Sherwin Williams Repose Gray vs Agreeable Gray: Which Gray is Right for You? -

With so many hues of gray available, picking the ideal paint color for your house can be difficult. Repose Gray and Agreeable Gray, two of Sherwin Williams’ best-selling shades, are frequently at the top of homeowners’ lists because of their adaptability, style, and classic appeal.

But which one is better? The truth is, it depends! To keep things real, I’ll tell a quick story about my friend Stefana, who recently faced the same decision when updating her 1950s farmhouse.

After a lot of research and experiencing the fuss of two grays in my friend’s home, I can finally break down these colors room by room, season by season, and even mood by mood. I’ll also share coordinating palettes, an expert opinion, and a fun fact about Joanna Gaines’ favorite.

Spoiler alert—we’ll see why one color worked better for her kitchen while the other was a winner for her living room.

Table of Contents

What Are Repose Gray and Agreeable Gray?

Repose Gray (SW 7015) is a soft, warm gray with slightly cool blue undertones. It leans somewhat more gray and is comfortably in the middle of gray and greige (a combination of gray and beige). It’s a terrific option for modern and transitional environments because it’s subtle and classy.
Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) is a true greige with warm beige undertones, making it one of the most versatile neutrals Sherwin Williams offers. A bit warmer than Repose Gray, it’s a popular choice for those who want a cozy, inviting look.

Undertones

sherwin william repose gray and agreeable gray

Cooler undertones and subtle gray-blue overtones give Repose Gray (SW 7015) a more modern, slightly sharper vibe. On the other hand, Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) appears nicer and more approachable due to its warmer tone and softer beige undertone.

Light Reflectance Value (LRV)

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is an important factor to take into account when choosing paint colors. Repose Gray is a light-reflecting color with an LRV of 58 that works well in spaces with lots of natural or artificial light. Agreeable Gray is a better choice for areas that need a little more brightness without compromising balance or warmth because of its slightly lighter LRV of 60.

Aesthetic Personality

Choose Repose Gray for its chic, calm, and cool personality that suits modern interiors, minimalist styles, or spaces designed to feel polished and sophisticated. Conversely, Agreeable Gray exudes warmth and versatility, perfectly suiting cozy, transitional, or farmhouse-inspired designs. It’s an ideal color for creating a sense of comfort and relaxation.

“Paint colors are deeply personal; what works in one person’s home may feel completely different in another,” says interior designer Lisa Morgan. “But both Repose Gray and Agreeable Gray are timeless choices that can elevate any space, as long as lighting and decor are carefully considered.”

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Best Places to Use Agreeable Gray and Repose Gray

Agreeable Gray is perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or family spaces where you want a warm, inviting ambiance. It pairs beautifully with wood tones, earthy accents, and creamy whites for a harmonious look. It’s also great for open-plan layouts due to its ability to complement multiple color schemes.
Repose Gray shines in offices, kitchens, or bathrooms where a crisp, clean, and modern vibe is desired. It looks stunning with bold accents or contrasting darker colors, like navy or black, for a striking and balanced design.

How They Compare by Room

Living Room

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray vs Agreeable Gray: Which Gray is Right for You?

Stefana’s living room was her priority space; it’s where she spends time with her kids, entertains friends, and mostly kicks her feet up with a book. Large windows allowed plenty of natural light, but something didn’t feel right. “It felt cold in the mornings despite the beautiful light,” she explained.

Repose Gray looked sleek and modern but leaned too cool for her south-facing windows. The blue undertones became more pronounced, especially in the morning, making the room feel less cozy.
Agreeable Gray, on the other hand, softened the space beautifully. The warm beige undertones created a welcoming vibe, balancing the natural light perfectly. It made her oak furniture stand out without feeling overly beige.

Winner for Living Room: Agreeable Gray takes the crown here for its warm versatility and ability to work with mixed decor.

Bedroom

When it came to the primary bedroom, Stefana wanted a serene retreat. Bedrooms need to feel calm and relaxed, and wall color plays a big role.

