Finding a Behr Equivalent for Network Gray

If you love Sherwin Williams Network Gray but need a Behr 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 Behr, your local store does not carry Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.

Network Gray (SW 7073) is a medium-dark gray with warm dark gray undertones. A warm, dark gray. Deeper than Dorian Gray, less dark than Online. Named for the connections it creates between light and dark in a room. A solid, reliable dark neutral. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 22) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.

We calculated the perceptual color distance between Network Gray and every Behr 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 Behr option is Anonymous (PPU18-15) with a Delta E of 3.8, which is a "good match" level match. Anonymous is close. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.

Behr Matches for Network Gray

Anonymous PPU18-15
Good match · ΔE 3.8

Anonymous is close.

Network GrayAnonymous
LRV2220
Hex#94918C#928E89
UndertoneWarm Dark GrayWarm Dark Gray
FamilyGrayGray

Undertone Comparison

Network Gray has warm dark gray undertones. A warm, dark gray. Deeper than Dorian Gray, less dark than Online. Named for the connections it creates between light and dark in a room. A solid, reliable dark neutral.

Anonymous has warm dark gray undertones. A warm dark gray. Behr's answer to Chelsea Gray or Gauntlet Gray. Substantial and grounding.

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

Network Gray in Your Room

Warm and grounding. In bright rooms, reads as a warm medium-dark gray. In dim rooms, the depth provides drama without oppressiveness.

Anonymous in Your Room

Reads as a warm, solid dark gray. The warmth keeps it from feeling cold or industrial.

LRV and Brightness

Network Gray has an LRV of 22, while Anonymous has an LRV of 20. 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 Network Gray

Sherwin Williams recommends Network Gray for: accent wall, exterior, office, cabinets, bathroom vanity. With an LRV of 22, this is a medium-dark color that absorbs more light than it reflects. It makes a bold statement and works beautifully on accent walls, front doors, exterior trim, and features where drama is the goal. In a full room, make sure you have good lighting and bright white trim for contrast.

Anonymous is recommended for: accent wall, cabinets, exterior, office, bathroom vanity. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Anonymous in the same rooms you planned for Network Gray.

Network Gray in Other Brands

Looking for Network Gray equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

The closest Behr match for Network Gray (SW 7073) is Anonymous (PPU18-15) with a Delta E of 3.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Anonymous is close. 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. Network Gray is a Sherwin Williams color with warm dark gray undertones and an LRV of 22. Anonymous is a Behr color with warm dark gray undertones and an LRV of 20. With a Delta E of 3.8, 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 3.8, 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 Behr equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Behr. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Behr work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.

Colors on screen are approximations. Your monitor, lighting, and paint finish will affect how colors appear in your space. Always test with a physical paint sample before purchasing.

Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.