ColorplanIntellectual Gray
SW 7045 · Sherwin-Williams
LRV 36 · mid-tone
0 black100 white
Sherwin-Williams Intellectual Gray (SW 7045) is a deep warm gray (greige) with a warm yellow undertone and an LRV of 36. Closest matches: Benjamin Moore River Reflections (1552), Farrow & Ball Light Gray (No.17) and Behr Fashion Gray (PPU18-15). For trim, try Snowbound (SW 7004).
Room Preview
This photo shows walls only. Photos show the color in a real room's light; your own light will change it.
Suggested trim and ceiling are Sherwin-Williams whites that share this color's undertone.
Color Details
| Family | Gray |
| LRV | 35.6 (mid-tone; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #A8A093 |
| RGB | 168, 160, 147 |
| HSL | 37°, 11%, 62% |
About Intellectual Gray
Intellectual Gray (SW 7045) is a deep warm gray (greige) from Sherwin-Williams with a warm yellow undertone. With an LRV of 36, Intellectual Gray absorbs more light than it reflects, so it works best in rooms with good natural light or where you want a cozier feel.
In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Intellectual Gray's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward. It's a good fit for bedrooms, offices, accent walls and kitchen cabinets. It's very close to Mega Greige (SW 7031); you'd mostly see the difference side by side.
How Intellectual Gray changes with the light
Intellectual Gray has a gentle warm undertone that keeps it from going cold in north-facing rooms, and it looks a touch warmer again in afternoon west light.
North-facing rooms
Intellectual Gray's warmth balances the cool north light, which is why warmer colors are the safe pick for north rooms.
East-facing rooms
Intellectual Gray will look warmer and brighter in the morning and cooler and grayer by afternoon; check a sample at both times.
South-facing rooms
Bright south light shows Intellectual Gray close to its true color, slightly lighter and warmer.
West-facing rooms
Intellectual Gray will glow warmer in the late afternoon.
See Intellectual Gray in real homes
Photos people have shared of Intellectual Gray in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
Intellectual Gray equivalents in other brands
The closest color from each brand. ΔE (“delta E”) scores how different two colors look: under 2.5 is very hard to tell apart on a wall, over 5 is clearly different.
Benjamin Moore
Nearly identical · ΔE 0.7
Also close: Rockport Gray (ΔE 1.2)
Compare side by side →Farrow & Ball
Close · ΔE 2.8
Also close: Hardwick White (ΔE 4.0)
Compare side by side →Similar Sherwin-Williams colors
Intellectual Gray questions
What undertone does Intellectual Gray have?
Intellectual Gray has a warm yellow undertone, so it reads as a warm color. In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Intellectual Gray's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward.
Is Intellectual Gray a light or dark color?
Intellectual Gray has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 35.6 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a deep color. With an LRV of 36, Intellectual Gray absorbs more light than it reflects, so it works best in rooms with good natural light or where you want a cozier feel.
What is the closest match to Intellectual Gray in other paint brands?
Benjamin Moore: River Reflections 1552 (nearly identical, ΔE 0.7); Farrow & Ball: Light Gray No.17 (close, ΔE 2.8); Behr: Fashion Gray PPU18-15 (close, ΔE 2.6). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with Intellectual Gray?
Try Snowbound (SW 7004) on trim and High Reflective White (SW 7757) on the ceiling. Both are Sherwin-Williams whites that share Intellectual Gray's undertone.
Where does Intellectual Gray work best?
Intellectual Gray works well in bedrooms, offices, accent walls and kitchen cabinets. With an LRV of 36, Intellectual Gray absorbs more light than it reflects, so it works best in rooms with good natural light or where you want a cozier feel.
Planning more than one room?
Build a whole-house palette and share it with your contractor. Free.