LRV indicates how much light a shade reflects (0 = pure black, 100 = pure white). Use this comparison to shortlist before ordering samples.
- Classic Gray OC-23 (LRV ~74): light cool greige, ideal for open-plan spaces and hallways.
- Pale Oak OC-20 (LRV ~69): soft light greige, ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Stonington Gray HC-170 (LRV ~60): cool light gray, ideal for modern rooms.
- Gray Owl OC-52 (LRV ~65): light gray-green, ideal for living rooms and bedrooms.
- Edgecomb Gray HC-173 (LRV ~63): balanced warm greige, ideal for whole-house use and exteriors.
- Manchester Tan HC-81 (LRV ~63): warm taupe-gray, ideal for traditional homes.
- Balboa Mist OC-27 (LRV ~65): soft light greige, ideal for bedrooms and primary suites.
- Revere Pewter HC-172 (LRV ~55): deeper warm greige, ideal for living rooms and accents.
- Chelsea Gray HC-168 (LRV ~22): mid-dark gray, ideal for cabinetry and accent walls.
- Kendall Charcoal HC-166 (LRV ~12): deep charcoal, ideal for cabinetry and exteriors.
- Wrought Iron 2124-10 (LRV ~6): near-black gray, ideal for statement rooms.
- Cheating Heart 1617 (LRV ~6): deep blue-gray, ideal for libraries and dining rooms.
Warm Gray vs Cool Gray
Warm grays (greiges) have brown or taupe undertones; cool grays lean blue, purple, or green. The single most useful distinction in the family is matching the warmth of the gray to the warmth of your existing finishes. Wood floors and brass hardware call for warm greiges like Revere Pewter HC-172 or Edgecomb Gray HC-173. White oak and polished nickel suit cool grays like Stonington Gray HC-170 or Classic Gray OC-23.
Light Grays for Open, Modern Spaces
Edgecomb Gray HC-173 (LRV 63), Classic Gray OC-23 (LRV 74), Pale Oak OC-20 (LRV 69), and Balboa Mist OC-27 (LRV 65) are the most-requested light grays for open-plan living, hallways, and primary bedrooms. Edgecomb Gray has been the most-recommended whole-house neutral in the Benjamin Moore library for over a decade.
Dark Grays for Drama
Kendall Charcoal HC-166, Chelsea Gray HC-168, Wrought Iron 2124-10, and Cheating Heart 1617 create depth and atmosphere on accent walls, cabinetry, dining rooms, libraries, and front doors. Pair with crisp trim and brass or matte black hardware.
Pairing Gray
- Trim (warm grays): White Dove OC-17, Simply White OC-117
- Trim (cool grays): Chantilly Lace OC-65, Decorator's White OC-149
- Complementary walls: Hale Navy HC-154, First Light 2102-70, Saybrook Sage HC-114
- Hardware (warm grays): brass, bronze, aged nickel
- Hardware (cool grays): chrome, polished nickel, matte black
Color Desk Tip
Gray shows undertone shifts more dramatically than almost any other family. A chip that looks balanced in store can pull blue, green, or purple on your actual wall. North-facing rooms pull cool grays cooler, so choose warm greiges like Revere Pewter HC-172 or Edgecomb Gray HC-173 instead. Call our color desk at 248.598.0311 for shortlisting help.
Finish Recommendations
Gray shows imperfections more than warmer colors, so matte or eggshell is the workhorse. Use Aura for the deepest grays where richness matters. Regal Select handles everyday rooms. ADVANCE waterborne alkyd is the right pick for gray cabinetry, doors, and millwork where a hard, level finish is critical.
About Paint Outlets
Paint Outlets is a Benjamin Moore authorized dealer with three Michigan locations in Shelby Township, Rochester Hills, and Macomb. We stock the full Benjamin Moore color library across Aura, Regal Select, ADVANCE, ben, Eco Spec, Aura Bath & Spa, and SCUFF-X. Our color desk staff are trained on Benjamin Moore's Gennex Color Technology and the Color Preview, Historical, Classics, Affinity, and Off-White Collections. We ship samples nationwide via UPS and offer same-day pickup at all three stores.
Shop Benjamin Moore Gray Paint at Paint Outlets
Paint Outlets stocks the full Benjamin Moore gray palette across Aura, Regal Select, ADVANCE, ben, and Eco Spec. Order samples online for shipping anywhere, or visit our Shelby Township, Rochester Hills, or Macomb stores for same-day pickup. Call our color desk at 248.598.0311 for help shortlisting grays, or browse the homepage to explore the full range.
Gray Paint Frequently Asked Questions
