Intellectual Gray vs Sawdust
Both from Sherwin-Williams's palette. Intellectual Gray reads as greige-grey, while Sawdust reads as beige-greige — two distinct hue families, not close cousins. Intellectual Gray (LRV 36) reflects noticeably more light than Sawdust (LRV 26), a difference of 10 points that becomes especially apparent in rooms with limited natural light. Both lean warm, so they'll behave similarly in mixed or changing light conditions. With a ΔE of 11.5, 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
Intellectual Gray vs Sawdust Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Intellectual Gray on one side and Sawdust 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 Intellectual Gray comparisons
See how Intellectual Gray stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
