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Repose Gray by Sherwin Williams (SW 7015) is one of my top 3 favorite paint colors ever! I think it’s the perfect warm gray neutral paint color for every room in your home. It has slight green and taupe undertones, which makes it look gray without ever feeling cold.
Repose Gray has been my go-to neutral gray paint color choice for a decade. It’s the perfect whole-house paint color that works in ANY room, no matter whether the room has cool or warm light. I love it so much that I’ve used this warm gray paint color all over my own home!
While many people say gray is out and “no more gray!”, it’s still an incredibly popular choice for walls because it’s so versatile, especially when using a warmer shade. So despite what you may hear, I don’t think warm grays like this are going anywhere!
So if you’ve been looking for the perfect gray that never reads cold, you’re going to love this post. I’m sharing all the must-know details about this paint color, including its undertones, LRV, comparisons, and lots of photos to help you decide if it’s the one for you.
Is Repose Gray a Warm or Cool Color?
Repose Gray is a little closer to warm gray than a true “greige” but is still warm enough for me to consider it under that category. The warmth it has makes it perfect for any room in your home, be it a living space, kitchen, bathroom or bedroom.
If you’ve been wanting to add gray paint to a room in your home but you’re worried about cool light that tends to bring out blue undertones in everything, then I think Repose Gray will be perfect for you. It will never feel like a cold gray, which is why it is so incredibly versatile.
That’s the exact reason I stumbled upon it! All the other grays I was trying looked distinctly baby blue in our kitchen but this paint color had just enough hint of warmth to still look medium gray and never at all cold.
If you want to minimize the beige undertone for a cleaner gray, I would stick to keeping it in bright spaces as the beige (and slight green undertone) really comes out in darker spaces. Not that I don’t like that, I actually really love how this gray never feels cold.
On the other hand, if you’re reading this and now realize you don’t want a warm gray, then a cooler gray like Gray Owl or Stonington Gray may be more what you’re looking for.
Don’t Forget To Always Use Real Paint Samples!
Don’t forget – no matter what you’ve read or photos you’ve seen online, it’s really important to sample paint colors in your home before committing!
Samplize provides peel and stick paint samples made with real paint, that are easy to move around your home, and cheaper than buying a gazillion paint pots! It’s the only way I buy paint samples.
What is the LRV of Repose Gray?
Repose Gray has an LRV of 58, making it medium-toned color.
Is it a True Gray?
Sorry to burst your bubble, but there’s really no such thing as a true gray. Every gray has some sort of undertone – whether it’s brown, blue, purple, or taupe. Of course, some grays are more closer to a neutral, “true” gray than others.
While Repose Gray is no different in that it has undertones, many people have found it to be the perfect true gray for them.
What are Repose Gray’s Undertones?
Repose Gray technically has a beige/taupe undertone as well as some green. The beige adds warmth and it could possibly flash slightly pink or purple due to those taupe tones. It can also have the slightest green undertone in darker rooms, or in shadowy corners in particular.
Don’t be scared, though! These undertones make it a unicorn paint color that works equally well when paired with both cool and warm colors in your home! Woohoo!
If your only experience of warm grays or greiges is the ever popular Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter – you’ll be surprised at how much more gray Repose Gray is. Revere Pewter can be quite muddy, whereas Repose Gray never looks that way.
This also means that it will work with a variety of finishes throughout your home AND it’s also one of the best paint colors for resale value.
The picture above was taken right inside my front door. While the light is much warmer here than in the kitchen, Repose Gray still just has that touch of warmth to it. It’s really the perfect undertone for a gray that you will want to use throughout your home because regardless of the type of light, it will work.
Looking for a paint color that’s lighter? I definitely recommend reading more about Sherwin Williams City Loft.
What White Trim Color Goes With Repose Gray?
Because Repose Gray works so well with both warm and cool colors, any of the white trim paint colors will work well.
If you want a bright, crisp white then Sherwin Williams Extra White or Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace are good choices.
For a neutral white, Sherwin Williams Pure White is always a safe bet. If you want a creamier, warmer white then Benjamin Moore Simply White or White Dove are good contenders.
Is it a Good Whole House Paint Color?
Yes! There are not a lot of paint colors that I can confidently say will work in every room of your home. Because each part of your home will have different light, depending on whether the windows are north, south, east or west facing, a paint color that works in one room may look horrible in another.
