Posted on January 3, 2021 by KylieMawdsley
Sherwin Williams Modern Gray: a more MODERN take on gray!
I’ve had a LOT of requests for a color review of Modern Gray, both on my Instagram feed as well as my Youtube channel, so I figured it was time to get it down on paper…or screen.
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In order to show you RELATEABLE & REAL homes, I ONLY use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients. This means I don’t always have the quality pics I need, but DEFINITELY have some SUPER helpful info to help you on your way!
What type of paint color is Modern Gray? Is it warm or cool?
Modern Gray is a WARM paint color that’s more of a taupe than a warm gray (but this can be open to perception). In a south-facing room or room with western afternoon sun, Modern Gray will lean CONSIDERABLY into its warm base, looking almost beige-tan. However, in north-facing light, the warmth of Modern Gray will fall back, without looking cold.
North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?
What is Modern Gray’s LRV?
Modern Gray has an LRV of 62, which ALSO happens to be my magical LRV number. This LRV puts Modern Gray in the ‘light’ range.
With an LRV of 62, Modern Gray holds its color/depth reasonably well on a well-lit wall or in a bright room. In a darker space, it CAN feel a bit drab if you don’t have enough interior lighting to add some balance and life.
This next photo is a great example of Modern Gray. On the right, you can see Modern Gray with a BIG dose of natural light on it, while on the left it’s in a lower area with slightly below-average light…
Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.
What are the undertones of Modern Gray? Will it look green or pink?
Modern Gray is a tricky one as it’s not entirely committed to one undertone. When a color isn’t committed to one undertone, it means it can flash into others depending on its surroundings.
While I wish that crown molding wasn’t black, this is still a great shot of Modern Gray!
Generally speaking, Modern Gray SLIGHTLY favors a touch of pink, but being so subtle, it sometimes grabs a wink of green or even a touch of violet. The less committed a paint color is to ONE undertone, the more likely it is to flash into the others depending on its environment.
If I want to sample a paint color, what’s the best way?
Like with every paint color, I highly recommend using SAMPLIZE. Samplize is a peel & stick paint sample that you can easily move around your room for over HALF THE COST of traditional sample pots – and they deliver right to your front door!
Learn all about Samplize HERE
If I’m painting my walls Modern Gray, what’s the best white paint color for my trim?
Being a warm soft paint color, Modern Gray loves a white that has a similar approach, which means I would look at:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White or at the MOST…
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White for a cleaner contrast
There’s that darn black trim again!
The 4 Best White Paint Colors from Sherwin Williams
Is Modern Gray a good exterior color?
It certainly could be, as the subtle taupe/warm gray approach can be a good partner for many popular stone and brick coverings.
5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color
What paint colors are similar to Modern Gray for comparison’s sake?
Every color has its own particular nuances and there will be NO perfect match. You WILL see shifts in undertones, temperature and values, but you could check out…
- Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
- Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist (lighter and grayer)
- Benjamin Moore London Fog (darker)
- Benjamin Moore Winds Breath
And please DON’T match colors between paint brands. If you’re thinking of it, read THIS first.
What type of paint colors go well with Modern Gray?
Modern Gray is a BIT finicky as it relates to cool colors, but as long as you follow a few rules, you should get along just fine!
- cool paint colors need to be a similar depth or darker
- gray-blue paint colors can be a gorgeous complement
- darker gray and greige paint colors, even some green undertones can be striking
- subtle off-whites
Not sure if Modern Gray is right for you? Want a bit warmer or cooler? I’ve got more!
READ MORE
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Colonnade Gray
Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
The 12 Best Whole Home Gray and Greige Paint Colors
Not sure which paint color is best for YOUR home?
Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!
Chat soon,
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Thank you for doing this one! I painted my bedrooms this color to test it before doing my entire, open layout/high ceilings home. I absolutely love it in the bedrooms but was nervous to pull it into the open living space as I have those red/orangey hardwood floors (similar to the pictures you included) outside the bedrooms and was worried about it clashing or being too dark. Happy to see that it will work with my hardwood. I have a few espresso colored, dark wood furniture items as well (tv console, coffee table, dining table, & island). The living area is SW facing and gets a TON of afternoon light. I was deciding between Modern Gray or City Loft but now after reading your posts I think I’m going to stick with Modern Gray because the City Loft’s LRV may make it become washed out in the bright afternoon light we get. Also super pleased Modern Gray hits your magical LRV number right on the nose 🙂 Thank you for all the education you provide!
I plan to paint my kitchen Alabaster because I have cream colored cabinets (think Farmhouse trends – not my choice) and worried about mixing Modern Gray with the cream/yellowish color. Do you think Alabaster works with Modern Gray or would it clash?
Hello. Did you have an answer to your question? I have the exact same trouble. Was thinking on Whitetail or Greek Villa SW cabinets. What color did you paint them after all? Thank you for your help in advance
I painted my living and dining room modern gray and love it in both rooms. I’ve tried so many different colors and not Howard quite right until I found this. It’s the most neutral of all the colors I’ve tried. It does pull a hair of green during the day and a hint of purple at night. But both are soooooo subtle that’s it doesn’t bother me at all. So glad I found this color!
I’ve left a comment twice now and still have not seen a response. 🙁
Author
Hi Sandra! I get thousands of comments and sadly, can’t reply to all. I try to give away as much COMPLIMENTARY advice on my blog and between the different platforms, can’t answer everyone’s questions – I’m only one gal here!