Ref. #90979B · 7664
Steely Gray
30%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
Steely Gray Technical Profile
What color is Steely Gray? It's a medium cool gray with the hex code #90979B. Colors similar to Steely Gray include PPG Steeple Gray, PPG Pachyderm, Benjamin Moore Tucker Gray. Steely Gray has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 30 gives Steely 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, Steely 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 Steely Gray
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Steely Gray
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Steely Gray
#90979B
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#858AAD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Steely Gray
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Steely 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 Steely 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.
Steely Gray — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Steely Gray have?
Steely Gray by Sherwin-Williams has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Steely Gray from other brands?
The closest matches are Steeple Gray by PPG (#8E9598), Pachyderm by PPG (#8F989D), Tucker Gray by Benjamin Moore (#919799). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Steely Gray?
Steely Gray has an LRV of 30.4, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Steely 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 Steely Gray's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.