RAL 7040 Window Grey — Hex, RGB, LRV, and Best US Paint Matches
RAL 7040 Window Grey hex #9DA1AA · LRV 36. Closest matches at Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, Behr, and Valspar.
Color spec
| Hex | #9DA1AA |
| RGB | 157, 161, 170 |
| LRV | ~36 |
| RAL Classic | RAL 7040 |
Also known as / near matches
RAL 7040, known in German as “Fenstergrau,” describes a poised, mid-tone grey that feels both contemporary and timeless. It doesn’t carry strong undertones that pull it overtly warm or cool, making it a versatile classic. While there isn’t a direct Pantone match for every RAL shade, its character sits comfortably within the cooler, more architectural grey family, often evoking comparisons to natural stone or concrete that has mellowed with age.
What it looks like in real life
This shade of Window Grey presents itself as a beautifully balanced mid-depth grey, holding enough pigment to feel substantive without ever weighing down a space. In north-facing light, it maintains its serene composure, perhaps leaning into a quiet, almost steely blue-grey cast that feels sophisticated and crisp. Yet, it retains an inherent softness, preventing it from ever feeling cold or aloof. It’s a color that drapes walls with a sense of calm, allowing other elements in the room to take center stage. Its LRV of 36 offers a forgiving depth, absorbing light gracefully without demanding excessive illumination. It feels anchored and substantial, a true workhorse grey.
Closest matches at US paint brands
Closest matches at US paint brands
| Color | Brand | Name | SKU | LRV | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kompozit | Baby Seal | 0519 | 36 | — | |
| Benjamin Moore | Boothbay Gray | HC-165 | 36 | — | |
| Farrow & Ball | Lamp Room Gray | No. 88 | 39 | — | |
| Sherwin-Williams | Upward | SW 6239 | 39 | — | |
| Dunn-Edwards | Pelican Bay | DEC787 | 41 | — | |
| Clare | Off-Duty | Clare 13 | 41 | — | |
| Backdrop | Underdog | BD-UD | 41 | — | |
| PPG / Glidden | Chinchilla | PPG1001-4 | 38 | — | |
| Behr | Crystal Stream | MQ3-46 | 41 | — | |
| Valspar | Reflecting Pool | 5005-9A | 41 | — | |
| Pratt & Lambert | Wedgewood | 32-8 | 41 | — | |
| Magnolia Home | Hawthorn Mews | JG-176 | 41 | — |
Kompozit’s Baby Seal is an exceptionally close match by both ΔE and LRV, sharing a very similar cool-leaning neutral undertone with RAL 7040. Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray also aligns closely in LRV, showing a slightly more pronounced blue cast, while Farrow & Ball’s Lamp Room Gray introduces a subtle green-grey warmth, making it distinct within the spread. Overall, the range of matches skews slightly toward the cooler, bluer end of the grey spectrum, reinforcing RAL 7040’s inherent coolness.
When to use this color
Great for:
- This color shines in modern living spaces and entryways, providing a neutral yet impactful backdrop.
- Consider it for kitchen cabinetry or island bases, where its mid-tone depth can anchor a design.
- It performs beautifully in rooms with ample natural light, softening direct sun exposure without disappearing.
Tricky in:
- Avoid using this grey in dimly lit interior hallways without sufficient artificial light, as it can appear flat and lack dimension.
- Be cautious when pairing with very warm wood tones if a stark contrast is not desired, as its coolness can be amplified.
Pairs well with
Pairs well with
Painting tips
- Primer: For RAL 7040’s medium depth (LRV 36), a white-tinted primer is recommended to ensure optimal color accuracy and coverage.
- Sheen: A matte or eggshell finish on walls will best showcase this color’s sophisticated depth, while a satin or semi-gloss is ideal for trim and cabinetry to enhance durability and light reflection.
- Coats: Typical coverage will be achieved with two coats of quality paint over the recommended primer, delivering full opacity for this mid-range grey.
- Application: While both rolling and spraying yield excellent results, pay careful attention to lap lines with brushing, as the medium depth of this color can subtly reveal inconsistencies under raking light.