When searching for the perfect neutral gray paint color, two of the most popular options are Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029 and Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23. Both are beautiful, versatile grays that suit a wide range of home décor styles. But what’s the difference between Agreeable Gray vs Classic Gray? And how do you choose which is best for your home?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down Agreeable Gray and Classic Gray paint colors. We’ll compare undertones, light reflectance values (LRV), aesthetics, real life photos, and the best room applications. Read on to determine whether Agreeable Gray or Classic Gray is the ideal light gray paint color for your interior design needs.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Agreeable Gray and Classic Gray
Before diving into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray and Benjamin Moore Classic Gray:
- Undertones – Agreeable Gray has purple-gray undertones, Classic Gray has green-gray undertones
- Light Reflectance – Agreeable Gray has an LRV of 60, Classic Gray has an LRV of 73.67
- Use – Agreeable Gray suits contemporary styles, Classic Gray suits traditional styles
- Rooms – Agreeable Gray excels in open concept areas, Classic Gray excels in cozy rooms
Now let’s explore Agreeable Gray SW 7029 and Classic Gray OC-23 more closely.
Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029
A bestselling neutral paint color, Agreeable Gray SW 7029 is a versatile, adaptable light gray. This chameleon-like color shifts appearances based on lighting and surroundings.
Here are some key details about Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray:
- LRV: 60
- Undertones: Purple-gray
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Whole home, open concept spaces
- Color Pairings: Blues, greens, wood tones
With distinct purple-gray undertones, Agreeable Gray has a slightly dusty, muted appearance. In some lights the purplish tones are more apparent, while in others the color reads as a clean medium gray. This adaptable nature makes it coordinate with a wide range of colors and materials.
At 60 light reflectance, Agreeable Gray is light enough to keep rooms feeling open and airy. Yet it has enough depth to provide subtle contrast against white trim and cabinetry. This versatile light-medium gray works beautifully across home décor styles from modern to farmhouse.
Use Agreeable Gray SW 7029 to create serene, welcoming spaces. Its muted tones help rooms feel relaxed and uncluttered. This gorgeous neutral gray excels in these room applications:
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Open concept kitchens/family rooms
Due to its slightly dusty purple undertones and medium depth, Agreeable Gray looks especially pleasing alongside these color pairings:
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray
- Sherwin Williams Eider White
- Natural wood tones
Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23
A bestselling neutral from Benjamin Moore, Classic Gray OC-23 is a soft, inviting, and versatile gray. This welcoming color creates a timeless backdrop for any room.
Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore Classic Gray:
- LRV: 73.67
- Undertones: Green-gray
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices
- Color Pairings: Tans, yellows, blues
True to its name, Classic Gray OC-23 is a traditional gray with subtle sage-green undertones. These soft greenish-gray tones give Classic Gray a natural, relaxed look.
At 73.67 light reflectance, Classic Gray reflects less light than Agreeable Gray. This creates a cozier, warmer ambiance perfect for bedrooms and other intimate spaces. The soft neutral gray provides pleasing contrast against warm whites and ivories.
Use Classic Gray to create a timeless, inviting backdrop. Its versatility allows it to coordinate beautifully with color schemes featuring tans, greens, yellows, and blues. This welcoming gray looks especially pleasing in these applications:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Entryways
Some colors that pair particularly well with Classic Gray include:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Golden Straw
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Comparing Agreeable Gray vs Classic Gray
Now that we’ve looked at Agreeable Gray and Classic Gray individually, let’s directly compare the two popular gray paint colors:
Light Reflectance
At 60 LRV, Agreeable Gray reflects considerably more light than the deeper, darker Classic Gray at 73.67 LRV. Agreeable Gray will make rooms feel more open and airy.
Undertones
While both are neutral grays, Agreeable Gray has distinctive purple-gray undertones while Classic Gray has subtle green-gray undertones. Agreeable Gray’s purple gives it a slightly muted, dusty look. The green in Classic Gray provides natural vibrancy.
Use
The higher light reflectance and cooler purple tones of Agreeable Gray make it well suited to contemporary, modern spaces. The traditional green-gray Classic Gray fits best with traditional home décor styles.
Rooms
With its brightness and muted purple tones, Agreeable Gray excels in large open concept spaces and areas with plenty of natural light. The deeper Classic Gray is ideal for cozier bedrooms, offices, and other intimate rooms.
Paint Finish
Both Agreeable Gray and Classic Gray are available in any sheen from matte to high gloss. They will provide beautiful finishes that complement a variety of materials and architectural styles.
Pairings
Agreeable Gray coordinates beautifully with grays, greens, blues and natural wood tones. Classic Gray pairs well with off whites, yellows, reds, and navy blues.
