In this blog, I’ll dive deep into the unique characteristics of Anew Gray vs Agreeable Gray, comparing undertones, light reflections, and how each interacts with different room types and lighting.
Both promise a calming, neutral backdrop, but what happens when you find yourself staring at two paint chips, unsure of which one will work in your space? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? The wrong shade can make your room feel cold, flat, or even lifeless.
Whether you’re working with natural light, contrasting decor, or tricky undertones, you’ll have the answers you need by the end. Ready to finally pick the perfect gray? Let’s dive in!!
Anew Gray (SW 7030)
Anew Gray is a warm, inviting gray with strong beige undertones. This makes it a great choice for creating a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
It leans toward taupe, giving it a more earthy, grounded feel compared to cooler grays.
Anew Gray works wonderfully in spaces that get a lot of natural light because it brings out its warmth in those settings, creating a balanced, comfortable environment.
It’s a fantastic option for living rooms, bedrooms, or even dining areas where you want to add a touch of sophistication without making the space feel too cold or sterile.
Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)
On the other hand, Agreeable Gray is a softer, more neutral gray with subtle warm undertones. It is often considered the perfect “greige” – a balanced combination of gray and beige.
It doesn’t lean as heavily into the beige side as Anew Gray does, making it a bit more versatile when paired with other cool-toned or warmer hues.
Because of its neutrality, Agreeable Gray works well in a variety of spaces, from kitchens and bathrooms to living rooms and hallways.
It’s a fantastic backdrop for modern and traditional decor, offering a peaceful yet inviting atmosphere that doesn’t overpower the room.
Comparing LRVs
Anew Gray (SW 7030) has an LRV of 47. This means it reflects about 47% of the light that hits it. It’s a medium-toned gray with noticeable warmth, and because it has a lower LRV, it can create a more intimate, cozy feel in a space.
Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) has a slightly higher LRV of 60. It is a lighter, more neutral gray that won’t absorb as much light as Anew Gray, making it an excellent choice for smaller or darker rooms that could benefit from some extra brightness.
Agreeable Gray’s higher LRV means it will reflect more light in a north-facing room, helping to brighten up a space that might otherwise feel a bit too dim.
While Agreeable Gray works well in north-facing rooms, it may not provide the same depth and coziness as Anew Gray.
South-facing rooms receive plenty of bright, warm natural light throughout the day. In these rooms, Anew Gray can appear lighter and even more beige because of the increased exposure to sunlight.
If you want to maintain a sense of coziness but avoid the color feeling too warm, consider pairing Anew Gray with cooler accents or furniture to balance out the effect.
RGB Comparison
Anew Gray (SW 7030)
RGB: 191, 179, 169
Anew Gray has a higher red value (191), which contributes to its warm, earthy undertones.
The green value (179) is also quite close to the red, keeping the color more neutral, while the blue value (169) is relatively low, preventing it from taking on any cool tones.
This combination gives Anew Gray its warm taupe-gray appearance, making it feel inviting and cozy, especially in rooms with more natural light.
Agreeable Gray (SW 7029)
RGB: 211, 204, 190
Agreeable Gray has a higher green value (204), which gives it a more neutral grayish tone compared to new gray.
Its red value (211) is higher than the blue value (190), contributing to its subtle warmth, though not as intense as Anew Gray.
The lower blue value helps keep it grounded in a warm gray family, but it leans a little more neutral and versatile compared to the stronger beige of Anew Gray.
Comparing VOC
Sherwin-Williams’ paints typically contain 50 grams per liter (g/L) or less of VOCs for their standard products. For low-VOC options, this can be even lower, often between 10–25 g/L.
Anew Gray, as a part of the standard Sherwin-Williams palette, may have VOC levels in this range. If you’re looking for an even more eco-friendly option, Sherwin-Williams offers low-VOC or zero-VOC products like Harmony or Emerald paints, which use Anew Gray in their palettes but with significantly reduced VOC emissions.
Like Anew Gray, Agreeable Gray typically falls under the 50 g/L VOC content range for standard paints.
Coordinating Colors
Here are 8 coordinating colors for both Anew Gray (SW 7030) and Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) that can help create a harmonious and balanced palette for your space.
These colors complement the tones in Anew Gray and Agreeable Gray, whether you’re aiming for warmth, coolness, or neutrality.
Coordinating Colors for Anew Gray (SW 7030):
- Balanced Beige (SW 7037)
- Accessible Beige (SW 7036)
- Mindful Gray (SW 7016)
- Natural Tan (SW 7567)
- Sanderling (SW 7513)
- Crushed Ice (SW 7647)
- Wool Skein (SW 6148)
- Kilim Beige (SW 6106)
Coordinating Colors for Agreeable Gray (SW 7029):
- Repose Gray (SW 7015)
- Dovetail (SW 7018)
- Alabaster (SW 7008)
- Mindful Gray (SW 7016)
- Oyster Bay (SW 6206)
- Taupe Tone (SW 7649)
- Sea Salt (SW 6204)
- Cavern Clay (SW 7701)
Where to use Anew Gray?
I’ve used Anew Gray in my own home, and let me tell you, this warm, inviting color can truly transform a space. If you’re wondering where to incorporate this beautiful taupe-gray, I’ve got a few suggestions for you based on my experience.
This color works wonders in the bedroom as well as the kitchen area.
I’ve used it in my hallway, and it’s such a welcoming tone when guests first walk in. It pairs well with trim in both whites and deeper shades, making the entry feel polished and open.
This color can work wonders in bathrooms, especially when paired with soft whites or marble accents. It creates a spa-like feel that makes getting ready for the day a little more peaceful.
Where to use Agreeable Gray?
If you’re thinking of giving this soft, warm gray a try, here’s where I recommend using it based on my personal experience:
If you have a large, open area—like a living and dining combo—Agreeable Gray is perfect. I’ve used it in my own open space, and it creates a beautiful flow between the living and dining areas.
If you work from home, Agreeable Gray is an excellent choice for a home office and it pairs wonderfully with wood furniture or white accents for a polished look.
It’s a great choice for a laundry room and staircase. It pairs beautifully with trim and accents, whether you’re going for a modern or more traditional look.
Conclusion
Both Anew Gray and Agreeable Gray bring warmth and versatility to any space, but with their unique undertones, they each create a different atmosphere. Anew Gray offers a richer taupe warmth, while Agreeable Gray is more neutral and adaptable. From my experience, both colors beautifully transform rooms—whether you want a cozy, inviting vibe or a clean, balanced backdrop.
Whichever you choose, both shades promise to enhance your home. I hope this guide helps you make the right choice, and I’d love to hear how you use them in your own space.
FAQs
Does lighting affect Anew Gray and Agreeable Gray?
Yes, both colors can shift depending on the lighting. Anew Gray may appear richer in natural light, while Agreeable Gray stays light and soft, even in dimmer rooms.
Are these colors good for open spaces?
Both colors work wonderfully in open spaces, but Agreeable Gray tends to be better for larger, open-concept areas as it helps keep the space feeling airy and cohesive.
Can Anew Gray and Agreeable Gray be used together?
Absolutely! Both colors complement each other well. A new Gray works great as an accent or feature wall while Agreeable Gray can be used on the rest of the space to create a seamless flow.
How do I know which color works best for my space?
Consider your room’s lighting and existing décor. If you have a lot of natural light, you can opt for either color, but if your room is darker, Agreeable Gray might be the better choice to brighten things up. Try out swatches before committing to see which feels best in the space.
