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Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (OC-23) is a muted and subtle shade of gray that adds a freshness and warmth to any room. It’s one of my most recommended neutral paint colors because it works well with SO many color schemes!
Classic Gray is, as the name suggests, a shade of gray paint. However, it’s not your regular run-of-the-mill gray, as it more closely resembles a warm off-white.
If my other favorite paint color SW Repose Gray is too dark or too gray for your taste, then I think this is a better option for you!
What is the LRV?
Classic Gray’s LRV is 73.6 – meaning it is classed as an off-white.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is an indicator of the amount of light that is illuminated by a light source. A higher value (closer to 100) means that a color will reflect more light back at you whilst a lower value (closer to 0) means that a color will appear darker, or absorb more light.
Personally,I think Classic Gray looks its best in a medium-lit room, where the light doesn’t completely wash it out and its color can really be appreciated.
What are its Undertones?
Classic Gray has a warm taupe undertone. Due to it being an off-white color – it may sometimes reflect other undertones depending on its environment (since white paint colors are highly reflective). For example if you have a lot of greenery outside – it may flash ever so slightly green.
RELATED: SW Amazing Gray – another gray paint color you may like!
Is it a Warm or Cool Paint Color?
Classic Gray is a warm-toned gray color. It won’t read super gray on your wall though, just soft and warm.
How Classic Gray Complements Different Settings
Classic Gray in Kitchens
Classic Gray is a great option no matter your kitchen style. Whether you lean traditional, modern, or love that cozy farmhouse vibe, this warm gray paint color works wonders.
Pair it with bold, sleek accents for a more contemporary feel, or if farmhouse charm is your thing, mix it up with some rustic touches like reclaimed wood and vintage finds. Trust me, it’ll elevate your space in the best way!
Classic Gray was actually a top contender when I was choosing a paint color for my kitchen remodel, but in the end I decided on SW Repose Gray lightened by 50%.
Classic Gray in Bedrooms
If you’re looking to create a cozy, calming vibe in your bedroom, Classic Gray is your go-to. Whether it’s on your walls or furniture, this color brings a soft, serene feel that works in just about any style—from transitional to modern.
Pair it with comfy textiles and soft lighting, and you’ve got yourself the perfect spot to unwind and recharge every night.
It works so nicely alongside neutral colors and wood tones, but works equally well with brighter colors like blues and greens that you’ll often see in bedrooms.
Classic Gray in Living Rooms
If you’re looking to brighten up your living room, Classic Gray is a no-brainer.
This warm, pale gray adds a touch of sophistication that works in any style—whether you’re into contemporary vibes or something more traditional. It’s the perfect backdrop for colorful patterned accents or you can keep it simple with white or neutral furniture for a clean, stylish look. Either way, Classic Gray brings the perfect balance to your space!
Classic Gray in Bathrooms
I even love Classic Gray in bathrooms as it provides a delicate balance between refreshing brightness and soothing warmth.
It works well with both modern and traditional bathroom designs. I particularly love when its subtleness is offset by a fun tile or striking vanity.
BM Classic Gray vs BM Gray Owl
Gray Owl and Classic Gray are vastly different colors. If you’re looking for a soft, warm off-white then Classic Gray is a good choice. If you decidely want more of a gray color, then Gray Owl may be an option.
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl is a gray with an undertone of blue and green. It has an LRV of 65 so it will nicely reflect light into the room.
Classic Gray is definitely a warmer tone than Gray Owl however if you are looking for a popular cool tone gray which has a bit of depth – Gray Owl may be a good choice for you!
Stonington Gray (blue undertone) and Repose Gray (warm taupe/green undertone) are two other very popular choices for gray paint color. Below, you can see how all three colors compare against Classic Gray.
If you like the subtle color that Classic Gray brings but want a color with a little more “gray” in it, then BM Paper White will be another excellent choice.
Classic Gray vs Pale Oak
Classic Gray is a versatile, warm gray with soft and muted undertones. It has a hint of beige making it cozy and sophisticated. On the other hand, Pale Oak is another popular choice in neutral shades.
Pale Oak has an LRV of almost 70, and a slightly warmer undertone than Classic Gray, with pink-violet undertones.
Classic Gray vs Balboa Mist
Balboa Mist is a soft, warm gray with a passive pink undertone. It has an LRV of 67, making it a light color but not quite an off-white. Classic Gray is a lighter and brighter color.
Classic Gray vs Chantilly Lace
Chantilly Lace is a crisp, clean white with barely noticeable undertones. If you’re looking for a bright white to pair with Classic Gray, Chantilly Lace is a good choice.
Chantilly Lace can be used as a contrasting shade with Classic Gray to create a bright and airy space. To make the paint colors pop even more, consider pairing Chantilly Lace with Classic Gray as trim and accent colors for a harmonious look.
Classic Gray vs Agreeable Gray
Agreeable Gray is considerably darker than Classic Gray with LRVs of 60 and 74 respectively. If you’re looking for a light and airy look, Classic Gray is a better choice. If you want more depth to your color, then Agreeable Gray is a popular choice. Comparing the two side-by-side, you can see that Classic Gray has a stronger gray undertone.
