Tempered Gray

Technical Profile

What color is Tempered Gray? It's a very light warm gray with the hex code #D6D5D0. Colors similar to Tempered Gray include Benjamin Moore Whisper, Vista Paint Ice Age, Vista Paint Old Grey Mare. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Tempered Gray has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Tempered Gray (#D6D5D0) by Valspar is a very light gray paint color with a understated, nearly neutral quality. It delivers an airy, open feeling that maximizes the sense of space in any room. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. Its RGB channels are closely balanced, contributing to its neutral, even-keeled visual character. With a Light Reflectance Value of 83, it reflects the vast majority of light, helping smaller rooms feel more spacious. As a near-white neutral, this shade is one of the most versatile wall colors available — ideal for ceilings, trim, open floor plans, and any room where you want maximum light and a clean canvas for furnishings. An eggshell or matte finish works well at this lightness, hiding minor wall imperfections while still being easy to wipe clean. Because Tempered Gray carries warm undertones, it pairs naturally with other warm neutrals, creamy whites, and earthy accents like terracotta or caramel. Its neutral undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Valspar is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Benjamin Moore, Vista Paint and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Tempered Gray evokes the soft glow of morning sunlight, creating a gentle, optimistic ambiance. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for virtually every design style from minimalist Japandi to rustic farmhouse to sleek contemporary. As part of the Valspar palette, Tempered Gray benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. High-LRV colors like Tempered Gray are forgiving in most lighting conditions, but they can pick up reflected color from adjacent walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces, so evaluate samples in situ. Very light shades can sometimes read as stark white on small swatches — viewing a larger area in your intended space reveals the true character of the color. Pair this shade with natural linen, light oak, rattan, and marble for a fresh, layered look, or contrast it with dark walnut and wrought iron for more definition. You can order Tempered Gray (4004-1A) directly from Valspar or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.