and Victorian interior design styles – this paint absolutely plays flawless.
Let’s have a look at where and how to incorporate this paint color in your home.
Gray Matters in Living and Dining Rooms
If your living and dining room has an appropriate size, consider painting this color on all the walls – with a clean white paint on the moldings.
If the size is small, just an accent wall wouldn’t be a bad idea either!
With your furniture, it’s ideal to choose some linen in white or off-white or even a tan leather couch and accent chairs.
To create a striking contrast, choose teal blue, red, or yellow to play a contrast.
Lastly, don’t hold back from adding a couple of indoor plants in the empty corners.
Using in Bedrooms
Yes! Definitely a yes.
This color will play a wonderful role in modern and contemporary-styled bedrooms.
You can choose to paint the bedroom walls in SW Gray Matters and further pair it with a clean white color on the trims, ceiling, and moldings.
For a sense of visual contrast, add a couple of throw pillows and artworks that play a contrast!
For metallic accents, you can either choose matte black or even brushed or satin brass.
Gray Matters in Kitchens
SW Gray Matters kitchens are so much in trend.
Firstly, even years later, it will never feel boring and outdated. And secondly, it can easily complement any interior design style of your home.
So, whenever you’re confused, try picking a gray like SW Gray Matters.
You can also create an eye-catching effect with the help of satin brass on the lighting fixtures and pull handles.
Yes! It will pay you back in every possible way.
Using on Exteriors
Especially for Craftsman, Ranch-style, Mid-Century Modern, Industrial, and transitional homes, this paint on the exteriors adds a timeless vibe.
You can add Spanish tiles – along with crisp white for the moldings and trims. (Or any other structural or architectural feature)
Furthermore, if you have porches and columns, pick from burgundy reds, light blues, coral orange, teal, or medium-toned sage greens to add character to your home.
These accents can be used on shutters, window frames, and doors.
Great Paint Sample Tip!
Here’s my favorite tip when it comes to testing out a color like Gray Matters – go and order a peel-and-stick sample from Samplize.
These guys figured out a great way to sample colors much more easily. Simply stick it up instead of having to get a small can of actual wet paint.
For a few bucks you get a nice sized square to throw up temporarily anywhere you want to “try” on a paint color and any possible coordinating hues you like. Too cool!
Gray Matters Undertones
Gray Matters’ Primary Green Undertone
Gray Matters carries a notable green undertone that defines much of its character, and I’ve seen this catch people completely off guard in rooms with abundant natural light.
In north-facing rooms especially, that green presence becomes more visible and pushes this color toward a cooler, almost sage-like appearance.
It’s genuinely worth knowing this before committing!
The Surprising Purple Shift in Certain Lighting
Under warm incandescent or dim evening lighting, Gray Matters can pull slightly purple, which is a shift that surprises people who only evaluated it during daylight hours.
I’ve seen this color read as a soft lavender-gray in spaces with warm-toned lamps, which feels completely different from its daytime personality.
Observing your sample across multiple lighting conditions is the only reliable way to catch this shift beforehand.
A Subtle Blue Undertone Worth Watching
There’s also a quiet blue undertone woven into Gray Matters that surfaces in rooms with cool natural light or near windows facing open sky.
This blue quality is actually part of what makes this color feel so airy and fresh in the right setting.
However, pairing it with cool-toned flooring or furniture can intensify that blue beyond what you originally intended.
How Surrounding Colors Activate These Undertones
Warm wood tones tend to suppress Gray Matters’ cooler undertones beautifully, while gray or white surroundings push the green and blue forward significantly.
Understanding which undertone your specific space will activate is everything with this color!
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