Sherwin Williams' Dorian Gray SW 7017 is a sophisticated shade that falls within the taupe family, characterized by its beautifully balanced mixture of gray and beige undertones. With an RGB composition of (172, 167, 158), this color provides a versatile and neutral backdrop that complements a wide spectrum of decor styles. Its subtle warmth and depth make it a popular choice for creating cozy yet modern interior spaces.
Color Description
Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray (SW 7017) is a mid-toned gray paint color, neither too dark nor too light. It is described as elegant, soft, and sophisticated, offering a good amount of depth without being heavy.
Undertones
Dorian Gray features subtle undertones including slight purple, green, and brown notes. These undertones are delicate and may vary with different lighting conditions. Due to its balanced mix of gray and warm tones, it can also be considered a greige.
Color Values
With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 39, Dorian Gray falls into the medium-toned range. This moderate reflectiveness means it doesn’t appear too light or too dark.
Usage
This versatile color is suitable for various settings including:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Home offices
- Exterior designs
It pairs well with white, warm off-whites, complex neutrals, and black or near-black paint colors. Additionally, it complements medium- to dark-stained wood, black industrial and metal features, copper, and warm stone.
Atmosphere
Dorian Gray creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, lending a sense of tranquility and balance to any room. It is ideal for both modern and traditional settings, with a slight leaning towards traditional or transitional styles. The color exudes sophistication and warmth, perfect for crafting a calm and understatedly beautiful space.
Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray SW 7017 Color Alternative
Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray SW 7017 serves as a versatile base for a range of thoughtfully selected alternatives. Among these alternatives, Tikkurila Ash M497 offers a contemporary edge, Dulux Narrow Lane 40YY 41/054 brings a classic finish, and Little Greene Cool Arbour 232 presents a fresh perspective. Each option preserves the sophisticated aura of Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray SW 7017 while catering to unique design preferences and stylistic nuances.
Bathroom
Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray SW 7017 is an excellent choice for a bathroom, offering a timeless appeal and a calming presence. This color effortlessly complements clean white accents and elegant metallic details, creating a chic, sophisticated atmosphere that exudes warm undertones when bathed in natural light.
Ideal for a range of decor styles from modern to traditional, Dorian Gray enhances the interior setting by adapting beautifully to different lighting conditions. Its balanced and tranquil hue sets the stage for a welcoming, serene bathroom retreat.
Bedroom
For a bedroom color scheme, Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray SW 7017 provides a refined and adaptable backdrop. It shifts subtly with lighting—appearing warmer in southern light and deeper in northern settings—and works beautifully with white trim options like Alabaster, Pure White, or Extra White to achieve a modern crispness or a welcoming warmth.
This sophisticated tone pairs harmoniously with an array of neutrals as well as greens and blues, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into various design aesthetics. It can be effectively applied to furniture and cabinetry to create a cohesive, cozy, and upscale atmosphere, while its nuanced undertones may reveal hints of green, violet, or purple depending on the ambient light and surrounding colors.
Kitchen
For a kitchen color scheme, Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray SW 7017 sets a refined stage that pairs well with a mix of materials and complementary hues like white, beige, dark green, or black. A combination of Dorian Gray cabinetry with a white countertop exudes elegance, while subtle gold accents add an element of sophistication.
For a modern appeal, matte dark handles paired with darker countertops and understated backsplash tiles enhance the kitchen's depth and character. Additionally, choosing wall tones in soft hues such as beige, light gray, or ivory creates a calm ambiance, whereas deeper shades offer a striking contrast that accentuates the design, complemented further by crisp white trim and metallic finishes.
Living Room
The living room color Dorian Gray brings a sense of tranquility and balance to spaces, seamlessly complementing both modern and traditional aesthetics. It creates a chic atmosphere that pairs well with crisp white trim and metallic accents while adapting gracefully in different lighting conditions that may subtly reveal underlying hints of red, green, or purple.
For a harmonious look, it works exceptionally well when combined with complementary shades such as warm off-whites or darker trim options like Black Fox or Urbane Bronze. Additionally, Dorian Gray harmonizes with medium- to dark-stained wood, black industrial and metal features, and warm stone, making it a strong choice for creating a refined and cohesive interior environment.
Outdoor
Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray is an excellent home outdoor color that delivers a balanced, rich appearance even under bright sunlight. Its performance in significant natural light ensures that the hue maintains depth and consistency on exterior surfaces, making it well-suited for homes with ample sun exposure.
This color harmonizes with a broad range of building materials such as stone, brick, stucco, vinyl, and shake sidings, while pairing gracefully with trim options from crisp whites and warm off-whites to deeper, darker shades. Its subtle undertones provide a refined backdrop for both traditional and transitional architectural styles, complementing mediums like dark-stained wood, metal features, copper accents, and warm stone elements.
