Agreeable Gray vs. Egret White, City Loft, & Modern Gray
Alternative colors that are similar to Agreeable Gray
Agreeable Gray is undoubtedly a popular paint color for walls, cabinets, and exteriors (trims, too). However, sometimes it misses the mark with its depth, undertones, and intentions.
As for paint color trends, tastes have shifted warmer. While not everyone cares about trends, (in which case, they can paint with whatever colors they love), those who do might wonder if any colors are replacing Agreeable Gray in the hearts of homeowners. To answer that, yes, many are sampling more modern colors.
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MORE MODERN COLORS?
That’s right—I said it, but don’t kill the cute lil’ Ginger messenger. While I still have mad love for Agreeable Gray, it’s not foolproof (no color is). Besides, when finding your home’s best paint color, you must SAMPLE and COMPARE—never pick a color based on how it looks alone.
You should always compare 4-6 similar colors and look at them on different walls, at different times of day, etc.
Agreeable Gray looks wicked pretty on this wainscoting and trim
Of course, some of you aren’t looking for more modern colors – you love Agreeable Gray and want to explore alternatives. In case there’s one you love more. I’ve got you, too, boo.
But before we look at the colors vying for your undying love, let’s talk about Agreeable Gray—the good, the bad, and the sometimes fugly (when it’s not the right color for a room).
WHY AGREEABLE GRAY MIGHT NOT BE YOUR BEST COLOR
Agreeable Gray has been a top shade because it moderates between gray, greige, and taupe. I’d throw beige in there, but Agreeable Gray isn’t warm enough for that.
However, it’s also not a legit gray.
Just as you shouldn’t judge a bottle of wine by its label (although I still do), you shouldn’t judge a color by its name. Sure, Agreeable Gray has gray IN IT, but it’s too warm to be a traditional shade of gray.
Many consider gray a dated color, and they’re right (if you care about trends). But contrary to very popular belief, some shades of gray are timeless. It’s about using the right color, in the right space, in moderation. However, overall, the gray-on-gray…on gray…ON MORE FRIGGIN’ GRAY home is no longer a thing.
This is where Agreeable Gray comes in handy. It’s helped many people shift out of their gray home without embracing the wild and wonderful world of beige.
The Best Light Greige-Taupe Colors
But (a BIG but, like BBL-sized—look it up, it’s also a trend), Agreeable Gray’s LRV is 60. As far as paint depths go, this is on the lower end of the range (for the average home). This depth makes it a bit heavy and drab for some rooms. Sure, it’s still a great choice for many, but many of my Online Color Consulting clients are leaning towards lighter (and warmer) paint colors.
Agreeable Gray is still reasonably popular on cabinets.
Gone are the days when 8 of my 10 daily consultations are based on gray and white. Now, 8 out of 10 requests warm, soft whites, flexible off-white paint colors. I also see a lot of beiges and tans (with the odd greige and taupe thrown in for sharts and giggles.
Which leads to the rest of this blog post.
We’re taking a sneak peek at colors set to replace Agreeable Gray. You’ll also explore colors with similar intentions, just different depths (LRVs), undertones, and temperature.
1. SHERWIN WILLIAMS EGRET WHITE VS. AGREEABLE GRAY
Egret White is in the number one spot as the top, warmer alternative/replacement to Agreeable Gray (without diving into the beige world).
Why?
Egret White’s LRV is 70, which is a good jog lighter than Agreeable’s LRV of 60. It’s still in the ‘light range,’ but whereas Agreeable is on the lower end of the range, Egret White is on the higher end.
As for Agreeable Gray vs. Egret White and their undertones, Egret White is a taupe and won’t grab green. On the other hand, while Agreeable Gray doesn’t commit to green or purple. This lack of commitment means it can nod at either with the right encouragement (surrounding finishes/exposure/etc). If you partner Agreeable Gray with a finish that needs a degree of purple-pink (which many interior finishes do), it can clash.
The Best Off-White & Light Depth Cabinet Colors
Previously, this kitchen (below) looked dated and heavy due to the green paint color on the walls…
I mean, if you love green, you can fill yer little crocodile boots, but for a more cheerful look (better for resale), this green ain’t workin’.
After (below), this kitchen looks much brighter and more cheerful with Egret White walls, whereas considering the beige tile floor, Agreeable Gray could’ve fallen a bit flat…
Egret White also comes off a bit warmer and doughier than Agreeable Gray (not a word that makes sense, but it’s all that came to mind as I’m hungry, and my ADHD won’t let me stop typing to eat). It has this kind of doughy beige tucked way in its undercarriage, giving it a softer look than Agreeable Gray.
Paint Color Review of Egret White
Agreeable Gray might still be your home’s best color, but in exploring Egret White (& the others), you’re doing your due diligence—you never know what you & your home might fall in love with!
2. SHERWIN WILLIAMS CITY LOFT VS. AGREEABLE GRAY
City Loft is another color that casts a new, fresher light on the look of Agreeable Gray.
Like Egret White, City Loft has an LRV of 70, so it’s lighter and brighter. This is awesome if you have a low-light, dark room or basement – certainly better than Agreeable Gray (although you should improve your interior lighting, if possible).
