Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632: Color Guide & Inspiration

Choosing the right neutral paint can feel overwhelming. Sherwin Williams Modern Gray SW 7632 makes the decision easier.

Modern Gray is a warm, light taupe-gray with subtle beige undertones that adapts beautifully to different lighting. It offers a soft, inviting backdrop that works in both modern and traditional spaces.

You’ll notice this shade shifts depending on the time of day and the direction of natural light. In bright sunlight, it leans warmer and almost beige.

In cooler light, you’ll see more of its gray side. This versatility makes it a reliable choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and open floor plans where you want a calm, balanced atmosphere.

Pairing Modern Gray with the right trim and accent colors can bring out its best qualities. You can go for a seamless neutral palette or add contrast with darker tones—this color gives you flexibility without feeling dull.

Key Takeaways

• Modern Gray is a warm neutral gray with subtle beige undertones
• Lighting changes how the color looks throughout the day
• It pairs well with both soft neutrals and bold accent colors

What Color Is Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632?

Modern Gray SW 7632 is a light, warm neutral that blends gray with soft beige undertones. It works in many spaces because it balances warmth and neutrality without looking too stark or too yellow.

Color Family

Modern Gray belongs to the warm gray family, often called greige since it mixes gray and beige. It leans slightly taupe, which gives it a softer, more natural look than cooler grays.

In bright, south-facing rooms, you’ll see the beige undertones pop out, sometimes making the color look almost tan. In low light or north-facing rooms, it reads as a muted gray.

Modern Gray SW 7632 stays flexible, so you get a neutral that doesn’t feel cold. It pairs well with both warm and cool accent colors, so you can shift the mood of your room without repainting.

Color Codes (Hex, RGB, LRV)

Sherwin Williams lists Modern Gray SW 7632 with these values:

• Hex: #D8D0C6
• RGB: (216, 208, 198)
• LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 62

The LRV of 62 means this shade reflects a good amount of light, helping brighten a space without washing it out. It’s light enough to keep a room airy but has enough depth to avoid looking stark.

You can use the Hex or RGB codes when matching paint with digital designs, fabrics, or decor. The LRV comes in handy if you want to compare it with other neutrals before picking the right one for your space.

Real World Examples of Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 in Different Spaces

This color really shines when you see it in real homes. Lighting, trim, and decor all change how it looks, so it’s smart to test before painting.

Bathrooms

Modern Gray creates a calm, spa-like feel in bathrooms. Since it’s a light greige with pink undertones, it balances well with warm wood vanities and crisp white tiles.

In small bathrooms, the LRV of 62 helps reflect light and makes the space feel brighter. Pair it with white trim and polished chrome fixtures for a clean look.

For bigger bathrooms, you can bring in accent colors like navy towels or black hardware. Modern Gray adds warmth compared to stark white walls but won’t overpower the room.

Bedrooms

Modern Gray works well in bedrooms because it feels restful but not too dark. In a room with south-facing windows, it’ll look more beige.

In a north-facing bedroom, it can lean slightly cooler. Use it as the main wall color with white bedding and wood furniture for a balanced vibe.

If your style is modern, pair it with gray-blue accents. For a cozier look, consider a darker accent wall like Urbane Bronze or Summit Gray—Modern Gray on the other walls keeps things light while the darker color adds depth.

Front Doors

Painting your front door in Modern Gray gives you a softer alternative to bold black or navy. It’s neutral enough to work with light brick, stone, or white siding.

Its warm undertones pair nicely with brass or bronze hardware. If your home has cooler tones, like gray siding, Modern Gray still works but may pull warmer in direct sunlight.

For contrast, paint the trim a bright white like Sherwin Williams Pure White. This helps the door stand out but keeps the entry subtle and inviting.

Home Offices

Modern Gray makes a practical choice for home offices. It’s light enough to keep the space bright but won’t feel stark.

