Quick Answer
The lightest gray paint color from Sherwin-Williams is Mindful Gray SW 7016. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 70, Mindful Gray is the whitest of the Sherwin-Williams gray paint colors. Other light gray paint colors from Sherwin-Williams include Repose Gray SW 7015 with an LRV of 69, Accessible Beige SW 7036 with an LRV of 58, and Greek Villa SW 7551 with an LRV of 57.
What is Light Reflectance Value (LRV)?
Light reflectance value (LRV) is a measure of how much light a color reflects. LRV is measured on a scale of 0-100, with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white. The higher the LRV, the lighter the color. This means an LRV of 70 like Mindful Gray is very light, while an LRV of 20 would be very dark.
LRV is important when selecting interior paint colors because it impacts the brightness and feel of a room. Dark colors with low LRVs can make a room feel smaller and cozy, while light colors with high LRVs will make it feel more open and airy. Generally, you’ll want to aim for an LRV above 50 for main walls to keep the space feeling bright and spacious.
The Lightest Sherwin Williams Gray Paint Colors
Here are the lightest gray paint colors from Sherwin-Williams, along with their LRVs:
| Paint Color | LRV |
| Mindful Gray SW 7016 | 70 |
| Repose Gray SW 7015 | 69 |
| Accessible Beige SW 7036 | 58 |
| Greek Villa SW 7551 | 57 |
| Gray Matters SW 9079 | 56 |
| Almost Silent SW 7644 | 55 |
| Online Gray SW 7075 | 54 |
| Functional Gray SW 7030 | 53 |
| Passive SW 7504 | 53 |
| Homburg Gray SW 7634 | 52 |
As you can see, Mindful Gray and Repose Gray are the two lightest grays from Sherwin-Williams by a wide margin. Anything with an LRV above 50 will read as a light gray, while colors in the 40s start transitioning into the medium range.
1. Mindful Gray SW 7016 – LRV 70
With an LRV of 70, Mindful Gray is the very lightest gray paint color offered by Sherwin-Williams. It has a crisp, cool undertone that reads as more of a greige (gray/beige) than a true gray. The high LRV makes it reflect light extremely well, keeping any space feeling open and ethereal.
Mindful Gray is a versatile neutral that works for nearly any room. Use it for airy living rooms, bedrooms, and dining spaces where you want a light and relaxing feel. The greige undertone gives it a bit of warmth while still reading as primarily gray. Mindful Gray pairs well with most colors since it doesn’t compete for attention.
2. Repose Gray SW 7015 – LRV 69
Repose Gray has an LRV just one point lower than Mindful Gray at 69. It’s another gorgeous, pale greige neutral from Sherwin-Williams. The undertone leans sightly more beige than Mindful Gray, giving off a soft, welcoming vibe.
Use Repose Gray anywhere you want a space to feel peaceful and serene. It’s an excellent choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and studies. The warmth of the beige gives it more versatility with wood tones if you want to accent with natural elements. Overall, an ethereal and stunning light gray selection.
3. Accessible Beige SW 7036 – LRV 58
Accessible Beige is technically classified as a beige paint color, but it reads like a light gray with its cooler undertone. The LRV comes in at 58, making it brighter than many traditional grays. It provides a gorgeous balance of warmth from the beige base and coolness from the gray tone.
This blend of undertones allows Accessible Beige to work with warm or cool accents. Use it in any room where you want a soft, welcoming neutral that isn’t too cold. Great for living spaces, bedrooms, and entryways. Also versatile as a whole home color palette.
4. Greek Villa SW 7551 – LRV 57
Greek Villa is a light, neutral gray with green undertones. The green gives it a cooler, more relaxing feel than some grays. But the LRV of 57 prevents it from reading as too stark or icy.
This is a refined, elegant neutral that works well for study spaces, living rooms, and dining rooms. It can lean traditional, so pair with antiques, darker woods, and decorative trimwork. The greenish tint makes it versatile for complementing these warm accents.