Agreeable Gray would look drab and flat in this next living room, whereas City Loft still adds interest to the walls without too much visual weight…
City Loft is very similar to Egret White, but if you want a wink more commitment to taupe undertones, City Loft could hit your happy place. This is an important point, as many interior finishes NEED a commitment to a particular undertone. As mentioned earlier, Agreeable Gray isn’t always committed enough to do the job, and colors like City Loft and Egret White hit a better note.
While we can’t see much City Loft in this entryway, I can tell you, without a doubt, that Agreeable Gray would look dirty and heavy in this space…
Also, the wood flooring has soft violet-pink undertones, which are well-suited to a color like City Loft.
If you ask me, in the battle of Agreeable Gray vs. City Loft for the average home, City Loft wins.
Paint Color Review of City Loft
Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Egret White…
3. SHERWIN WILLIAMS MODERN GRAY VS. AGREEABLE GRAY
Whereas the previous two shades are considerably lighter than Agreeable Gray, Modern Gray is more comparable in depth but has a different approach to temperature.
Starting with depth, Modern Gray’s LRV is 62, so it’s a smidge lighter than Agreeable Gray (but sometimes a little goes a long way, so don’t underestimate 2 LRV points!). This said, you might lean more toward the previous two suggestions if your space is darker. If your room has a reasonable (or more) amount of light, Modern Gray can be a nice alternative to Agreeable Gray due to its warmer temperature.
Why is Modern Gray a better option than Agreeable Gray in this next kitchen?
Of the two, Agreeable Gray can flex a bit. The above tile floor and countertops prefer Modern Gray’s approach to temperature and undertones. The wood (maple) cabinet’s pink undertones love it too.
As for temperature, Modern Gray is warmer than Agreeable Gray. It doesn’t broach the beige world by any stretch, but when comparing the two, you’ll see that Modern Gray has more beige/warmth in its backdrop.
BM Edgecomb Gray | Modern Gray | Egret White
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However, while Modern Gray is warmer than Agreeable Gray, this doesn’t mean it’s a traditionally warm paint color (compared to beige and cream). In fact, look at how it compares to these samples.
SW Egret White / White Heron / Edgecomb Gray (coming up shortly)
Moreso than Agreeable Gray, Modern Gray is more of a mediator between the gray and beige worlds, but it’s still ‘gray-centric.’
4. BENJAMIN MOORE CLASSIC GRAY VS. AGREEABLE GRAY
Classic Gray has been kickin’ it for a long time. With a softness that blends warm gray and taupe, Classic Gray is a gentle approach to warm, non-beige neutrals.
Agreeable Gray has a more muted, muddy look. While muddy can be a good word, some find it a bit too dirty-looking in certain lights. On the other hand, Classic Gray is a bit more gentle and fresh (in comparison).
Egret White | Shoji White | Maritime White
This next home office is perfect in Classic Gray, whereas I can guarantee that Agreeable Gray would look drab and dingy in this light…
Classic Gray has an LRV of almost 74, putting it on the edge of the off-white world—it’s the lightest option on this page.
While Classic Gray is often in the running for the same project as Agreeable Gray, it often wins because of its lighter, brighter approach.
However, if you have a warmer, creamier white trim, Agreeable Gray is probably the best fit, as Classic Gray caters to brighter, cleaner shades of white.
Pure White is about as Classic Gray can handle
Paint Color Review of Classic Gray
BENJAMIN MOORE LONDON FOG VS. AGREEABLE GRAY
London Fog is a fabulous comparison with Agreeable Gray for several reasons.
First, let’s talk about depth. While London Fog’s LRV is 56.44, lower than Agreeable Gray’s LRV of 60, they’re both on the lower end of the light range with a bit more meat on their bones. This said, London Fog’s lower LRV makes it darker than AG.
If you’re looking for a slightly darker alternative to Agreeable Gray, London Fog could be your color.
Requisite Gray | Versatile Gray | Collingwood
As for undertones, London Fog and Agreeable Gray are SO friggin’ similar in their intentions – that is, being somewhat uncommitted to one undertone over another. This means they can swing a touch taupe (purple) or green with minor encouragement.
This flex can be great if you need a versatile color; however, neither might work if your interior finishes DEMAND a specific purple or green undertone! Of the two, I find London Fog a bit more predictable in leaning taupe (purple) over greige (green).
Paint Color Review of London Fog
WHAT ABOUT AGREEABLE GRAY VS ACCESSIBLE BEIGE?
With the popularity of warm paint colors, you might think that Accessible Beige is the natural replacement for Agreeable Gray.
Nope, but it’s not bad.
Accessible Beige is gorgeous for cabinets
Accessible Beige is reasonably popular, no doubt about it. However, it’s not at the top of the list in my ‘Most Popular Beige Paint Colors‘ blog post. Many are opting for a bit more depth, a lighter, subtler look, or colors that are a bit more ‘beige-centric’.
Long story short, if I were to suggest ‘beige or warmer’ replacements for Agreeable Gray, I’d choose Sherwin Williams Natural Linen or Shoji White.
READ MORE
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The Best Light Greige & Taupe Paint Colors
How to Mix Gray & Beige (Warm & Cool)
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