Dark gray paint colors have always had a special place in the hearts of folks who have used them. This type of gray works wonders when used properly in both interior and exterior spaces. Sherwin Williams Peppercorn is no exception, as it offers versatility, coolness, and a luxury feel.
The paint color might be dark, but not enough to come off as black because of its hue. Its manufacturer describes it as a gray that can form a bold focal point in your home or decor.
I have put together a Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Paint Color Review to examine and cover everything you need to know about it.
Table of Contents
What Color is Sherwin Williams Peppercorn (SW 7674)?
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn is a versatile dark gray paint color that fits both interior and exterior spaces. While some homeowners believe it reads cool, others say it sits perfectly between warmth and coolness.
Apart from that, Sherwin Williams Peppercorn doesn’t manifest undertones readily. This attribute makes several experts regard it as a ‘true gray’. However, its uniqueness and uses cannot be denied whether or not you see it as one.
The paint color belongs to the Top 50 Colors collection and works as an excellent neutral. It also adds a relaxing feel to interior spaces and a timeless feel to exterior spaces.
Manufacturer | Sherwin Williams |
Paint Color | Peppercorn |
LRV | 10 |
RGB | R: 88 G: 88 B: 88 |
Hex Value | #585858 |
Color Collections | Top 50 Colors, Finest Whites & Neutrals (Cool Neutrals) |
Color Family(s) | Neutral |
RGB of Sherwin Williams Peppercorn (SW 7674)
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn has an RGB value that shows its components mix in equal amount and percentages. According to Encycolorpedia, the paint color has the following RGB value.
Red: 88 (34.51%)
Green: 88 (34.51%)
Blue: 88 (34.51%).
Also, it has a saturation of 0% and a lightness of 35%.
LRV of Sherwin Williams Peppercorn (SW 7674)
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn has an LRV of 10. This doesn’t come as surprise, seeing that it is a dark gray paint color.
LRV means Light Reflectance Value, and it’s an important property of every paint color. The reason is that LRV indicates how strongly a paint color reflects and absorbs. It runs on a scale of 0 – 100, with 0 representing true black and 100 indicating true white.
With the above explanation, you will realize that the lower a paint color’s LRV, the weaker it reflects light and the stronger it absorbs it. Paint colors with higher LRVs reflects more light and absorb little.
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn’s LRV of 10 shows that it reflects little and absorbs more. This makes it a great choice for areas with plenty of bright light. Avoid using it as a main color in dark or dimly lit spaces.
Is Sherwin Williams Peppercorn a Warm or Cool Color?
Generally, Sherwin Williams Peppercorn is a cool dark gray. However, most people describe as such because it reads cool most of the time. The paint’s manufacturer describes it as evenly balanced between warm and cool, further affirming that SW Peppercorn can read both warm and cool.
A strong deciding factor for this paint color’s reading is the lighting in the area you choose to use it. While I will explain this interaction better later in this review, I’ll like to point something out here.
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn can reinforce the main temperature of your decor. The dark neutral will assume this reading if you focus on keeping it cool. The same goes for warmth; however, it will never read cold or hot.
What Are The Undertones?
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn doesn’t show an undertone most of the time. This is one of the reasons why it does an excellent job as a neutral. However, since the paint color belongs to the purple hue, you will notice traces of ‘undertones.’
Depending on the lighting, Sherwin Williams Peppercorn will sometimes flash a tiny bit of blue, purple, or green. Apart from these periodical flashes, the dark gray largely appears as it is, with no undertone.
The absence of discernable undertones also contributes to its ability to remain balanced between warm and cool. Grays generally stay neutral, which is why their readings largely depend on undertones.
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Color Strip
Color strips can consist of up to seven paint colors, each with a variation of the same formula. This is the reason why members of the same color strip look similar but have different percentages of saturation and lightness.
Also, RGB values differ and members can even belong to different color collections. In the case of Sherwin Williams Peppercorn, its color strip has a neutral theme. This can also allow for monochromatic palette creations.
It is important to note that SW Peppercorn is the last and darkest member of this color strip.
Sherwin Williams Passive (SW 7064)
With an LRV of 60, Sherwin Williams Passive is the brightest member of the strip. The light-toned gray has blue undertones that make it read cool. It can fit in well with almost every decor you have in mind.
Note that the cool light neutral pair exceptionally well with white trim colors. It has an RGB value of R: 203, G: 204, and B: 201, a saturation of 3%, and a lightness of 79%.