Pair it with white trim and black or wood office furniture for a professional look. Want more personality? Bring in accents like green plants or blue artwork.

Lighting matters here. In east-facing offices, the color will look warmer in the morning and cooler in the afternoon, so the mood can shift a bit throughout the day.

Houses

On exteriors, Modern Gray works as a main body color or as trim. It’s a light greige, so it looks softer than a true gray and goes well with stone or brick details.

If you want contrast, pair it with a darker roof or shutters in colors like Urbane Bronze or Iron Ore. For a lighter look, use it with white trim and a muted front door color like City Loft.

Sunlight makes it appear lighter outside than inside. In shaded areas, you’ll see more of its taupe undertones.

Kitchen Cabinets

Modern Gray can work on kitchen cabinets if you want a neutral that isn’t stark white. On upper cabinets, it looks soft and airy.

On lower cabinets, it pairs nicely with white countertops. It works especially well with warm wood floors and brass or black hardware.

With a lot of natural light, the color may look more beige. In low light, it can lean a bit gray.

For contrast, try Modern Gray cabinets with a darker island in a color like Dovetail or Virtual Taupe. You’ll get a layered, balanced kitchen design.

Living Rooms

In living rooms, Modern Gray adapts easily to different styles. With plenty of natural light, it can look almost off-white.

In darker corners, it shows more of its greige side. Pair it with white trim and neutral furniture for a simple look.

If you like more contrast, add accent walls in deeper colors like Riverway or Warm Stone. Since it shifts with lighting, it’s smart to test it on multiple walls before painting the whole room.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 Undertones

When you look at Modern Gray, you’ll notice it leans toward warm undertones instead of cool ones. This makes it feel softer and more inviting than many cooler grays.

The color often shows hints of beige or taupe, which can shift depending on your room’s light. In bright natural light, it may look more neutral.

In low or artificial light, the warmth becomes more noticeable. Some people even see a touch of pink or blush in certain spaces, adding gentle warmth without feeling too bold.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you might see:

Lighting Condition	How Modern Gray Appears
North-facing light	More muted, slightly cooler
South or west-facing light	Warmer, closer to beige
Artificial light	Balanced but leans warm

Because of its undertones, you can pair this shade with other warm neutrals or contrast it with deeper colors like charcoal or navy. This flexibility makes it easy to use in lots of rooms.

How Does Lighting Affect Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632?

Modern Gray is a warm gray that shifts noticeably depending on the type and direction of light. In some spaces it can look soft and neutral, while in others it can lean beige, taupe, or even slightly pink.

Natural Lighting

The way Modern Gray looks in your home depends heavily on the natural light your room gets. In south-facing rooms, the strong sunlight makes the color appear warmer and brings out beige or taupe tones.

This can give your space a cozy, golden feel. In north-facing rooms, the cooler light mutes the warmth and makes Modern Gray look more like a soft, neutral gray.

You may even notice it leaning toward greige, which balances warmth and coolness. East-facing rooms get warm light in the morning, so the color may appear creamier at that time.

By afternoon, the light softens and the gray tones become more noticeable. West-facing rooms often show the biggest changes, with the afternoon sun bringing out pink or taupe undertones.

Artificial Lighting

Artificial lighting also changes how you see Modern Gray. Warm white bulbs (2700K–3000K) enhance the beige and taupe undertones, making the walls feel cozier—sometimes a bit too warm, honestly.

Cool white bulbs (4000K–5000K) balance the warmth and bring out more of the gray side. That works well if you want a cleaner, more modern look.

If you use LED bulbs with adjustable color temperature, you can control how the paint shifts throughout the day. This flexibility helps you manage undertones so the color works in both day and night settings.

Fluorescent lighting isn’t as common in homes, but if you use it, Modern Gray can look a bit flat or muted.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 LRV 62 (Light Reflectance Value)

This paint color reflects a moderate amount of light. It’s bright enough to feel open but still carries warmth.

