Ref. #696D6B · RL260
Old Key
15%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Old Key Technical Profile
What color is Old Key? It's a deep cool gray with the hex code #696D6B. Colors similar to Old Key include Behr Simple Silhouette, Behr Magnet, PPG Up In Smoke. Old Key has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 15, Old Key creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a cool neutral, Old Key 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 Old Key
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Old Key
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Old Key
#696D6B
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#6C9D9D
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Old Key
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Old Key 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 Kilz Colors
Other Kilz colors close to Old Key.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Old Key — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Old Key have?
Old Key by Kilz has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Old Key from other brands?
The closest matches are Simple Silhouette by Behr (#676E6D), Magnet by Behr (#6D6F6E), Up In Smoke by PPG (#6E706D). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Old Key?
Old Key has an LRV of 15.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Old Key
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 Old Key's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.