Functional Gray → Valspar
The closest Valspar matches for Sherwin Williams Functional Gray (SW 7024), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Valspar Equivalent for Functional Gray
If you love Sherwin Williams Functional Gray but need a Valspar alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Valspar, your local store does not carry Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Functional Gray (SW 7024) is a medium gray with warm gray undertones. A warm, functional mid-tone gray. Less beige than greige, less cool than a true gray. Right in the middle. To find a good Valspar match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 44) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Functional Gray and every Valspar color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest Valspar option is Oatlands Subtle Taupe (VR085B) with a Delta E of 3.5, which is a "good match" level match. Oatlands Subtle Taupe is the closest Valspar option at LRV 44. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Valspar Matches for Functional Gray
Oatlands Subtle Taupe is the closest Valspar option at LRV 44. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison.
| Functional Gray | Oatlands Subtle Taupe | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 44 | 44 |
| Hex | #BBB7B0 | #BEB7AC |
| Undertone | Warm Gray | Warm Subtle Taupe |
| Family | Gray | Taupe |
Undertone Comparison
Functional Gray has warm gray undertones. A warm, functional mid-tone gray. Less beige than greige, less cool than a true gray. Right in the middle.
Oatlands Subtle Taupe has warm subtle taupe undertones. A warm, subtle taupe with balanced beige-gray undertones. From Valspar's Heritage collection. More restrained than a bold taupe, with the quiet sophistication of an old estate.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Functional Gray in Your Room
Versatile and balanced. Reads as a warm gray without strong color pulls.
Oatlands Subtle Taupe in Your Room
The taupe warmth is gentle and reliable. In bright rooms, it reads as a warm neutral. In dim rooms, the warmth provides comfort without heaviness.
LRV and Brightness
Functional Gray has an LRV of 44, while Oatlands Subtle Taupe has an LRV of 44. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
Best Rooms for Functional Gray
Sherwin Williams recommends Functional Gray for: living room, bedroom, hallway, bathroom, office. With an LRV of 44, this is a medium color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.
Oatlands Subtle Taupe is recommended for: living room, bedroom, hallway, dining room, whole house. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Oatlands Subtle Taupe in the same rooms you planned for Functional Gray.
Functional Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Functional Gray equivalents in other brands besides Valspar? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Valspar match for Functional Gray (SW 7024) is Oatlands Subtle Taupe (VR085B) with a Delta E of 3.5, which rates as a "good match" match. Oatlands Subtle Taupe is the closest Valspar option at LRV 44. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Functional Gray is a Sherwin Williams color with warm gray undertones and an LRV of 44. Oatlands Subtle Taupe is a Valspar color with warm subtle taupe undertones and an LRV of 44. With a Delta E of 3.5, the difference is subtle and mainly visible in direct side-by-side comparison. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 3.5, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Valspar equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Valspar. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Valspar work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.