Its balance works well in different rooms and lighting conditions. You won’t see it looking too stark or too dark.

What is LRV?

Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much visible light a color reflects. The scale runs from 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white).

A higher LRV means a color bounces back more light, while a lower LRV absorbs it. When you choose paint, LRV helps you predict how light or dark a room will feel.

• 0–40 LRV: darker shades, more light-absorbing
• 41–60 LRV: mid-tones, balanced reflection
• 61–100 LRV: lighter shades, more light-reflecting

Knowing this number makes it easier to compare colors and get a sense of how they’ll behave in your space. You can use it to decide if a paint will brighten a room or create a cozier feel.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 LRV Range

Modern Gray has an LRV of 62, which puts it in the lighter range. It reflects a decent amount of light but still has enough depth to avoid looking washed out.

In a south-facing room with natural sunlight, it feels soft and warm. In a north-facing room, it might look slightly cooler, but it doesn’t turn harsh or overly shadowed.

You can pair it with a brighter white trim, like SW Snowbound, for more contrast. Or, for a softer vibe, use a mid-tone neutral such as SW Taupe Tone.

The LRV makes it flexible for both small and large spaces. You get some control over whether the room feels more open or grounded, which is honestly pretty handy.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 Coordinating Colors

This color works well with crisp whites, soft neutrals, and even muted greens if you’re aiming for a balanced palette. You can go monochromatic or mix in contrasting shades, depending on the mood you’re after.

Extra White SW 7006

Extra White SW 7006 is one of the cleanest whites to use with Modern Gray. Its high LRV bounces a lot of light back into the room, so it’s a great trim or ceiling color if you want your walls to stand out.

When you pair Extra White with Modern Gray, you get a crisp contrast that doesn’t feel harsh. This combo really shines in modern spaces where you want a sharp, clean look.

Use Extra White on doors, baseboards, and crown molding for a polished finish. It also helps define architectural details and makes the room feel brighter and more open.

Agreeable Gray SW 7029

If you want a softer transition, Agreeable Gray SW 7029 is a solid pick. It’s a warm greige that blends beige and gray, making it a super versatile neutral.

The undertones lean a bit warmer than Modern Gray, so the two colors complement each other nicely. You can use Agreeable Gray in a monochromatic color scheme with Modern Gray by painting adjacent rooms or accent walls.

This pairing works especially well in open floor plans. It keeps the flow going between spaces like the living room, dining area, and kitchen.

Sea Salt SW 6204

Looking for something cooler? Sea Salt SW 6204 adds a gentle touch of color to the mix.

It’s a muted green with blue undertones, so you get a calm, almost coastal feel. Next to Modern Gray, the warmth of the gray balances out Sea Salt’s cooler tones.

This combo works well in bedrooms, bathrooms, or anywhere you want a relaxing vibe. Sea Salt can be an accent wall or even work on cabinetry for a soft pop of color.

Pairing it with Modern Gray lets you introduce color without overwhelming the space. It keeps things light and inviting, which is always a win.

Trim Colors for Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632

The right trim color helps Modern Gray stand out while keeping the room balanced. Whites with different undertones can shift the look from soft and cozy to sharp and modern, depending on what you’re after.

Pure White SW 7005

If you want a trim color that feels clean without looking too stark, Pure White SW 7005 is a solid choice. It’s got a subtle warmth that keeps it from feeling cold, but it still looks crisp enough to frame Modern Gray nicely.

This shade works in both bright and low-light rooms. It reflects light softly, so your trim doesn’t look sharp or harsh against the walls.

Compared to cooler whites like SW High Reflectance White, Pure White feels softer and more natural. It gives you a tailored look that doesn’t pull too much attention from the wall color. If you want a trim that balances clean edges with a touch of warmth, check out Pure White SW 7005.

