Old Sterling
Valspar · 1-877
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The Analysis
Old Sterling is a light-toned gray with a subtle green-blue undertone that keeps the room from feeling clinical. With an LRV of 70.75, it reflects a significant amount of light, which helps smaller rooms feel more open and airy.
It functions best as a whole-home neutral or a primary wall color. Because it isn't a true, flat gray, it serves as an excellent backdrop that highlights your furniture rather than competing with it.
LRV 71History & Origin
This is a distinctly modern shade that favors clean lines and simplicity. It moves away from the ornate, heavy palettes of the past in favor of a fresh, updated look.
How to Use It
It pairs beautifully with warm wood tones like walnut or white oak to soften the coolness of the gray. For hardware, matte black provides a sharp, contemporary contrast, while brushed brass adds a touch of warmth.
The Mood
This color provides a balanced, restful atmosphere that feels clean without being stark. It acts as a neutral grounding point, making it easy to live with in high-traffic areas without becoming overstimulating.
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