Are you looking for a color with both depth and versatility? Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019) is a medium-dark neutral that adds refinement to any space.
This rich charcoal shade works in almost any lighting condition without falling flat. It maintains its character throughout the day as natural light changes.
With an LRV of 17, it strikes the perfect balance between bold and practical.
In this blog, we’ll find how Gauntlet Gray works in different rooms, what colors pair beautifully with it, and how to coordinate it with furniture and decor to create a cohesive look throughout your home.
Understanding Paint Color Basics
Color Terminology
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| LRV | 17 |
| RGB | 120 / 115 / 110 |
| Hex Code | #78736E |
Undertones:
- Gauntlet Gray has subtle green-brown undertones
- It’s a deep, rich charcoal with very soft taupe influences
- Not a true black or pure gray, but a complex neutral with depth
Psychology of Dark/Neutral Colors
- Deep grays like Gauntlet Gray Create a sense of refinement and drama
- Charcoal tones: Offer grounding and constructive presence
- Cool-leaning neutrals: Evoke strength, modern grace, and timeless appeal
- Benefits: Adds definition and weight to spaces, creates a striking contrast, and provides a bold backdrop for lighter design elements
Why Choose Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray?
Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray’s versatility thrives across diverse lighting scenarios. It retains its refined depth in bright spaces while avoiding a flat, lifeless appearance in dimly lit rooms.
Its timeless charcoal quality establishes a dramatic neutral foundation that enhances modern and classic design elements without dominating the space.
1. Key Features
Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray offers remarkable compatibility with permanent elements like natural stone and hardwood flooring, creating striking yet balanced transitions throughout the home.
It provides enough depth to feel substantial and grounding while preserving a refined, timeless quality that won’t quickly date your interior design investments.
2. Durability
Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray, especially in premium finishes like Duration or Emerald, delivers exceptional durability with superior resistance to marks in busy household areas.
Its deep undertones and low LRV help disguise scuffs and imperfections while maintaining its refined appearance. When properly applied and maintained, this paint holds its color consistency and cleans easily without dulling.
3. Texture Patterns
Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray creates a rich, velvety texture that adds substantial dimension to walls without feeling oppressive. Its green-brown undertones produce a graceful shadow play that softens harsh lighting and enhances constructive features.
When used across different finishes, it highlights trim and moldings while maintaining a cohesive, refined appearance throughout connected spaces.
Room-by-Room Color Recommendations
1. Living Spaces and Open Floor Plans
- Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019) creates cultivated, grounded spaces in open floor plans with its medium-dark neutral tone that adds character without overwhelming.
- With an LRV of 17, Gauntlet Gray absorbs enough light to create definition while still reflecting sufficient light to maintain visual space.
- For contrast and dimension, pair Gauntlet Gray walls with crisp white trim in Extra White (SW 7006) or soften the look with Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) on adjacent walls.
2. Bedrooms and Relaxation Areas
- Gauntlet Gray delivers a comfortable, enveloping effect in bedrooms, creating a peaceful sanctuary that promotes rest and relaxation.
- The balanced undertones provide an elegant backdrop for bedding and furniture in cool and warm color palettes.
- Consider an accent wall in Gauntlet Gray behind the headboard for a luxurious focal point while keeping other walls lighter for balance.
3. Kitchens and High-Traffic Zones
- In a satin or semi-gloss finish, Gauntlet Gray stands up beautifully to busy areas while hiding fingerprints and minor scuffs better than lighter colors.
- This rich neutral creates a striking contrast against white or light wood cabinetry while complementing stainless steel and matte black fixtures.
- Use Gauntlet Gray for lower cabinets or an island with lighter upper cabinets for a modern two-tone kitchen that grounds the space.
Color Pairings and Combinations for Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019)
Gauntlet Gray is a rich, medium-dark neutral with subtle blue-green undertones. Its moderate Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 17 makes it a refined neutral that adds depth and character to spaces while maintaining enough reflectivity to showcase constructive details.
Here are color pairings and combinations for this versatile shade.
