Popular Gray is a light taupe paint color by Sherwin Williams.
A taupe shade is one that is a blend of gray and beige, with pink or purple undertones. Since home design trends are loving warmer shades right now, taupes are a hot color for those who want a neutral that feels warm and cozy.
Popular Gray has what Sherwin Williams calls, “clay” undertones. I don’t see an orange clay tone as much as I see a purple undertone. But, you will have to decide this for yourself.
If you are considering a warm neutral for your space, let’s dive into all the details about Sherwin Williams Popular Gray.
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Everything You Need to Know about Popular Gray
Popular Gray, SW 6071, is a light neutral paint color that looks timeless and modern. Due to its popularity, it is one of Sherwin Williams top 50 paint colors.
Popular Gray is a blend of beige and gray with warm purple undertones. It’s not a true gray or a true beige. Instead, it beautifully combines gray and beige, oftem leaning more gray, but sometimes more beige depending on your lighting.
The undertones in Popular Gray are a bit more prominent than in some taupes, and this can make it a polarizing shade for some. While many love that warm cozy vibe that a pink or purple undertone gives, other will immediately reject any neutral color that looks pink or purple.
But, don’t rule out Popular Gray yet though. In a room with southern lighting, you are likely going to see that undertone. The lighting combines with the paint color create a warm, inviting space that may look a bit purple.
But, in a northern facing room, the warmth in Popular Gray helps to balance out the coolness of the lighting, and creates a soft ambiance that isn’t too warm or too dull.
Popular Gray has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 61, so it isn’t so light that it doesn’t show up or so dark that it feels stifling, and works in rooms that have a lot of light, or more limited light.
Where To Use Popular Gray
Because of its depth, Popular Gray can be used anywhere in the home. It looks good in small to medium sized rooms because it creates a vibe but doesn’t fade into the background. It can also be used in large rooms to create a soft look.
Popular Gray is a good color for living room, bedrooms, dining rooms, kitchens, hallways and more.
I hesitate to give a blanket recommendation for Popular Gray on a home exterior due to its noticeable undertone, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be the perfect color for your home. It just means that it is one that you will need to be really sure about before you paint.
It looks particularly good with white trim, warm brick or a stone facade that has similar undertones. Outside, it will look even lighter due to the bright light, so be sure to sample it first to make sure it is giving the look you want.
Popular Gray is a great paint color for modern farmhouse, transitional, traditional, mid-century modern, and French country style homes.
What Goes With Popular Gray?
Popular Gray looks good with:
- white trim
- black, silver, or brushed gold accents
- warm wood with red, yellow or neutral undertones
- stone with similar undertones
Sherwin Williams pairs Popular Gray with the following coordinating colors:
- Heron Plume SW 6070
- Spaulding Gray SW 6074
- Exclusive Plum SW 6263
It will also work well with pinks, purples, light to medium blue-greens, darker taupes, greens with gray undertones, whites, and dark neutrals.
I like Popular Gray with:
- Dressy Rose SW 6024
- Privilege Green SW 6193
- Snowbound SW 7004
- Incredible White SW 7028
- Malted Milk SW 6057
- Perfect Greige SW 6073
For a trim color, Popular Gray looks great with High Reflective White or Snowbound.
Wondering How To Pick the Perfect Paint Color?
I have the best solution for you!
Samplize sells peel and stick paint samples in almost every paint color.
These no-mess, peel and stick sheets are made from real paint, so they will show you exactly what the paint color will look like.
Simply place them on your walls next to your trim, furnishings or fixed elements, and easily see which paint color works best in your space and with your lighting.
Then, peel the sheet off your wall and reapply it somewhere else if you like. You can try several different paint colors with no mess, no fuss and no cleaning paint brushes.
Oh, and you can have them in your home by tomorrow with OVERNIGHT shipping!
As a bonus, be sure to use the code LoveRemodeled10 at check out to get an extra 10% off! Samplize sheets are cheaper than a sample can of paint, and way less work.
They are the easiest (and fastest!) way to try a paint color in your home, with no hassle.
Final Thoughts on Popular Gray
Popular Gray is a soft, warm taupe paint color that perfectly falls in line with current trends without being too trendy. It has been included in Sherwin Williams top 50 paint colors for years now because it is a very well liked shade that transcends time.
It creates an atmosphere that is soft, inviting, and subtly feminine.
If you are looking for an updated version of a modern neutral, Popular Gray is a good choice.
Have a question? Leave me a comment! Remember to check back for a response – it may take me up to a week or two depending on how busy I am, but I’ll try my best to get back to you!
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