Why is Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray 7029 so Popular?

Agreeable Gray (SW-7029) looks great layered with other neutrals. Here it’s shown with ivory curtains and dark khaki walls.

Agreeable Gray has been a popular Sherwin William paint color for years. Why?

It’s “gray” enough to qualify for the gray trend that prevailed for most of the 2010s. But it’s warmer and therefore more appealing to many people who find gray to be a little too unfriendly (or, dare I say, boring?).

Is it still relevant today, in 2022?

Yes, for mostly the same reasons. As we start gravitating toward more earthy tones, Agreeable Gray works as a good palate cleanser. Especially if you like subtle, natural palettes. Agreeable Gray isn’t for a polished, high-glam look. And it doesn’t look great with bright, saturated pops of color. It is great for adding layers, gradation and depth to your space.

Better than white.

People have been opting for all white interiors for a while. This can be problematic because true white is quite hard to pair with other colors. White is not in the color wheel, and therefore has no opposite (complement). Without an undertone in white, there is nothing for other colors to pick up on and relate to.

For these reasons, I’m a proponent of hefty off-whites or neutrals like greige, beige and taupe instead of white. (In case you’re interested in the difference, greige typically has green undertones, beige has red and taupe has purple. But these are not so much hard categories as they are short-hands with dozens of exceptions.) Like with all neutrals, it’s important to assess Agreeable Gray beside other colors in different light conditions before committing it to your palette.

In conclusion, Agreeable Gray feels soft and creamy in well- or medium-lit rooms. If you gravitate toward neutral colors, it’s a cozier alternative to cool grays or bright whites. Use Agreeable Gray to add interest and soft contrast when paired with other earthy colors.