Repose Gray is a popular neutral paint color from Sherwin-Williams. With a subtle hint of warmth, it falls under the greige (gray + beige) family of paint colors. But despite its name, some wonder if Repose Gray actually looks gray in real life. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what color Repose Gray really is and how it looks on walls. We’ll examine how lighting affects its appearance, compare it to other popular greiges, and provide tips for decorating with this versatile neutral. Read on to find out if Repose Gray lives up to its gray name!
The Undertones of Repose Gray
According to Sherwin-Williams, Repose Gray has a light gray base with strong yellow and green undertones. This mix of undertones is what places it in the greige family. While grays usually have blue or purple undertones, the yellow and green in Repose Gray give it a subtle warmth while maintaining a soft, muted effect.
Here are the technical details on Repose Gray:
| Name | Repose Gray |
| Paint Brand | Sherwin-Williams |
| Paint Type | Interior |
| LRV | 60 |
LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value and measures how much light a color reflects. The higher the LRV, the lighter the color. With an LRV of 60, Repose Gray is a light-medium neutral.
How Lighting Affects the Look of Repose Gray
One factor that makes a significant impact on how Repose Gray looks is lighting.
In bright, sunny rooms, the subtle warmth from the yellow and green undertones will be accentuated. Repose Gray may read as more beige or greige in well-lit spaces. The light gray base will recede and the undertones will come forward.
In darker rooms with less natural light, Repose Gray will read cooler and closer to a true light gray. The yellow and green undertones will be more muted and the soft gray base will dominate.
Light bulb color temperature also affects Repose Gray’s appearance. Warm yellow light brings out its greige warmth, while cool white light emphasizes the gray.
The takeaway is that Repose Gray is chameleon-like, changing its look based on the lighting conditions where it’s used. This versatility makes it suitable for nearly any room.
Comparing Repose Gray to Other Popular Greiges
It can be helpful to compare Repose Gray to other popular greige paint colors. Here’s how it stacks up to a few top choices:
| Paint Color | Brand | LRV | Description |
| Repose Gray | Sherwin-Williams | 60 | Light gray base with yellow and green undertones |
| Agreeable Gray | Sherwin-Williams | 58 | Warm, truer greige with strong yellow-green undertone |
| Edgecomb Gray | Benjamin Moore | 53 | Slightly darker greige with subtle green undertone |
| Balanced Beige | Sherwin-Williams | 57 | Heavier beige base with slight green undertone |
Compared to other greiges, Repose Gray is a lighter, cooler option. Agreeable Gray and Balanced Beige have more obvious beige undertones, while Edgecomb Gray is darker and richer. Repose Gray’s green undertone is more subtle than Edgecomb Gray’s.
Tips for Decorating with Repose Gray
Repose Gray is versatile enough to use throughout an entire home. Here are some tips for decorating with this popular greige:
Living Room
Repose Gray creates a relaxing backdrop in living rooms. Pair it with textures like linen, velvet, and knits. Add warmth with wood furniture and brass accents.
Bedroom
Use Repose Gray to foster tranquility and relaxation in bedrooms. Layer on natural textures like cotton and wool. Incorporate muted blues and greens for a subtle pop of color.
Kitchen
The inherent warmth of Repose Gray prevents an all-white kitchen from feeling sterile. Add wooden accents, plants, and ceramic cookware for an inviting look.
Bathroom
Repose Gray doesn’t read too cold or clinical in bathrooms. Offset it with wood cabinetry, tan porcelain tiles, and metallic finishes for a spa-like environment.
Home Office
Repose Gray promotes concentration in a home office. Liven it up with colorful art, patterned rugs, and bright desk accessories.
Outdoor Spaces
Thanks to its versatility, Repose Gray works beautifully in covered outdoor living areas. Use it on ceilings and walls to create a seamless indoor-outdoor transition.
Conclusion
While called a gray, Repose Gray sits on the fence between gray and greige due to its subtle warm undertones. It adapts to lighting conditions, reading cooler in darker rooms and warmer in bright spaces. Compared to other greiges, Repose Gray is lighter and more subtle. Use it throughout any home for a relaxing, welcoming backdrop. Accent with natural textures and wood tones to bring out Repose Gray’s inherent warmth. With the right accents, this versatile color can take on a grayish, beige or greige look.