Working with paint colors daily, I’ve noticed something special about SW Repose Gray.
While many homeowners ask for a “modern gray,” this color stands out by delivering more than expected.
With an LRV of 58, it sits perfectly between too light and too dark, creating fresh and grounded spaces.
As you are clearly interested in learning more, without further ado, let us begin.
What is SW Repose Gray?
With an LRV of 58, it sits right in the sweet spot – not too light or dark. It reflects just enough light to keep your space open while maintaining enough depth to create interest.
While it’s firmly in the warm gray family, it has some fascinating subtle shifts.
You might catch hints of purple undertones under bright sunlight or cool LED lighting.
But don’t let that worry you – these subtle variations make it special.
I like to describe Repose Gray as a “smart neutral.” It’s warm enough to avoid looking cold like some grays can, but it doesn’t swing into the beige territory either.
It’s that perfect middle ground that works in modern and traditional spaces alike.
How does lighting affect Repose Gray?
Natural Light
- North-facing rooms: The color can look cooler here. I’ve noticed the gray tones become more prominent, and you might lose some warmth.
- South-facing rooms: This is where Repose Gray shines. The warm sunlight brings out its cozy undertones.
- Morning light: Early-day sunlight can pull out subtle purple hints.
- Afternoon sun: The color feels warmer and more balanced.
Artificial Light
- Warm LED bulbs: These work best, enhancing the color’s natural warmth.
- Cool LED lights: Be careful with these – they can make the color feel too cool and bring out those purple undertones.
Is Repose Gray warm or cool?
While it’s labeled as a warm gray, I wouldn’t call it a typical warm shade – it’s more nuanced than that.
Here’s what I’ve noticed:
- Not warm enough to show gold or creamy tints
- Not cool enough to look bluish like some grays
- Maintains a balanced neutral feel in most lights
- Shows warmth without leaning into beige territory
This balance makes it excellent for:
- Open floor plans where you need a consistent flow
- Modern spaces that need warmth without looking dated
- Traditional rooms that want an updated feel
- Spaces where you’re trying to avoid colors that look too warm or too cool
How does Repose Gray compare to other grays?
| Aspect | Repose Gray (SW 7015) | Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) | Mindful Gray (SW 7016) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undertones | Warm gray with subtle purple and cool undertones in some lighting | Warm gray with a soft beige undertone, slightly more neutral | Greenish gray with soft blue undertones, cooler than Repose |
| Light Reflectance Value (LRV) | 58 (mid-tone gray) | 60 (slightly lighter than Repose Gray) | 48 (darker than both Repose and Agreeable Gray) |
| Warmth | Neutral with warm tones, ideal for modern spaces | Warmer, more neutral, very versatile | Cooler with greenish hues, slightly more subdued warmth |
| Best for | Modern, minimalist spaces; ideal for open floor plans or rooms with a lot of light | Versatile for any room; works well in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms | Smaller rooms or spaces need a deeper, more dramatic tone |
| Lighting Impact | It can show subtle purple hues in cool lighting or bright sunlight | Maintains a warm, neutral tone in all lighting conditions | It can look cooler or more muted in certain lighting |
| Use Case Recommendations | Great for larger spaces, open-concept living areas, and contemporary settings | Perfect for whole-home use; works well in spaces with varying lighting | Ideal for rooms with good natural light or larger rooms with darker accents |
Best trim and accent colors to pair with Repose Gray
| Type | Color Name | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim Colors | Elder White (SW 7014) | Soft, creamy off-white with subtle gray undertones | Creates clean contrast with Repose Gray, ideal for modern and traditional settings |
| Pure White (SW 7005) | Bright, crisp white with neutral undertones | Sharp, fresh contrast, perfect for a more contemporary look | |
| Alabaster (SW 7008) | Warm, soft white with beige undertones | Adds warmth and softens the contrast in more cozy, traditional rooms | |
| Accent Colors | Pavestone (SW 7642) | Rich, earthy gray with a hint of warmth, darker than Repose Gray | Adds depth and drama to accent walls or furniture, perfect for contrast |
| Caviar (SW 6990) | Deep, charcoal black with slightly warm undertones | Bold, sophisticated accent color for statement pieces or feature walls | |
| Dried Thyme (SW 6186) | Muted green with brown undertones | Subtle, natural contrast for a more organic, earthy vibe | |
| Upward (SW 6239) | Soft blue with gray undertones | Cool-toned accent to complement the undertones in Repose Gray | |
| Basil (SW 6194) | Dark, rich green with slight brown undertones | Deep, grounding accent for a sophisticated, natural look |
Summing Up
If you’re using Repose Gray in a room with limited natural light, I suggest choosing warm bulbs between 2700 and 3000K to maintain its welcoming feel.
What I love most about Repose Gray is that it doesn’t force you into a warm or cool camp—it plays nicely in the middle, making it one of the most adaptable grays I work with.
Since you know everything about this color, you can test samples and observe before choosing.
Alex Guerrero, a graduate with a Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, has been a visionary in the world of color and design for over 15 years. His professional journey began in the heart of the fashion industry in Milan, where he developed an acute sense for color harmonies and trends. Alex joined our team in 2018, offering fresh and innovative perspectives on color utilization in various spaces. Renowned for his ability to blend contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Outside of work, Alex is an accomplished painter and a volunteer art therapist, his artistic talents further enriching his professional insights.
