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Grays
Grey
Grey is a deep, true neutral color with almost no undertone. Its estimated light reflectance value (LRV) is about 21.6, so it reflects roughly 22% of the light that hits it.
Color facts
| Hex | #808080 |
|---|---|
| RGB | 128, 128, 128 |
| HSL | 0°, 0%, 50% |
| Estimated LRV | 21.6 |
| Temperature | true neutral |
| Text on it | Black text, contrast 5.3:1 |
LRV here is estimated from the screen color (relative luminance). Paint brands publish measured LRVs on their own chips, which can differ.
How it reads on a wall
A dramatic choice for accent walls, cabinetry, doors, built-ins and dining rooms. Works best with good light or as a cozy, enveloping color in small rooms.
North-facing rooms get cool, indirect light that can push this color cooler and grayer. Test it there before committing, or pick a slightly warmer cousin.
South- and west-facing rooms get warm, strong light that will make this color look warmer and more saturated in the afternoon.
Rooms it suits
- Dining rooms
- Accent walls
- Kitchen islands and lower cabinets
- Powder rooms
A 60-30-10 palette built on Grey
White Beach
Grey
Lingering Storm
The 60-30-10 rule splits a room into a main color, a secondary color and an accent. Swap in real paint and fabric samples before you buy.
Harmonies
Complementary
Lingering Storm#858381Analogous
Lingering Storm#858381Analogous
Lingering Storm#858381Triadic
Lingering Storm#858381Triadic
Lingering Storm#858381Split complementary
Lingering Storm#858381Tints and shades
Lighter tints work as a ceiling or adjoining-room color; deeper shades suit trim, doors or cabinets.
Similar named colors
Closest Colors of the Year
Getting Grey in real paint
Grey is a name from the open color-names list (MIT license), not a specific paint product. Most paint counters can mix a close match: bring a printed or physical sample, or use a brand color-match tool, then buy a sample pot and paint a 2 by 2 foot swatch on two walls. Screens and printers shift color.
On-screen colors are approximations. Pantone, Color of the Year and brand color names are trademarks of their owners.