Smoke Grey reads as crisp and architectural — strong in modern spaces, with natural fixed elements (chrome, stone, glass), or as a quiet anchor. At LRV 29 it carries real depth without going dark — a good choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Skip it if you want a cozy, warm room — cool neutrals can feel sterile under warm bulbs or in low light.
Ref. #8995A1 · 90BG 30/073
Smoke Grey
29%LRV Value
Smoke Grey Technical Profile
What color is PPG Smoke Grey (90BG 30/073)? It's a deep cool gray — hex #8995A1, LRV 29. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Smoke Grey is Behr Approaching Dusk — a near-identical match on the wall, with Valspar Stormy Skies and Vista Paint In Good Taste also close. Its LRV of 29 gives Smoke Grey depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Smoke Grey 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. As a deeper neutral, Smoke Grey reads as a confident anchor — strongest on accent walls, cabinetry, and moody whole rooms that get enough natural light to keep it from going flat. 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. Deeper neutrals can read close to black in low light, so preview Smoke Grey in the room's actual evening lighting, not just at midday.
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Colors Similar to Smoke Grey
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Smoke Grey
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Smoke Grey
#8995A1
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8585AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Smoke Grey
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Smoke Grey 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 Smoke Grey.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Smoke Grey — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Smoke Grey from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Smoke Grey are Approaching Dusk by Behr (a near-identical match), Stormy Skies by Valspar (a near-identical match), In Good Taste by Vista Paint (a near-identical match). These are ranked with the CIEDE2000 color-difference formula, which scores how similar two colors actually look to the eye rather than matching them by name — so they're the best options for getting Smoke Grey's look in a brand your local store carries. Always confirm with a physical sample, since sheen and lighting shift the final result.
What is the LRV of Smoke Grey?
Smoke Grey has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 29.4, on a scale where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white. That makes it a mid-depth color with real presence — strong on accent walls, libraries, and rooms with good natural light. LRV is the most reliable guide to how light or dark a paint will read in a real room — more dependable than the swatch on your screen, which varies by monitor.
Explore More with Smoke Grey
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.
Paint Sheen Guide
Flat, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss — the right finish for Smoke Grey depends on the room. Here's how to choose.