HGTV Home Sherwin Williams Modernist Gray: Complete Color Review

Trying to find that just-right gray paint color? Let’s take a closer look at HGTV Home Sherwin Williams Modernist Gray and see if it actually works in a real home.

’ve tested a lot of gray paint colors over the years, and I get why people keep coming back to them. They feel calm, easy, and they go with almost everything.

But not all grays are as simple as they look. Some turn blue, some feel too heavy, and some just don’t sit right once they’re on the wall. That’s why I always like to slow down and really look at the details.

So let’s look carefully at Modernist Gray.

Modernist Gray, HGTV Home Sherwin Williams, HGSW1495

Modernist Gray is a neutral gray paint color. It doesn’t feel too cold, and it doesn’t lean overly warm either.

Color Family

Modernist Gray sits in the gray family.

Light Reflectance Value

49

Light Reflectance Value tells you how much light a color reflects, on a scale from 0 to 100. Zero is black, and one hundred is pure white.

With an LRV of 49, this is a true mid-toned paint color.

I like this range when I don’t want a color to feel washed out, but I also don’t want the room to feel dark.

RGB Colors

R: 190 G: 185 B: 176

RGB shows how much red, green, and blue are mixed to create the color, each on a scale from 0 to 255.

This mix leans just slightly warm. I notice it keeps the color from feeling too cool or flat, which is something that happens with a lot of grays.

Hex Code

#beb9b0

Undertones

Modernist Gray leans has a cool undertone, but it’s not icy or harsh.

In a south-facing room, I’ve noticed it softens quite a bit. It can even feel a touch warmer when the sunlight hits it during the day.

In a north-facing room, it’s a different story. It looks deeper, more gray, and sometimes a little dull if the space doesn’t get much light.

Best Uses

Modernist Gray is a really nice gray, but I wouldn't use it as a whole house paint color as it's a little too dark .

I like it best in spaces that get good natural light. That’s where it feels balanced and easy.

So use Modernist Gray in rooms with lots of natural light, like:

• Living rooms
• Bedrooms
• Kitchens
• Home offices
• Furniture

Similar Colors

• HGTV Home Sherwin Williams Pussywillow
• Sherwin Williams Analytical Gray
• HGTV Home Sherwin Williams Stone Isle
• Behr Castle Path
• HGTV Home Sherwin Williams Dovetail
• Benjamin Moore Stone Hearth
• Behr Aspen Branch

Coordinating Colors

As a neutral, Modernist Gray pairs well with plenty of other colors, especially cool tones.

Pair Modernist Gray with crisp whites, dark cool grays, or blues and greens (pastels all the way up to those moody, dramatic hues).

Cool whites:

• Extra White
• Pure White
• Oxford White
• White Cotton
• Ceiling Bright White

Dark blues:

• Naval
• Bunglehouse Blue
• Indigo Batik
• Salty Dog
• Dress Blues

Soft blues / greens:

• Watery
• Haven
• Aloe
• Honest Blue
• Breaktime

Trim Colors

Since Modernist Gray leans cool, I usually stick with a clean, bright white for trim.

Bright white trim colors:

• Benjamin Moore Simply White
• Sherwin Williams Extra White
• Behr Ultra Pure White

FAQs

Here are a few questions I hear a lot about Modernist Gray.

What's the difference: SW Modernist Gray vs Modern Gray?

HGTV Home Sherwin Williams Modernist Gray and Modern Gray sound almost the same, but they don’t look the same once they’re on the wall.

Modernist Gray is cooler, more gray, and darker (LRV 49). Modern Gray is warmer and lighter (LRV 62).

I’ve seen people expect them to look identical, then get surprised. If you’re deciding between the two, put samples side by side. The difference shows up pretty quickly.

Where can I buy HGTV Home Modernist Gray?

All HGTV Home Sherwin Williams paint colors, including Modernist Gray, are available exclusively at Lowe's.

What's the difference: SW Modernist Gray vs Agreeable Gray?

Modernist Gray and Agreeable Gray are both great gray neutrals.

However, Agreeable Gray (LRV 60) is noticeably lighter than Modernist Gray (LRV 49).

Agreeable Gray is also warmer and more greige, whereas Modernist Gray is cooler and more gray.

Agreeable Gray is Sherwin Williams' best-selling color. However, that doesn't necessarily mean it's right for your space. If you’re unsure, test them next to each other. It’s the fastest way to see which one fits your space.

Is Modernist Gray warm or cool?

HGTV Home Sherwin Williams Modernist Gray is a cool paint color.

In a bright room, it can soften a little. But overall, it still reads cool.

What's the difference: SW Modernist Gray vs Analytical Gray?

Modernist Gray and Analytical Gray are close, but not identical.

• Modernist Gray is cooler and a touch lighter (LRV 49).
• Analytical Gray is warmer and slightly darker (LRV 47).

When colors are this close, I always test them on the wall. Small differences can look much bigger once the paint is up.

Thanks for reading!