Searching for a neutral paint color that just works everywhere? Sherwin Williams Worldly Gray SW 7043 is a warm greige—think gray and beige blended together—that gives your home a super flexible backdrop. So many people gravitate toward this color when white feels too sterile, but darker shades feel a bit much.
What sets Worldly Gray apart is how it shifts all day long. Sometimes it looks grayer, sometimes it leans beige, depending on the light. That chameleon vibe means it just fits in with your space instead of clashing.
Here, you’ll find the basics on this color: how it acts in different rooms, what goes with it, and how lighting changes the look. There are even real-life examples and some side-by-sides with similar shades.
Key Takeaways
- Worldly Gray is a warm greige with green undertones and handles most lighting really well
- Its LRV sits around 57-58, so it’s light enough for dim rooms but has enough depth to feel cozy
- It pairs with both warm and cool accents, so you can mix up your style easily
What Color Is Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043?
Worldly Gray blends gray and beige into a warm, neutral greige. It also has some specific technical color values that help nail down its vibe.
Color Family
Worldly Gray belongs in the greige family. Basically, it’s a mix of gray and beige for a soft, warm neutral.
On the color wheel, it hangs out in the yellow hue family, with a 2.5 Y classification. That’s where those subtle warm undertones come from.
To most eyes, Worldly Gray looks more beige than straight gray. That little bit of beige makes spaces feel cozy and welcoming.
People call this a chameleon paint for a reason—it shifts depending on your lighting and what other colors you put nearby.
It’s a solid neutral for all sorts of decorating styles. You can use it pretty much anywhere.
Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)
Worldly Gray’s LRV is 57. (That’s Light Reflectance Value, if you’re wondering.)
With an LRV of 57, it bounces a decent amount of light around. Not too dark, not blindingly bright—just right for most spots.
Its chroma value is 0.89, so it’s pretty muted. No wild, vibrant tones here.
The value rating is 7.96 out of 10, putting it in the medium-light zone.
These numbers might seem a little technical, but they help you predict how the color will act in your home. That moderate LRV means you don’t have to stress about lighting too much.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 Undertones
Worldly Gray brings warm undertones that make rooms feel cozy. Those warm hints keep it from ever feeling cold or harsh.
This paint definitely sits in the greige category—it’s that perfect mix of gray and beige.
When light hits your walls, you’ll spot subtle beige and taupe undertones. These can shift as the light changes during the day.
Key undertone traits:
- Warm beige peeking through
- Hints of taupe
- Greige blend
- Keeps things from getting chilly
The warm undertones make Worldly Gray a better pick than some of those icy grays. Use it in rooms that need a softer, more lived-in feel.
Lighting totally changes the undertones. Natural light brings out the beige most clearly.
With artificial lighting, warm bulbs push the beige undertones even further.
Thanks to these undertones, Worldly Gray works with both warm and cool accent colors. Decorating gets way easier.
Honestly, the warm undertones are a big reason people love this color. It just feels more inviting than a lot of neutrals.
How Does Lighting Affect Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043?
Worldly Gray acts like a chameleon—it changes depending on your lighting. North-facing rooms, south-facing rooms, even your bulbs, all tweak how warm or cool it feels.
Natural Lighting
The direction your room faces totally changes Worldly Gray. North-facing rooms get cooler light, so the color reads more gray.
South-facing rooms? Lots of warm, bright light, so the beige undertones come out and the space feels cozier.
East-facing rooms start with bright morning light, then cool down later. You’ll see Worldly Gray shift from warm to cool as the sun moves.
West-facing rooms do the opposite—cooler mornings, warmer afternoons. The color follows suit.
How much natural light you get matters too. Big windows show off Worldly Gray’s true personality. Small, dark rooms mute it a bit.
Artificial Lighting
Your bulbs make a difference at night. Warm LEDs (2700K-3000K) really pull out the beige undertones and make things feel extra welcoming.
Cool LEDs (4000K-5000K) push the gray to the front, so the walls look more crisp and modern.
If you use fluorescent lights, Worldly Gray can look flat or kind of washed out. Swapping to LEDs helps a lot.
With dimmers, you control the mood. Bright light shows the color as it is. Dimmed lighting softens it and warms things up.
