African Gray featured
Sherwin-Williams9162

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 perfect for adding character 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

Light Reflectance Value
30.98
medium
Temperatureneutral
SaturationBright

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.

Color Strip 235

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.

SW African Gray living room color review

SW African Gray living room color review

@affordablepaintingfw

Sherwin Williams African Gray living room color

Sherwin Williams African Gray living room color

@affordablepaintingfw

SW 9162 dining room color

SW 9162 dining room color

@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.

Sherwin Williams African Gray kitchen cabinets

Sherwin Williams African Gray kitchen cabinets

@nicolemariepainting

SW African Gray kitchen cabinets

SW African Gray kitchen cabinets

@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.

SW African Gray home office

SW African Gray home office

@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.

Sherwin Williams African Gray kitchen

Sherwin Williams African Gray kitchen

@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.

Sw 9162 Dining Room

Sw 9162 Dining Room

@classallc

Coordinating Colors

Trim Color

Similar Colors

Color Codes

HEX#939899
RGB147, 152, 153
HSL190° 3% 59%
CMYK4 1 0 40
CIE LabL: 62.5 a: -1.6 b: -1.1
XYZX: 29.01 Y: 30.96 Z: 34.58
Strip235 pos. C4