Ref. #9C8F83 · 14-02
Nut Shell
28%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Nut Shell Technical Profile
What color is Nut Shell? It's a deep warm gray with the hex code #9C8F83. Colors similar to Nut Shell include Valspar State of Mind, Sherwin-Williams Chatura Gray, Vista Paint Old English Castle. Nut Shell has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 28 gives Nut Shell depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Nut Shell 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 Nut Shell
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Nut Shell
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Nut Shell
#9C8F83
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#ADAD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Nut Shell
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Nut Shell 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 Nut Shell.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Nut Shell — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Nut Shell have?
Nut Shell by PPG has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Nut Shell from other brands?
The closest matches are State of Mind by Valspar (#9C8E83), Chatura Gray by Sherwin-Williams (#A09287), Old English Castle by Vista Paint (#978B80). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Nut Shell?
Nut Shell has an LRV of 28.4, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Nut Shell
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 Nut Shell's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.