Ref. #5E686D · 1038-6
Lava Gray
13%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Lava Gray Technical Profile
What color is Lava Gray? It's a deep cool gray with the hex code #5E686D. Colors similar to Lava Gray include Kilz Murky Depths, Benjamin Moore Powell Gray, Benjamin Moore Ocean Floor. Lava Gray has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 13, Lava Gray 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, Lava 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 Lava Gray
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Lava Gray
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Lava Gray
#5E686D
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#666E98
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Lava Gray
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Lava 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 Lava 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.
Lava Gray — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Lava Gray have?
Lava Gray by PPG has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Lava Gray from other brands?
The closest matches are Murky Depths by Kilz (#5F676C), Powell Gray by Benjamin Moore (#5B666D), Ocean Floor by Benjamin Moore (#60676D). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Lava Gray?
Lava Gray has an LRV of 13.4, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Lava 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 Lava Gray's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.