When searching for the perfect neutral paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices First Star SW 7646 and Repose Gray SW 7015 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, subtle neutrals?
In this guide, we’ll analyze First Star vs Repose Gray in-depth to help you determine the ideal neutral 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 First Star and Repose Gray
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ First Star and Repose Gray:
- Undertones – First Star is a cool gray, Repose Gray is a greige
- Light Reflectance – First Star has an LRV of 69, Repose Gray has an LRV of 58
- Use – First Star suits modern styles, Repose Gray fits contemporary and traditional decor
- Rooms – First Star excels in bathrooms, Repose Gray shines in bedrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore First Star and Repose Gray more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams First Star SW 7646
With its subtle cool gray appearance, Sherwin Williams First Star SW 7646 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.
Here are some details about First Star:
- LRV: 69
- Undertones: Cool gray
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white, wood tones
First Star is a hushed light gray with the slightest hint of blue undertone. In all lighting it maintains its sophisticated neutral white appearance.
The 69 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too stark. First Star gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular First Star color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Polished chrome accents
While suitable anywhere at home, First Star truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
First Star’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray SW 7015
With its subtle greige appearance, Sherwin Williams Repose Gray SW 7015 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.
Here are some details about Repose Gray:
- LRV: 58
- Undertones: Greige
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, offices, dining rooms, kitchens
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white, wood tones
Repose Gray is a hushed medium greige with slight green-gray undertones. In all lighting it maintains its sophisticated neutral appearance.
The 58 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too dark. Repose Gray gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Repose Gray color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Brushed gold accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Repose Gray truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
- Kitchens
- Hallways
Repose Gray’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet refined backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.
Comparing First Star vs Repose Gray
Now that we’ve examined First Star and Repose Gray independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
First Star and Repose Gray have quite different LRVs of 69 and 58 respectively. First Star will appear much brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. First Star is a cool gray, while Repose Gray is a greige neutral.
Use & Rooms
First Star’s coolness excels in modern baths and kitchens. Repose Gray’s greige tone is perfect for cozy bedrooms.
Availability
Both First Star and Repose Gray come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
First Star vs Repose Gray Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | First Star SW 7646 | Repose Gray SW 7015 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 69 | 58 |
| Undertones | Cool gray | Greige |
| Use | Modern spaces | Contemporary & traditional rooms |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Contemporary | Contemporary |
Real-Life Photos: First Star vs Repose Gray
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between First Star and Repose Gray:
Sherwin Williams First Star
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
While they can overlap, First Star generally appears crisper and cooler than the greige tone of Repose Gray. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose First Star or Repose Gray?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ First Star or Repose Gray for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose First Star SW 7646 if you want:
- A cool, crisp neutral gray
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for bathrooms and kitchens
- To allow accent colors to pop
Choose Repose Gray SW 7015 if you want:
- A subtle, refined greige neutral
- A versatile color suitable for contemporary spaces
- A relaxing backdrop for bedrooms and offices
- Soft, peaceful ambiance
Get samples of both First Star and Repose Gray. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful neutral tones that suit varied styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to First Star and Repose Gray paint colors:
Sherwin Williams First Star
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
- Kitchens
- Hallways
While both neutrals work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, First Star and Repose Gray create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
First Star SW 7646 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Polished chrome accents
Repose Gray SW 7015 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Brushed gold accents
First Star vs Repose Gray – Which is Better?
So which neutral paint color is better for your home – First Star or Repose Gray?
Consider First Star SW 7646 if you want:
- A cool, crisp neutral gray
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for bathrooms and kitchens
- To allow accent colors to pop
Consider Repose Gray SW 7015 if you want:
- A subtle, refined greige neutral
- A versatile color suitable for contemporary spaces
- A relaxing backdrop for bedrooms and offices
- Soft, peaceful ambiance
While First Star offers modern crispness, Repose Gray provides subtle greige character.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful Sherwin Williams neutral you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between First Star or Repose Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between First Star and Repose Gray?
The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. First Star is a cool crisp gray while Repose Gray is a soft, relaxed greige.
What colors complement Repose Gray?
Repose Gray looks beautiful paired with light blues, grays, black and white patterns, and gold accents for nice contrast.
Can you use First Star in a bedroom?
Yes, First Star’s subtle and clean neutral character would work wonderfully in a bedroom paired with wood tones and plants for a relaxing oasis.
Is Repose Gray suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, Repose Gray’s greige undertone is warm enough for a south facing room even with its lower 58 LRV.
Does First Star come in eggshell finish?
Yes, First Star is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell to high gloss semi-gloss.
