Read all about Dorian Gray paint by Sherwin Williams, plus see 26 real homes that use it!
Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray (SW 7017) is a warm, neutral gray of medium darkness. It’s a great, neutral choice for those looking for a gray shade with a little bit more body than a light gray.
Like many grays, it looks awesome with bright, white trim. What makes this shade special is that it complements warm color schemes (think: red brick fireplaces, warm woods, warm decor accents, etc.). It also looks great with darker or medium-toned wood flooring.
Dorian Gray paint is a warm, medium to dark neutral gray. Some might consider it a part of the greige family. It has subtle purple undertones, and in some lighting, it can show a very slight hint of green undertones. Light beige, medium beige, and sage green are good coordinating colors.
Is Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray a warm or cool color?
Warm colors tend to have brownish and/or yellowish undertones, whereas cool colors more often have blueish undertones. Since this shade lacks obvious blue undertones, it’s a true, warm gray. For this reason, it’s a great choice for those who want to shy away from the iciness that many grays have. Also, since it’s a darker gray, it can create a cozy feeling in a room.
LRV of Dorian Gray Paint (SW 7017):
First, here’s the “numerical” details, or the LRV:
DORIAN GRAY LRV = 39
LRV = Light Reflectance Value: Rated 0-100 with 0 being pure black, and 100 being pure white. Lighter paint shades REFLECT more light from them and therefore have a HIGHER LRV, and vice versa for darker shades). Below see Dorian Gray (39) side by side with pure white (100):
This means that Dorian Gray is well on the darker side. In my experience, this shade falls into the “proceed with extreme caution” bucket, as anything with an LRV under 60 can feel too dark in my opinion. I’m not saying you can’t use this shade, but I am saying to make sure you swatch like crazy on your walls before committing.
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Dorian Gray Paint Compared to Other Colors
With an LRV of 39, this is definitely a darker gray shade. It’s not as dark as charcoal, but it’s definitely a medium to dark gray, so be mindful when using this paint in your home, particularly in darker, smaller rooms.
Gray is one of the most popular paint colors for homeowners, but it can be tricky to find the right shade. Grays tend to have sneaky undertones that morph with changes in natural light throughout the day. Sometimes warm, cool, green, or blue tones only make themselves known after a wall is already painted.
For this reason, let’s compare it with other similar grays that are also popular paint shades to help better understand its undertones and color profile.
Dovetail vs Dorian Gray
You’re definitely crossing into dark gray territory with Sherwin Williams Dovetail, which has an LRV of 26. It’s still not a super dark or charcoal gray, and there’s still a lot of warmth to it. There’s enough brown undertones to ensure it doesn’t get too icy.
However, Dovetail does appear to be somewhat cooler in certain lighting, with more intense purple undertones. Dovetail falls somewhere in between medium and dark as a warm gray.
Dorian Gray vs Chelsea Gray
Is Dovetail not dark enough for you? If you’re adventurous, you can venture even darker with Benjamin Moore’s Chelsea Gray. Its LRV is 22.16, but it’s still on the warmer side of the darker grays.
I always enjoy Ben Moore’s color descriptions, and this one does not disappoint: “Like a well-dressed gentleman, this gracefully urbane shade of gray adds a sophisticated, scholarly quality to a den or library.”
It almost seems as though Chelsea is a darker version of Dorian, and they’ve even been used together with Chelsea as a statement shade on a kitchen island and Dorian on the perimeter cabinets to add visual interest and depth to the space.
Dorian Gray vs Mindful Gray
These two colors are incredibly similar to each other. Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray has an LRV of 48, so it’s just nine points lighter than Dorian and comparable in warmth. Interestingly, Mindful Gray can sometimes have a sneaky hint of blue or purple in certain lighting.
Even though Dorian doesn’t have very obvious yellow undertones, when compared to Mindful Gray, it can show a little bit of yellow. For this reason, Dorian can warm up a room with northern exposure, which tends to cast blue or gray, sometimes icy natural light. Even as a warmer gray, Mindful might come off as gloomy in this kind of lighting.
More Colors Covered in our Paint Exploration Series:
If you still aren’t sold on this color, or just want a few more options – here are several other colors to choose from.
Still not sure which shade is right for you? No problem! Grab a FREE copy of my new guide to avoid the paint color picking mistakes people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
26 Real Life Homes Using Mindful Gray
Bedrooms with Dorian Gray Paint
1. Master Bedroom Transformation | Pretty Dubs
This bedroom space looks cozy but not too dark. The paint shade on the wall is crisp enough to look clean and modern but warm enough to create a relaxing environment that’s in no way stark or icy.
2. Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray | Kylie M. Interiors
Here again, this paint shade adds some visual interest without looking too dark. The natural light keeps this bedroom looking bright but still cozy, wrapped in serene, neutral shades of gray and white. The dark bedside tables add depth but don’t pop out dramatically.
3. 25 of the Best Gray Paint Options for Primary Bedrooms | Home Stratosphere
Here’s another lovely example of a neutral, gray palette that creates a calming effect, which is perfect for a bedroom. Layering several shades of gray adds depth and interest to the space.
4. The Best Gray Paint Colors | Making Lemonade
In this bedroom, the wall shade looks like a cooler gray in contrast with the warm wood furniture, but complements it nicely. The delicate color palette of white, gray and purple bring out soft purple undertones in the paint.
