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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!
Love your repose gray and I’m going to try your decorator white on trim in bathroom. We are in renovation process and using some carrera marble in shower. Our vanity top is a cultured marble if we use repose gray as walls we would like to make vanity darker gray as a contrast… suggestions?
Hi Julie, I’ve used both SW Serious Gray (which is a dark gray but is also kinda of blue) and BM Kendall charcoal as darker contrasts and they both look amazing. Kendall Charcoal is really dark though….BM Chelsea Gray is slightly lighter and would be a great color for a vanity. I hope that helps!
Hi Jenna. I love repose gray and am wanting to paint our living room, dining room, and kitchen in it. We are getting new flooring in the kitchen (a beautiful greige looking wood), but unfortunately we cannot afford to replace the carpet in the living room and dining room quite yet. The carpeting is a tan/beige shag and I am worried it will class with the repose gray. What would you suggest?
Hi Julia,
It shouldn’t clash, as Repose Gray is a greige (gray with a beige undertone) so if anything it might just look a little too beige. However, with plenty of bright white trim you should be fine. Try to keep some contrast with other items in your space – beige throw pillows, beige curtains etc. and try to bring in some color where possible. I hope that helps!
Am going to do Repose Gray in our living, dining, office, foyer and stairwell (all now are a creme/taupe). Our kitchen (which is off the dining room and visible from the family room) is red. I like the darker color in the kitchen but am not sure if red will go with Repose Gray. I want something with some contrast as it will essentially be the only room on the first level that is a different color. We live on the water and have lots of windows. What would you put with it? I’m not opposed to another red or maybe even a blue.
Hi Renee,
Red is a notoriously difficult color to pair with anything. Going from gray to red will always be quite jarring and not flow well and may pull undesirable undertones from the gray paint (ie make it look purplish). I suggest using a blue, mushroom or even a darker gray if you’re set on a more saturated color. We have paired Repose Gray with several gray/blues including Sherwin Williams Serious Gray, Sherwin Williams Naval(navy blue) and even Behr Light French Gray – and they all look beautiful and flow well.
I hope that helps. If you need any other specific paint colors I’d be glad to help!
Thank you so much! Now entering the debate of repose gray or agreeable gray. Fireplace has stones that are strong in beige and cream tones. Am leaning now toward agreeable gray as it seems warmer and less stark contrast. Also, wood floors have a honey color. Your thoughts?
I’m in the same boat! What did you decide on? Agreeable or repose?
We went with Repose Gray and love it!
Thank you for sharing this information. Very helpful! I do have a question. I’m struggling with trying to figure out what color trim to use with Repose Gray. Can’t decide if I should go bright white or something suttle ( Spare White SW)
Hope to hear back from you!
Leslie
Hi Leslie,
In our home we used BM Decorator’s White alongside the Repose Gray. It is a beautiful clean white that’s slightly on the warmer side. It’s the perfect white without ever looking cold. Another really popular white is Simply White but I’m definitely partial to Decorator’s White and I don’t think you can go wrong with it! By the way, you can get any of the BM colors mixed at the SW store (or Lowes/Home Depot) if you just tell them the name. Good luck!
Thank you so much for your response :) What color paint are your black doors?
Just saw the response… for some reason it didn’t show all of it the first time. :)
I’m so indecisive whether to get repose gray or agreeable gray. I don’t want the walls to look blue nor beige. :/
What do you think? You have great taste :)
Hi Esme,
Both have beige undertones so it will be hard to avoid that if you choose either. Saying that, they are both beautiful colors! The Repose Gray has less beige than the other but definitely still has a visible undertone, especially in warm light. If you have warm light, Stonington Gray is also a great choice that’s a solid gray (but in cool light has strong blue undertones). Gray Owl works really well in the majority of spaces and has way less discernible undertones than other colors.
It’s SO hard for me to tell you which color to go for. You really need to try samples. For instance, Stonington Gray is the perfect gray in my living room but literally looks baby blue in my kitchen because of the cool light. A lot of the undertone issues are light dependant. Saying that, I have repose gray everywhere in my house and it always has a beige undertone.
I hope that helps – I’m sorry that I can’t tell you which one to pick!!
What is the color of your doors?
Hi Esme – they are painted Decorator’s White by BM. The front door is Serious Gray by SW.
How nice! I meant the dark doors… sorry. :)