Agreeable gray has become a popular neutral paint color in recent years. With its versatile cool undertones, agreeable gray can work in many different home interiors from traditional to modern. But with all the different shades of gray out there, what exactly is the most popular agreeable gray?
In this article, we’ll examine what makes a gray paint color “agreeable” and look at the most popular agreeable gray shades on the market. We’ll explore the undertones and RGB values of the top contenders. And we’ll reveal which specific agreeable gray is the most sought-after neutral paint color right now.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect gray paint for your home or are just curious about color trends, read on to uncover the most popular agreeable gray.
What Makes a Gray Paint Color “Agreeable”?
When designers and paint companies describe a gray as “agreeable,” they are referring to certain characteristics that make the shade versatile and easy to work with. Here are some of the key criteria for an agreeable gray paint color:
– Cool undertones – Agreeable grays have blue, green, or purple undertones rather than warm reddish or yellow undertones. These cool undertones allow agreeable grays to coordinate well with most color schemes.
– Mid-range lightness – The most popular agreeable grays tend to sit in the middle of the light-to-dark gray spectrum. Very dark or very light grays are more limiting. Mid-range agreeable grays around 50-60% lightness have the most flexibility.
– Neutral base – Agreeable grays don’t have a strong green, blue, or purple cast. A more neutral base means the gray will complement various decor styles.
– Touch of softness – While many agreeable grays have a hint of cool undertone, they tend to have a touch of softness or warmth to avoid looking clinical. The right balance makes the gray welcoming.
– Sense of balance – Agreeable grays are chosen for their adaptable, chameleon-like ability. The most popular shades strike an even balance between warm and cool.
When a gray hits that sweet spot of versatility, it becomes a go-to agreeable gray for designers and homeowners alike.
The Most Popular Agreeable Grays
Now let’s look at some of the specific agreeable gray paint colors that are most popular right now. The shades below show up frequently on lists of best-selling grays and top designer choices.
| Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray | SW 7015 | RBG: 235,235,235 |
| Benjamin Moore Gray Owl | OC-52 | RBG: 227,227,221 |
| Behr Mindful Gray | N470-1 | RBG: 194,189,184 |
| Valspar Virtual Taupe | 5007-2A | RBG: 169, 162, 150 |
| Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray | SW 7029 | RBG: 189, 188, 188 |
As you can see, popular agreeable grays come from all the major paint brands. Repose Gray, Mindful Gray, and Agreeable Gray are likely the most widespread agreeable shades based on paint sales volume. However, designer favorites like Gray Owl and Virtual Taupe also make the list.
What these colors have in common are their neutral bases, generally cool undertones, medium lightness levels, and hint of softness. They achieve that agreeable balance. Mindful Gray is probably the warmest of the bunch, while Repose Gray is the coolest. But they all sit in that adaptable sweet spot.
Agreeable Gray is arguably the most iconic of the group. Sherwin-Williams even trademarked the name. While some find it a tad cool, it’s hard to top Agreeable Gray’s popularity as a fail-safe neutral.
Digging into the Most Popular Agreeable Gray
Now let’s take a closer look at the most sought-after agreeable gray paint color: **Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029**.
As mentioned, Sherwin-Williams actually trademarked this specific agreeable gray shade. The color was originally inspired by a rock the paint company found that struck the perfect cool-warm gray balance.
Some key facts about SW 7029 Agreeable Gray:
– HLR Value: 56 – This puts Agreeable Gray squarely in the ideal mid-range lightness for flexibile grays. Not too dark or too light.
– LRV: 60 – The light reflective value is right in the sweet spot as well. Light enough to feel airy but not stark white.
– Undertones: Cool with subtle warmth – Agreeable Gray has a predominant coolness from its blue undertones. But it picks up very subtle warmth from faint taupe undertones as well, keeping it from looking icy.
– RGB Values: 189, 188, 188 – This places Agreeable Gray in a true neutral position on the RGB color wheel. The near-identical RGB numbers also produce a balanced, harmonious gray.
You can see why designers describe Agreeable Gray as “the perfect greige.” It nails the neutral and adaptable goal of agreeable grays. The trademark status and rampant use of SW 7029 prove it’s America’s most popular agreeable paint color right now.
If you seek an affordable, flexible gray that works with both cool and warm palettes, Agreeable Gray is a fail-safe option. No wonder so many homeowners and interior designers make it their top choice. For maximum versatility, it’s hard to top this iconic neutral.
Choosing the Right Undertone
While Agreeable Gray may be the overall most popular, the “best” agreeable gray still comes down to your personal preferences.
The undertone of an agreeable gray makes the biggest impact on how it looks. Do you want one with subtle warmth or a hint of coolness?
Here are some tips for choosing an agreeable gray based on undertones:
– Warm undertones (taupe, beige) create a cozier effect. They tend to complement woods like oak.
– Cooler blue/green undertones feel more airy and modern. They mesh better with medium-tone woods.
– Purplish-gray undertones feel elegant and transitional. Greys with a dose of lavender work with both warm and cool palettes.
– True neutral grays offer the most adaptability. Like Agreeable Gray, they mix well with nearly any colors.
Take cues from your existing decor to pick agreeable grays with compatible undertones. Most people prefer a shade in the middle of the temperature spectrum. But small tweaks in undertone can make a gray feel totally different.
Use Agreeable Grays with Confidence
The beauty of agreeable grays is that they make decorating with this popular neutral a bit less intimidating. You don’t have to worry how the gray will pair with other colors already in your home.
Here are some ways to confidently use agreeable grays:
– As a neutral backdrop – Use an agreeable gray as your wall color then layer on accent colors through decor and furnishings. The gray backdrop lets other colors shine.
– On cabinetry – For kitchens, baths, built-ins, etc. Agreeable grays make cabinets recede and tie together mixed materials.
– To unite disparate styles – Transitionally decorate a space using an agreeable gray to bridge modern and traditional elements.
– As timeless sophistication – For a living room, bedroom, or dining room, agreeable gray offers an updated, less-trendy neutral compared to greige or taupe.
The adaptability and chameleon-like qualities of agreeable grays let you tweak their look through accent colors. While enduringly stylish, they won’t steal the spotlight or go out of fashion.
Conclusion
When searching for the perfect agreeable gray paint color, Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029 stands out as the most popular choice right now. Its trademark status and rampant use in home makeovers prove its reputation as America’s favorite gray.
However, similar shades like Repose Gray, Gray Owl, Mindful Gray, and Virtual Taupe also make the list of top agreeable grays. Choosing the right undertone for your space helps find your ideal shade. Cool grays complement airy, modern spaces, while subtle warmth creates a cozier effect.
Agreeable grays live up to their name by adapting seamlessly to nearly any color scheme. Their versatility and balance of warmth and coolness make them endlessly stylish. Use agreeable grays with confidence to give your home a fresh, enduring neutral backdrop full of potential.