Even where you put your lamps matters. Table and floor lamps create warm pools of light that highlight those beige notes.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 LRV 57 (Light Reflectance Value)
Worldly Gray’s LRV clocks in at 57, putting it in the medium-light range. This number tells you how bright or dark it’ll look on your walls.
What Is LRV?
LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, measures how much visible light a paint color bounces back into a room.
The scale runs from 0 (black, no light reflected) to 100 (white, all light reflected).
Higher LRV colors make rooms feel bigger and brighter. Lower LRV shades cozy things up and darken the vibe.
Most paint colors fall somewhere between LRV 5 and LRV 90. The middle is around 50.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 LRV Range
Worldly Gray sits at 57 on the light reflectance scale—just above the middle.
That means it reflects a fair amount of light, so rooms feel bright but not blinding. It won’t ever feel too harsh.
In north-facing rooms with less light, it still feels bright enough. In south-facing rooms, it doesn’t get washed out.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 Coordinating Colors
Worldly Gray plays well with crisp whites like Alabaster, deeper grays such as Dorian Gray, and soft blues like Rain. These combos balance out the greige undertones and don’t compete for attention.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster and Worldly Gray make a classic, easy pairing that always feels fresh. Alabaster’s LRV is 82, so it’s a bright, warm white with plenty of contrast.
In open floor plans, try Alabaster on trim, ceilings, or even an accent wall, then keep Worldly Gray on the main surfaces.
The two together really highlight the beige in Worldly Gray. Alabaster keeps things from feeling chilly or clinical.
People love this combo in kitchens—think Worldly Gray cabinets, Alabaster walls. It also works in living rooms where you want calm but not boring.
Dorian Gray SW 7017
Dorian Gray is a deeper, more sophisticated gray that contrasts nicely with Worldly Gray’s lighter tone. Its LRV is 36, so it stands out without being too dramatic.
Use Dorian Gray for an accent wall or built-ins while the rest of the room stays Worldly Gray.
They share similar undertones, so they blend together naturally. The result is a layered, monochromatic look that feels intentional.
This combo shines in bedrooms or offices. Dorian Gray adds depth, but Worldly Gray keeps the space from feeling heavy.
Rain SW 6219
Rain brings in a soft blue that complements Worldly Gray’s green undertones. With an LRV of 70, it’s lighter and a bit airier.
The blue in Rain balances out any extra warmth in Worldly Gray, so the space feels more neutral overall.
Try this pairing in bathrooms or bedrooms for a calming, spa-like vibe. Rain works well on accent walls or in nearby rooms.
The combo feels a little coastal, but not in-your-face. It’s relaxed and easygoing, which is what most people want.
Trim Colors for Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043
Worldly Gray pairs up with crisp white trim colors that make its greige tones pop. Three top choices give you clean contrast and match those subtle undertones.
Pure White SW 7005
Pure White gives you a sharp, bright contrast with Worldly Gray’s warmth. It doesn’t have yellow or gray undertones, so there’s no weird clashing.
The contrast really shows off your trim and architecture. Door frames, baseboards, and crown molding all stand out against the greige.
Pure White is especially nice in sunlit rooms. Its brightness balances Worldly Gray’s LRV without harsh lines.
Key benefits:
- Crisp, clean lines
- No undertone drama
- Works for modern or classic styles
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this pair. Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways—they all look great.
Extra White SW 7006
Extra White is a touch softer than Pure White but still offers plenty of contrast. It’s got just a hint of warmth, so it plays nicely with Worldly Gray’s beige undertones.
That subtle warmth keeps the trim from feeling too harsh or cold. Your walls and trim feel like they belong together.
Extra White is probably the most popular trim color for Worldly Gray. Designers love how balanced and welcoming it looks.
Why it works:
- Soft warmth matches Worldly Gray
- Not as stark as Pure White
- Makes spaces feel comfortable
This combo is perfect for entryways with natural light. Both colors have warm undertones, so the look is super harmonious.
Alabaster SW 7008
Alabaster brings the warmest tone out of these three whites. This creamy shade has gentle beige undertones that remind me of Worldly Gray’s greige vibe.
