Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by lindseymahoney
If you’re on the hunt for a color that embodies calm and serenity while still offering a touch of sophistication, let me introduce you to Sherwin Williams Escape Gray (SW 6185).
Escape Gray is one of those colors that’s hard to pin down, in the best way possible. It’s a soft gray with subtle green undertones, making it a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something that’s both neutral and a little unexpected.
Let’s take a deeper dive into this chameleon color with a paint color review!
Table of Contents
- Paint Color Review & FAQs
- What is the Light Reflective Value (LRV)?
- Is Escape Gray gray or green?
- What are the undertones of Escape Gray?
- What colors pair well with the Escape Gray color?
- Is SW Escape Gray a warm or cool color?
- What paint colors are similar to Escape Gray?
- Where can I use Escape Gray in my Home?
- What are the RGB Values and Hexidecimal Code for Escape Gray?
- More Content You Will Love
Paint Color Review & FAQs
It all started with our quick porch makeover before heading into the Fall season. I knew I wanted to lighten our front door color and Escape Gray was the perfect shade for this project. The goal was to add a pop of color that gave a nice contrast to the front door that also highlights the seasonal wreaths.
Our front door opens into a large foyer we recently painted a slightly darker shade of green called Evergreen Fog. Escape Gray is the next notch down on the Sherwin Williams paint swatch stick so I knew it would compliment the entryway beautifully.
Eventually we will paint our window shutters a dark green that will look great with this new door color.
What is the Light Reflective Value (LRV)?
The LRV for Escape Gray is 41.
What is LRV anyway? It tells us how much light a color absorbs on a scale from 0 to 100. The lower the number, the less light the color will reflect and will therefore feel darker.
The higher the LRV number, the more reflective the color, making a space feel lighter and brighter.
Is Escape Gray gray or green?
When you first see it on the swatch, you might think, “Is it gray? Is it green?”—and the answer is yes, it’s both.
That’s what makes it so versatile. Escape Gray has this chameleon-like quality where it can shift slightly depending on the lighting and the colors you pair it with, making it a true team player in any space.
What are the undertones of Escape Gray?
A paint undertone is a color you don’t see that can cause the main color (tone) to feel warm or cool. Warm paint colors have yellow, beige, or pink undertones. Cool paint colors have green, purple or blue undertones.
Escape gray has blue and gray undertones creating the perfect balance for a sophisticated look..
What colors pair well with the Escape Gray color?
Here are some combinations that work particularly well:
- Soft Whites and Creams: Pair Escape Gray with soft whites like Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) for a clean, crisp look that feels light and airy. This combination works well in spaces where you want to keep things neutral but not boring.
- Warm Neutrals: If you want to bring out the warmth in Escape Gray’s green undertones, try pairing it with warm neutrals like beige or taupe. Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036) is a great option for this.
- Deep Blues and Greens: For a bolder look, consider pairing Escape Gray with deep blues or greens. These colors will create a beautiful contrast that’s rich and sophisticated. Think of using Sherwin Williams Naval (SW 6244) for a stunning accent.
Coordinating Colors by Sherwin Williams:
- Ethereal White
- Elephant Ear
- Shade Grown
- Naval
- Blonde
- Wisteria
- Urbane Bronze
Is SW Escape Gray a warm or cool color?
Escape Gray is considered a cool color.
What paint colors are similar to Escape Gray?
- Marble Quarry by Asian Paints (exact match)
- Manor House Gray but Farrow & Ball
- Meditation by Behr
- Rigani by Valspar
- Fieldstone by Benjamin Moore
Where can I use Escape Gray in my Home?
This gray-green color works well in any room, but here are a few ideas where it really shines:
- Living Rooms: If you’re looking to create a cozy yet elegant living room, Escape Gray is a winner. It’s soft enough to feel inviting but sophisticated enough to give the space a polished look. Pair it with warm woods and neutral furniture for a balanced, serene atmosphere.
- Bedrooms: Escape Gray practically begs to be used in a bedroom. Its soothing tones make it ideal for creating a restful retreat. Imagine waking up to this calming color—it’s like a breath of fresh air every morning.
- Bathrooms: This color is a natural fit for bathrooms, especially if you’re going for a spa-like vibe. Pair it with white or off-white trim and soft, fluffy towels to complete the look.
- Exteriors: Don’t overlook Escape Gray for the outside of your home. Its subtle green undertones make it blend beautifully with nature, creating a harmonious look that feels right at home in any landscape.
Before you commit to Escape Gray, it’s essential to understand how it will behave in your space. Like many colors, it will look different depending on the lighting. In natural light, you’ll see more of the green undertones, which can make the room feel fresh and airy.
In artificial light, it might lean more towards gray, giving the space a cozier feel. My advice? Test it out on a few walls and see how it plays with the light throughout the day.
What are the RGB Values and Hexidecimal Code for Escape Gray?
The Hex code is #abac9f. The RGB Values for Escape Gray are 171 / 172 / 159.
Sherwin Williams Escape Gray is more than just a paint color—it’s a mood, a vibe, an escape. It’s the kind of color that makes a room feel inviting without being overwhelming. If you’re looking for a versatile, timeless color that adds a touch of calm to your space, Escape Gray might just be the perfect color for you.
Happy Painting!