Approaching Dusk reads as crisp and architectural — strong in modern spaces, with natural fixed elements (chrome, stone, glass), or as a quiet anchor. At LRV 30 it carries real depth without going dark — a good choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Skip it if you want a cozy, warm room — cool neutrals can feel sterile under warm bulbs or in low light.
Ref. #8B97A5 · ICC-103
Approaching Dusk
30%LRV Value
Approaching Dusk Technical Profile
What color is Behr Approaching Dusk (ICC-103)? It's a medium cool gray — hex #8B97A5, LRV 30. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Approaching Dusk is PPG Smoke Grey — a near-identical match on the wall, with Dunn-Edwards Canadian Lake and PPG Coast Of Maine also close. Its LRV of 30 gives Approaching Dusk depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Approaching Dusk pairs with cool whites for trim, gray-toned or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Black accents and natural greenery add contrast. At mid depth, Approaching Dusk grounds a space without darkening it — it holds up on lower walls, kitchen islands, and as a wraparound where a lighter neutral would feel washed out. Cool neutrals hold their crisp quality under 4000K+ daylight bulbs. Under 2700K warm light they soften considerably — particularly true for any blue or green undertone. At mid depth Approaching Dusk holds its character across bulb temperatures, shifting only slightly warm under 2700K and slightly crisper under cool daylight.
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Colors Similar to Approaching Dusk
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Approaching Dusk
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Approaching Dusk
#8B97A5
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8685AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Approaching Dusk
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Approaching Dusk Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar Behr Colors
Other Behr colors close to Approaching Dusk.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Approaching Dusk — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Approaching Dusk from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Approaching Dusk are Smoke Grey by PPG (a near-identical match), Canadian Lake by Dunn-Edwards (a very close match), Coast Of Maine by PPG (a very close match). These are ranked with the CIEDE2000 color-difference formula, which scores how similar two colors actually look to the eye rather than matching them by name — so they're the best options for getting Approaching Dusk's look in a brand your local store carries. Always confirm with a physical sample, since sheen and lighting shift the final result.
What is the LRV of Approaching Dusk?
Approaching Dusk has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 30.3, on a scale where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white. That makes it a mid-depth color with real presence — strong on accent walls, libraries, and rooms with good natural light. LRV is the most reliable guide to how light or dark a paint will read in a real room — more dependable than the swatch on your screen, which varies by monitor.
Explore More with Approaching Dusk
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Paint Sheen Guide
Flat, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss — the right finish for Approaching Dusk depends on the room. Here's how to choose.