Repose Gray delivered this sense of calm. The slight blue undertones created a spa-like atmosphere that felt restful and tranquil. With crisp white bedding and subtle metallic accents, the room became a dreamy oasis.
Agreeable Gray was lovely too but leaned a bit warmer than what Stefana envisioned for her retreat. While perfect for casual, cozy spaces, it lacked the quiet elegance she wanted for sleeping quarters.

Winner for Bedroom: Repose Gray wins here for its cool, calming vibe, perfect for winding down.

Kitchen

Kitchens can be tricky when it comes to paint colors because of the mix of lighting (natural and artificial) and a variety of finishes (countertops, cabinets, and hardware).

Stefana’s white shaker cabinets and quartz countertops needed a paint color that felt fresh but wouldn’t clash with the cool tones of the marble backsplash.

Repose Gray worked wonderfully here! Its slight coolness complemented the marble backsplash and added a fresh, contemporary edge to the space.
Agreeable Gray wasn’t a bad choice but skewed too warm for the clean, crisp look Stefana wanted in her kitchen.

Exterior (Winter vs. Summer)

Repose Gray on a home exterior looks chic and modern in summer’s bright sunlight, but during gloomy winter months, it can sometimes appear too cold, especially against snowy backdrops.
Agreeable Gray shines in any season. Its warm undertones brought depth and dimension to Stefana’s home, making it feel inviting in winter while maintaining its neutrality in summer.

Psychological Effects on Mood

Colors can influence how we feel in a space:

Repose Gray’s blue undertones evoke calm and tranquility, making it a fantastic choice for spaces where you want to feel relaxed, like a bedroom or a spa-like bathroom.
Agreeable Gray’s warmth creates comfort and coziness, ideal for social spaces where people gather, like living rooms or dining rooms.

Pro Tip: If you’re someone who’s highly affected by the way light changes throughout the day, swatch both colors on your walls and observe them in morning, afternoon, and evening lighting. This small test can make all the difference.

Coordinating Colors for Each Hue

Repose Gray Coordinators

Trim Color: Pure White (SW 7005)
Accent Colors: Naval (SW 6244), Silver Strand (SW 7057)
Pop of Color options from warm to bold and cool vibe are:
- Warm Pop of Color:
  - Cavern Clay (SW 7701): A warm terracotta shade for a cozy, earthy vibe.
  - Spice Berry (SW 7600): A rich, deep red with a sophisticated touch.
- Cool Pop of Color:
  - Aqueduct (SW 6758): A vibrant teal that pairs beautifully with Naval and Silver Strand.
  - Lime Rickey (SW 6717): A bold, fresh green for a lively and energetic feel.
- Soft and Subtle Pop:
  - Blushing (SW 6617): A soft blush pink for a gentle, romantic accent.
  - Lavender Mist (SW 6542): A light lavender for a calming and elegant touch.
- Bold and Dramatic Pop:
  - Raspberry (SW 6583): A striking raspberry pink for a bold statement.
  - Goldenrod (SW 6677): A rich golden yellow for a cheerful and sunny accent.

Agreeable Gray Coordinators

Trim Color: Alabaster (SW 7008)
Accent Colors: Sea Salt (SW 6204), Rainwashed (SW 6211)
Pop of Color: Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)

These palettes set the stage for cohesive, designer-worthy outcomes.

Joanna Gaines’ Favorite Gray

If you’ve followed Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper, you probably know she’s a champion of all things neutral. While she’s been known to use both colors, Agreeable Gray remains her go-to for its chameleon-like ability to work in any setting. She famously used it in her farmhouse projects, as it complemented rustic and modern decor seamlessly.

Nearby Colors From Other Brands

If you adore Repose Gray (SW 7015) or Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) but want to explore alternatives from other top paint brands, here are some stunning nearby shades:

Benjamin Moore

For Repose Gray: Gray Owl (OC-52) – A light, crisp gray with a subtle warm undertone.
For Agreeable Gray: Revere Pewter (HC-172) – A soft, warm gray with classic appeal.

