Dorian Gray vs Mindful Gray: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect neutral gray paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Dorian Gray SW 7017 and Mindful Gray SW 7016 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, subtle grays?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Dorian Gray vs Mindful Gray in-depth to help you determine the ideal neutral gray 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 Dorian Gray and Mindful Gray

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Dorian Gray and Mindful Gray:

Undertones – Dorian Gray is a cool gray, Mindful Gray is a slightly warm gray
Light Reflectance – Dorian Gray has an LRV of 39, Mindful Gray has an LRV of 48
Use – Dorian Gray suits modern styles, Mindful Gray fits traditional decor
Rooms – Dorian Gray excels in kitchens, Mindful Gray shines in bedrooms
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Dorian Gray and Mindful Gray more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray SW 7017

With its subtle cool gray appearance, Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray SW 7017 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.

Here are some details about Dorian Gray:

LRV: 39
Undertones: Cool gray
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, dining rooms, bedrooms
Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, bold colors, metallics

Dorian Gray is a softened blue-gray with faint green-blue undertones. In all lighting it maintains its understated cool gray appearance.

The 39 light reflectance value absorbs light while allowing some contrast. Dorian Gray gives a sleek, chic feel.

This adaptable gray complements vibrant accent colors nicely. Popular Dorian Gray pairings include:

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
Glossy black accents
Polished chrome or nickel
Emerald and sapphire accents

While suitable anywhere at home, Dorian Gray truly excels in these contemporary spaces:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices

Dorian Gray’s cool versatility helps create an urbane, sophisticated mood perfect for modern styles. Use it to ground bright colors.

Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray SW 7016

With its subtly warm gray appearance, Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray SW 7016 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating transitional decor. This versatile neutral works across classic and modern spaces.

Here are some details about Mindful Gray:

LRV: 48
Undertones: Slightly warm
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices, kitchens
Pairs Well With: Wood tones, blacks, blues

Mindful Gray is a relaxed, dove gray with the faintest beige undertone. In most lighting it maintains its understated neutral gray appearance.

The 48 light reflectance value provides enough contrast without being too stark. Mindful Gray gives an intimate, peaceful feel.

This adaptable neutral complements both cool and warm accents beautifully. Popular Mindful Gray pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Pure White
Black ornamental accents
Walnut wood finishes
Navy blue and slate accents

While suitable anywhere at home, Mindful Gray truly excels in these refined yet relaxed spaces:

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Offices
Kitchens
Libraries

Mindful Gray’s versatility helps create an elegant yet livable backdrop, perfect for accentuating transitional decor. Use it to allow bold colors to stand out.

Comparing Dorian Gray vs Mindful Gray

Now that we’ve examined Dorian Gray and Mindful Gray independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Dorian Gray and Mindful Gray have LRVs of 39 and 48 respectively. Mindful Gray will appear brighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Dorian Gray is a cool gray, while Mindful Gray is a subtly warm neutral.

Use & Rooms

Dorian Gray’s coolness excels in modern kitchens. Mindful Gray’s subtle warmth shines in transitional bedrooms.

Availability

Both Dorian Gray and Mindful Gray come in any sheen from matte to gloss.

Paint Color	Dorian Gray SW 7017	Mindful Gray SW 7016
LRV	39	48
Undertones	Cool gray	Slightly warm
Use	Modern styles	Traditional decor
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Modern	Traditional

Real-Life Photos: Dorian Gray vs Mindful Gray

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Dorian Gray and Mindful Gray:

Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray

Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray

While they can overlap, Dorian Gray generally appears cooler toned than the subtle warmth of Mindful Gray. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Dorian Gray or Mindful Gray?

So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Dorian Gray or Mindful Gray for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Dorian Gray SW 7017 if you want:

A cool, sleek neutral gray
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
A refined feel for contemporary kitchens and baths
A sophisticated, chic backdrop

Choose Mindful Gray SW 7016 if you want:

A subtly warm, welcoming gray
A versatile color that works across styles
A cozy feel for bedrooms and living rooms
A peaceful, harmonious backdrop

Get samples of both Dorian Gray and Mindful Gray. Paint large test sections to view at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.

You can also try decor pairings with each shade. Both offer beautiful, versatile gray tones.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Dorian Gray and Mindful Gray paint colors:

Dorian Gray SW 7017

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Dining Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices

Mindful Gray SW 7016

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Offices
Kitchens
Libraries

While both grays work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Dorian Gray and Mindful Gray create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Dorian Gray SW 7017 Pairings

Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
Glossy black accents
Polished chrome or nickel
Emerald and sapphire accents

Mindful Gray SW 7016 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Pure White
Black ornamental accents
Walnut wood finishes
Navy blue and slate accents

Dorian Gray vs Mindful Gray – Which is Better?

So which neutral gray paint color is better for your home – Dorian Gray or Mindful Gray?

Consider Dorian Gray SW 7017 if you want:

A cool, sleek neutral gray
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
A refined feel for contemporary kitchens and baths
A sophisticated, chic backdrop

Consider Mindful Gray SW 7016 if you want:

A subtly warm, welcoming gray
A versatile color that works across styles
A cozy feel for bedrooms and living rooms
A peaceful, harmonious backdrop

While Dorian Gray offers sleek modern elegance, Mindful Gray provides subtle, peaceful versatility.

Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful neutral gray from Sherwin Williams you choose will suit your home perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Dorian Gray or Mindful Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Dorian Gray and Mindful Gray?

The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied styles. Dorian Gray is a cooler-toned gray while Mindful Gray is a subtly warm, versatile neutral gray.

Does Mindful Gray have green undertones?

No, Mindful Gray does not have obvious green undertones. It maintains a subtly warm neutral gray appearance in most lighting conditions.

Is Dorian Gray too dark for a nursery?

Dorian Gray’s 39 LRV may be too dark for a nursery. Consider pairing it with lots of lighting or choosing a lighter gray for the nursery.

Can you use Mindful Gray in a living room?

Yes, Mindful Gray’s subtly warm and calming neutral gray tone would pair nicely with walnut floors, cream furniture, and navy accents in a living room.