Sherwin Williams Argos (SW 7065)
There is a certain type of comfort that comes with basking in the bliss of ancient rocks or stones. Sherwin Williams Argos brings this sort of feel or vibe to rooms and areas in the home. The balanced gray has subtle blue and green undertones that show up depending on the lighting.
Sherwin Williams Argos reads cool because of it undertones, flashing blue in cool lights and green in warmer lights.
It has an RGB value of R: 189, G: 189, and B: 183, a saturation of 4%, and a lightness of 73%.
Sherwin Williams Gray Matters (SW 7066)
Sherwin Williams Gray Matters is a medium-toned gray neutral with almost non-existent undertones. It has an LRV of 39, indicating that it suits both light and dimly-lit spaces. The paint color fits in nicely with cool decor and will not read cold.
It has an RGB value of R: 167, G: 168, and B: 162, a saturation of 3%, and a lightness of 65%.
Sherwin Williams Tin Lizzie (SW 9163)
Sherwin Williams Tin Lizzie is arguably the most popular and versatile member of this color strip. The medium gray has an LRV of 30, which makes it several shades lighter than Sherwin Williams Peppercorn.
It pairs nicely with a wide variety of colors in both interior and exterior spaces. It has an RGB value of R: 147, G: 149, and B: 145, a saturation of 2%, and a lightness of 58%.
Sherwin Williams Cityscape (SW 7067)
With an LRV of 22, Sherwin Williams Cityscape is significantly lighter than SW Peppercorn. The medium-dark neutral mostly hides its undertones but can sometimes flash a cool green.
Regardless, it functions as a cool neutral in relevant decor and any space. Most of the time, you will only notice its hidden green side as dusk fades into the night. Cool right?
It has an RGB value of R: 127, G: 129, and B: 126, a saturation of 1%, and a lightness of 50%.
Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray (SW 7068)
Experts describe Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray as a deep and brooding charcoal gray. With an LRV of 13, the dark neutral mostly hides its undertones while reading cool. Note that it is slightly darker than SW Peppercorn.
It has an RGB value of R: 99, G: 101, and B: 98, a saturation of 2%, and a lightness of 39%.
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Color Palette
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Coordinating Colors
Since coordinating and complementing colors naturally pair well with the main paint color, most folks forget that members of the same strip qualify too. Yes, you can make a monochromatic palette using paint colors from the same strip as Sherwin Williams Peppercorn.
You can decide to make a neutral theme or switch things up with more energetic paint colors. Either way, we will examine three expert recommendations for excellent coordinating colors, some honorable mentions, and some complementing ones.
Sherwin Williams Nebulous White
With an LRV of 74, Sherwin Williams Nebulous White contrasts perfectly with SW Peppercorn. The cool white paint color has gray undertones and a well-hidden blue undertone. This also contributes to its seamless coordination between both paint colors.
You can apply them to interior and exterior areas; even dark spaces will come out fine. The reason is that Sherwin Williams Nebulous White will reflect light well enough for dimly-lit spaces.
Sherwin Williams Windfresh White
Sherwin Williams Windfresh White is a greige off-white with beige and gray undertones. With an LRV of 69, the soft paint color is several shades lighter than Sherwin Williams Peppercorn. It can also tilt the dark neutral towards a warm reading in relevant decor.
SW Windfresh White reads warm because of its beige undertones and belongs to the White and Pastel Paint Color group.
Sherwin Williams Willow Tree
With an LRV of 41, Sherwin Williams Willow Tree is a medium shade of green with yellow undertones. It pairs nicely with Sherwin Williams Peppercorn in both interior and exterior spaces.
Sherwin Williams Willow Tree belongs to the Timeless Paint Colors Collection. When paired with SW Peppercorn, you can add a timeless, relaxing, and luxurious nature-themed vibe to your room or workspace.
Honorable Mentions
Sherwin Williams On The Rocks
If you want a light shade of gray that pairs nicely with a wide variety of colors, pick Sherwin Williams On The Rocks. The accommodating gray has an LRV of 62, making it several shades lighter than Sherwin Williams Peppercorn.
It has taupe and green undertones that do not show up readily. The taupe is largely responsible for the gray’s warm reading.
Sherwin Williams Zircon
Like SW Peppercorn, Sherwin Williams Zircon is a gray that reads neither warm nor cool on its own. It has an LRV of 59, which makes it significantly lighter, and it pairs nicely in both interior and exterior spaces.
