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 Worldly Gray SW 7043 and Repose Gray SW 7015 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, subtle grays?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Worldly Gray vs Repose 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 Worldly Gray and Repose Gray
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Sherwin Williams’ Worldly Gray and Repose Gray:
- Undertones – Worldly Gray is a greige, Repose Gray is beige
- Light Reflectance – Worldly Gray has an LRV of 57, Repose Gray has an LRV of 58
- Use – Worldly Gray suits modern styles, Repose Gray fits traditional decor
- Rooms – Worldly Gray excels in living rooms, Repose Gray shines in bedrooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Worldly Gray and Repose Gray more thoroughly.
Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray SW 7043
With its subtle greige appearance, Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray SW 7043 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for contemporary styles. This versatile neutral works across modern spaces.
Here are some details about Worldly Gray:
- LRV: 57
- Undertones: Greige
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Living rooms, dining rooms, offices, hallways
- Pairs Well With: Bold colors, black and white, wood tones
Worldly Gray is a hushed dove gray with the slightest hint of green-beige undertone. In all lighting it maintains its understated neutral gray appearance.
The 57 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without appearing too dark. Worldly Gray gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Worldly Gray color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Crisp white trims
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Brass hardware accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Worldly Gray truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
- Bathrooms
Worldly Gray’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray SW 7015
With its warm beige appearance, Sherwin Williams Repose Gray SW 7015 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 Repose Gray:
- LRV: 58
- Undertones: Beige gray
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Blues, greens, blacks, wood tones
Repose Gray is a soft, muted gray with faint tan undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered putty or warm stone. The welcoming neutral has traditional appeal.
The 58 light reflectance value prevents the shade from feeling too dark or drab. Repose Gray strikes a cozy yet bright balance suitable for most rooms.
This versatile neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Repose Gray color pairings include:
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Black accent pieces
- Walnut wood finishes
- White trim and mouldings
While suitable anywhere at home, Repose Gray truly excels in these spaces:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Repose 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 Worldly Gray vs Repose Gray
Now that we’ve examined Worldly Gray and Repose Gray independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Worldly Gray and Repose Gray have very similar LRVs of 57 and 58 respectively. They offer nearly identical illumination.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Worldly Gray is a greige, while Repose Gray is a beige-influenced gray.
Use & Rooms
Worldly Gray’s modern crispness excels in living areas. Repose Gray’s warmth is perfect for cozy bedrooms.
Availability
Both Worldly Gray and Repose Gray come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Worldly Gray vs Repose Gray Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Worldly Gray SW 7043 | Repose Gray SW 7015 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 57 | 58 |
| Undertones | Greige | Beige gray |
| Use | Living rooms, offices | Bedrooms |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Modern, contemporary | Traditional, classic |
Real-Life Photos: Worldly Gray vs Repose Gray
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Worldly Gray and Repose Gray:
Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
While they can overlap, Worldly Gray generally appears slightly crisper and cooler than the warm beige tone of Repose Gray. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Worldly Gray or Repose Gray?
So how do you decide between Sherwin Williams’ Worldly Gray or Repose Gray for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Worldly Gray SW 7043 if you want:
- A cool, greige neutral gray
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for open concept living rooms
- To allow colors to pop against the backdrop
Choose Repose Gray SW 7015 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, enveloping backdrop
Get samples of both Worldly Gray 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 gray tones that suit varied styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Worldly Gray and Repose Gray paint colors:
Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
- Bathrooms
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- 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, Worldly Gray and Repose Gray create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Worldly Gray SW 7043 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
- Crisp white trims
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Brass hardware accents
Repose Gray SW 7015 Pairings
- Sherwin Williams Naval
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Black accent pieces
- Walnut wood finishes
- White trim and mouldings
Worldly Gray vs Repose Gray – Which is Better?
So which neutral gray paint color is better for your home – Worldly Gray or Repose Gray?
Consider Worldly Gray SW 7043 if you want:
- A cool, greige neutral gray
- A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
- An airy feel for open concept living rooms
- To allow colors to pop against the backdrop
Consider Repose Gray SW 7015 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, enveloping backdrop
While Worldly Gray is crisp and modern, Repose Gray provides subtle warmth. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful Sherwin Williams gray you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Worldly Gray or Repose Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Worldly Gray and Repose Gray?
The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Worldly Gray is a cool greige that works in modern rooms while Repose Gray is a warm beige-gray for traditional bedrooms.
What colors complement Repose Gray?
Repose Gray looks beautiful paired with light blues, grays, crisp blacks and whites, and wood tones for nice contrast.
Can you use Worldly Gray in a bathroom?
Yes, Worldly Gray’s subtle and sophisticated greige hue would work wonderfully in a bathroom paired with black accents for a sleek, modern look.
Is Repose Gray suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, Repose Gray’s 58 LRV provides enough brightness for a south facing room without appearing too bold or overwhelming.
Does Worldly Gray come in eggshell finish?
Yes, Worldly Gray is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to eggshell to high gloss semi-gloss.