Repose Gray looks great in all exposures! However, in the darker rooms, that green undertone comes to the fore a little more. To counteract this, I started lightening the color by 50% and ended up with the PERFECT paint color! The lighter color has much less of the green undertone obvious and truly works in any room!
If this is something you want to do, just go to the paint store and ask for “Sherwin Williams Repose Gray lightened by 50%” and they will know what you mean.
Repose Gray Coordinating Colors
One of the colors that goes really well with it is this lovely gray-toned blue (Serious Gray by Sherwin Williams). Something about the gray-blue tone really complements it so well! (read more about my favorite blue-gray paint colors here).
If you want to accent it with a similar color but one that’s a bit darker for contrast, then Dorian Gray makes for a nice bold accent color.
If you love how it look, but want a slightly lighter and brighter color, it looks equally amazing when lightened by 50%. I recently repainted my living room using it at 50% strength and I really wish I had done it sooner!
Additionally, paired with crisp white trim, Repose Gray gives a really fresh modern feel to any room.
What White Paint Colors Work With Repose Gray?
Because Repose Gray has both warm and cool undertones, you can pair it with most white paint colors for trim and other accents. I personally love it with SW Pure White, because it’s the perfect slightly warm white that works with all color schemes.
However, you could choose a cooler white like SW Extra White if your color scheme is predominantly cool, or a warmer white like SW Alabaster if you want a softer look.
Repose Gray vs Agreeable Gray
Agreeable Gray is another very popular warm gray or greige paint color.
Repose Gray is a bit more gray than Agreeable Gray, which has a stronger beige undertone, making it more of a greige. So Repose Gray is cooler, but it’s still a warm gray. It’s also just a smidge darker than Agreeable Gray, but the difference is barely noticeable.
If you’re deciding between the two, my main question for you would be whether you want more of a gray paint color or something warmer. If you want a color that’s warmer, then Agreeable Gray would be the way to go.
Real Room Examples
I want to share with you some other spaces that have used this wonderful color. If you have cooler light or a north facing room and cannot find the right gray, definitely try Repose Gray.
Can Repose Gray be Used as a Cabinet Color?
Yes! Not only is it a lovely wall color, but Repose Gray is one of my favorite colors for cabinets. Whether you prefer brass, black or silver hardware, it will work with all of them!
Repose Gray in Kitchens
In the kitchen below, the walls are painted Repose Gray and the cabinets are SW Eider white which is a shade lighter on the color card. I actually don’t love this color combination, as Eider White loses a lot of the green undertone that Repose Gray has and instead leans heavily into the taupe undertone. However, the wall color is very pretty!
Below, you can see Repose Gray in a more traditional style kitchen. It really is a lovely cabinet color!
Finally, here it is at full strength when I originally painted my kitchen (this photo is 9 years old and the kitchen has since been repainted at half strength).
Repose Gray in Living Rooms
In the example above, you can see how the natural light greatly affects the color. On the right hand side, Repose Gray is considerably lighter than how it looks on the left hand side. The amount of light your room receives will really impact how this color looks.
Repose Gray in Bathrooms
Repose Gray never feels cold and works well with so many colors and finishes. It really is such a great paint color for any room in your home, bathrooms included!
Repose Gray in Bedrooms
White trim, bright light and light colored furnishings definitely help favor the cooler side of this paint color. So if you want it to lean towards gray more than its warmer side, keep that in mind.
Repose Gray in Entryways and Mudrooms
In the following photos, you can see how well Repose Gray works when paired with warm woods. A lot of warmer grays will start to look muddy or too beige when paired with darker woods, but this one still maintains its gray color.
What Paint Color is Similar to Repose Gray?
There’s no exact match across brands. Benjamin Moore Collingwood Gray is similar, but lighter. London Fog is also another similar color, but darker.
If you love the look of Repose Gray lightened by 50%, then Sherwin Williams Incredible White is a close match. Its undertones are different – leaning pink/beige instead of green/beige, but you’ll get a very similar color depth.
Complementary Colors and Combinations
SW Repose Gray pairs well with a variety of colors, creating harmonious and aesthetically pleasing combinations. Here are five complimentary colors and color combinations for Repose Gray:
1. SW Naval (SW 6244)
Naval is a deep, rich navy blue that complements Repose Gray by offering a bold contrast. This combination is ideal for creating a balanced look with a mix of neutral and strong, confident color.
