Ref. #939899 · 9162
African Gray
31%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
African Gray Technical Profile
What color is African Gray? It's a medium cool gray with the hex code #939899. Colors similar to African Gray include Benjamin Moore Tucker Gray, Behr Tavern Taupe, Valspar Chrome. African Gray has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 31 gives African Gray depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, African 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 African Gray
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With African Gray
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
African Gray
#939899
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8592AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for African Gray
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
African 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 Sherwin-Williams Colors
Other Sherwin-Williams colors close to African 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.
African Gray — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does African Gray have?
African Gray by Sherwin-Williams has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match African Gray from other brands?
The closest matches are Tucker Gray by Benjamin Moore (#919799), Tavern Taupe by Behr (#969A9B), Chrome by Valspar (#959B9E). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of African Gray?
African Gray has an LRV of 31.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with African 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 African Gray's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.