Behr

For Repose Gray: Silver City (MQ2-59) – A soft, versatile gray with a balanced feel.
For Agreeable Gray: Silver Drop (790C-2) – A light gray with a touch of warmth.

Valspar

For Repose Gray: Filtered Shade (4007-1C) – A neutral light gray with a modern vibe.
For Agreeable Gray: Gravity (4005-1B) – A soothing, neutral gray that complements diverse styles.

PPG

For Repose Gray: Flagstone PPG1001-4 – A balanced gray with subtle warmth.
For Agreeable Gray: Toast of the Town (PPG1015-2) – A warm greige perfect for balanced settings.

Rust-Oleum

For Repose Gray: Castle Gray – A flexible, warm gray with an inviting tone.
For Agreeable Gray: Country Gray – A versatile neutral with slightly beige undertones.

Trim Color with Repose Gray and Agreeable Gray

For Repose Gray:

Ultra White (PPG1001-1) – A crisp, classic white that brings a clean and polished look to the trim, effortlessly complementing Repose Gray.
Antique White (PPG1024-2) – A soft, creamy white that adds warmth and depth while maintaining a subtle contrast.

For Agreeable Gray:

Pure White (SW 7005) – A timeless white that enhances the warm undertones of Agreeable Gray, creating a harmonious pairing.
Snowbound (SW 7004) – A subdued, off-white shade that balances perfectly with the versatile appeal of Agreeable Gray.

What’s the Verdict?

There’s no definitive “better” between Repose Gray and Agreeable Gray, but there is a better choice depending on your needs:

Choose Repose Gray if you prefer a cooler, more modern look with a serene edge that works best in bedrooms, kitchens, or spaces with predominantly cooler tones.
Choose Agreeable Gray if you want a warm, cozy vibe that makes everyone feel welcome. Perfect for living rooms, exteriors, or any multifunctional area.

FAQs

What is Sherwin-Williams’ most popular gray color?

There are a number of popular gray hues from Sherwin-Williams, but Agreeable Gray is frequently the most popular. It is a flexible option for a range of settings because to its flawless harmony of warmth and delicate chilly undertones.

What is SW City Loft vs Repose Gray?

The gentle, light beige-gray color City Loft (SW 7631), which has warm undertones, is ideal for creating a homey yet spacious atmosphere. Conversely, Repose Gray (SW 7015) is better suitable for contemporary and well-balanced aesthetics because it leans slightly colder with a neutral gray basis.

What is the most popular exterior gray color?

Sherwin-Williams’ Mindful Gray (SW 7016) is a popular choice for exteriors. Its neutral, medium-toned personality easily blends in with outdoor settings and goes well with a variety of trims.

What color cabinets go with Repose Gray?

Repose Gray pairs wonderfully with crisp white cabinets, creating a clean and sophisticated look. For added contrast, consider darker cabinets in shades like navy blue or charcoal gray to make the neutral walls pop.

Which one is darker, Repose Gray or Mindful Gray?

Mindful Gray is slightly darker than Repose Gray. While both share a neutral and versatile quality, Mindful Gray’s deeper tone makes it a great choice for more dramatic or moody spaces.

Is Agreeable Gray too beige?

Agreeable Gray strikes a beautiful balance between gray and beige, making it a “greige” shade. While it has some warm undertones, it’s not overly beige and tends to adapt to the lighting and decor in the room.

Why does Agreeable Gray look green?

Agreeable Gray can occasionally reflect green undertones depending on surrounding light and decor. It’s often influenced by natural light or nearby colors, so testing a sample in your space is crucial.

What are 4 colors that Joanna Gaines never uses?

Joanna Gaines prefers subdued and classic color schemes to ones that are too vivid or strong. She loves softer, neutral, and earthy tones that create a peaceful atmosphere, so you won’t typically see neon tints, glaring red, aggressive orange, or extremely bright yellows in her works.