Extra White SW 7006

For a brighter and sharper contrast, Extra White SW 7006 delivers a more modern finish. It’s a cooler white, almost pure in tone, which makes Modern Gray look even warmer by comparison.

If your place has contemporary design and clean lines, this trim color highlights that style. It works especially well in rooms with lots of natural light, where the trim’s brightness adds clarity.

Extra White is also a good match if you want something close to SW High Reflectance White but with slightly less intensity. When you pair it with Modern Gray, you get a polished, fresh look that feels sleek but not too stark.

Alabaster SW 7008

Alabaster SW 7008 is a warmer white that adds softness to Modern Gray. Instead of sharp contrast, it blends gently with the wall color and gives your space a calm, inviting feel.

This shade has a higher Light Reflectance Value, so it bounces plenty of light around the room. That makes it a good option for spaces where you want brightness but also a cozy touch.

If you want a trim color that feels welcoming instead of sharp, Alabaster is a strong choice. You can see more about Alabaster SW 7008 to get a sense of how it balances warmth and brightness with Modern Gray.

Comparing Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 to Similar Colors

Modern Gray is a warm, taupe-leaning neutral with subtle pink undertones. When you compare it to other popular grays, you’ll see differences in depth, undertones, and how each shade shifts in different lighting.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 vs Agreeable Gray SW 7029

Agreeable Gray is one of Sherwin Williams’ most popular neutrals. It has beige-green undertones, while Modern Gray leans more taupe with a slight pink influence.

Agreeable Gray is a bit darker and feels more grounded in rooms with lots of light. Modern Gray, with its higher Light Reflectance Value (LRV 62), reflects more light and feels softer.

If you want a versatile “greige” for almost any room, Agreeable Gray might be the safer choice. But if you prefer something lighter and a bit warmer, Modern Gray gives you that balance without feeling heavy.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 vs Repose Gray SW 7015

Repose Gray is another popular neutral, but it reads cooler than Modern Gray. It has subtle blue and green undertones that show up in north-facing light, while Modern Gray sticks to a warmer taupe base.

Repose Gray has an LRV of 58, so it’s a bit darker and moodier than Modern Gray. This gives it more contrast against bright trim or cabinetry.

If you want a soft gray that stays neutral and not too warm, Repose Gray is a safe bet. But for a lighter, warmer look that feels cozy, Modern Gray is probably the better fit.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 vs Useful Gray SW 7050

Useful Gray has a stronger green undertone compared to Modern Gray. This makes it feel more earthy and natural, while Modern Gray comes off softer and a bit more refined.

Useful Gray has an LRV of 59, so it’s darker and slightly richer than Modern Gray. In rooms with lots of natural light, Useful Gray can show a stronger green cast, while Modern Gray stays more balanced.

If you want a color that connects with natural elements like wood and stone, Useful Gray works well. For a cleaner, more subtle neutral, Modern Gray is easier to pair with lots of colors.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 vs Worldly Gray SW 7043

Worldly Gray is a warm greige that blends beige and gray. It has a slightly more beige feel than Modern Gray, which can make it look cozier in some lighting.

Both colors have similar LRVs, but Worldly Gray can shift warmer, especially in south-facing rooms. Modern Gray keeps a touch of pink-taupe undertone that gives it a softer edge.

If you want a greige that feels more beige than gray, Worldly Gray is a great pick. But if you want something closer to a true gray with just a hint of warmth, Modern Gray is the way to go.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 vs Anew Gray SW 7030

Anew Gray is darker and richer than Modern Gray. It has stronger beige undertones, so it leans more greige than a soft gray.

With an LRV of 47, Anew Gray absorbs more light, giving it a more dramatic and grounded feel. Modern Gray, by contrast, feels lighter and more airy, especially in open spaces.

If you want a color that adds depth and contrast, Anew Gray is a good option. But if you prefer a lighter, more flexible neutral that brightens a space, Modern Gray is the way to go.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 vs On The Rocks SW 7671

On The Rocks is a cooler gray with subtle blue undertones. It looks more modern and crisp compared to the warmer, taupe-leaning Modern Gray.

