Metropolis → Sherwin Williams
The closest Sherwin Williams matches for Valspar Metropolis (VR084B), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Sherwin Williams Equivalent for Metropolis
If you love Valspar Metropolis but need a Sherwin Williams 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 Sherwin Williams, 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 Sherwin Williams 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 Sherwin Williams 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 Sherwin Williams option is Dorian Gray (SW 7017) with a Delta E of 4.4, which is a "good match" level match. Dorian Gray is a reasonable match. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Sherwin Williams Matches for Metropolis
Dorian Gray is a reasonable match.
| Metropolis | Dorian Gray | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 28 | 39 |
| Hex | #A19E99 | #B5AFA7 |
| Undertone | Warm Dark Neutral | Warm Gray-Beige |
| 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.
Dorian Gray has warm gray-beige undertones. A warm medium gray with beige undertones. Deeper than Mindful Gray. A sophisticated neutral with real presence.
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
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.
Dorian Gray in Your Room
Warm and grounding. The beige keeps it from feeling cold. In bright light, the warmth is more apparent.
LRV and Brightness
Metropolis has an LRV of 28, while Dorian Gray has an LRV of 39. That means Dorian Gray reflects more light. If you switch from Metropolis to Dorian Gray, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.
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.
Dorian Gray is recommended for: living room, bedroom, dining room, office, accent wall. 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 Sherwin Williams? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Sherwin Williams match for Metropolis (VR084B) is Dorian Gray (SW 7017) with a Delta E of 4.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Dorian Gray is a reasonable 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. Dorian Gray is a Sherwin Williams color with warm gray-beige undertones and an LRV of 39. With a Delta E of 4.4, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. 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 4.4, 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 Sherwin Williams equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Sherwin Williams. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Sherwin Williams 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.