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Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray (HC-165) is undoubtedly one of my all-time favorite blue-gray paint colors.

Whether it’s adding sophistication to kitchen cabinets, creating a serene backdrop in a living room, or offering a fresh, modern look on accent walls, it’s the perfect color that harmonizes with both warm and cool color schemes.

Kitchen with white perimeter cabinets and Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray island.

What are its Undertones?

BM Boothbay Gray is a medium blue-gray paint color, that also showcases a blue-green undertone, making it a gorgeous color for spaces that need a pop of color.

This blue-gray color has the strong gray that can range from a neutral gray to a more pronounced blue color in rooms filled with a lot of natural light, such as south-facing rooms. At times, it can also show the tiniest bit of green.

Whether it looks more gray, more blue, or you notice the blue-green undertone depends entirely on the lighting conditions of your room, making it a great choice for rooms that face any direction. However, for the most part, it will present itself as a blue-gray color.

butler's pantry with Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray cabinets and white countertops.

What is The Light Reflectance Value (LRV)?

Boothbay Gray’s LRV stands at 43. This LRV places it in the category of medium tones, making it a paint color with enough depth to add character yet light enough not to overpower a space.

What is LRV? It stands for Light Reflectance Value and it’s basically a scale of how much light a paint color reflects, with 0 being absolute black and 100 being absolute white. You can read more about LRV in paint colors and how it can help you pick the right paint color for your room.

Small bathroom with a vanity painted Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray.

Is it a Warm or Cool Color?

With its cool blue undertones, Boothbay Gray leans towards the cooler end of the spectrum, although that little bit of green adds a touch of warmth. This is what helps make it a good choice for integrating into various color palettes.

Don’t Forget…

Don’t forget – no matter what you’ve read or photos you’ve seen online, it’s really important to sample paint colors in your home before committing!

Samplize provides real paint samples that are easy to move around your home, and cheaper than buying a gazillion paint pots! It’s the only way I buy paint samples.

BM Boothbay Gray vs Other Paint Colors

When comparing Boothbay Gray to other best paint colors, like Benjamin Moore Mount Saint Anne or Gray Owl, its strong blue undertones and medium blue-gray hue set it apart.

Bedroom with picture frame molding painted Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray. There's a wood nightstand and beige upholstered bed.

Where Should You Use BM Boothbay Gray?

Personally, I love using this paint color for cabinets. It offers the perfect pop of color without being in-your-face. Saying that, I’ve seen it used on bedroom, bathroom and office walls and it can look stunning! I would just caveat that by saying when using it on all 4 walls, it will make your room feel darker, so just keep that in mind.

Butler's pantry with Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray cabinets, brass hardware and white countertops.
This is the same pantry as earlier, but the cabinets look darker and grayer with less sunlight hitting them.

Boothbay Gray is not just a good interior color, either. It makes a really nice choice for a lighter blue gray color for any home’s exterior.

Classic dormered Cape Cod style house painted Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray.

BM Boothbay Gray vs BM Gray Owl

side by side swatch of Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray versus Gray Owl.

Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray (LRV 44) and BM Gray Owl (LRV 65) offer distinct choices for those seeking gray paint colors.

Boothbay Gray is a medium, cool blue-gray that adds depth and serenity to a space, making it ideal for creating a calming atmosphere. Gray Owl, with its higher LRV, is a lighter gray that can subtly shift to reveal green undertones, enhancing the brightness and versatility of a room.

The key differences lie in their undertones and difference in LRV, with Boothbay Gray providing a cooler, more stable appearance, and Gray Owl offering a lighter, more adaptable backdrop that changes with the light.

BM Boothbay Gray vs BM Mount Saint Anne

side by side swatch of Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray versus Mount Saint Anne.

Boothbay Gray and Mount Saint Anne by Benjamin Moore are two cool, but very different colors. Boothbay Gray, with an LRV of 44, is a soft, calm blue-gray that’s great for making rooms feel peaceful. Mount Saint Anne is a bit darker, with an LRV of 42, and blends blue with a touch of green, giving it a rich, sophisticated vibe.It’s perfect for making a bold statement or creating cozy spots.

Essentially, if you’re after a gentle, serene look, go for Boothbay Gray. If you prefer something with a bit more depth and elegance, Mount Saint Anne is your color.

BM Boothbay Gray vs BM Solitude

side by side comparison swatch of Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray vs Benjamin Moore Solitude.

Solitude is more of a light blue than a true gray. It’s quite soft and gives off a calm vibe, which makes it great for creating a relaxing space. It’s noticeably bluer than Boothbay Gray, especially when the sun hits it, making the room feel serene and peaceful. Solitude has an LRV of around 38, making it slightly darker than Boothbay Gray which has an LRV of 44.

The Sherwin Williams Color Equivalent

side by side swatch of BM Boothbay Gray and SW Mineral Deposit.

While there’s no exact match for Boothbay Gray in the Sherwin Williams palette, SW Mineral Deposit (SW 7652) comes close with its similar cool-toned nature and depth of color.

FAQ’s

Absolutely! Boothbay Gray’s depth and richness make it a fantastic choice for exteriors! And if you’re not ready to commit to your entire facade, you could always use it as a front door color.

For a classic and timeless look, consider pairing Boothbay Gray with crisp whites such as Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace or Sherwin Williams Pure White. These clean white trim colors beautifully complement Boothbay Gray’s cool undertones, creating a cohesive and elegant aesthetic.

When it comes to creating harmonious color palettes, consider pairing BM Boothbay Gray with complementary hues such as Stonington Gray, White Wisp, or Pearl River. These colors work seamlessly together, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere in any space.

Final Thoughts

Small office with BM Boothbay Gray walls, white trim and a white oak desk.

BM Boothbay Gray is truly one of my all-time favorite paint colors and I’m always scheming up different ways to use it in my own home! If you want a modern blue-gray that works well with the light and airy vibe, wood tones and brass, then this is the color for you!

So there you have it! Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray is a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and tranquility to their living space. Don’t just take my word for it—grab a paint sample and see for yourself the magic of Boothbay Gray!

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