Ref. #969A96 · 7660
Earl Grey
32%LRV Value
Cool (Green)Undertone
Earl Grey Technical Profile
What color is Earl Grey? It's a medium cool gray with the hex code #969A96. Colors similar to Earl Grey include Dunn-Edwards Light Gray, Benjamin Moore Rainstorm, RAL Signal Grey. Earl Grey has a cool (green) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 32 gives Earl 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, Earl 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. 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 Earl Grey
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Earl Grey
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Earl Grey
#969A96
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#85AD99
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Earl Grey
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Earl 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 Sherwin-Williams Colors
Other Sherwin-Williams colors close to Earl 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.
Earl Grey — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Earl Grey have?
Earl Grey by Sherwin-Williams has a cool (green) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Earl Grey from other brands?
The closest matches are Light Gray by Dunn-Edwards (#979D9A), Rainstorm by Benjamin Moore (#939692), Signal Grey by RAL (#969992). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Earl Grey?
Earl Grey has an LRV of 31.8, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Earl 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.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Earl Grey's cool (green) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.