Light French Gray vs Repose Gray : What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect warm neutral paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Light French Gray SW 0055 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 Light French Gray 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 Light French Gray and Repose Gray

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

Undertones – Light French Gray is a warm greige, Repose Gray is slightly warm
Light Reflectance – Light French Gray has an LRV of 53, Repose Gray has an LRV of 58
Use – Light French Gray suits transitional styles, Repose Gray fits traditional decor
Rooms – Light French Gray excels in dining rooms, Repose Gray shines in bedrooms
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Light French Gray and Repose Gray more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Light French Gray SW 0055

With its subtle warm greige appearance, Sherwin Williams Light French Gray SW 0055 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for transitional styles. This versatile neutral works across classic and modern spaces.

Here are some details about Light French Gray:

LRV: 53
Undertones: Warm greige
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Blues, greens, black and white

Light French Gray is a hushed dove gray with slight warm beige-brown undertones. In all lighting it maintains its understated neutral greige appearance.

The 53 light reflectance value provides a cozy illumination without being too dark. Light French Gray gives an intimate, welcoming feel.

This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Light French Gray pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Online Blue
Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
Black and white patterns
Aged brass accents
Rich wood stains

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

Dining Rooms
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Entryways

Light French Gray’s greige versatility helps create an elegant yet livable backdrop, perfect for accentuating transitional decor.

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray SW 7015

With its subtly warm gray appearance, Sherwin Williams Repose Gray SW 7015 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating transitional and traditional decor. This versatile neutral works across classic spaces.

Here are some details about Repose Gray:

LRV: 58
Undertones: Slightly warm
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Blues, bold colors, wood tones

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

The 58 light reflectance value provides soft illumination without being too dark. Repose Gray gives a cozy, intimate feel.

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

Sherwin Williams Naval
Sherwin Williams Pure White
Wood furnishings and floors
Black and white patterns
Brass hardware accents

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

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Libraries

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

Comparing Light French Gray vs Repose Gray

Now that we’ve examined Light French Gray and Repose Gray independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Light French Gray and Repose Gray have LRVs of 53 and 58 respectively. Repose Gray will appear brighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Light French Gray is a warm greige, while Repose Gray is a subtly warm neutral.

Use & Rooms

Light French Gray’s greige tone excels in dining rooms. Repose Gray’s subtle warmth is perfect for bedrooms.

Availability

Both Light French Gray and Repose Gray come in any sheen from matte to gloss.

Paint Color	Light French Gray SW 0055	Repose Gray SW 7015
LRV	53	58
Undertones	Warm greige	Slightly warm
Use	Transitional spaces	Traditional decor
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Transitional	Traditional

Real-Life Photos: Light French Gray vs Repose Gray

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Light French Gray and Repose Gray:

Sherwin Williams Light French Gray

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray

While they can overlap, Light French Gray generally appears more greige while Repose Gray reads as a subtly warmer neutral gray. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Light French Gray or Repose Gray?

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

Choose Light French Gray SW 0055 if you want:

A warm, greige neutral
A versatile color suitable for transitional styles
A refined feel for dining rooms and offices
A peaceful, elegant backdrop

Choose Repose Gray SW 7015 if you want:

A subtly warm and cozy gray
A sophisticated neutral for bedrooms and offices
A versatile color that works with traditional decor
A soft, peaceful backdrop

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

You can also try pairing them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful warm neutral tones for varied styles.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Light French Gray and Repose Gray paint colors:

Light French Gray SW 0055

Dining Rooms
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Entryways

Repose Gray SW 7015

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Libraries

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, Light French Gray and Repose Gray create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Light French Gray SW 0055 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Online Blue
Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
Black and white patterns
Aged brass accents
Rich wood stains

Repose Gray SW 7015 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Naval
Sherwin Williams Pure White
Wood furnishings and floors
Black and white patterns
Brass hardware accents

Light French Gray vs Repose Gray – Which is Better?

So which neutral paint color is better for your home – Light French Gray or Repose Gray?

Consider Light French Gray SW 0055 if you want:

A warm, greige neutral
A versatile color suitable for transitional styles
A refined feel for dining rooms and offices
A peaceful, elegant backdrop

Consider Repose Gray SW 7015 if you want:

A subtly warm and cozy gray
A sophisticated neutral for bedrooms and offices
A versatile color that works with traditional decor
A soft, peaceful backdrop

While Light French Gray offers warm elegance, Repose Gray provides traditional coziness.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Light French Gray or Repose Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Light French Gray and Repose Gray?

The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied styles. Light French Gray is a warm, refined greige while Repose Gray is a cozier, subtly warm gray.