Searching for the perfect neutral greige paint color? Popular options Gray Owl OC-52 from Benjamin Moore and Agreeable Gray SW 7029 from Sherwin Williams appear very similar on the surface. But what really sets these two gorgeous greiges apart?
In this guide, we’ll compare Gray Owl vs Agreeable Gray in-depth to help you determine the ideal warm greige paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Gray Owl and Agreeable Gray
Before getting into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl and Sherwin Williams’ Agreeable Gray:
- Undertones – Gray Owl is a true greige, Agreeable Gray leans warm beige
- Light Reflectance – Gray Owl has an LRV of 64.51, Agreeable Gray has an LRV of 60
- Use – Gray Owl suits modern and traditional styles, Agreeable Gray excels in farmhouses
- Rooms – Gray Owl shines in bedrooms, Agreeable Gray works everywhere
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Gray Owl and Agreeable Gray more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52
With its neutral greige appearance, Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52 creates an adaptable backdrop that works across modern and traditional styles. This versatile greige transitions gracefully between rooms.
Here are some key details about Gray Owl:
- LRV: 64.51
- Undertones: Greige
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices, dining rooms
- Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, warm wood tones, black and metallics
Gray Owl is a hushed, misty greige that maintains the same muted tone across lighting conditions. The adaptable color has universal appeal.
The 64.51 light reflectance value gives Gray Owl flexibility without going too dark or feeling stark. It’s subdued without seeming gloomy.
As a versatile greige, Gray Owl works beautifully with a range of colors and materials like:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Black metal fixtures and accents
- White oak and walnut wood tones
- Polished brass hardware
Gray Owl excels as a whole-home neutral that bridges the gap between rooms effortlessly. It provides a soothing, welcoming backdrop for brighter colors and bolder textures to shine.
Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029
With its warm, inviting neutrality, Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029 creates a versatile backdrop with farmhouse appeal. This welcoming greige works everywhere throughout your home.
Here are some key details about Agreeable Gray:
- LRV: 60
- Undertones: Light beige
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Anywhere
- Pairs Well With: All colors
Agreeable Gray is a cheerful but relaxed beige-leaning greige with a faint yellow undertone. It maintains versatility across different lighting conditions.
The 60 light reflectance value gives Agreeable Gray’s soft neutrality an adaptable brightness perfect for any room.
As an easygoing greige, Agreeable Gray complements almost any color scheme or style. Popular combinations include:
- Bright whites like Chantilly Lace
- Bold colors like Naval or Spicy Red
- Natural wood tones and stains
- Black iron fixtures and hardware
- Varied trim colors like red or navy
With its versatile warmth and flexibility, Agreeable Gray looks beautiful anywhere at home. It works well in every room creating a welcoming farmhouse retreat.
Comparing Gray Owl vs Agreeable Gray
Now that we’ve looked at Gray Owl and Agreeable Gray independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Gray Owl and Agreeable Gray have different LRVs of 64.51 and 60 respectively. Agreeable Gray reads lighter.
Undertones
Gray Owl is a truer greige, while Agreeable Gray leans warm beige. Their subtle undertone difference sets them apart.
Use & Rooms
Gray Owl’s adaptability excels in bedrooms and beyond. Agreeable Gray suits every space.
Availability
Both Gray Owl and Agreeable Gray come in any sheen.
Gray Owl vs Agreeable Gray Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Gray Owl OC-52 | Agreeable Gray SW 7029 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 64.51 | 60 |
| Undertones | Greige | Beige |
| Use | Adaptable neutral | Versatile neutral |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Modern, traditional, transitional | Farmhouse, traditional, transitional |
Real-Life Photos: Gray Owl vs Agreeable Gray
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Gray Owl and Agreeable Gray:
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
While quite similar, Agreeable Gray reads warmer and more beige compared to the greyer mutedness of Gray Owl. Lighting affects their tones.
Should I Choose Gray Owl or Agreeable Gray?
So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl or Sherwin Williams’ Agreeable Gray for your space? Here are a few tips:
Choose Gray Owl OC-52 if you want:
- A true greige that adapts across rooms
- A moodier, more muted shade
- A flexible backdrop for modern and traditional styles
- Slightly less warmth
Choose Agreeable Gray SW 7029 if you want:
- A light beige-based greige
- A warm, welcoming farmhouse feel
- A versatile neutral everywhere
- Maximum livability
Get large samples of both paint colors. Paint swatches on walls viewing during different times of day. This gives you the best sense of their warmth and depth.
You can also move decor next to the swatches to visualize the overall look. While similar, these two greiges suit different aesthetics.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms especially well-suited to Gray Owl and Agreeable Gray paint colors:
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Studies
Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Hallways and Staircases
While both work well throughout the home, the above applications optimize each greige’s unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Gray Owl and Agreeable Gray make beautiful neutral backdrops. Complement them with bold colors and natural materials:
Gray Owl OC-52 Pairings
- Crisp bright whites
- Modern black and metal
- Polished brass hardware
- White oak and walnut woods
- Navy blue accents
Agreeable Gray SW 7029 Pairings
- Chantilly Lace white
- Bold reds and blues
- Natural wood tones and stains
- Black iron fixtures
- Vibrant trim colors
Gray Owl vs Agreeable Gray – Which is Better?
So which greige paint color is better for your home – Gray Owl or Agreeable Gray?
Choose Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52 if you want:
- A true muted greige
- Adaptability across rooms
- A moodier, more subtle backdrop
- Modern or traditional appeal
Choose Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029 if you prefer:
- A light beige-greige with warmth
- A welcoming farmhouse feel
- Maximum versatility and livability
- A failsafe neutral
While comparable, Gray Owl is more adaptable and Agreeable Gray warmer. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful neutral greige you choose is sure to suit your home beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Gray Owl or Agreeable Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:
What is the main difference between Gray Owl and Agreeable Gray?
The main difference is Gray Owl is a truer greige while Agreeable Gray leans slightly beige. Gray Owl is more muted and modern.
Does Agreeable Gray come in flat finish?
Yes, one reason Agreeable Gray is so popular is it’s available in any sheen from ultra flat matte to high gloss.
Can you use Gray Owl in a bathroom?
Definitely, Gray Owl’s muted greige tone would work wonderfully in a bathroom paired with crisp white trim and chrome fixtures for a soothing spa-like feel.
Is Agreeable Gray suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, Agreeable Gray’s warmth and 60 LRV allow it to handle abundant southern sunlight. Add window treatments to balance light if needed.
What colors complement Gray Owl walls?
Gray Owl looks gorgeous with bright whites, modern black and metal accents, brass hardware, white oak and walnut wood tones, and navy blue focal points.
