Ref. #777F86 · 2819
Downing Slate
21%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Downing Slate Technical Profile
What color is Downing Slate? It's a deep cool gray with the hex code #777F86. Colors similar to Downing Slate include Benjamin Moore Wolf Gray, Benjamin Moore Smoke Gray, Valspar Elephant Gray. Downing Slate has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 21, Downing Slate creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a cool neutral, Downing Slate 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 Downing Slate
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Downing Slate
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Downing Slate
#777F86
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8385AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Downing Slate
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Downing Slate 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 Downing Slate.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Downing Slate — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Downing Slate have?
Downing Slate by Sherwin-Williams has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Downing Slate from other brands?
The closest matches are Wolf Gray by Benjamin Moore (#737D84), Smoke Gray by Benjamin Moore (#767C83), Elephant Gray by Valspar (#7B8189). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Downing Slate?
Downing Slate has an LRV of 20.8, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Downing Slate
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 Downing Slate's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.