Smokey Lilac reads as crisp and architectural — strong in modern spaces, with natural fixed elements (chrome, stone, glass), or as a quiet anchor. At LRV 34 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. #9A9DA2 · PPU26-20
Smokey Lilac
34%LRV Value
Smokey Lilac Technical Profile
What color is Behr Smokey Lilac (PPU26-20)? It's a medium cool gray — hex #9A9DA2, LRV 34. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Smokey Lilac is Dunn-Edwards Gray Wolf — a near-identical match on the wall, with Valspar Lionfish and Dunn-Edwards Digital Nomad also close. Its LRV of 34 gives Smokey Lilac depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Smokey Lilac 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, Smokey Lilac 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 Smokey Lilac holds its character across bulb temperatures, shifting only slightly warm under 2700K and slightly crisper under cool daylight.
Use this color
Get this color
Some sample and supply links are affiliate links — if you buy through them, Paint Color HQ may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the site free.
Colors Similar to Smokey Lilac
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Smokey Lilac
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Smokey Lilac
#9A9DA2
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8A85AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Smokey Lilac
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Smokey Lilac 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 Smokey Lilac.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Smokey Lilac — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Smokey Lilac from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Smokey Lilac are Gray Wolf by Dunn-Edwards (a near-identical match), Lionfish by Valspar (a near-identical match), Digital Nomad by Dunn-Edwards (a near-identical 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 Smokey Lilac'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 Smokey Lilac?
Smokey Lilac has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 33.6, 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 Smokey Lilac
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 Smokey Lilac depends on the room. Here's how to choose.