Ref. #ACAD97 · 6178
Clary Sage
41%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Clary Sage Technical Profile
What color is Clary Sage? It's a medium warm gray with the hex code #ACAD97. Colors similar to Clary Sage include MPC Cushion Moss, Valspar Cool Pine, PPG Photo Gray. Clary Sage has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 41 gives Clary Sage depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Clary Sage 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 Clary Sage
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Clary Sage
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Clary Sage
#ACAD97
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#97AD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Clary Sage
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Clary Sage 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 Clary Sage.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Clary Sage — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Clary Sage have?
Clary Sage by Sherwin-Williams has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Clary Sage from other brands?
The closest matches are Cushion Moss by MPC (#ABAD99), Cool Pine by Valspar (#A9AB94), Photo Gray by PPG (#AEAD96). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Clary Sage?
Clary Sage has an LRV of 40.9, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Clary Sage
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 Clary Sage's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.