Dovetail
Sherwin-Williams · SW7018
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The Analysis
Dovetail is a deep, warm grey that creates a grounded, cozy atmosphere rather than an airy one. Because of its lower LRV (25.74), it absorbs more light than it reflects, which pulls walls inward to make large rooms feel more intimate and manageable.
This is a versatile mid-to-dark tone that functions best as a sophisticated main wall color in well-lit rooms or as a high-impact accent wall in smaller spaces. It serves as an excellent bridge between stark black and lighter greys.
LRV 26History & Origin
Dovetail feels contemporary and tailored, fitting well into modern renovations rather than period-specific restorations. Its refined neutrality makes it a staple for current design trends favoring depth and texture over bright, flat colors.
How to Use It
This shade excels in home offices, bedrooms, or dining rooms paired with warm wood tones like walnut or oak. For finishes, stick to matte black hardware for a modern look or unlacquered brass to add a necessary pop of warmth against the grey.
The Mood
Living with Dovetail feels restful and stable, as it lacks the harsh blue or green undertones found in other greys. It provides a quiet, sophisticated backdrop that reduces visual clutter, making it excellent for rooms where you want to relax rather than be energized.
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