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

When it comes to the best gray paint colors, 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 Color 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 color is Conservative Gray? Is it a warm or cool gray?

Conservative Gray is a COOL gray paint color but has WAY more color/undertones to consider than MOST of the other popular gray paint colors. 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 color if you’re looking to paint your WHOLE home one paint color.

What’s the best way to sample Conservative Gray?

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 Conservative Gray, what’s the best white paint color 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.

Read more: SHOULD I Paint My Wood Cabinets White? A QUESTIONNAIRE

Read more: The 4 Best White Paint Colors from Sherwin Williams

Is Conservative Gray a good color 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 color of roof, but it’s not likely to work with most brick or stone colors.

Read more: 5 Tips to Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

Is Conservative Gray a popular paint color right now?

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

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

GOOD QUESTION! Every color 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 color matching between brands (ie: getting BM to make an SW paint color), you might want to read THIS first.

What type of paint colors look good with Conservative Gray?

Conservative Gray has a few preferences to consider…

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

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

SHERWIN WILLIAMS BIG CHILL

Read more: Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Big Chill

SHERWIN WILLIAMS SKIPPING ROCKS

Read more: Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Skipping Rocks

BENJAMIN MOORE GRAY OWL

Read more: Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

Not sure which paint color is best for YOUR home?

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

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