Ref. #9D9D9C · C-540
Smoky Tone
34%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Smoky Tone Technical Profile
What color is Smoky Tone? It's a medium neutral gray with the hex code #9D9D9C. Colors similar to Smoky Tone include Behr Gateway Gray, Hirshfield's Smoky Tone, RAL Pearl Light Grey. Smoky Tone has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 34 gives Smoky Tone depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Smoky Tone is a true neutral — pair with any wood, any metal, any trim color. Off-white trim works in most homes; brushed nickel or matte black hardware both read well across spaces. True neutrals read consistently across lighting conditions, which is why they're popular base colors. They inherit a faint warm cast under 2700K and a cool cast under 4000K, but never dramatically.
Colors Similar to Smoky Tone
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Smoky Tone
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Smoky Tone
#9D9D9C
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#99AD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Smoky Tone
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Smoky Tone 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 Vista Paint Colors
Other Vista Paint colors close to Smoky Tone.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Smoky Tone — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Smoky Tone have?
Smoky Tone by Vista Paint has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Smoky Tone from other brands?
The closest matches are Gateway Gray by Behr (#9E9E9D), Smoky Tone by Hirshfield's (#9D9E9D), Pearl Light Grey by RAL (#9C9C9C). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Smoky Tone?
Smoky Tone has an LRV of 33.7, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Smoky Tone
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 Smoky Tone's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.