When searching for the perfect neutral paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Sherwin Williams. Popular choices Useful Gray SW 7050 and Agreeable Gray SW 7029 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, subtle neutrals?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Useful 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 Useful Gray and Agreeable Gray
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Useful Gray and Agreeable Gray:
- Undertones – Useful Gray is a greige, Agreeable Gray is warm beige
- Light Reflectance – Useful Gray has an LRV of 59, Agreeable Gray has an LRV of 60
- Use – Useful Gray suits modern styles, Agreeable Gray fits traditional decor
- Rooms – Useful Gray excels in kitchens, Agreeable Gray shines in bedrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Useful Gray and Agreeable Gray more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Useful Gray SW 7050
With its subtle greige appearance, Sherwin Williams Useful Gray SW 7050 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.
Here are some details about Useful Gray:
- LRV: 59
- Undertones: Greige
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white, wood tones
Useful Gray is a hushed medium greige with slight beige undertones. In all lighting it maintains its sophisticated neutral appearance.
The 59 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too stark. Useful Gray gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Useful Gray color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Stainless steel accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Useful Gray truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
Useful Gray’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary 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 Useful Gray vs Agreeable Gray
Now that we’ve examined Useful Gray and Agreeable Gray independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Useful Gray and Agreeable Gray have very similar LRVs of 59 and 60 respectively. They will appear nearly identical in brightness.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Useful Gray is a greige, while Agreeable Gray is a warm beige-influenced neutral.
Use & Rooms
Useful Gray’s coolness excels in modern kitchens and baths. Agreeable Gray’s warmth is perfect for cozy bedrooms.
Availability
Both Useful Gray and Agreeable Gray come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Useful Gray vs Agreeable Gray Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Useful Gray SW 7050 | Agreeable Gray SW 7029 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 59 | 60 |
| Undertones | Greige | Warm beige |
| Use | Modern spaces | Traditional rooms |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Contemporary | Traditional |
Real-Life Photos: Useful Gray vs Agreeable Gray
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Useful Gray and Agreeable Gray:
Sherwin Williams Useful Gray
Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
While they can overlap, Useful Gray generally appears slightly crisper and cooler than the warm beige tone of Agreeable Gray. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Useful Gray or Agreeable Gray?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Useful Gray or Agreeable Gray for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Useful Gray SW 7050 if you want:
- A subtle, refined greige neutral
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- A relaxing backdrop for kitchens and bathrooms
- To allow accent 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 Useful Gray and Agreeable 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 Useful Gray and Agreeable Gray paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Useful 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, Useful Gray and Agreeable Gray create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Useful Gray SW 7050 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Black accent pieces
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Stainless steel accents
Agreeable Gray SW 7029 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Black accent pieces
- Walnut wood finishes
- White trim and mouldings
Useful Gray vs Agreeable Gray – Which is Better?
So which neutral paint color is better for your home – Useful Gray or Agreeable Gray?
Consider Useful Gray SW 7050 if you want:
- A subtle, refined greige neutral
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- A relaxing backdrop for kitchens and bathrooms
- To allow accent 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 Useful Gray offers modern refinement, Agreeable Gray provides subtle warm character.
Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful sophisticated Sherwin Williams neutral you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Useful Gray or Agreeable Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Useful Gray and Agreeable Gray?
The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Useful Gray is a cool greige while Agreeable Gray is a warm, cozy beige-gray.
What colors complement Useful Gray?
Useful Gray looks beautiful paired with crisp whites, light blues, black and white patterns, and stainless steel accents for nice contrast.
Can you use Agreeable Gray in a bathroom?
Yes, Agreeable Gray’s subtle and sophisticated neutral hue would work wonderfully in a bathroom paired with black accents and white tile for a clean, elegant look.
Is Useful Gray suitable for northern exposure?
Yes, Useful Gray’s 59 LRV provides enough brightness for a north facing room without appearing too dark or drab.
Does Agreeable Gray come in satin finish?
Yes, Agreeable Gray is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to satin to high gloss semi-gloss.
