Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray

Dorian Gray by Sherwin Williams is a neutral gray paint color that is not too dark nor too light. It’s an extremely popular color, making it one of Sherwin Williams’ best sellers. We used this paint color in several places in our farmhouse. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Dorian Gray and find out what makes it so special. So keep reading for all the details on this fabulous paint color!

What is the LRV of Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray?

Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray has an LRV(light reflectance value ) of 39. The spectrum is from 0 to 100 with 0 being black and 100 being pure white. Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray is a soft, medium-toned paint color. Some medium paint colors carry lots of visual weight, but Doran Gray is closer to the light-medium range. If you are looking for a lighter color, we have an article on all of our favorite light gray paint colors.

What are the Undertones of Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray?

Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray has several undertones. According to the location of the paint color, it could pick up a trace of purple, a bit of brown, and maybe even green. From experience, I found that the green undertones come more from when it is used on the exterior of the home around lots of greenery.

Grays tend to have sneaky undertones that may change throughout the day in a different light. Dorian Gray is a color that will tend to look cooler in lots of natural light. While using it in a room or area with no windows or not much natural light, it looks much warmer.

For instance, in our previous home, we used Dorian Gray on our mudroom lockers and kitchen island. During the day the home was well-lit with natural light which gave the lockers and island a much lighter feel, even pulling a little blue, while during the evening it looked like a much warmer gray.

Is Dorian Gray a True Gray?

Sherwin Williams is a medium, neutral gray. It is part of the greige family. This means it is a color between beige and gray. This being said it is on the gray end of the greige spectrum.

• neutral color
• pairs well with other warm, neutral colors
• has depth, but is not too dark

Cons

• carries several different undertones in a different light
• a lot of natural light can cause it to look more cool than warm

Similar Colors to Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray

Repose Gray is another popular paint color and one that is very close to Dorian Gray, but a couple of shades lighter. If you like the look of Dorian Gray but want to go lighter and airier, Repose Gray would be perfect. It is still warm but does have a higher LRV of 58.

Another similar color is Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray. It is a warm gray and only one shade lighter than Dorian Gray with an LRV of 48. It is basically a medium greige color that is also very neutral.

Best Places to Use Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray

Dorian Gray is a paint color that is very neutral and could be used on both the interior and exterior. It is a neutral greige color that is flexible when paired with other colors and also inviting. Keep in mind it does have an LRV of 39 meaning it will have some light reflectance when used in certain areas with lots of natural light. This can change the look of the color.

Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray is a great paint color to use on kitchen cabinets, built-ins, mudroom lockers, and even kitchen islands. I love using it in areas and places where you want a mid-toned color, but nothing too dark or light. It’s a color that pairs well with warm white walls and lighter trim. It has a warm and inviting feeling that will make you feel at ease the moment you walk into the room. If you are considering a medium-toned gray, this color is definitely one you should consider.

Our Favorite Paint Sprayer

Our favorite paint sprayer, hands down, is the Magnum X7 Cart Airless Paint Sprayer. This tool is a game-changer for anyone tackling large painting projects. What makes it stand out is its ability to deliver a flawless finish with incredible efficiency. Whether you’re painting walls, ceilings, or even exterior surfaces, the Magnum X7’s powerful motor and adjustable pressure control allow for precise application, reducing overspray and saving on paint.

The added mobility of the cart design makes it easy to move around, ensuring you can cover every inch of your space with ease. It’s perfect for both DIY enthusiasts and seasoned professionals, making every project feel less like a chore and more like a creative endeavor.

Sample Before You Paint

Before you invest money in gallons of paint, it’s extremely important that you sample several paint color options first. You can do it the old-fashioned way, which is time-consuming and messy. Or you can use Samplize to order large peel-and-stick paint samples with accurate color representation.