5. Gray Matters SW 9079 – LRV 56
As the name suggests, Gray Matters is a true light gray without strong undertones. It has an LRV of 56, putting it solidly in the lightest end of the spectrum for gray tones. The result is an adaptable, fail-safe neutral.
Use Gray Matters anywhere you want surefire light gray appeal. Living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and hallways are all options. Decorate with cool blues and greens to play up the gray tone, or warm woods and tans to add balance. Truly versatile for any design style.
Choosing the Best Light Gray Paint
When selecting a light gray paint color, here are a few factors to consider:
Undertones
Do you want a cool, warm, or neutral undertone? Cool grays like Greek Villa work well in summer homes, while warm grays like Accessible Beige invite comfort in winter spaces. Neutral grays like Mindful Gray and Repose Gray offer versatility.
Room Use
Consider the room function. For relaxation spaces like bedrooms, lean towards soft warm grays or greiges. For kitchens and bathrooms, cool grays read as clean and fresh.
Lighting
The lighting in the room impacts how the color looks. North-facing rooms may benefit from warm grays that counteract the cool natural light. Southern exposures can take crisp, cool grays.
Personal Preference
Do you gravitate towards a gray with more beige or green tones? Matching your color choice to your personality creates a coherent look.
Accents
Factor in any accent colors and materials you plan to use. You want the undertones to coordinate, not compete.
Tips for Decorating With Light Gray Paint
Here are some decorating tips for making the most of light gray paint colors:
Layer Textures
Light grays provide a neutral base for layering materials with interesting textures like wood, suede, metals, and stone.
Vary Sheens
Combining paint sheens like matte walls with high-gloss trim adds dimension. Or use an eggshell main gray with a ceiling in satin.
Add Warmth
Balance out cool grays with warm woods, brass accents, cream upholstery, or aged leather.
Repeat Colors
Tie the space together by repeating accent colors in artwork, pillows, flowers, and other decor.
Elevate with Architectural Details
Light gray highlights molding, ceiling medallions, wainscoting and other ornamental trimwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sherwin Williams have a white gray paint color?
Yes, Sherwin-Williams has several light gray paint colors that read almost white, including Mindful Gray (LRV 70), Repose Gray (LRV 69), and Passive (LRV 53). Mindful Gray is the closest they offer to a true white gray.
What gray goes with oak cabinets?
Repose Gray, Passive, Naval, Polished Concrete, and Homburg Gray are great Sherwin Williams grays for pairing with oak cabinets. They don’t overpower the warm oak, while adding a fresh neutral backdrop.
What Sherwin Williams gray is similar to Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray?
Sherwin-Williams Passive is the closest match to Benjamin Moore’s popular Chelsea Gray. Both are light warm grays with beige undertones around LRV 53. Passive is a bit more brown than Chelsea Gray.
What is Sherwin Williams most popular gray?
Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray is currently their most popular gray paint color. Repose Gray is a bestselling neutral across their entire color line. The warm, restful greige works in nearly any room.
What gray paint goes with brown furniture?
Some good Sherwin Williams grays for brown furniture include Repose Gray, Passive, Accessible Beige, Agreeable Gray, and Cityscape. Go for grays with subtle warm undertones so they coordinate rather than compete.
Conclusion
For the lightest, airiest gray paint color from Sherwin-Williams, choose Mindful Gray SW 7016. With an LRV of 70, it reflects light brilliantly while providing subtle greige appeal. Repose Gray SW 7015 is nearly as light at LRV 69, offering a slightly warmer beige undertone.
Accessible Beige SW 7036, Greek Villa SW 7551, and Gray Matters SW 9079 also make beautiful light gray paint color options. Consider the undertones and room use to pick the perfect pale gray. Then decorate with plenty of texture, sheen, warmth, and architectural details to bring out the tranquil essence.
With the right light gray paint selection, you can create a space that feels both relaxing and refined. So take your time, try out samples, and let your rooms evolve into the peaceful retreats you’ve always imagined. The lightest grays from Sherwin-Williams offer endless possibilities.