Those similar undertones mean you get a softer contrast than you’d see with bright whites. Trim still pops, but the whole room feels more relaxed and easygoing.
I find Alabaster shines in spaces with cooler lighting. North-facing rooms, especially, get a cozy boost from this trim color.
Best features:
- Creamy, warm undertones
- Subtle contrast for a softer look
- Ideal for cooler lighting conditions
This combo makes rooms feel extra inviting. Bedrooms and family spaces turn more intimate thanks to that gentle wall-to-trim difference.
Real World Examples of Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 in Different Spaces
Worldly Gray works in nearly every room—spa-like bathrooms, elegant kitchen cabinets, you name it. This versatile greige handles different lighting and pairs with both warm and cool colors.
Bathrooms
Worldly Gray instantly calms down a bathroom. It looks especially good with white fixtures and marble counters.
Bathrooms with lots of daylight make this greige look lighter. If you’ve got north-facing windows, you might notice a hint of green in the color.
Popular bathroom combinations include:
- White subway tile with Worldly Gray walls
- Marble vanities paired with this greige
- Chrome or brushed nickel fixtures
Small flaws on the wall? Worldly Gray hides them pretty well. I like it for powder rooms that need to feel a bit fancy.
Try satin or semi-gloss finish in bathrooms. Those finishes stand up better to moisture than flat paint.
Bedrooms
Worldly Gray makes bedrooms feel cozy, but not dark. Its warm undertones help you relax at night.
I’ve seen master bedrooms look downright elegant with this color on every wall. White trim keeps things classic.
Bedroom styling tips:
- Use white or cream bedding to brighten the space
- Add warm wood furniture for contrast
- Include soft lighting to enhance the cozy feel
Kids’ rooms also look great with this neutral. You can toss in colorful art and accessories without clashing.
Worldly Gray shifts as the day goes on. Mornings bring out more beige, evenings lean into the gray.
Front Doors
Paint your front door Worldly Gray and you get a super welcoming vibe. It works with all sorts of home styles.
Best exterior combinations:
- White or cream siding
- Natural stone or brick
- Black shutters and hardware
This color looks classy on traditional houses. Modern farmhouse or contemporary? Still works.
Pick an exterior paint meant for doors. Semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes hold up best.
Keep your home’s fixed features in mind when choosing. Worldly Gray looks great with both warm and cool bricks.
Home Offices
Worldly Gray sets a professional, comfortable tone in a workspace. The neutral shade won’t steal your focus.
Small home offices benefit too. It makes the area feel bigger, but doesn’t go too stark or cold.
Office design ideas:
- Pair with white built-in shelves
- Add warm wood desk furniture
- Use brass or black hardware accents
It photographs well for video calls—clean, not boring. North-facing offices might show more green, while south-facing ones look warmer and grayer.
Houses
If you paint your whole house in Worldly Gray, rooms flow together nicely. Open floor plans especially benefit from this approach.
Buying paint in bulk for several rooms can save you money. Plus, it makes decorating a lot simpler.
Whole house benefits:
- Creates seamless transitions between spaces
- Makes small homes feel larger
- Provides neutral backdrop for all your furniture
Every room’s lighting brings out something different in the color. Kitchens might look more beige, living rooms might seem grayer.
Mix up the paint sheens by room. Go semi-gloss for bathrooms, eggshell for bedrooms.
Kitchen Cabinets
Worldly Gray cabinets never seem to go out of style. This shade plays well with both light and dark counters.
Popular cabinet combinations:
- White quartz countertops
- Marble backsplashes
- Stainless steel appliances
- Brass or black cabinet hardware
Fingerprints and daily messes don’t show up as much as they do on pure white cabinets. Less scrubbing and fewer touch-ups? Yes, please.
Use semi-gloss or high-gloss paint on cabinets for durability and easy cleaning. For a trendy look, try Worldly Gray on the island and white on the rest of the cabinets.
Living Rooms
Living rooms in Worldly Gray feel sophisticated and inviting. The color sets a perfect neutral stage for your favorite furniture and art.
Decorate with any accent colors you love. The greige base goes with both warm and cool tones—no stress.
Living room styling options:
- Navy blue and white accents for classic look
- Warm browns and creams for cozy feel
- Black and white for modern contrast
Big living rooms with lots of daylight really show off this color. During the day, it feels lighter and more open.
