Modern Gray vs Agreeable Gray: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect neutral paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Modern Gray SW 7632 and Agreeable Gray SW 7029 appear alike at first glance with their soft, welcoming grays. But what really differentiates these two beautiful neutrals?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Modern Gray vs Agreeable 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 Modern Gray and Agreeable Gray

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

Undertones – Modern Gray is a cool gray, Agreeable Gray is warm beige
Light Reflectance – Modern Gray has an LRV of 62, Agreeable Gray has an LRV of 60
Use – Modern Gray suits contemporary styles, Agreeable Gray fits traditional decor
Rooms – Modern Gray excels in kitchens, Agreeable Gray shines in bedrooms
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Modern Gray and Agreeable Gray more thoroughly.

Sherwin Williams Modern Gray SW 7632

With its subtle cool gray appearance, Sherwin Williams Modern Gray SW 7632 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.

Here are some details about Modern Gray:

LRV: 62
Undertones: Cool gray
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Bold colors, blacks, metallics

Modern Gray is a hushed blue-gray with the slightest hint of green undertone. In all lighting it maintains its understated neutral gray appearance.

The 62 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too stark. Modern Gray gives an open, breathable feel.

This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from vibrant to muted. Popular Modern Gray pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Online Blue
Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
Black and white patterns
Polished chrome and stainless steel

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

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Modern Gray’s cool versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating modern styles.

Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029

With its warm beige appearance, Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray SW 7029 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional decor. This versatile neutral works in both formal and casual spaces.

Here are some details about Agreeable Gray:

LRV: 60
Undertones: Warm beige
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Blues, blacks, wood tones

Agreeable Gray is a relaxed, soft beige-influenced gray with faint tan undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered mushroom. The welcoming neutral has traditional appeal.

The 60 light reflectance value prevents the shade from feeling too dark or drab. Agreeable Gray strikes a cozy yet bright balance suitable for most rooms.

This versatile neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Agreeable Gray color pairings include:

Sherwin Williams Pure White
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Black accent pieces
Walnut wood finishes
White trim and mouldings

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

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Libraries

Agreeable Gray’s warmth helps create a welcoming, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to allow bold colors to stand out.

Comparing Modern Gray vs Agreeable Gray

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

Light Reflectance

Modern Gray and Agreeable Gray have LRVs of 62 and 60 respectively. Modern Gray will appear slightly brighter.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Modern Gray is a cool gray, while Agreeable Gray is a warm beige-influenced neutral.

Use & Rooms

Modern Gray’s coolness excels in sleek kitchens. Agreeable Gray’s warmth is perfect for cozy bedrooms.

Availability

Both Modern Gray and Agreeable Gray come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

Paint Color	Modern Gray SW 7632	Agreeable Gray SW 7029
LRV	62	60
Undertones	Cool gray	Warm beige
Use	Contemporary styles	Traditional decor
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Modern	Traditional

Real-Life Photos: Modern Gray vs Agreeable Gray

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

Sherwin Williams Modern Gray

Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray

While they can overlap, Modern Gray generally appears crisper and cooler than the warm beige tone of Agreeable Gray. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Modern Gray or Agreeable Gray?

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

Choose Modern Gray SW 7632 if you want:

A cool, crisp gray neutral
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
A sleek feel for kitchens and bathrooms
To allow bold colors to pop

Choose Agreeable Gray SW 7029 if you want:

A warm, beige-influenced light gray
A cozy yet sophisticated neutral for bedrooms
A versatile color that works with traditional decor
A soft, welcoming backdrop

Get samples of both Modern Gray and Agreeable 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 neutral tones for varied styles.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Modern Gray and Agreeable Gray paint colors:

Sherwin Williams Modern Gray

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray

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, Modern Gray and Agreeable Gray create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Modern Gray SW 7632 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Online Blue
Sherwin Williams High Reflective White
Black and white patterns
Polished chrome and stainless steel

Agreeable Gray SW 7029 Pairings

Sherwin Williams Pure White
Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
Black accent pieces
Walnut wood finishes
White trim and mouldings

Modern Gray vs Agreeable Gray – Which is Better?

So which neutral paint color is better for your home – Modern Gray or Agreeable Gray?

Consider Modern Gray SW 7632 if you want:

A cool, crisp gray neutral
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
A sleek feel for kitchens and bathrooms
To allow bold colors to pop

Consider Agreeable Gray SW 7029 if you want:

A warm, beige-influenced light gray
A cozy yet sophisticated neutral for bedrooms
A versatile color that works with traditional decor
A soft, welcoming backdrop

While Modern Gray offers sleek modern crispness, Agreeable Gray provides subtle warm elegance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Modern Gray or Agreeable Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Modern Gray and Agreeable Gray?

The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Modern Gray is a cool, crisp gray while Agreeable Gray is a warm, cozy beige-gray.

Does Modern Gray have purple undertones?

No, Modern Gray does not have purple undertones. It has subtle hints of green and blue for a relaxed, neutral gray appearance.

Is Agreeable Gray too dark for a baby nursery?

With an LRV of 60, Agreeable Gray provides enough light reflection for most rooms, even nurseries, without appearing too somber or dark.

Can you use Modern Gray in a dining room?

Yes, Modern Gray’s cool, sleek gray tone would work nicely in a modern or contemporary dining room paired with colorful artwork, patterned chairs, and metallic accents.