Network Gray → Farrow & Ball
The closest Farrow & Ball matches for Sherwin Williams Network Gray (SW 7073), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Farrow & Ball Equivalent for Network Gray
If you love Sherwin Williams Network Gray but need a Farrow & Ball 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 Farrow & Ball, 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 Farrow & Ball 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 Farrow & Ball 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 Farrow & Ball option is Mouse's Back (No.40) with a Delta E of 3.5, which is a "good match" level match. Mouse's Back is the closest Farrow & Ball option at LRV 22. Similar character with F&B's chalky complexity, though some difference is visible. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Farrow & Ball Matches for Network Gray
Mouse's Back is the closest Farrow & Ball option at LRV 22. Similar character with F&B's chalky complexity, though some difference is visible.
| Network Gray | Mouse's Back | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 22 | 22 |
| Hex | #94918C | #968D82 |
| Undertone | Warm Dark Gray | Warm Mouse-Brown |
| Family | Gray | Taupe |
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.
Mouse's Back has warm mouse-brown undertones. A warm, earthy brown-taupe with the subtle, organic quality of a field mouse. One of F&B's most beloved neutrals for its depth and warmth. Not a color that tries hard; it simply is.
The undertone difference is worth paying attention to. While they are close in overall appearance, the different undertones mean they may diverge in certain lighting. Network Gray's warm dark gray quality may read differently than Mouse's Back's warm mouse-brown character, especially in rooms with strong directional light or colored accents that could pull out one undertone more than the other. Test a sample in your specific room before committing.
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.
Mouse's Back in Your Room
Warm and grounding. In bright rooms, a rich warm taupe. In dim rooms, cozy and intimate. Under candlelight, deeply atmospheric.
LRV and Brightness
Network Gray has an LRV of 22, while Mouse's Back has an LRV of 22. 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.
Mouse's Back is recommended for: living room, dining room, bedroom, accent wall, study. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Network Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Network Gray equivalents in other brands besides Farrow & Ball? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Farrow & Ball match for Network Gray (SW 7073) is Mouse's Back (No.40) with a Delta E of 3.5, which rates as a "good match" match. Mouse's Back is the closest Farrow & Ball option at LRV 22. Similar character with F&B's chalky complexity, though some difference is visible. 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. Mouse's Back is a Farrow & Ball color with warm mouse-brown undertones and an LRV of 22. 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 Farrow & Ball equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Farrow & Ball. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Farrow & Ball 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.