Ref. #CECAC1 · 1007-2
Swirling Smoke
59%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Swirling Smoke Technical Profile
What color is Swirling Smoke? It's a light warm gray with the hex code #CECAC1. Colors similar to Swirling Smoke include MPC Metro Gray, Benjamin Moore Apparition, Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray. Swirling Smoke has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. At LRV 59, Swirling Smoke sits in the comfortable mid-light range — bright enough for living areas yet soft enough for bedrooms, and adaptable across most lighting conditions. As a warm neutral, Swirling Smoke 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 Swirling Smoke
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Swirling Smoke
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Swirling Smoke
#CECAC1
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#A6AD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Swirling Smoke
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Swirling Smoke 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 Swirling Smoke.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Swirling Smoke — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Swirling Smoke have?
Swirling Smoke by PPG has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Swirling Smoke from other brands?
The closest matches are Metro Gray by MPC (#CECAC0), Apparition by Benjamin Moore (#CDC9BF), Repose Gray by Sherwin-Williams (#CCC9C0). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Swirling Smoke?
Swirling Smoke has an LRV of 59.2, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Swirling Smoke
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 Swirling Smoke's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.