Some folks also refer to this paint color as the perfect gray because of its uniqueness.
Sherwin Williams Pewter Cast
Although it performs well as a neutral, Sherwin Williams Pewter Cast does better in entryways and exterior spaces. The medium-tone gray has purple undertones and an LRV of 31, which indicates that it is lighter than Sherwin Williams Peppercorn.
It reads cool all the time and will not look cold or icy in cool lights or North-facing rooms.
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Complementary Colors
The following paint colors complement Sherwin Williams Peppercorn, amongst others.
Sherwin Williams Silvermist
This cool blue from Sherwin Williams has a soft look and an LRV of 47. With a blend of slate gray and green undertones, the gentle neutral sets a relaxing tone for your space. It also complements Sherwin Williams Peppercorn.
A good idea is to use SW Silvermist on the walls and flex SW Peppercorn on cabinets and furniture.
Sherwin Williams Gris
With a blend of green and cyan undertones, this deep charcoal gray might be what you need for a mysterious vibe. Sherwin Williams Gris has an LRV of 39, making it significantly lighter than SW Peppercorn. However, it still falls on the dark side of the spectrum.
As such, avoid pairing both colors in areas with little or no lighting. In bright spaces, both paint colors will work wonders.
Sherwin Williams Homburg Gray
Sherwin Williams Homburg Gray is a lovely dark gray paint color with intense aquatic green undertones. It pairs nicely with Sherwin Williams Peppercorn in light spaces because both colors absorb more light than they reflect.
Although it reads cool, make sure you sample it first, as experts say SW Homburg Gray tends to look different from a swatch.
Sherwin Williams Rhinestone
For a cool, crispy, and clear look, Sherwin Williams Rhinestone might be just the light gray neutral you need. The paint color has blue undertones that can sometimes make it appear icy or cold. However, it does well into relevant warm colors and can pair nicely with Sherwin Williams Peppercorn.
It also adds a breezy feel to spaces. Since it is way lighter than SW Peppercorn, you can pair them together in both bright and dark spaces.
What Trim Colors Go With Sherwin Williams Peppercorn?
A cool property of Sherwin Williams Peppercorn is that you can choose to either use white trims or use it for a monochromatic finish. Unlike some dark paint color, SW Peppercorn can also act as a trim for itself.
Trim colors generally allow you to set the final tone of your space. While you have the option of using white or dark trims, the former is more popular because of versatility and tolerance for other paint colors and undertones.
Since we have established the fact that you can use SW Peppercorn as a dark trim, I will mention suitable white trims.
- Sherwin Williams Pure White
- Sherwin Williams Extra White
Both white paint colors perform well as trims for Sherwin Williams Peppercorn for two reasons. Firstly, they don’t contradict its well-hidden undertones and temperature. Also, both whites contrast well with it to give a desirable finish.
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Color Comparisons
Iron Ore vs Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
Although SW Peppercorn falls on the dark side, Sherwin Williams Iron Ore is even darker with an LRV of 6. The deep charcoal has green undertones that only a few have seen because it rarely shows.
Experts recommend that you either use SW Iron Ore on exterior walls or sparingly in interior spaces. The reason is that the paint color absorbs light strongly.
Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
Peppercorn | 10 | R: 88 G: 88 B: 88 | #585858 |
Iron Ore | 6 | R: 67 G: 67 B: 65 | #434341 |
Grizzle Gray vs Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray belongs to the same color strip as SW Peppercorn. With an LRV of 13, the paint color absorbs more light than it reflects. The deep charcoal gray has a brooding vibe that turns out great when paired with brighter colors.
It is slightly lighter than Sherwin Williams Peppercorn and has a higher tendency to reveal undertones.
Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
Peppercorn | 10 | R: 88 G: 88 B: 88 | #585858 |
Grizzle Gray | 13 | R: 99 G: 101 B: 98 | #636562 |
Gauntlet Gray vs Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray is a warm dark neutral with greige (gray and beige) undertones. It has an LRV of 17, which makes it significantly lighter than Sherwin Williams Peppercorn. Also, SW Gauntlet Gray feels more lively and appears lighter than one would expect, judging from its LRV.
While it looks more brown than black, the neutral offers a way to go dark but remain lively.
Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
Peppercorn | 10 | R: 88 G: 88 B: 88 | #585858 |
Gauntlet Gray | 17 | R: 120 G: 115 B: 110 | #78736e |
Urbane Bronze vs Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze has a brownish-gray look that fits perfectly into earthy decor. It adds a sense of tranquility akin to spending time with nature. With an LRV of 8, SW Urbane Bronze absorbs more light than SW Peppercorn.
