Modern Gray Valspar 8005-1A

Modern Gray LRV and undertone

Valspar Modern Gray (8005-1A) has an LRV of 70, placing it in the light range. Its gray color family and subtle yellow undertone give it a warmer direction than a gray with a distinctly cool undertone. Light reflectance value measures the percentage of visible light reflected by a surface, with higher values generally indicating greater brightness. Modern Gray can therefore help maintain a relatively light appearance, although the room’s window placement, exposure, and surrounding colors will influence the result.

The subtle warm undertone may become more apparent beside cooler whites or blue-based grays. North-facing daylight often makes cool qualities more noticeable, while south-facing rooms tend to receive warmer light. Check a painted sample against flooring and trim before deciding. A matte finish may scatter light differently from a glossier finish, so use the sheen planned for the final surface when comparing colors.

Modern Gray in other brands

Sherwin-Williams Nebulous White (SW 7063) has an LRV of 74.0 and a ΔE of 1.5, making it a very close match. Sherwin-Williams Drift of Mist (SW 9166) has an LRV of 69.0 and a ΔE of 2.1, so its difference is close but visible side by side. Behr White Metal (N520-1), with an LRV of 63.0 and ΔE 2.4, is another close option.

PPG Aria (PPG1001-2), Benjamin Moore Paper White (OC-55), and Benjamin Moore Silver Satin (OC-26) have ΔE values of 2.5, 2.5, and 2.6, respectively. Each is close but visibly different in a direct comparison. Behr Dove (HDC-MD-21), at ΔE 3.0, and PPG Elemental (PPG1011-2), at ΔE 3.1, also fall within this range. ΔE quantifies color distance, but it does not guarantee the same appearance under every light source.

Lighter and darker Valspar alternatives

Valspar Gilded Linen (6002-1A) has an LRV of 73.84, making it lighter than Modern Gray by reflectance. It may suit a room where slightly greater brightness is desired. Valspar Summer Gray (7006-17), at LRV 80.27, reflects more light and offers a further step toward a lighter surface.

Valspar Seashell Gray (4003-1A), with an LRV of 69.25, is marginally darker, while Valspar Tempered Gray (4004-1A), at LRV 64.93, provides a more substantial reduction in reflectance. These lower-LRV options may suit spaces where a little less brightness is preferred. The supplied ΔE values show that Seashell Gray is nearly identical in measured color terms, while the other options differ more. Compare samples in the room before choosing.

Before you buy, compare a physical sample with the swatch on Valspar’s page for Modern Gray.