Sherwin Williams

Essential Gray

SW 6002

Essential Gray is a balanced, mid-light neutral gray with soft taupe undertones that prevent it from reading too cool or sterile under warm lighting. Its LRV of 48 places it in the middle range, reflecting enough light to keep rooms comfortable in bedrooms, living areas, and open-concept spaces. It coordinates well with Sherwin-Williams Alabaster and Shoji White as trim companions, while Urbane Bronze and Agreeable Gray provide layered depth and tonal continuity across adjoining walls and cabinetry.

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Brand

Sherwin Williams

Code

SW 6002

Collection

Color ID (Minimalist), Pottery Barn Teen (Fall/Winter)

Essential Gray in Different Light

Artificial Lighting

Bedroom scene to simulate Sherwin Williams Essential Gray under artificial light

Light Temperature: 2700K

Natural Lighting

Living room scene to simulate Sherwin Williams Essential Gray under natural light

Light Temperature: 4500K

Technical Specifications

Undertones

Type

Orange

Strength

Very Low

Temperature

neutral

Hue Angle

20°

Red Family

Lightness

73%

Light

Saturation

Near Neutral

LRV

48.0

0%100%

Very Dark

Dark

Medium

Light

Very Light

White

Color Position

Saturation →

Lightness →

Color Codes

HEX

#BCB8B6

RGB Decimal

188, 184, 182

RGB Percent

73.7%, 72.2%, 71.4%

HSL

20.0, 4.3%, 72.5%

HSV

20.0, 3.2%, 73.7%

CMYK

0.0%, 2.1%, 3.2%, 26.3%

YIQ

185.0, 3.0, 0.2

XYZ

46.32, 48.35, 51.15

CIE Lab

75.04, 1.04, 1.50

CIE Luv

75.04, 2.41, 2.04

Hunter Lab

69.53, 0.97, 1.38

Decimal

12368054

Coordinating Colors and Color Palettes

Darker Shades

Monochromatic dark

Essential Gray Sterling Silver Mink Vintage Boots

Lighter Shades

Monochromatic light

Essential Gray Angelica Moon Shadow Fall Chill

Complementary

Opposite on color wheel

Essential Gray Galactic Tint Chrome Sweet Illusion

Analogous

Adjacent colors

Essential Gray Fresh Granite French Lilac Cool Sea Air

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