It also brings a level of subtle sophistication to interior and exterior spaces.
Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
Peppercorn | 10 | R: 88 G: 88 B: 88 | #585858 |
Urbane Bronze | 8 | R: 84 G: 80 B: 74 | #54504a |
Cyberspace vs Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
With a calming vibe and an LRV of 6, Sherwin Williams Cyberspace allows you to add a sense of mystery to spaces. You want to use it in entryways or an accent wall for the best effect. The deep charcoal black is significantly darker than Sherwin Williams Peppercorn.
Experts generally recommend blue as a trim color for it.
Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
Peppercorn | 10 | R: 88 G: 88 B: 88 | #585858 |
Cyberspace | 6 | R: 68 G: 72 B: 77 | #44484d |
Behr Cracked Pepper vs Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
As a member of the Black Paint Family, Behr Cracked Pepper appears more black than gray. The dark paint color has hidden blue undertones that rarely show, making most people describe it as a blend of black and gray.
Behr Cracked Pepper has a lower LRV than SW Peppercorn, indicating that it absorbs more light.
Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
Peppercorn | 10 | R: 88 G: 88 B: 88 | #585858 |
Behr Cracked Pepper | 8 | R: 79 G: 81 B: 82 | #4f5152 |
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal vs Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
In terms of versatility, Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal takes the win. The dark neutral pairs well with various colors because of its numerous undertones. It has a higher LRV than Sherwin Williams Peppercorn and reflects more light.
However, you should sample it first to avoid hidden surprises after use.
Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
Peppercorn | 10 | R: 88 G: 88 B: 88 | #585858 |
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal | 14.61 | R: 103 G: 102 B: 98 | #676662 |
Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron vs Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
With an LRV of 8.17, Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron appears darker than Sherwin Williams Peppercorn. However, it has a soft look and malleable nature, making it pair well with several other colors.
The paint color has navy blue undertones that you will rarely see. Natural light increases the tendency of these undertones to come out.
Sherwin Williams Paint Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
Peppercorn | 10 | R: 88 G: 88 B: 88 | #585858 |
Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron | 8.17 | R: 73 G: 74 B: 75 | #494a4b |
Peppercorn Benjamin Moore Version
While you will not find an exact duplicate of Sherwin Williams Peppercorn from Benjamin Moore, you can find something close. Benjamin Moore Ambler Slate looks so similar to SW Peppercorn that you might not spot a difference at first glance.
However, a side-by-side comparison will show that both paint colors have some differences.
Benjamin Moore Ambler Slate
With an LRV of 11.78, Benjamin Moore Ambler Slate appears slightly lighter than SW Peppercorn. Also, the dark paint color has more blue, which puts it firmly on the cool of the spectrum.
Experts say that Benjamin Moore Ambler Slate has the look and vibe of 18th-century wallpaper shades.
While you can pair up and combine similar paint color, doing such with different brands might not give the result you want. The reason is that manufacturers use different formulas for their paint.
How Does Light Affect It?
As I mentioned earlier, Light generally interacts with paint colors in two ways. The first has to do with the paint color’s Light Reflectance Value (LRV), and the second relates to undertones. Understanding both interactions will help you use the colors in the right areas and even utilize lighting to get your desired look.
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn has an LRV of 10, which puts it on the dark side. This value indicates that it reflects little light and absorbs a lot. Knowing this, you should avoid using the dark neutral in areas with little access to light.
However, pairing it up with bright colors can help, and examples include Sherwin Williams Extra White and Nebulous White.
The second way light affects Sherwin Williams Peppercorn is its undertones. I mentioned earlier that the dark gray does a great job of hiding its undertones. However, in certain settings, the lighting can make it flash a little blue, purple, or green.
Best Rooms to Paint SW Peppercorn
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Exterior
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Cabinet
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Front Door
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Bathroom
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Bedroom
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Kitchen Cabinets
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn Accent Wall
Final Thoughts
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn offers what most dark grays don’t have, and that is flexibility. The paint color can go on interior walls, cabinets, and furniture, as well as on exterior walls. It also pairs nicely with various paint colors regardless of whether they read cool or warm.
However, it is important to test any paint color first before using it. This is particularly true for the ones that hide their undertones well.
Asides from that, feel free to have fun with this unique dark neutral.