Ref. #979D9A · DEC789
Light Gray
33%LRV Value
Cool (Green)Undertone
Light Gray Technical Profile
What color is Light Gray? It's a medium cool gray with the hex code #979D9A. Colors similar to Light Gray include Behr Puddle, Behr Brampton Gray, Sherwin-Williams Earl Grey. Light Gray has a cool (green) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 33 gives Light Gray depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Light Gray 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. 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.
Colors Similar to Light Gray
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Light Gray
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Light Gray
#979D9A
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#85ADAD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Light Gray
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Light Gray 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 Dunn-Edwards Colors
Other Dunn-Edwards colors close to Light Gray.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Light Gray — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Light Gray have?
Light Gray by Dunn-Edwards has a cool (green) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Light Gray from other brands?
The closest matches are Puddle by Behr (#969D9B), Brampton Gray by Behr (#9BA19E), Earl Grey by Sherwin-Williams (#969A96). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Light Gray?
Light Gray has an LRV of 33.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Light Gray
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.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Light Gray's cool (green) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.