Agreeable Gray vs Classic Gray Comparison Chart
Here is an overview comparison of key differences between Agreeable Gray SW 7029 and Classic Gray OC-23:
| Paint Color | Agreeable Gray SW 7029 | Classic Gray OC-23 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 60 | 73.67 |
| Undertones | Purple-gray | Green-gray |
| Style | Contemporary | Traditional |
| Rooms | Open concept spaces | Bedrooms, offices |
| Sheens | All sheens | All sheens |
| Pairings | Blues, grays, greens | Whites, yellows, blues |
Real-Life Photos: Agreeable Gray vs Classic Gray
To get a sense of how Agreeable Gray and Classic Gray compare in real world applications, let’s look at some photos of the paint colors:
Agreeable Gray SW 7029
Classic Gray OC-23
As seen in real spaces, Agreeable Gray generally appears lighter and brighter with distinctive purple undertones. Classic Gray looks deeper, greener, and more traditional. Lighting can impact appearances, but generally Agreeable Gray reads as a cooler, serene gray while Classic Gray seems warmer and cozier.
Should I Choose Agreeable Gray or Classic Gray?
So how do you choose between popular grays Agreeable Gray and Classic Gray for your home? Here are some tips:
Consider Agreeable Gray SW 7029 if you want:
- A light-medium gray with purple undertones
- A muted, hazy gray for modern styles
- Excellent versatility for whole-home use
- Vibrant contrast against white trim/cabinetry
Consider Classic Gray OC-23 if you want:
- A soft green-gray for traditional styles
- A warmer, cozier ambiance for bedrooms
- To coordinate with tans, yellows, reds, and navy
- A deep, darker gray with less contrast
To decide, get large paint swatches of each gray and view in your space. See how they look at different times of day. Compare undertones and depth side-by-side.
You may also paint test boards with each gray alongside your planned accent colors. See which coordinates best with fabrics, furnishings, tile, and other finishes in the space.
Both are stunning grays. Choose Agreeable Gray for airy open concept areas and modern styles, or Classic Gray for cozy retreats with traditional warmth.
Best Rooms for Agreeable Gray and Classic Gray
Here are rooms that tend to suit Agreeable Gray SW 7029 and Classic Gray OC-23 particularly well:
Agreeable Gray SW 7029
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Open floor plan areas
Classic Gray OC-23
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Reading nooks
- Entryways
- Living rooms
Of course, both grays can work in any room. But the above applications take advantage of the unique strengths of Agreeable and Classic Gray.
Color Combinations with Agreeable Gray and Classic Gray
On their own Agreeable Gray and Classic Gray create simple, soothing backdrops. Coordinate them with accent colors and materials for added visual interest.
Agreeable Gray Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Sherwin Williams Sea Salt
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Warm wood stains
- Brass and nickel metals
Classic Gray Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Copley Gray
- Benjamin Moore Red Barn
- Dark wood tones
Agreeable Gray vs Classic Gray: Which is Better for Your Home?
So which popular gray paint color is better for your space – Agreeable Gray or Classic Gray? The answer depends on your goals, preferences, and décor style:
Consider Agreeable Gray if you want:
- A cool-toned, purple-gray neutral
- Excellent lightness and versatility
- A serene backdrop for modern styles
- A soft alternative to harsher grays
Consider Classic Gray if you want:
- A traditional green-based gray
- A cozy, intimate ambiance
- To coordinate with warm yellows and reds
- A deep charcoal-gray alternative
Agreeable Gray suits open concept areas where you want an airy, uncluttered feel. The versatile color pairs with nearly any style. Classic Gray excels in bedrooms and other cozy spaces where traditional charm is desired.
There is no universally better gray paint color. Choose the one best aligned with your goals for the space. With large swatches and test boards, you can confidently select the perfect Agreeable Gray vs Classic Gray for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still undecided on Agreeable Gray vs Classic Gray? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What are the main differences between Agreeable Gray and Classic Gray?
The main differences are their undertones and light reflectance. Agreeable Gray has cooler purple-gray tones and is lighter at 60 LRV. Classic Gray has traditional green-gray undertones and is darker at 73.67 LRV.
Is Agreeable Gray a warm or cool gray?
Agreeable Gray is considered a cool-toned gray due to its subtle purple undertones. These cooler tones give it a relaxed, serene look.
What colors go well with Classic Gray?
Colors like tans, light yellows, navy blues, and white look beautiful with Classic Gray. The green undertones provide versatility to coordinate with warm or cool palettes.
Can you use Agreeable Gray in a bathroom?
Yes, Agreeable Gray is a gorgeous bathroom color. At 60 LRV it avoids looking too dark while adding soft, welcoming contrast against white tile and fixtures.
Is Classic Gray too dark for a bedroom?
It depends on the size and lighting. In smaller spaces, the 73.67 LRV may feel too dark. But in larger, well lit bedrooms, the cozy warmth of Classic Gray creates an inviting retreat.