With an LRV of 62, On The Rocks is very similar in brightness to Modern Gray. The main difference is in undertones—On The Rocks feels cooler and more neutral, while Modern Gray brings in warmth.

If you want a gray that’s sleek and contemporary, On The Rocks is a strong choice. If you want something warmer and softer without going full beige, Modern Gray is a better match.

Complementary Colors to Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632

Modern Gray looks best when paired with warm, earthy tones that highlight its beige undertones. Rich browns, terracotta shades, and copper-inspired hues create a balanced contrast that feels inviting and natural.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 with Renwick Golden Oak SW 2824

Pairing Modern Gray with Renwick Golden Oak gives you a timeless mix of soft neutral and warm wood tones. The golden-brown shade adds depth and richness, grounding the gray walls.

You can use this combo in living rooms or dining rooms where you want a cozy but refined vibe. Golden Oak works especially well on trim, doors, or cabinetry against Modern Gray walls.

This pairing supports a contrasting color scheme since the golden warmth stands out against the muted gray. It’s a great option if you want your space to feel balanced but not too stark.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 with Armagnac SW 6354

Armagnac is a warm orange-brown that brings energy to Modern Gray. The gray softens Armagnac’s intensity, so the space feels inviting instead of overwhelming.

You might use Armagnac on accent walls, furniture, or even textiles like curtains and pillows. Modern Gray provides a calm backdrop that lets the orange undertones shine without taking over the room.

This combo works well in family rooms or kitchens where you want warmth and vibrancy. The contrast between the cool neutrality of gray and the boldness of Armagnac creates a look that’s balanced yet lively.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 with Copper Mountain SW 6356

When you pair Copper Mountain with Modern Gray, the vibe shifts to something more rustic and earthy. That copper tone really pulls out the beige in the gray, so the whole thing feels both cohesive and a bit contrasting.

This combo shines in spaces filled with stone, leather, or wood. Try Copper Mountain on a fireplace surround or maybe cabinetry, then keep the walls Modern Gray for a grounded, warm look.

The soft gray and copper brown together work especially well in open-plan rooms. You get contrast and a sense of harmony, but it never feels too bold or over the top.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 with Cavern Clay SW 7701

Cavern Clay brings a terracotta vibe that just clicks with Modern Gray. That warm, earthy orange pops against the gray, and the whole thing feels comfortable and grounded—never forced.

This pair looks great in bedrooms or offices if you’re aiming for a calm but still stylish palette. Accent an area with Cavern Clay, then let Modern Gray keep the rest of the room light and open.

The colors together strike a balance—warm, but not too much. Modern Gray’s subtlety keeps Cavern Clay from getting heavy or overwhelming, so you end up with a space that feels approachable and versatile.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 with Spiced Cider SW 7702

Spiced Cider is a rich reddish-brown that brings some real depth and character to Modern Gray. The gray tones things down just enough, so you can actually use Spiced Cider in bigger areas without it taking over the room.

This duo works nicely in dining rooms or entryways if you’re after a welcoming, earthy look. You might try Spiced Cider on accent walls, trim, or even a piece of furniture.

Together, the colors highlight the warm side of Modern Gray while keeping things modern and grounded. It’s a solid pick if you want a space that feels inviting but still fresh.

Modern Gray by Sherwin Williams SW 7632 with Wheat Penny SW 7705

Wheat Penny is a deep, coppery brown. It creates a bold contrast with Modern Gray.

The richness of Wheat Penny makes the gray look lighter and more refined. You can use Wheat Penny on cabinetry, doors, or accent walls to bring warmth into a space with Modern Gray walls.

This pairing works especially well in kitchens, offices, or dens. The mix of soft gray and deep copper tones feels natural and a bit sophisticated.