Dorian Gray vs Downing Earth
Both from Sherwin-Williams's palette. Dorian Gray reads as grey, while Downing Earth reads as greige-grey — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. Dorian Gray (LRV 39) reflects noticeably more light than Downing Earth (LRV 20), a difference of 18 points that becomes especially apparent in rooms with limited natural light. Dorian Gray runs neutral while Downing Earth is decidedly warm, which means they'll respond very differently to warm vs cool light sources. With a ΔE of 18.1, the contrast is hard to miss. These aren't variations on a theme — they're two different answers to the same question. Below, 5 simulated room previews show how each color reads at scale — real-room photos will be added as they become available.
Color Details
Dorian Gray vs Downing Earth Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Dorian Gray on one side and Downing Earth 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 Dorian Gray comparisons
See how Dorian Gray stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
