Ref. #988F85 · 9168
Elephant Ear
28%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Elephant Ear Technical Profile
What color is Elephant Ear? It's a deep warm gray with the hex code #988F85. Colors similar to Elephant Ear include MPC Grayjay, MPC Proseco Polished Pewter, PPG Eiffel Tower. Elephant Ear has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 28 gives Elephant Ear depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Elephant Ear 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 Elephant Ear
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Elephant Ear
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Elephant Ear
#988F85
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#ACAD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Elephant Ear
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Elephant Ear 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 Elephant Ear.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Elephant Ear — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Elephant Ear have?
Elephant Ear by Sherwin-Williams has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Elephant Ear from other brands?
The closest matches are Grayjay by MPC (#999085), Proseco Polished Pewter by MPC (#999087), Eiffel Tower by PPG (#998E83). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Elephant Ear?
Elephant Ear has an LRV of 28.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Elephant Ear
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 Elephant Ear's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.