5. Dorian Gray and Extra White {Home Tour} | Favorite Paint Colors
Extra White trim brings out a depth in the Dorian Gray paint color. Since board and batten takes up most of the wall, the gray shade makes a nice accent color and adds interest without making this small space look too dark.
6. Dorian Gray Bathrooms and Color Match Master Bath | 2 Cabinet Girls
Using this gray shade on the cabinets complements the warm floor tile, but also looks great with the pale, sea foam green walls. This is a true testament to how versatile and neutral Dorian can be.
7. The 6 Best Paint Colors for a Bathroom Vanity – Including White! | Kylie M. Interiors
Kylie M. Interiors made a great point: bathroom vanities are the perfect place for experimenting with colors, since it’s a smaller and less expensive commitment than painting kitchen cabinets. Dorian is a darker color, so it works beautifully on cabinets, adding a level of depth and interest without the risk of going too dark on the walls.
8. Home with Exposed Brick and Reclaimed Wood Interiors | HomeBunch
The vanity and drawers in this bathroom look so beautiful painted in gray against the lighter shiplap walls and vintage-looking hardware.
9. Vanity Gallery View | KC Wood
Here’s another gray-on-gray bathroom that’s luxurious and cozy. Dorian looks great on the cabinets against a lighter gray wall shade with purplish undertones.
10. 25 of the Best Gray Paint Color Options for Primary Bathrooms | Home Stratosphere
This dark gray shade contrasts nicely with the white trim and subway tile in this bathroom. It’s warm enough to complement the browns in the vanity countertop. Overall, its purple undertones create a calming and serene effect.
11. Sherwin-Williams’ Dorian Gray (SW 7017) makes this kitchen simply stunning | Houzz
As a cabinet color in this large, open kitchen, this paint shade looks almost cool, but not icy. It pairs nicely with the lighter colored walls and marbled countertops.
12. The Best Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors | Bella Tucker
I happen to think this shade brings balance to almost any space. In this kitchen, it’s warm enough to go with any warm stonework with brownish undertones, but it has enough coolness to keep the overall color temperature from overwhelming the eye. It’s also dark enough to add interest to kitchen cabinets without closing in the space and making it feel dim and gloomy.
13. Pumice Subway Tiles | Decorpad
A kitchen island is a brilliant use of the Sherwin Williams shade, especially in contrast with white perimeter cabinets. This kitchen has a nice, neutral palette and just a touch of depth and interest.
14. Painted Kitchen Cabinets in Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray | Evolution of Style
Yet again, here is another winning use of Dorian as a kitchen cabinet color. Here, it contrasts both with the light backsplash tile and black appliances. The natural light absolutely brings out some soft, green undertones in the paint shade.
15. Texas Acreage Modern Farmhouse | HomeBunch
This kitchen is GOALS. The blush-beige wall and ceiling color is creamy and gorgeous, letting the white cabinets and marble backsplash shine brightly. Dorian is the perfect kitchen island shade as a contrasting color, and its purple undertones are able to peek through.
Dining Rooms
16. Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray in Dining Room | Kylie M. Interiors
This paint shade is a great color for dining rooms, because it creates a cozy environment. It especially works well in open concept floorplans, since it visually separates the dining room from the attached living room or kitchen.
17. Sherwin Willimas Dorian Gray for a Traditional Dining Room | Home and Living Decor
Here’s another beautiful dining room with gray walls that contrast against white trim. There are several shades of warm wood that all work well with the wall color. The darker wall shade works well with the white dining set, creating a subdued backdrop.
18. Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray SW 7017 – My Favorite Paint Colors | The Crazy Craft Lady
Dorian paired with Sherwin Williams Pure White shiplap is a match made in heaven. In this room, it takes on a brighter, creamier role, complementing nicely with the neutral and light wood accents.
19. Vintage – Dining Room – Sherwin Williams Dorian Grey | Decorpad
What could be cheerier than a white and yellow dining room set? The gray wall shade is a perfect background color, especially when paired with white wainscoting.
Other Spaces with Dorian Gray
20. @annacreekcottage
In a creative twist, this bright entryway pairs white walls with Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray trim. The effect is bright, welcoming and cheerful.
21. @catieharris
Dorian Gray paint is the perfect color for an accent wall, adding visual interest next to classic white shiplap.
22. noteworthyhome
Using this shade on the back of a glass cabinet makes the shelves appear deeper!
Exterior and Doors
23. Dorian Gray SW 7017 – Neutral Paint Color – Sherwin Williams | Pinterest
I love this color on the walls of this bright entryway, especially when paired with a front door painted in Urbane Bronze.
24. @maple.hill.home
Dorian Gray paint is a pretty, creamy and cheery gray shade for a front door on a white shingle house.
25. @chapingroupinteriors
It’s amazing how transformative just painting the shutters can have on the entire exterior of a house. Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray paint has a much softer look than the previous dark shutter color.
26. the.painted.piano
Sherwin Williams Dorian Gray paint as an exterior color looks surprisingly light! Bright sunlight, along with white trim, black accents and a bright turquoise door makes this medium gray shade look a lot brighter.
Pin this post for later! And if you use this paint color, leave a comment (or better yet, a photo) on the pin! That helps others know whether they want to try this color, too!
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! And before you’re on your way, make sure you grab your free copy of the 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Picking Paint, so you can avoid the heartache (and hole in your wallet) when your paint choices don’t quite work out! Click here, and I’ll send your free copy right now!
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