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    Homepage » Paint Colors

    Benjamin Moore Classic Gray

    Posted: May 6, 2021 · Updated: Apr 7, 2022 ·This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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    benjamin moore classic gray pin

    Classic Gray is a muted and subtle shade of gray that adds a freshness and warmth to any room. It is best paired with a clean, crisp white trim.

    BM classic gray header with text overlay
    Table of Contents show
    1 What color is Classic Gray?
    2 What is Classic Gray's LRV?
    3 What are Classic Gray's Undertones?
    4 Is Classic Gray Warm or Cool?
    5 BM Classic Gray vs BM Gray Owl
    6 Final Thoughts

    What color is Classic Gray?

    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.

    light and airy bedroom painted with BM classic gray
    Classic Gray Bedroom via The Color Concierge

    What is Classic Gray's LRV?

    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.

    Classic Gray's LRV is 74 - meaning it is classed as an off-white. Due to Classic Gray being so light - its probably not a good choice for a super bright room as it'll wash out.

    classic gray hallway
    Classic Gray Hallway via Kylie M Interiors

    If you have a dark room you'll find this will look a bit dull and drab unless you have artificial lighting - that is definitely the key to opening up dark spaces!

    Classic Gray looks its best in a medium lit room, where the light doesn't wash it out and its color can really be appreciated.

    bathroom with gray floor tile and classic gray walls
    Classic Gray in a Bathroom via Kylie M Interiors

    What are Classic Gray's Undertones?

    Classic Gray has warm undertones of purple and sometimes a soft pink. Due to Classic Gray being an off-white - it may sometimes reflect other undertones depending on its environment. For example if you have a lot of greenery outside - it may flash ever so slightly green.

    living room open to foyer with warm oak floors and staircase with black railings
    Classic Gray Livingroom via The Color Concierge

    Is Classic Gray Warm or Cool?

    Classic Gray is a warm toned gray color thanks to its wonderful undertones which tend to favour purple and sometimes a soft pink.

    woman standing next to light wood console table with the background wall painted classic gray
    Classic Gray living room walls via Pinteresting Plans

    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.

    comparison of gray owl vs repose gray vs stonington gray vs classic gray
    Gray Comparison via The Creativity Exchange

    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.

    coastal style bedroom
    Classic Gray bedroom walls via Saw Nail & Paint

    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.

    However, no matter what you have read or photos you have seen online, it's SO important that you always sample paint colors in your own home before committing.

    Instead of purchasing a ton of sample paint pots, my friends at Samplize have made it really easy with their amazing peel and stick paint samples.

    These samples are made with real paint, are easy to store and move around your house as you need! They are the only paint samples I buy and they ship quickly, too!

    Purchase your paint samples here.

    More Paint Colors

    • The 10 Best Greige Paint Colors For 2022
    • The Best Blue Gray Paint Colors
    • The Best Paint Colors For Master Bedrooms
    • Best Living Room Paint Colors 2022

    Or see more of the best paint colors for the home


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    Unfortunately, I no longer have the time to answer personalized paint color questions. If you leave a comment asking for personalized advice, it will not be answered. Sorry!

    Comments

    1. Donna Carroll

      August 19, 2021 at 6:41 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Jenna Shaughnessy

        August 23, 2021 at 9:35 am

        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

        Reply

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