Institute Gray is a medium, warm gray — balanced in tone, with minimal undertones. With an LRV of 53, it works as a versatile whole-home neutral for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. Sherwin-Williams offers Classic French Gray as a near-identical match, while PPG's Downpour is also very similar. It pairs well with crisp whites for contrast and warm metallics like brass or gold for cohesion.
Suggested Color Palettes
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Closest Matches from Other Brands
Closest digital match based on color values. Pigments and finishes differ between brands — always verify with physical samples.