Evenings bring out the warmer side, making the space cozy for winding down. Pay attention to which way your room faces—east-facing rooms change a lot from morning to night.
Comparing Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 to Similar Colors
Worldly Gray has a lot in common with other popular Sherwin Williams grays, but it stands out for its saturation and undertones. It’s more saturated than lighter picks like Repose Gray, yet keeps those inviting warm undertones you see in Agreeable Gray.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 vs Agreeable Gray SW 7029
Agreeable Gray is super popular and shares Worldly Gray’s warmth. Both work great as greige blends of gray and beige.
Their Light Reflectance Values (LRV) set them apart. Agreeable Gray sits at 60—lighter than Worldly Gray’s 57.
Agreeable Gray usually looks more neutral, while Worldly Gray brings a touch more depth. If your room doesn’t get much sunlight, Agreeable Gray might be the safer bet. Worldly Gray adds richness without going too dark.
Both colors have green undertones that sometimes peek out depending on the light. They’re both solid choices for open floor plans where you want everything to flow.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 vs Anew Gray SW 7030
Anew Gray feels cooler compared to Worldly Gray’s warmth. You’ll notice Anew Gray leans toward true gray, skipping the beige notes.
The undertones really set these apart. Anew Gray’s got blue-gray hints, while Worldly Gray sticks to its green-beige base.
Anew Gray fits modern spaces with crisp lines. Worldly Gray works for traditional or transitional rooms needing a little warmth.
They’re about equal in depth, but Anew Gray feels more current. Worldly Gray makes family spaces feel more inviting.
Go for Anew Gray in north-facing rooms where cool light won’t fight with warm undertones. Worldly Gray shines in south-facing spaces with lots of sun.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 vs Repose Gray SW 7015
Repose Gray is noticeably lighter, with an LRV of 58. That’s why it’s a go-to for folks worried about a space feeling dark.
Worldly Gray comes across more saturated and rich; Repose Gray stays subtle and quiet. Repose Gray is great for small spaces where you need all the light you can get. Worldly Gray fits bigger rooms that can handle a bit more color depth.
Both have warm undertones, but Repose Gray’s are less obvious. Worldly Gray’s undertones shift more with the light.
Repose Gray is a breeze to decorate around since it’s so neutral. With Worldly Gray, you’ll want to think about your existing furniture and decor colors.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 vs Useful Gray SW 7050
Useful Gray really does live up to its name as a versatile neutral. Like Worldly Gray, it works in all sorts of rooms and lighting.
The temperature is where they differ. Useful Gray is cooler; Worldly Gray is firmly in the warm gray camp.
They have similar LRVs, so neither will make a room feel too dark or glaring. Useful Gray matches better with cool-toned decor, while Worldly Gray naturally pairs with warm woods and brass.
Neither one has those pesky purple or blue undertones that can ruin a gray paint. That makes them reliable choices if you worry about weird color shifts.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 vs Amazing Gray SW 7044
Amazing Gray sits right next to Worldly Gray on the Sherwin Williams chart. They’re neighbors, so they share a bunch of traits but aren’t quite the same.
Amazing Gray is a tad lighter and less saturated. The difference is subtle, but you’ll see it on big walls.
Both have those warm undertones and suit similar design styles. Amazing Gray feels softer, Worldly Gray has a little more oomph.
You can even use them together—Amazing Gray for trim or an accent, Worldly Gray for main walls.
Choosing between them? It’s really about how much color intensity you want. Amazing Gray is for subtlety, Worldly Gray is for a bit more personality.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 vs Gossamer Veil SW 9165
Gossamer Veil is a much lighter alternative with a higher light reflectance. That makes it better for certain rooms and uses.
Saturation is the big difference here. Gossamer Veil is subtle, Worldly Gray has more presence.
Gossamer Veil works as a neutral backdrop that won’t fight with bold art or furniture. Worldly Gray can be a color statement all on its own.
It’s harder to spot undertones in Gossamer Veil because it’s so light. Worldly Gray’s undertones really shine through and give it character.
