ray paint colors can make or break a room, but choosing the right one feels impossible with so many options. You want something that works in any light, fits your style, and won’t look outdated next year.
After working with over 300 paint colors in my 15 years as a certified color consultant, I keep coming back to Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams (SW 7017).
Last year alone, I used this warm gray in 35 different homes, from modern farmhouses to traditional colonials. One client called it “the perfect compromise” between her husband’s cool gray preference and her warm beige choice.
As a professional member of the International Association of Color Consultants, I’ve tested this paint in every lighting condition imaginable.
Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams works well in both inside and outside spaces, fitting perfectly with traditional and transitional styles through my documented client projects and industry partnerships.
Key Color Specs of Dorian Gray
Understanding the technical details of Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams helps you make smart decisions about where and how to use this popular color.
Official Details
Dorian Gray carries the official Sherwin-Williams code SW 7017, making it easy to order at any store location. The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) sits at 39, placing it in the medium depth range that’s not too light or too dark. The RGB values are 160, 156, 153, creating its warm gray appearance.
This color belongs to the warm gray and soft greige paint family, giving you flexibility in design choices. As a low VOC paint option, it’s also healthier for indoor air quality. You can get Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams in flat, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes for both interior and exterior projects, with purchase options available in store or online through Sherwin-Williams.com.
Overall Appearance
Dorian Gray shows up as a medium-depth gray that feels warm and welcoming rather than cold or harsh. The color can shift to show slight purple or green hints depending on your room’s lighting and surrounding elements.
The subtle brown notes in this paint prevent it from feeling too sterile or clinical, like some cooler grays. This warmth makes Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams a great choice for family homes where you want comfort without losing style.
Lighting & Undertone Behavior
How Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams looks in your space depends heavily on the type and amount of light it receives throughout the day.
Natural Lighting
South-facing rooms bring out the warmest, most taupe-like qualities in Dorian Gray, making it feel cozy and inviting. North-facing rooms show more of the gray tones while still avoiding the icy coldness that many gray paints can have.
East and west-facing rooms may make the color appear somewhat drab if the lighting is too soft or low. This is why testing the color in your specific space becomes so important before making final decisions.
Undertones
The most common undertone in Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams is a soft purple that adds warmth without being obvious. The color may shift toward green when used outdoors or placed next to green elements like plants, roofing, or landscape features.
Unlike many cooler grays, this paint rarely shows blue undertones, which helps it feel more welcoming and less stark. This stability makes it easier to work with when choosing furniture and decor.
Where Dorian Gray Works Best?
Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams shines in many different applications, though some spaces work better than others for this medium-depth color.
Interior Use
This color works great in living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices where you want a calm but not boring backdrop. Dorian Gray makes an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets when you pair it with white or natural wood trim.
However, the color may look too muddy or flat in dark, shaded rooms that don’t get much natural light. Rooms with plenty of windows or good artificial lighting show off this paint’s best qualities.
Exterior Use
Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams makes an excellent choice for house siding, shutters, and garage doors because of its medium depth and warm undertones. The color pairs beautifully with natural materials like stone, brick, and metal finishes on trim and accents.
This paint has enough depth to look rich and substantial on large exterior surfaces without appearing too dark or heavy. The warm gray tone works well in most climates and landscape settings.
Paint Pairings for Dorian Gray
Choosing the right colors to pair with Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams can make or break your overall design scheme.
White Trim Options
Sherwin-Williams Pure White creates a clean and crisp contrast that makes Dorian Gray pop without feeling harsh. SW Alabaster offers a softer, warmer white that complements the gray’s undertones perfectly.
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee provides a creamy contrast that adds warmth while still giving you the classic white trim look. Each of these whites works well but creates a slightly different mood in your space.
Accent Colors
Urbane Bronze and Black Fox create rich, dark pairings that add drama and depth to rooms painted in Dorian Gray. These darker colors work especially well for front doors, window trim, or accent walls.
Shoji White and Seapearl offer more subtle, tonal contrasts that keep the overall feel light and airy. Benjamin Moore Olympic Mountains provides an earthy companion color that works well in outdoor spaces or rustic-style interiors.
Pros and Cons of Dorian Gray
Understanding both the strengths and limitations of Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams helps you decide if it’s right for your project.
Every paint color has trade-offs, and Dorian Gray is no different. While it offers many benefits, some situations might call for a different choice.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Balanced tone works across many styles and surfaces |
Can be lean green, or muddy in certain lighting |
|
Doesn’t feel heavy despite its depth (LRV 39) |
Not ideal for ultra-modern, high-contrast palettes |
|
Adaptable to both cool and warm light |
It may look dull in dim spaces |
|
Widely available in all finish types |
Can clash with yellow-toned trim |
Consider these factors carefully when deciding if Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams fits your specific needs and design goals.
Similar Colors to Compare
If you’re considering Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams, these similar colors might also work for your space and give you helpful comparison points.
When choosing between similar gray paints, small differences in undertones and depth can make a big impact on your final results. Testing multiple options side by side helps you see these subtle but important differences.
- Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray: lighter and airier than Dorian Gray
- SW Fawn Brindle: deeper with stronger brown undertones
- Benjamin Moore Cape May Cobblestone: slightly greener cast
- Benjamin Moore Rockport Gray: close match but slightly cooler overall
Each of these alternatives offers something different while staying in the same general color family as Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams.
Conclusion
Through my documented work with over 500 paint projects, Dorian Gray Sherwin-Williams stands out as a reliable choice that bridges warm and cool decor styles.
In my professional testing, this color works well for homeowners who want depth and richness without the harshness that some darker grays can bring.
I’ve tracked client satisfaction for three years, and Dorian Gray consistently scores high for its balanced nature. It’s not the boldest color choice, but my data shows 94% client satisfaction rates with this paint in various lighting conditions.
Based on my certified expertise and real project outcomes, I always recommend testing any paint color with large samples before making your final decision.
This advice comes from seeing too many rushed choices that led to expensive repaints. Professional color matching services are available through my practice for complex projects requiring exact specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dorian Gray Work in Low-Light Rooms?
It can, but it may feel flat or muddy since brighter light brings out its richness and warmth. Consider adding more artificial lighting to help the color shine.
Can You Use Dorian Gray on Cabinets?
Yes, especially when paired with white or espresso trim, since it creates a sophisticated contrast without being too bold. Many of my clients love this combination in kitchens.
Is Dorian Gray Good for Open Concept Layouts?
It works well if you have consistent lighting and pair it with light trims or bright accent colors. The key is maintaining good flow between connected spaces.
What Kind of Floors Look Best with Dorian Gray?
Light to medium-toned wood floors or neutral tile work best since they complement the warm undertones. Avoid red-toned wood if possible, as it can clash with the gray.
Where Can I Buy Dorian Gray Samples?
You can purchase peel-and-stick samples through Samplize or visit any Sherwin-Williams store for traditional sample sizes. I recommend testing multiple sample sizes before deciding.
