Metropolis → Behr
The closest Behr matches for Valspar Metropolis (VR084B), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Metropolis
If you love Valspar Metropolis 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 Valspar, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Metropolis (VR084B) is a medium-dark gray with warm dark neutral undertones. A warm, dark neutral gray. Substantial and urban, with enough beige warmth to avoid feeling cold. Named for the energy of a modern city. Works well on exteriors and as a sophisticated interior accent. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 28) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Metropolis 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 good news: there is a strong Behr match for Metropolis. Pewter Tray (PPU18-14-2) comes in with a Delta E of 2.2, which puts it in the "excellent match" range. Pewter Tray is the closest Behr option. Very close match.
Behr Matches for Metropolis
Pewter Tray is the closest Behr option. Very close match.
| Metropolis | Pewter Tray | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 28 | 27 |
| Hex | #A19E99 | #A19F9B |
| Undertone | Warm Dark Neutral | Cool Pewter Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Metropolis has warm dark neutral undertones. A warm, dark neutral gray. Substantial and urban, with enough beige warmth to avoid feeling cold. Named for the energy of a modern city. Works well on exteriors and as a sophisticated interior accent.
Pewter Tray has cool pewter gray undertones. A cool, pewter-toned mid-tone gray. Clean and balanced. Between Evening Hush and Pewter Mug in depth.
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. Metropolis's warm dark neutral quality may read differently than Pewter Tray's cool pewter gray 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
Metropolis in Your Room
In bright light, reads as a warm medium-dark gray. In dim rooms, deepens into a substantial neutral. The warmth prevents it from feeling sterile even at this depth.
Pewter Tray in Your Room
Cool and neutral. Reads as a balanced gray. Does not pull warm or cool strongly.
LRV and Brightness
Metropolis has an LRV of 28, while Pewter Tray has an LRV of 27. 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 Metropolis
Valspar recommends Metropolis for: exterior, accent wall, office, front door, cabinets. With an LRV of 28, this is a medium-dark 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.
Pewter Tray is recommended for: bathroom, office, hallway, bedroom, living room. 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.
Metropolis in Other Brands
Looking for Metropolis equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Metropolis (VR084B) is Pewter Tray (PPU18-14-2) with a Delta E of 2.2, which rates as a "excellent match" match. Pewter Tray is the closest Behr option. Very close match. 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. Metropolis is a Valspar color with warm dark neutral undertones and an LRV of 28. Pewter Tray is a Behr color with cool pewter gray undertones and an LRV of 27. With a Delta E of 2.2, 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 2.2, these colors are close enough to use in separate rooms of the same house without a jarring difference. However, avoid painting them on adjacent walls in the same room, as even subtle differences become apparent at a hard edge where two paints meet. For the smoothest result, use one brand consistently within each connected space and reserve the other brand for rooms that are visually separated.
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.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.