African Gray
Often used for its versatile qualities, African Gray remains a staple for Sherwin-Williams designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to add character and warmth to any space. We've gathered 8 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.
Hex
#939899
LRV
30.98
African Gray's Color Strip
African Gray is the fourth shade on this 7-color strip, sitting between Network Gray and Software. The strip spans from Gray Screen at the lightest end to Cyberspace at the deepest. Color strip 235 groups these shades together so you can see how each reads next to its neighbors.
African Gray in Real Rooms
African Gray has a medium LRV of 30.98 — it adds real depth and will read noticeably darker as natural light fades. It's neutral in temperature and , making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Neutral family, the photos below show it applied in a living room, kitchen cabinets, home office, kitchen and dining room.
3 Living Room Photos
The beauty of African Gray in a living room lies in its versatility with textures. It provides a smooth, matte-like quality that contrasts beautifully against plush velvet sofas or chunky wool rugs. It's a color that invites you to stay a little longer, creating an atmosphere that feels established rather than just decorated.
Living room walls in African Gray deliver sophisticated, contemporary depth.
@affordablepaintingfw
Walls painted African Gray bring understated elegance to the living space.
@affordablepaintingfw
Dining room walls in African Gray create a sophisticated neutral backdrop.
@classallc
2 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
The depth of African Gray on kitchen cabinets is excellent for hiding the inevitable wear and tear of a busy kitchen. It's a practical choice that doesn't sacrifice an ounce of style, providing a durable-looking finish that remains elegant for years.
Kitchen cabinets painted in African Gray offer timeless elegance and versatility.
@nicolemariepainting
Cabinetry finished in African Gray provides a modern, understated look.
@nicolemariepainting
1 Home Office Photo
African Gray works exceptionally well with "warm" tech—leather desk pads, brass lamps, and wooden monitor stands. It bridges the gap between modern technology and traditional home comfort, making the office feel like part of the house.
Home office walls in African Gray establish a calm, professional atmosphere.
@building51814insc
1 Kitchen Photo
For smaller kitchens, African Gray can be used to create a "jewel box" effect. By painting the walls and trim in this same shade, you eliminate visual breaks, making the room feel more expansive and sophisticated despite its modest footprint.
Kitchen walls dressed in African Gray complement both traditional and contemporary design.
@classallc
1 Dining Room Photo
Using African Gray in the dining room allows you to go bold with your lighting fixtures. An oversized chandelier or a modern sculptural pendant will look even more dramatic against the rich, steady background of this particular shade.
Dining room painted in African Gray balances warmth with sophisticated restraint.
@classallc
Coordinating Colors
At LRV 73 vs 31, Site White is decisively the brighter choice.
Extra White reflects far more light (LRV 86 vs 31), opening up a space where African Gray encloses it.
African Gray reflects far more light (LRV 31 vs 5), opening up a space where Salty Dog encloses it.
Trim Color
At LRV 73 vs 31, Site White is decisively the brighter choice.
Similar Colors
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 31 vs 31), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 31 and 30, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 32 vs 31), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 32 and 31, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 31 vs 30), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 31 and 29, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Let it Rain reads slightly lighter (LRV 34 vs 31), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 31 vs 30), so neither reads brighter in a room.
A 6-point LRV gap (37 vs 31) makes Castlegate the marginally brighter of the two.
With LRVs of 34 and 31, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Complementary Colors
Mauve Tinge reflects far more light (LRV 76 vs 31), opening up a space where African Gray encloses it.
At LRV 50 vs 31, Studio Mauve is decisively the brighter choice.
Truly Taupe reads slightly lighter (LRV 35 vs 31), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Heavenly White reflects far more light (LRV 81 vs 31), opening up a space where African Gray encloses it.
At LRV 74 vs 31, Original White is decisively the brighter choice.
A 4-point LRV gap (35 vs 31) makes Palisade the marginally brighter of the two.
At LRV 31 vs 5, African Gray is decisively the brighter choice.
Lighter Colors
At LRV 60 vs 31, Evening Shadow is decisively the brighter choice.
Network Gray reads slightly lighter (LRV 37 vs 31), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 12-point LRV gap (43 vs 31) makes Uncertain Gray the marginally brighter of the two.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 31 vs 31), so neither reads brighter in a room.
At LRV 52 vs 31, Krypton is decisively the brighter choice.
Darker Colors
A 11-point LRV gap (31 vs 20) makes African Gray the marginally brighter of the two.
A 8-point LRV gap (31 vs 23) makes African Gray the marginally brighter of the two.