Have you been staring at those Sherwin-Williams paint swatches, wondering which greige is right for your home?
I’ve been there! After painting multiple rooms in Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) and Anew Gray (SW 7030), I have found the subtle differences that make each unique.
These popular neutrals might seem similar at first glance, but they behave quite differently once on your walls. Agreeable Gray’s higher LRV of 60 creates an airy feel, while Anew Gray’s deeper 47 LRV adds more dimension and warmth.
I’ll explain each color’s distinctive characteristics and show you how they perform in different spaces and lighting conditions.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which will create the perfect backdrop for your home. Ready to find your ideal greige? Let’s plunge in!
Understanding Paint Color Basics
Color Terminology
Aspect | Anew Gray (SW 7030) | Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) |
---|---|---|
LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | 47 | 60 |
Color Category | Mid-tone color (LRV ≈ 50) | Light color (LRV ≈ 60) |
Comparison | Pure white: ~90 LRV, Black: ~0 LRV | Pure white: ~90 LRV, Black: ~0 LRV |
RGB Value | Red: 191, Green: 182, Blue: 170 | Red: 209, Green: 203, Blue: 193 |
Hex Code | #BFB6AA | #D1CBC1 |
Undertones | Warm greige with taupe undertones | Warm greige with subtle green undertones |
Best Pairings | Soft whites, darker greiges, warm browns | Crisp whites, warm beiges, muted blues |
Ideal for | Cozy, balanced, urbane interiors | Bright, airy, modern spaces |
Key Differences Between Anew Gray and Agreeable Gray
Anew Gray (SW 7030) features warmer undertones and greater depth compared to Agreeable Gray, making it ideal for bright rooms where its richness can shine. It adds a cozy, grounded feeling to spaces.
Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) is the more versatile option, maintaining its balanced warm greige profile across various lighting conditions. This adaptability explains its popularity as a “goes with everything” neutral.
Your choice depends on whether you want the deeper warmth of Anew Gray or the universal compatibility of Agreeable Gray, as well as your specific lighting and existing decor.
Room-by-Room: Agreeable Gray vs. Anew Gray
Living Spaces and Open Floor Plans
Agreeable Gray: The higher LRV (60) creates a versatile neutral that adapts to changing light throughout the day. It pairs well with Pure White trim for clean contrast.
Anew Gray: The lower LRV (47) adds depth and warmth to larger spaces without feeling heavy. It enhances structural details by creating subtle dimensions.
Bedrooms and Relaxation Areas
Agreeable Gray creates a balanced, restful environment that works with both cool and warm accent colors. It maintains consistency from morning to evening.
Anew Gray provides a deeper, more enveloping feeling, perfect for creating intimate spaces. Warmer undertones complement earthy tones and rich textiles.
Kitchen
Agreeable Gray: Versatile neutral that works with warm and cool kitchen elements in any lighting condition. Practical in satin finish for cleanability.
Anew Gray adds richness to kitchens with high ceilings or abundant light. It creates a beautiful contrast with white countertops and pairs well with brass fixtures.
Bathrooms
Agreeable Gray creates a spa-like, clean atmosphere that works with white fixtures and various tile choices. It is excellent in satin finish to withstand moisture.
Anew Gray adds complexity and warmth, particularly complementary to natural stone and wood accents. It creates a luxurious feeling in powder rooms.
Anew Gray vs. Agreeable Gray for Exterior Use
Anew Gray (SW 7030) appears richer and more saturated on exteriors, holding its color better in bright sunlight without washing out.
Its warmer undertones complement traditional, craftsman, and rustic structural styles. It pairs beautifully with Dark Bronze or Extra White trim and Urbane Bronze accents.
Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) is a lighter, more versatile neutral exterior that adapts well to changing daylight conditions. Its balanced undertones work excellently with contemporary, transitional, and modern farmhouse styles.
It combines perfectly with Pure White trim and Dovetail or Iron Ore accents.
Both colors require testing on multiple exterior walls as sun exposure significantly affects appearance.
Anew Gray vs. Agreeable Gray: Which One is More Timeless?
Both Sherwin-Williams colors have established themselves as enduring neutrals in the greige family, though they serve different design objectives.
Current Color Trends & Long-Term Appeal: Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) aligns with the ongoing preference for light, airy interiors, while new gray (SW 7030) satisfies the cyclical trend toward deeper, more saturated neutrals.
Both colors have maintained popularity through various trend cycles, suggesting inherent staying power.
Versatility Across Changing Decor: Agreeable Gray adapts seamlessly to most decor shifts due to its balanced undertones.
Anew Gray requires more intentional coordination when styles change but offers greater depth. Neither is inherently more versatile—they accommodate different types of versatility.
Real-World Applications: Both colors appear frequently in designer portfolios and home renovation blogs, and their successful implementations span traditional homes to contemporary spaces.
This suggests that timelessness depends more on the overall design context than the specific shade.
Can You Use Anew Gray and Agreeable Gray in the Same Home?
These two Sherwin-Williams greiges can work beautifully together to create depth in a cohesive, neutral palette.
Use lighter Agreeable Gray in smaller spaces, hallways, and north-facing rooms where its higher LRV (60) brightens the environment.
Reserve deeper Anew Gray (LRV 47) for anchoring larger rooms, accent walls, or south-facing spaces that can handle more saturation.
Create smooth transitions between areas using consistent white trim throughout (Pure White works with both) or connecting spaces with coordinating textiles and accessories that incorporate both tones.
The subtle step between these colors creates visual interest while maintaining an urbane, harmonious flow throughout the home.
Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing: Anew Gray vs. Agreeable Gray
Never select either color based solely on photos or small paint chips. Sample both on multiple walls, as Agreeable Gray can appear too light in bright rooms, while Anew Gray might read too dark in dimly lit spaces.
Watch for undertone shifts throughout the day—Agreeable Gray may reveal subtle green undertones in certain lighting, whereas Anew Gray’s warmer taupe notes can intensify in warm afternoon light.
Consider your room’s orientation and natural light. North-facing rooms amplify coolness in Agreeable Gray, potentially creating a flat appearance.
South-facing rooms can highlight Anew Gray’s warmth, sometimes pushing it toward a more beige look.
Wrapping It Up
After probing these two fantastic Sherwin-Williams greiges, I hope you’ve found clarity for your painting project!
While both colors offer that perfect greige balance, remember that Agreeable Gray shines with its versatility and light-reflective quality, while Anew Gray brings depth and warmth to your spaces.
I’ve painted countless rooms with both, and here’s my honest take: there’s no universal “better” choice—just the right choice for your specific space, lighting, and design vision.
Don’t forget to sample both colors on multiple walls before committing. Watch how they transform throughout the day in your actual lighting conditions.
Ready to transform your home with the perfect greige? Grab those sample pots and see which one makes your heart sing! Because in the world of neutrals, the right gray makes all the difference.