African Gray
Sherwin-Williams · SW9162
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The Analysis
African Gray is a mid-toned, balanced gray that keeps a room feeling grounded rather than airy. With an LRV of 30.96, it absorbs a fair amount of light, which prevents the space from feeling washed out but means it won’t make a small, dim room feel larger.
This is an excellent anchor color for a home, functioning best as a sophisticated main wall color or a cabinetry shade. It is neutral enough to act as a backdrop, allowing your furniture and artwork to take center stage.
LRV 31History & Origin
This color fits perfectly into a modern, streamlined aesthetic rather than historical design. Its clean, industrial-adjacent finish works well for contemporary renovations looking for a refined, urban edge.
How to Use It
It excels in well-lit living rooms or home offices and pairs beautifully with warm walnut woods or matte black metal accents. Avoid pairing it with cool, icy whites; instead, choose a soft off-white trim to keep the overall look cohesive.
The Mood
Living with this color feels stable and professional, offering a clean, distraction-free environment. It is a restful choice that provides a neutral backdrop without the coldness often found in lighter, blue-based grays.
Colour harmonies
Complementary
Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.
Analogous
Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.
Split complementary
Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.
Triadic
Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.
Tetradic (square)
Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.
Monochromatic
Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.
Add harmony palette to a room
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Brand Matches
Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.
Lighting
See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.
- Natural