Ref. #A6978A · 1020-5
Earl Gray
32%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Earl Gray Technical Profile
What color is Earl Gray? It's a medium warm gray with the hex code #A6978A. Colors similar to Earl Gray include Behr Studio Taupe, Sherwin-Williams Sticks & Stones, Hirshfield's Rain Barrel. Earl Gray has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 32 gives Earl Gray depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Earl Gray pairs with off-whites for trim, white oak or walnut floors, and brass or warm brushed nickel hardware. Deep green, navy, or terra-cotta all read well as accent colors. Warm neutrals come alive under 2700K bulbs, where their underlying yellow or peach undertones add visible warmth. Under 4000K daylight they read cleaner and slightly cooler.
Colors Similar to Earl Gray
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Earl Gray
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Earl Gray
#A6978A
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#ADAC85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Earl Gray
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Earl 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 PPG Colors
Other PPG colors close to Earl 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.
Earl Gray — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Earl Gray have?
Earl Gray by PPG has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Earl Gray from other brands?
The closest matches are Studio Taupe by Behr (#A5978A), Sticks & Stones by Sherwin-Williams (#A49689), Rain Barrel by Hirshfield's (#A49688). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Earl Gray?
Earl Gray has an LRV of 32.1, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Earl 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 Earl Gray's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.