Is Benjamin Moore Classic gray or gray Mist?
When it comes to choosing the right gray paint color for your home, Benjamin Moore offers two popular options: Classic Gray and Gray Mist. But which one is right for you? There are a few key differences between these two neutral grays that are worth considering before making your final paint selection.
Overview of Classic Gray
Benjamin Moore Classic Gray is one of their most popular gray paint colors. It’s a warm, greige gray that has subtle undertones of beige and taupe. This versatility allows it to work well in a variety of design styles from modern to traditional. Classic Gray is muted enough to serve as a neutral backdrop in any room, while still adding subtle character and depth.
Here are some key details about Classic Gray:
- LRV: 50
- Undertones: Beige, Taupe
- Finish: Matte, Eggshell, Pearl, Satin
- Colors it Coordinates With: Antique White, Simply White, Edgecomb Gray
Classic Gray has a warmth that flatters most woods, natural materials, and greenery. It can give a space a relaxed, welcoming feel. This versatility makes it one of Benjamin Moore’s most popular grays for interiors of all types.
Overview of Gray Mist
Gray Mist is a cooler, greener-leaning gray from Benjamin Moore. It has subtle undertones of blue-green that give it a more modern, sleek feeling than Classic Gray. While still a neutral, its cooler tone sets a different mood in a space.
Here are some details on Gray Mist:
- LRV: 50
- Undertones: Green, Blue
- Finish: Matte, Eggshell, Pearl, Satin
- Colors it Coordinates With: Chantilly Lace, Horizon, Palladian Blue
The green-gray tone of Gray Mist makes it ideal for contemporary spaces and pairing with cool colors like blues, greens, and violets. It has a more sleek, modern feeling than the warmer Classic Gray.
Comparing Classic Gray vs. Gray Mist
When deciding between Classic Gray and Gray Mist, there are a few key differences to consider:
Classic Gray | Gray Mist |
---|---|
Warm, greige undertones | Cool, green-blue undertones |
Versatile neutral for various styles | Modern, sleek color |
LRV of 50 | LRV of 50 |
Complements natural materials | Pairs well with cool colors |
While both are neutral grays with the same light reflectance value (LRV), Classic Gray is warmer and more versatile for traditional spaces, while Gray Mist has a more modern, cool feeling. Choosing between the two paint colors depends on the mood you want to create and the interior design style of your home.
Popular Rooms for Classic Gray
Here are some of the most popular rooms and spaces where people use Classic Gray:
- Living Rooms – Classic Gray is a welcoming backdrop for living spaces. Pair it with white trim for a timeless and cozy feel.
- Bedrooms – The soothing neutral gray creates a relaxing retreat. Layer on textiles and furnishings in cream, beige and blue.
- Bathrooms – Classic Gray adds a luxurious spa-like ambiance to bathrooms. Contrast it with white subway tiles and black hardware.
- Kitchens – For a casual cottage kitchen, Classic Gray shaker cabinets have enduring farmhouse style.
- Dining Rooms – Classic Gray is a foolproof color for dining spaces. It works with formal and casual furniture styles.
- Offices – Balancing focus and relaxation, Classic Gray makes a great office hue. Pair with wood furniture and plants.
- Entryways – Classic Gray makes for an inviting entry. Try it on front doors or hallway walls.
Its timeless neutrality allows Classic Gray to work in any room while adding subtle character. Whether you want a cozy cottage feel or relaxed classic style, it rarely misses the mark.
Popular Uses for Gray Mist
Here are some common rooms and uses for the cooler-toned Gray Mist:
- Modern kitchens – Gray Mist cabinets have a sleek, contemporary look. Pair with glossy white counter tops.
- Bathrooms – The cool gray is spa-like in bathrooms. Contrast it with wood shelving and black metal fixtures.
- Living rooms – Gray Mist creates a stylish backdrop in modern living spaces. Layer in azure and emerald accents.
- Bedrooms – Gray Mist is a soothing neutral for modern bedrooms. Accent it with white and purple.
- Laundry rooms – Crisp and clean, Gray Mist makes utility spaces look bright and fresh.
- Offices – Opt for Gray Mist in modern home offices paired with light wood and chrome.
- Entryways – Use Gray Mist to make a sleek first impression in entry spaces.
With its cooler undertones, Gray Mist excels at creating an airy, contemporary backdrop. It shines in modern, minimalist spaces and alongside other tranquil cool hues.
Tips for Decorating with Classic Gray
Here are some top tips to decorate stylishly with Benjamin Moore Classic Gray:
- Use white trim and ceilings to provide crisp contrast against walls in Classic Gray.
- Select furnishings and décor in beige, cream, taupe and wheat to complement its warm undertones.
- Add pops of navy blue and sage green to lend some color and depth.
- Incorporate natural wood elements like oak or pine to enhance the earthy tone.
- Layer on textural elements like linen, wool and jute rugs for cozy appeal.
- Introduce black or bronze metal finishes and hardware for an industrial edge.
- Pair Classic Gray walls with antique white kitchen cabinets for timeless style.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you create a warm, welcoming interior with broad appeal and staying power using Classic Gray as your foundational hue.
Tips for Decorating with Gray Mist
Here are some decorating tips for working with Gray Mist:
- Choose modern furnishings with sleek lines in gray, white and wood tones.
- Add cool accent colors like green, blue, violet and charcoal.
- Incorporate natural fiber rugs in sisal or jute for earthy contrast.
- Use polished metallics like nickel or stainless steel for contemporary edge.
- Paint trim and ceilings crisp white to make the gray walls pop.
- Layer in sculptural lighting and monochromatic artwork.
- Add touchest of black for dramatic contrast.
- Use Gray Mist on kitchen cabinets with white quartz or marble counters.
Decorating with Gray Mist is all about creating a sleek, pared-back modern space. The cool undertones allow you to easily build a stylish, serene interior.
Which Gray Should You Choose?
So when trying to decide between Benjamin Moore Classic Gray vs Gray Mist, which one should you ultimately choose? Here are some factors to help you decide:
- Design style – Classic Gray excels in traditional and transitional rooms, while Gray Mist is better for contemporary spaces.
- Undertones – Do you prefer warm, greige grays or cooler, greener-leaning hues? The undertones make a big impact.
- Color palette – Classic Gray works better with creams and browns, while Gray Mist pairs well with blues, greens and grays.
- Features – Do you have a lot of warm wood tones? Cool stone surfaces? Consider what colors are already in the space.
- Lighting – Classic Gray suits spaces with natural light. Gray Mist comes alive in rooms with cool LED lighting.
Take stock of the overall look you want and the interaction with other elements in the room. This will steer you towards the gray that aligns best with your interior goals.
Conclusion
When comparing Benjamin Moore Classic Gray vs. Gray Mist, it comes down to the mood you want to create. Classic Gray is versatile warm gray that works with various styles. Gray Mist has modern cool-toned sophistication. While both are neutral paint colors, the undertones give them distinct personalities. Consider the whole look you want and the rest of the space to choose the gray that perfectly matches your vision.
With the right consideration, planning and pairing, either Benjamin Moore Classic Gray or Gray Mist can become the ideal neutral backdrop for your space. So unlock the potential of gray with confidence by picking the one that aligns with your goals for stylish, welcoming interiors with lasting appeal.