Complementary Trim Colors
- Eider White (SW 7014) – A soft, warm off-white that creates graceful contrast against Gauntlet Gray’s depth
- Repose Gray (SW 7015) – A light neutral gray that creates a subtle, refined tonal effect when paired with Gauntlet Gray
- Armagnac (SW 6354) – A warm, cognac-inspired hue that adds rich, earthy warmth as an accent to Gauntlet Gray
Creating Cohesive Color Schemes
Monochromatic Scheme
- Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019) for main walls
- Dovetail Gray (SW 7018) for accent walls
- Repose Gray (SW 7015) for adjoining rooms
- Mindful Gray (SW 7016) for cabinetry or built-ins
- Extra White (SW 7006) for trim and ceilings
Warm Color Scheme
- Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019) for main living areas
- Armagnac (SW 6354) for dining room accent wall
- Khaki Shade (SW 7533) for hallways
- Drummond (SW 6250) for powder room
- Foothills (SW 7514) for home office
Cool Color Scheme
- Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019) for main walls
- Naval (SW 6244) for accent pieces or media room
- Smoky Blue (SW 7604) for bedrooms
- Eider White (SW 7014) for trim throughout
- Network Gray (SW 7073) for kitchen cabinetry
Coordinating with Furniture and Decor
1. Wood Tones
Gauntlet Gray creates a striking contrast with light wood tones like ash, maple, and white oak.
Medium woods such as cherry and hickory provide balance with this refined neutral. Dark woods like walnuts create a cozy atmosphere when paired with Gauntlet Gray.
2. Metals
Warm metals such as brass, copper, and gold hardware pop dramatically against Gauntlet Gray’s cool undertones.
When paired with this medium-dark neutral, matte black fixtures create a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. Weathered steel and gunmetal finishes complement Gauntlet Gray’s urban refinement.
3. Decor
Textural elements like bouclé, velvet, and chunky knit throws soften Gauntlet Gray’s strength and add tactile contrast.
Accent pieces in cream, terracotta, or sage provide complementary color punctuation without competing with this grounding neutral. Black and white photography creates gallery-like refinement against Gauntlet Gray walls.
Similar Paint Colors: Perfect Alternatives to Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019)
1. Dovetail (SW 7018)
- It is slightly lighter than Gauntlet Gray with an LRV of 26, creating a softer look while maintaining depth.
- Features similar cool undertones but with less intensity, offering a more versatile transition color.
- It pairs beautifully with the same accent colors as Gauntlet Gray for a cohesive but lighter aesthetic.
2. Acier (SW 9170)
- A modern gray with subtle blue-green undertones similar to Gauntlet Gray but with stronger cool properties.
- Features an LRV of 32, positioning it between Gauntlet Gray and Dovetail in terms of depth.
- Creates a more contemporary feel in spaces with northern exposure or cooler lighting conditions.
3. Dorian Gray (SW 7017)
- It offers warmer undertones than Gauntlet Gray, with a hint of taupe that softens its appearance.
- With an LRV of 39, it’s significantly lighter but maintains the refined mood of Gauntlet Gray.
- Works exceptionally well in spaces that need warmth while maintaining a neutral gray foundation.
4. Mindful Gray (SW 7016)
- It is a light-medium warm gray with an LRV of 48, making it much brighter than Gauntlet Gray.
- Provides a similar color family connection while dramatically opening up smaller spaces.
- It offers the perfect stepping stone when transitioning from deeper colors like Gauntlet Gray to lighter neutrals.
Final Words
Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019) proves that darker neutrals can be practical and striking in today’s homes.
Its ability to complement various wood tones, metals, and accent colors makes it a designer favorite.
Gauntlet Gray hides scuffs and marks better than lighter colors. It provides a perfect backdrop for artwork and decorative elements.
Whether used on all four walls, as an accent, or on cabinetry, this versatile shade adds depth without dominating your space.
Similar alternatives like Dovetail and Acier offer options within the same color family when you need a slightly different tone.
Ready to make a bold yet timeless choice? Grab a sample of Gauntlet Gray today and see how this refined neutral can change your home into a magazine-worthy space!
