A Guide to Benjamin Moore’s Best Grays, Beiges, and Greiges
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172):
Revere Pewter is a quintessential greige, a light gray with warm, earthy undertones. It’s incredibly versatile and a perennial favorite because it bridges the gap between gray and beige beautifully. While primarily warm, it can exhibit subtle green or even slightly taupe undertones depending on the lighting. It’s a popular choice for almost any room in the house, including living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and even kitchens and bathrooms, due to its adaptable and welcoming nature.
Revere Pewter Review:
- The Good: Extremely versatile, works in almost any room, a great “safe” greige.
- The Bad: Can look muddy or greenish in some lighting; everyone uses it, so it’s not unique.
- The Verdict: A solid, dependable choice, but test it thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (HC-173):
Edgecomb Gray is another highly popular greige, but it’s noticeably lighter and warmer than Revere Pewter. It has a soft, creamy beige undertone that gives it a gentle, inviting feel. It lacks the green undertones that can sometimes appear in Revere Pewter. This makes it excellent for creating a bright, airy atmosphere, and it’s commonly used in bedrooms, living rooms, nurseries, and hallways where a calming, neutral backdrop is desired.
Edgecomb Gray Review:
- The Good: Lighter and brighter than Revere Pewter, very calming, less likely to go green.
- The Bad: Can sometimes look a bit bland or washed out in very bright rooms.
- The Verdict: A great choice for a soft, neutral backdrop, especially if Revere Pewter feels too heavy.
Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist (OC-27 / 1549):
Balboa Mist is a pale, warm gray with delicate, sophisticated undertones. It leans slightly towards a violet-gray, giving it a refined and elegant character. It’s lighter and airier than Revere Pewter, making it feel more spacious. It’s a beautiful choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms where a touch of understated elegance is desired, and it pairs well with both warm and cool accents.
Balboa Mist Review:
- The Good: Sophisticated and elegant, a beautiful pale gray with a hint of warmth.
- The Bad: The violet undertone can be surprisingly noticeable in some lights; not as universally adaptable as some others.
- The Verdict: Gorgeous if it works in your lighting, but definitely requires testing.
Benjamin MooreClassic Gray (OC-23 / 1548): Classic Gray is a very pale, warm gray that borders on being an off-white, but it has enough body and warmth to distinguish it. Its undertones are very subtle, primarily a soft, warm beige, making it appear almost neutral. It’s a fantastic choice for creating a clean, bright, and subtly sophisticated backdrop in any room, particularly those where you want a light and airy feel without using a true white. It’s often used in hallways, living rooms, and bedrooms.
Benjamin MoorePale Oak (OC-20): Pale Oak is a light, warm greige that leans more towards the beige side of the spectrum. It has subtle, creamy, and sometimes slightly pinkish-beige undertones, creating a very soft and inviting atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for spaces where you want warmth and comfort without being overly beige. It’s commonly used in bedrooms, living rooms, and nurseries, and it works well with a variety of decorating styles.
Benjamin MooreGray Owl (OC-52 / 2137-60): Gray Owl is a light, cool gray with noticeable green-blue undertones. The balance between green and blue can shift depending on the lighting and surrounding colors, sometimes appearing more green and other times more blue. This makes it a versatile but slightly more complex color. It’s often chosen for its calming and serene qualities, making it popular for bedrooms, bathrooms, and spaces where a tranquil atmosphere is desired.
Benjamin MooreStonington Gray (HC-170): Stonington Gray is a classic, light-to-medium gray with cool, slightly blue undertones. It’s a more “true” gray than many of the greiges, offering a crisp and clean look. It doesn’t have the warmth of Revere Pewter or Edgecomb Gray, making it a good choice for spaces where you want a more modern or minimalist feel. It’s popular for living rooms, dining rooms, home offices, and exteriors.
Benjamin MooreCollingwood (OC-28 / 859): Collingwood is a warm, light gray with a subtle beige undertone. It’s warmer than Stonington Gray but still distinctly gray, not a greige. It provides a sophisticated and calming backdrop without being too cool or stark. It’s a versatile choice for various rooms, including living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways, and it pairs well with both warm and cool accents.
Benjamin MooreManchester Tan (HC-81): Manchester Tan is a classic, warm beige with yellow undertones. It’s a true beige, not a greige, and it creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It’s a good choice for spaces where you want a traditional, warm, and welcoming feel. It’s often used in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, and it pairs well with rich wood tones and other warm colors.
Benjamin MooreGrant Beige (HC-83): Grant Beige is a mid-tone beige, a bit deeper and richer than Manchester Tan. It has warm, yellow-brown undertones, creating a sense of warmth and comfort. It’s a versatile color that works well in a variety of settings and with different design styles. It’s commonly used in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and hallways, providing a grounding and neutral backdrop.
Benjamin MooreAshley Gray (HC-87): Ashley Gray is a mid-tone, warm gray with noticeable brown undertones, making it almost a taupe. It’s richer and more saturated than the lighter grays and greiges on this list. It creates a sophisticated and cozy atmosphere, and it’s a good choice for spaces where you want a bit more depth and drama. It’s often used in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
Benjamin MooreChelsea Gray (HC-168): Chelsea Gray is a medium-dark, warm gray. Its undertones are relatively neutral, making it a versatile choice that can work in a variety of settings. It’s a sophisticated and elegant color that can add depth and drama to a space. Popular in dining rooms, living rooms, and even on kitchen cabinets.
Benjamin MooreKendall Charcoal (HC-166): Kendall Charcoal is a very dark, deep gray, almost black, with subtle warm undertones. It’s a dramatic and sophisticated color that can create a bold and modern look. It’s often used as an accent color, on doors, trim, or on a single feature wall. It can also be used in smaller spaces, like powder rooms, to create a cozy and intimate feel. It’s a popular choice for exteriors as well.
