Dovetail
Dovetail is a versatile Neutral from Sherwin-Williams. Our real-world data shows it is a primary choice when homeowners need to add character and warmth to any space. Below, you'll find 32 examples of this shade in actual homes along with suggested color relationships.
Hex
#908A83
LRV
25.77
Dovetail's Color Strip
Dovetail is the fifth shade on this 7-color strip, sitting between Acier and Gauntlet Gray. The strip spans from Repose Gray at the lightest end to Black Fox at the deepest. Color strip 244 groups these shades together so you can see how each reads next to its neighbors.
Dovetail in Real Rooms
Dovetail has a medium LRV of 25.77 — 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, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, home office, house, front door, misc, dining room and kitchen cabinets.
7 Living Room Photos
In a living room, Dovetail acts as a bridge between the indoors and the view outside. It carries the organic weight of the natural world into the home, allowing the greenery from windows to pop while keeping the interior feeling protected and private. Pair it with oversized plants and ceramic vessels for a full organic-modern aesthetic.
Living room walls in Dovetail create a sophisticated gray tone.
@mybudgetrecipes
2 Bedroom Photos
Lighting is key in a bedroom, and Dovetail reacts beautifully to dimmers. As you lower the lights for sleep, the color takes on a velvet-like quality, losing its daytime crispness in favor of a smoky, mysterious depth that is incredibly conducive to relaxation.
Bedroom painted in Dovetail provides a tranquil setting.
@mybudgetrecipes
Nursery walls in soft Dovetail create a peaceful sleep space.
@withhopeinmyhands
2 Kitchen Photos
The sophisticated undertones of Dovetail make it an excellent partner for mixed metal finishes. Whether you have a brass faucet and matte black cabinet pulls, or traditional chrome fixtures, this color acts as a neutral mediator that makes the mix look intentional.
Kitchen cabinet doors in Dovetail offer understated elegance.
@mybudgetrecipes
Kitchen cabinets painted Dovetail complement white subway tile backsplash.
@lustigcabinets
1 Bathroom Photo
Using Dovetail on a bathroom vanity is a clever way to introduce color without painting the walls. It creates a sophisticated anchor for the room, especially when topped with a thick white quartz or a contrasting dark stone.
Bathroom walls in soft gray Dovetail create a calming, spa-like atmosphere.
@mybudgetrecipes
2 Home Office Photos
Dovetail in an office encourages a "deep work" mindset. Its depth and maturity create an environment of gravitas, helping you take your own projects and ambitions more seriously through the sheer atmosphere of the room.
Desk and shelving stand out against walls painted in Dovetail.
@mybudgetrecipes
Office walls in Dovetail support focused, distraction-free work.
@carlaaston
6 House Photos
On the exterior, Dovetail holds up across all lighting conditions — crisp in full sun, rich and dimensional on overcast days. It pairs especially well with white trim, black window frames, and natural stone, giving the home a timeless, curated presence.
Board-and-batten siding in Dovetail defines this home's classic exterior.
@mybudgetrecipes
1 Front Door Photo
A front door in Dovetail changes the entire read of a facade without requiring a renovation. The color is strong enough to register from the street but refined enough not to feel like a statement for its own sake. It's the "handshake" of the home.
Front door in Dovetail makes a subtle yet sophisticated statement.
@mybudgetrecipes
6 Misc Photos
These photos show Dovetail in spaces that don't fit neatly into a single category: transitional spaces, accent applications, and rooms where the color becomes a fine detail rather than a broad backdrop.
Hallway walls in Dovetail lead through this modern residence.
@fabi_em_nola
2 Dining Room Photos
In a formal dining room, Dovetail provides a sophisticated backdrop for artwork and large-scale mirrors. The color's depth helps to "absorb" the room's edges, making the flickering light of candles and the sparkle of glassware the stars of the show.
Dining room walls in Dovetail provide an elegant neutral backdrop.
@stayinggraceful
Dark Dovetail walls in this dining room create intimate ambiance.
@stayinggraceful
3 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
The depth of Dovetail 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 in Dovetail offer timeless storage and style.
@tnrancher
Cabinetry painted Dovetail brings sophistication to kitchen design.
@tnrancher
Cabinet doors in Dovetail complement natural wood and marble counters.
@courtneyllauren
Expert Perspectives
In-depth articles and real-home features from across our network of home and design sites.
Coordinating Colors
At LRV 73 vs 26, Eider White is decisively the brighter choice.
Trim Color
At LRV 73 vs 26, Eider White is decisively the brighter choice.
Similar Colors
With LRVs of 28 and 26, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 26 vs 24), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 27 and 26, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 26 vs 26), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 28 and 26, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 27 and 26, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 26 and 24, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Dovetail reads slightly lighter (LRV 26 vs 22), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 4-point LRV gap (30 vs 26) makes Summit Gray the marginally brighter of the two.
Complementary Colors
Dovetail reflects far more light (LRV 26 vs 6), opening up a space where Mount Etna encloses it.
Dovetail reflects far more light (LRV 26 vs 11), opening up a space where Rain Cloud encloses it.
Dovetail reflects far more light (LRV 26 vs 7), opening up a space where Sea Mariner encloses it.
Starry Night reflects far more light (LRV 69 vs 26), opening up a space where Dovetail encloses it.
A 5-point LRV gap (26 vs 20) makes Dovetail the marginally brighter of the two.