If you’re looking to do an accent wall, Naval would be a great choice with the other three walls being Repose Gray.
2. SW Alabaster (SW 7008)
Alabaster is a soft, warm white paint color that pairs beautifully with Repose Gray. This combination creates a subtle, serene color palette, perfect for living rooms and bedrooms where a calming atmosphere is desired.
3. SW Sea Salt (SW 6204)
Sea Salt is light, airy green with gray undertones. Sea Salt complements Repose Gray by adding a touch of natural, earthy tones. This pair is great for creating a soothing, spa inspired color scheme.
4. SW Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)
Agreeable Gray is a lighter, warmer gray that harmonizes well with Repose Gray. Together, they offer a monochromatic scheme that’s both modern and cohesive, suitable for contemporary spaces.
5. SW Coral Rose (SW 9004)
A vibrant coral that provides a striking contrast to Repose Gray. This combination is perfect for adding a pop of color and warmth to a room, making it lively and inviting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Repose Gray is popular because of its ability to work well with both warm and cool color schemes. It pairs beautifully with cool whites and blues, and just as well with warm wood tones, brass, creams and warm whites.
Repose Gray is not as popular as it was a few years ago as warmer beiges start to become trendy again. However, it is still a stunning color that works well with so many different color schemes that it’s one you should definitely consider! Those that have it, love it!
Repose Gray works best in larger spaces that get a lot of natural light. If you want to use it in a smaller space, I would suggest having it lightened by 50% to reduce the intensity and produce a lighter, brighter color.
Yes! Repose Gray is a beautiful exterior color. Since colors look much lighter on the exterior of a house because of the abundance of natural light, Repose Gray is a beautiful lighter gray on a house exterior.
Don’t Forget To Always Use Real Paint Samples!
Don’t forget – no matter what you’ve read or photos you’ve seen online, it’s really important to sample paint colors in your home before committing!
Samplize provides peel and stick paint samples made with real paint, that are easy to move around your home, and cheaper than buying a gazillion paint pots! It’s the only way I buy paint samples.
Is Repose Gray Right For You?
Are you ready to ditch the traditional cold grays of the past, but still love gray? Repose Gray gives you the best of both worlds. Its warm undertone means it works alongside both warm and cool colors, making it a great choice for many rooms.
Repose Gray works best in well-lit spaces and may not have enough warmth to counteract cool-toned northern light. I like it best in sunny rooms.
Love the undertones but find the color just a bit too dark? Lighten Repose Gray by 50% and you’ll have the perfect light and airy color that works anywhere!
In my current home, I have used Balanced Beige in several rooms, with White Duck as my trim color. My house is full of red oak flooring that has been stained with a mix of provincial and dark walnut…. We’re building a new home and I’m trying to decide on all the colors… cabinet color, wall, flooring, trim. I enjoyed your article and am wondering about two things.. if I want Repose Gray on my cabinets- what color wall should I do? Also, I love the idea of using accent walls in the bedrooms… what colors would be best if repose gray is on the other three. I did like your pic of naval. What about a green?
I’m using Agreeable Gray through out my house and have chosen accent colors of Navy Blue, Sage Mountain, a Burnt red color and Dover white (trim). I want the formal dining room to have an accent wall so my question is do I use the wall with the buffet/mirror (which noone would see upon entering) or the wall with large windows which you would see upon entering?
Question:
I have repose gray for my interior walls w/bright white baseboards in a standard size kitchen. I only have one window in the kitchen (above the kitchen) sink. Doesn’t get the best natural light b/c the window looks out into my sunroom which has 2 very large windows that looks out to my backyard. I do have bright white that recessed lights which makes the kitchen very well lit & on the cooler side. I have dark real hardwood floors with warm undertones. The darkness of the wood appears more medium brown due to the stain fading on certain areas of the natural wood. Still considered dark in color but has faded a little. I’m horrible with pairing colors. I need help finding cabinet colors. I have oiled rubbed hardware which appear almost black unless directly in front of it. I want a color for the cabinets that opens up the kitchen more b/c it’s not a very open floor plan despite being a standard size kitchen, doesn’t get much natural light but very well lit due to bright recessed lighting, that gives a homie/more inviting feeling. Note: I’m getting white counter tops for kitchen. I have all stainless steel appliances. Any color recommendations for kitchen cabinets?