Sherwin Williams Conservative Gray: LRV, Undertones and a Little More

When it comes to the best gray paint colours, it can be hard to find the one with JUST the right undertones. But, it can be EASY if you’ve got me in your back pocket (I pinch upon request).

I love to show RELATEABLE & REAL homes, so ONLY use photos from my Online Colour Consulting clients. This means I don’t always have the quality pics I need (hence the ‘QUICK Review’), but DEFINITELY have some SUPER helpful info to help you on your way!

What type of paint colour is Conservative Gray? Is it a warm or cool gray?

Conservative Gray is a COOL gray paint colour but has WAY more colour/undertones to consider than MOST of the other popular gray paint colours. In fact, you could ALMOST call Conservative Gray – Conservative Green.

If you have north-facing light, you will see Conservative Gray flashing that bit cooler and could see a shift in undertones, whereas it can be a really nice way to balance out the warmth of south-facing or western afternoon sunshine!

What’s the LRV of Conservative Gray?

Conservative Gray has an LRV of 63, which means it’s in the light range (learn more HERE).

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

What are the undertones of Conservative Gray? Will it look green or blue?

Every gray has undertones and Conservative Gray has more than average – in particular a COOL GREEN. What is a cool green? Well, warm greens will lean green-yellow and cool greens green-blue. And while it does have a GOOD gray base, the green in it is reasonably strong and can easily swing green-blue in the right conditions (ie: north-facing light). This ALSO means it can be GREAT for a single room but could be a bit more of a commitment to colour if you’re looking to paint your WHOLE home one paint colour.

What’s the best way to sample Conservative Gray?

Like with every paint colour, 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 Conservative Gray, what’s the best white paint colour for my trim?

I really like the bright look of Sherwin Williams High Reflective White, but you could also try the softer warmer approach of Sherwin Williams Pure White.

Is Conservative Gray a good colour for the exterior of my home?

Ermmmm, it’s not my fave. I find it’s just not committed enough to gray OR green. That’s not to say it won’t work for you if you have the right colour of roof, but it’s not likely to work with most brick or stone colours.

Is Conservative Gray a popular paint colour right now?

Conservative Gray is popular for those who LOVE green. However, if you’re looking for a gray paint colour, you may want to look at something a bit more neutral.

What Benjamin Moore paint colours are the same as or similar to Conservative Gray?

GOOD QUESTION! Every colour has its own particular nuances and there will be NO perfect match – you WILL see shifts in undertones, temperature and depths, but you could check out…

Benjamin Moore Moonshine – a MUCH more neutral approach
Benjamin Moore Night Mist

And if you’re thinking of colour matching between brands (ie: getting BM to make an SW paint colour), you might want to read THIS first.

What type of paint colours look good with Conservative Gray?

Conservative Gray has a few preferences to consider…

It loves most other cool-toned paint colours that are a similar depth or darker
Conservative Gray will humour a very light, subtle, muted beige or cream paint colour, but nothing too dark or rich

Not sure if Conservative Gray is right for you? I’ve got more!

SHERWIN WILLIAMS BIG CHILL

BENJAMIN MOORE GRAY OWL

Not sure which paint colour is best for YOUR home?

Check out my Online Paint Colour Consulting – I’d love to help!

KYLIE M INTERIORS E-DESIGN AND ONLINE VIRTUAL PAINT COLOUR EXPERT, SPECIALIZING IN BENJAMIN MOORE AND SHERWIN WILLIAMS PAINT COLORS DIY DECORATING AND DESIGN ADVICE BLOGGER