Classic Gray vs Edgecomb Gray
Edgecomb Gray is an incredibly popular choice for walls, but again, it’s darker than Classic Gray with an LRV of 63. Edgecomb Gray is also slightly warmer than Classic Gray, as you can see from the color comparison below.
Classic Gray and Different Wood Tones
Benjamin Moore Classic Gray pairs beautifully with various wood tones. When choosing the right wood to complement Classic Gray, consider the following options.
Light wood tones, like birch, maple, or ash, provide a soft contrast against the warmth of Classic Gray. The light wood’s natural hues accentuate the subtle beige undertones of the paint, making your space feel cozy and inviting.
Medium wood tones, such as oak and walnut, create a more substantial contrast with Classic Gray. The rich browns and warm grains of medium-toned wood can balance the paint’s soft gray, giving your interior a timeless appeal.
Dark wood tones, like cherry or mahogany, look striking against the backdrop of Classic Gray. The deep, crimson-red hues of these dark woods emphasize the warmth of the paint, and create an elegant and dignified atmosphere.
Choosing the Right Trim Color for Classic Gray
When it comes to choosing the perfect trim color for Benjamin Moore Classic Gray, there are a few popular white paint colors that pair beautifully with this shade.
Classic Gray with BM Simply White Trim
Simply White is a fresh, crisp white paint color that adds a clean and bright contrast to Classic Gray walls. This combination creates a timeless, elegant look for your space.
To achieve a nice balance, consider using Simply White for your trim, doors, and even your ceiling.
The brightness of Simply White amplifies the warmth of Classic Gray, making your home feel both cozy and inviting.
Classic Gray with BM White Dove Trim
White Dove is a versatile, off-white color that has soft warm undertones. When paired with Classic Gray, it provides a subtle and soft contrast.
White Dove is a great choice for trim if you want a softer look compared to Simply White, without sacrificing style.
This combination works well in spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms, where a comforting atmosphere is desired.
Classic Gray with Chantilly Lace Trim
Chantilly Lace is another popular trim color to consider when working with Classic Gray. It’s a bright and pure white that offers striking contrast while still maintaining a neutral, complementary look.
This trim color works particularly well in contemporary or modern spaces, where strong, defined lines are desired.
Classic Gray in Different Lighting Conditions
South-Facing Rooms
In south-facing rooms, Classic Gray shines with a beautiful balance of light and warmth. The abundance of natural light in these spaces enhances the soft gray and beige undertones of this versatile color.
In well-lit areas, Classic Gray brings a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that will make you fall in love with this paint hue. As the day progresses and sunlight changes angles, you might notice subtle shifts in the color, creating an inviting ambiance in your home.
North-Facing Rooms
North-facing rooms often receive less direct sunlight, providing a cooler environment. Fear not, as Classic Gray adapts well in these spaces too! Its warm undertones counterbalance the cooler light, maintaining a lovely harmony of warmth and sophistication.
Pair Classic Gray walls with soft, warm-colored furniture and accent pieces to enhance the overall warmth in your space, creating a cozy retreat that appeals to your senses.
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.
What Colors Pair Well With Classic Gray
BM Classic Gray pairs well with shades of blue, green, white, and other darker neutrals. I love how it plays with all the blue gray paint colors that I love to use throughout my home.
Here’s some done-for-you coordinating colors to get you started:
- Benjamin Moore Britannia Blue
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (trim/cabinets)
- Benjamin Moore Stonybrook
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (trim/cabinets for a warmer look)
- Benjamin Moore Gray Huskie
- Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue
- Benjamin Moore Santorini Blue
FAQ’s
No. As long as you don’t pair it with a lot of gray (gray floors for instance), it will not look dingy.
Yes, Classic Gray pairs well with Simply White trim. The soft contrast between the two colors creates a cohesive and visually appealing look, making it an excellent choice for a sophisticated and timeless design.
If you’re looking for a color that is slightly darker than Classic Gray, you can try customizing Classic Gray by darkening it by 25%. This will give you a slightly deeper shade while maintaining the warm undertones and versatility of the original color.
Final Thoughts
If you want a really light, bright and fresh color, Classic Gray truly is a classic. It adds soft warmth in any room you paint with it. It looks modern and clean, and works with any decorating style.
I ran out and bought a sample after reading this. The color looks amazing! I’m trying to decide on simply white vs chantilly lace to place on the trim & wainscoting on the lower portion of the wall. I heard this color mentioned in many video reviews of colors and never paid attention because I wasn’t looking for a gray. Another article of yours had a photo I loved, and I was surprised to see it was classic gray! I guess we can’t judge a color by a name. I wasn’t expecting such a beautiful warm color.
Hi, I was really disappointed in my classic grey. It looks more like off white. My question is I’m hoping if I repaint my trim more of a crisp white, that the grey will show off more. Can you suggest a white trim color that will showcase the grey? Thank you!
Hmm I’ve never seen classic gray look like an off-white, it has quite a bit of color to it. Is it definitely the right color? But yes, a brighter white will definitely make the wall color pop more