Neither color has the usual gray paint problems—no purple or blue surprises. Gossamer Veil offers maximum versatility, while Worldly Gray brings more flavor to your room.
Complementary Colors to Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043
Worldly Gray teams up nicely with both warm and cool accent colors. Earthy greens like Ripe Olive or bold blues like Naval can really make a space feel sophisticated but still welcoming.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 with Ripe Olive SW 6209
Ripe Olive brings a natural warmth to Worldly Gray walls. This earthy green gives any room a cozy, organic vibe.
Living rooms and bedrooms benefit from this combo. Try Ripe Olive on an accent wall, and keep Worldly Gray on the other three walls for balance.
For furniture, you might want:
- Cream or ivory sofas to brighten things up
- Natural wood pieces like oak or walnut
- White or off-white curtains for some contrast
This pairing shines in rooms with lots of natural light. The green and gray together remind me of nature and just feel calm.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 with Rainwashed SW 6211
Rainwashed is a soft blue-green that makes Worldly Gray feel fresh and clean. It works especially well in bathrooms and kitchens.
Rainwashed’s cool tone balances Worldly Gray’s warmth. The space ends up looking bigger and brighter with this duo.
Try Rainwashed on cabinets or as an accent color. Keep Worldly Gray on the main walls for a neutral foundation.
Best rooms for this combo:
- Coastal-style bathrooms
- Kitchen islands and cabinets
- Home offices that need calm energy
White trim and fixtures finish the look. The whole thing creates a spa-like feeling—who doesn’t want that?
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 with Coral Clay SW 9005
Coral Clay brings warmth and energy to Worldly Gray spaces. This peachy-orange shade creates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Use Coral Clay sparingly as an accent. If you go overboard, it’ll overpower the calm of Worldly Gray.
Great ways to add Coral Clay:
- Throw pillows and blankets
- Artwork and decorative pieces
- One accent wall in a dining room
- Cabinet interiors for a pop of color
This combo comes alive in social spaces like dining rooms and family rooms. Coral adds life to the neutral gray without getting too loud.
Stick with white, cream, and natural wood for the other colors. They let Coral Clay and Worldly Gray do the talking.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 with Naval SW 6244
Naval gives Worldly Gray a classic, elegant vibe. This deep blue adds a big dose of sophistication.
Light gray and dark blue together feel both modern and timeless. You can use this combo in both formal and casual spaces.
Popular applications:
- Naval on lower cabinets, Worldly Gray on walls
- Naval accent wall with gray furniture
- Naval front door with gray exterior trim
- Navy furniture against gray walls
Brass or gold hardware looks fantastic with this pairing. White trim keeps everything crisp and clean.
The look feels masculine but never harsh. It’s a great pick for home offices, master bedrooms, or any living room that needs a refined touch.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 with Hearty Orange SW 6622
Hearty Orange injects bold energy into Worldly Gray rooms. This vibrant color creates a warm, lively space that feels full of personality.
Go easy with Hearty Orange since it’s a strong color. Smaller doses work better than painting big areas with this bright shade.
Smart ways to use Hearty Orange:
- Kitchen backsplash tiles
- Dining room chairs or bar stools
- Artwork and wall decor
- Fabric accents like curtains or rugs
The gray helps tone down the orange, so it doesn’t get overwhelming. That makes the combo work in more rooms than you’d expect.
This pairing feels right at home in kitchens and dining areas where you want energy and warmth. It’s also a fun choice for playrooms or craft rooms where creativity matters.
Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7043 with Oceanside SW 6496
Oceanside brings a medium blue that instantly sets a calm, coastal mood when you pair it with Worldly Gray.
Together, these colors spark memories of beach houses and those easy, relaxing vacations we all crave.
The blue and gray combo just feels soothing. It’s like the room lets you exhale for a minute.
Perfect for these spaces:
- Master bedrooms if you want better sleep
- Bathrooms that need a spa-like touch
- Living rooms craving a little calm energy
- Guest rooms that should feel extra welcoming
Try Oceanside on a single accent wall or in your textiles—think curtains or bedding. Let Worldly Gray cover most of the walls to keep things balanced.
White or cream accents will brighten everything up. Toss in some natural textures—maybe a jute rug or linen throw—to really nail that coastal vibe.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.