SW Zurich White vs BM Classic Gray: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect neutral backdrop, two popular paint colors often top the list – Sherwin Williams Zurich White and Benjamin Moore Classic Gray. At first glance they may appear similar, but differences emerge upon closer inspection.

In this article, we’ll analyze Zurich White and Classic Gray in depth. We’ll compare undertones, light reflectance, real photos, and ideal room pairings. Read on to determine if crisp Zurich White or versatile Classic Gray is the best neutral paint color for your home.

Key Differences Between Zurich White and Classic Gray

Before diving into the nuances, here are the main differences between Zurich White and Classic Gray:

Undertones – Zurich White is a cool white, Classic Gray is a warm gray
Light Reflectance – Zurich White has an LRV of 76, Classic Gray has an LRV of 73.67
Use – Zurich White for clean modern spaces, Classic Gray for versatile style
Rooms – Zurich White ideal for contemporary homes, Classic Gray suits any room

Now let’s explore Zurich White and Classic Gray more closely.

Sherwin Williams Zurich White SW 7626

With its crisp white appearance, Zurich White SW 7626 creates a gorgeous clean backdrop. This versatile white has broad appeal.

Here are some key details about Sherwin Williams Zurich White:

LRV: 76
Undertones: Slightly cool white
Finish: Available in all paint sheens
Rooms: Whole home use, modern spaces
Pairings: Grays, blues, greens

Zurich White is a white with the slightest hint of coolness to its tone. In most lighting, it appears as a true bright white. But at certain angles, its subtle cool undertone comes through in comparison to warmer whites.

With an 76 light reflectance value, Zurich White offers outstanding brightness. The faint coolness cleanses walls of any cream or yellow cast.

Zurich White works well as a whole home white with a light, consistent feel. It also pairs elegantly with colors in both the warm and cool color palettes:

Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige
Sherwin Williams Repose Gray
Sherwin Williams Naval
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn

Use Zurich White to make rooms feel clean and airy. Its cool brightness excels in these spaces:

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Modern living areas
Contemporary bedrooms

Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23

With its gray appearance accented by subtle warmth, Classic Gray OC-23 creates a versatile backdrop. This greige has enormous popularity.

Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore Classic Gray:

LRV: 73.67
Undertones: Warm grays
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Any room in the home
Pairings: All colors

Classic Gray is a gray with faint hints of brown or taupe influence. In most lighting, it appears as a true gray. But its subtle warmth gives it more versatility than many cooler grays.

With a 73.67 light reflectance value, Classic Gray supplies moderate brightness for a gray. The slight warmness makes it highly adaptable for any design scheme or style. Popular pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Benjamin Moore Simply White

Thanks to its adaptability, Classic Gray works well in any room of the home. Its greige tone creates a versatile backdrop for accent colors to pop. Use it in:

Living rooms
Dining rooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Offices

Comparing Zurich White vs. Classic Gray

Now that we’ve examined their unique traits, let’s directly compare Zurich White and Classic Gray:

Light Reflectance

With an LRV of 76, Zurich White is far brighter than Classic Gray at 73.67 LRV. Zurich White offers more illumination.

Undertones

This is a key distinction. Zurich White has faint cool undertones. Classic Gray has subtle warm grays.

The coolness of Zurich White gives it a clean, airy effect. Classic Gray’s greige tone provides versatile warmth.

Use

Zurich White works well for modern spaces seeking a clean backdrop. Classic Gray’s greige adapts well as a whole home neutral.

Paint Finish

Both Zurich White and Classic Gray come in any sheen from matte to high gloss. They allow for beautiful clean finishes.

Zurich White vs. Classic Gray Comparison Chart

Here is an overview of how Zurich White and Classic Gray compare:

Paint Color	Zurich White SW 7626	Classic Gray OC-23
LRV	76	73.67
Undertones	Slightly cool white	Warm grays
Use	Modern spaces	Versatile neutral
Sheen	Any finish	Any finish
Style	Contemporary, modern	Transitional, traditional

Real Photos: Zurich White vs Classic Gray

To better visualize the differences, here are real photos of Zurich White and Classic Gray:

Zurich White

Classic Gray

As shown, Zurich White is much brighter while Classic Gray reads as warmer and more muted. But lighting impacts their appearance significantly.

Should I Choose Zurich White or Classic Gray?

So how do you decide between Zurich White vs Classic Gray for your home? Here are some helpful tips:

Consider Zurich White if you want:

A crisp white with subtle cool undertones
Lots of light reflectance
A clean modern backdrop
To brighten up dark spaces

Consider Classic Gray if you want:

A warmer versatile gray with greige tones
Moderate light reflectance
A whole home neutral
A transitional style backdrop

As with any close paint decision, get samples and test Zurich White and Classic Gray on your walls before deciding.

Both of these popular neutral paint colors create elegant backdrops.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are rooms well-suited to showcasing Zurich White and Classic Gray:

Zurich White SW 7626

Bathrooms
Kitchens
Modern living rooms
Contemporary bedrooms
Dining rooms

Classic Gray OC-23

Living rooms
Dining rooms
Bedrooms
Offices
Entryways
Any room!

Zurich White fits best in clean modern spaces, while versatile Classic Gray works anywhere. Both provide beautiful neutral canvas to build upon.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

Zurich White and Classic Gray create airy, welcoming backdrops. Pair them with these colors:

Zurich White Color Pairings

Sherwin Williams Naval (blue)
Sherwin Williams Black Magic (black)
Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray (gray)
Brass accents

Classic Gray Color Pairings

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (greige)
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal (black)
Benjamin Moore October Mist (green)
Benjamin Moore White Dove (white)

Zurich White vs Classic Gray: Which is Best for Your Home?

So which neutral paint color works best in your home – Zurich White or Classic Gray? Consider the following:

Choose Zurich White if you want:

A crisp white with a hint of coolness
Lots of light reflectance
A clean modern feel
To brighten up dark rooms

Choose Classic Gray if you want:

A greige with warm gray tones
A universally flattering backdrop
A whole home neutral
A versatile transitional style

While Zurich White offers more illumination, Classic Gray provides adaptable warmth. Test them in your lighting before deciding. Either way, you’ll end up with a beautiful neutral canvas for colors.