Graphite grey vs Iron Ore
Where Graphite grey belongs to RAL Classic's range, Iron Ore is a Sherwin-Williams color. Graphite grey reads as blue-grey, while Iron Ore reads as grey — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. Graphite grey (LRV 9) reflects noticeably more light than Iron Ore (LRV 6), a difference of 4 points that becomes especially apparent in rooms with limited natural light. The ΔE 5.4 gap is real but not dramatic — close enough to use together, distinct enough to matter as a choice. Below you'll find 2 real-room photo comparisons where both colors appear side by side, plus 5 simulated room previews.
Graphite grey vs Iron Ore in Real Spaces
2 real rooms side by side. Graphite grey and Iron Ore are close enough that the difference can be hard to judge from a chip alone — these photos show how each reads at scale, across different spaces and lighting conditions.
Kitchen
In a kitchen, colors are seen under bright task lighting that amplifies undertones — what reads neutral elsewhere can show its hand here. Graphite grey reads slightly lighter here — a subtle but real difference in how open the space feels.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are one of the few spaces where you're genuinely enclosed by the paint color, which makes the choice between these two more consequential. Graphite grey reads slightly lighter here — a subtle but real difference in how open the space feels.
Color Details
Graphite grey vs Iron Ore Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Graphite grey on one side and Iron Ore on the other.
Digital color is approximate. These simulations are generated from the manufacturer's hex values and overlaid on grayscale room photos — your screen's calibration, brightness, and viewing angle all affect how they render. Before committing to either color, test physical samples in your own space under the light you actually live with.
More Graphite grey comparisons
See how Graphite grey stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
