Benjamin Moore Classic Gray
Benjamin Moore Classic Gray is a no-fail, neutral greige shade. This light gray has warm undertones so you get all the style of gray with all the warmth of your favorite creamy shades. Best paired with fresh white trim!
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Let’s be honest. Paint colors can be tricky! So, I’ve created a method for choosing paint colors that helps narrow them down. But I also think it’s helpful to deep dive into some colors to see how they look in various spaces before making a decision about our own homes.
Truth be told, though, there’s nothing better than sampling it in your own home to get it right. But I hope this helps you narrow down which color to sample before making any decisions!
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What Color is Classic Gray OC-23?
Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23 is a beautiful soft gray color that can sometimes read as a warm off-white paint color. It’s a perfect balancing color that is a mid-tone range – not too list and not too dark.
You all know that I have a love for all kinds of paint, but this stunning pale gray with warm undertones is a top contender. This shade may be just what you need when giving your space a sophisticated look.
Choosing BM Classic Gray is always going to be a great idea because it’s a no-fail color. It looks lovely with other grays, whites, and even bright colors. Plus, it makes a good interior or exterior paint.
NOTE: If you’re painting the room yourself, these tools will help tremendously. And this post will give you my best tips for painting a room in 5 easy steps.
Where to Install Classic Gray
This beautiful mid-tone gray paint color looks great in almost every application imaginable.
- Cabinetry
- Walls
- Doors
- Casings and trimwork
- Furniture
- Exterior siding or trim
Classic Gray would also make a great exterior paint color!
What Home Style Works Best with Classic Gray
- transitional
- modern
- farmhouse
Benjamin Moore Classic Gray Undertones
If there already isn’t enough to love about Benjamin Moore Classic Gray, check out the undertones. You won’t be finding any overtly blueish or purple undertones like many other gray paint colors.
Instead, Classic Gray is warm and comforting. You could almost think of it as a soft, sophisticated off-white. In some darker rooms, it may have a slight purple or pink hue, but it will be faint.
In other cases, it may reflect bold surrounding colors since it’s a lighter shade.
For example, if there is a lot of brick outside, it may flash pink. And if there’s a lot of greenery outside, you may see green. But honestly, if the room is well decorated, I don’t think you’ll have much to worry about!
You will notice at times when the sun is shining just right, that it looks like it is white. Once the light shifts, you are left with that lovely warm gray once more.
PRO Tip
Any time you are choosing a new paint color, you need to try out the real paint color in your home first!
The easiest and quickest way to do that is with Samplize! I solely use them for paint samples now. There’s no mess, no leftover sample pots of paint. Plus, these no-mess, peel-and-stick rectangles made from real paint, are easy to move around the room and easy to save for future reference!
Is Classic Gray warm or cool in tone?
Classic Gray is definitely a warm gray with neutral undertones, maybe a slight hint of pink or soft purple. As you can see in the comparison below, it doesn’t pull quite as pink as Shoji White, as green as Gray Owl or as dark as Repose Gray.
Classic Gray vs. Other Neutral Paint Colors
Oftentimes when you’re pulling a neutral paint color like this, you’re going to compare it to other similar paint colors. I’ve show the comparisons of undertones in the graphic above. But let’s take a look at how this beautiful gray color compares to other neutral colors, like beige, taupe and greige.
Classic Gray vs. Pale Oak
Pale Oak will read more taupe than grey when compared to Classic Gray. Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (OC-20) is a light neutral somewhere between gray and beige with a warm pink undertone. It can also be called a mushroom paint color. Pale Oak will read slightly darker with an LRV of 68 vs. Classic Gray at 73.
Classic Gray vs. Edgecomb Gray
My open floor plan go-to paint color is Edgecomb Gray, a warm gray paint color that looks lovely in well-lit spaces. Edgecomb Gray’s LRV of 63 will make it appear darker than Classic Gray at 73.
Classic Gray vs. Balboa Mist
Balboa Mist is another popular neutral greige color that is often compared to Classic Gray. While they are very similar, Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist (OC-27) will read the tiniest bit more violet and a little bit darker than Classic Gray.
What is Classic Gray’s LRV?
LRV refers to the light reflectance value of paint color on a scale of 0 (pure black) to 100 (pure white). Essentially, colors with an LRV rating close to 0 will be darker (aka absorb more light), while numbers closer to 100 will be lighter colors (reflect more light).
Classic Gray LRV is 74 or 73.6, to be exact.
This number puts it squarely in the off-white category.
So, it’s more like an off-white than a true gray color, which looks best in a room with a mid-range of natural light. If you put it in a room with too much natural light, it’ll probably look like a muted white. But if you pair it with stark white trim, you’ll be able to see the contrast.
How Classic Gray Complements Different Rooms
I’m excited to share with you some various looks you can achieve using Classic Gray. Each photo will show you what you can see if you pair it with different colors. Remember, thanks to those warm undertones, BM Classic Gray goes well with multiple colors.
Classic Gray in Bedrooms
Did you know that the color you choose to paint your walls can affect your mood? Classic Gray has a calming and soothing effect on people, making it the perfect choice for a bedroom or living room where relaxation is key.
Classic Gray works with transitional, modern and farmhouse styles. Add in some beautiful neutral textures for a calm and luxurious retreat at the end of the day.
With a lot of natural light coming into the windows, you can really see the stunning gray color.
You’ll notice that the Classic Gray walls in this bedroom below take on almost a white color. When pairing it with other grays as they did with the headboard and pillows, it’s the perfect compliment.
Living Rooms With Classic Gray
Do you have an open floor plan? Classic Gray will be the perfect backdrop to your home and create a comforting, inviting, and welcoming atmosphere!
One of the reasons that Classic Gray is loved by interior designers is because of how well it highlights artwork and other decorative accessories. The subtle tone of Classic Gray allows for your favorite pieces to shine, without overshadowing them. You can easily switch out decor items as you please as Classic Gray is a versatile color.
This is a timeless look for modern to traditional designs that is impossible not to enjoy.
Aren’t you fascinated with this stunning color yet? It’s clean, bright, tranquil, sophisticated, and so much more.
Classic Gray in the Bathroom
In a bathroom, Classic Gray provides a refreshing, yet warm backdrop for your beautifully bold fixtures, decorative towels, and organic accents. Since most bathrooms have little to medium natural light, this color would be perfect for any contemporary, transitional, or classically designed rooms.
Classic Gray walls with marble, gray and white tones is a wonderful choice. I love how it pairs with those bright white subway tile and the nickel faucets give the entire room a clean, fresh look to it.
Using the natural light in the above bathroom, painting the trim with white and having white countertops as well as the cabinets gives the space a sophisticated theme.
This look is easy to replicate without breaking the bank!
Classic Gray Featured In Kitchens
Classic Gray in the kitchen is beautiful for almost any style home, from traditional to farmhouse. It’s beautiful with both white cabinets or wood cabinets, so the sky’s the limit. It’s great for open-concept spaces as it creates a cohesive look, which enhances the brightness of your room. So, this is a perfect color when painting a kitchen open to a living room or dining room, or both!
Studio McGee went with white cabinets, dark countertops, and classic gray in this stunning kitchen. The combination of colors and light are amazing for this space. It’s bright, but not too bright. You can see that the gray blends in but also gives a subtle color to the room.
What Colors Coordinate with Classic Gray
You can’t go wrong using BM Classic Gray if you are looking to make your space appear clean, soft, and tranquil. Benjamin Moore recommends these colors:
- Slate Blue
- Midnight Blue
- Beigewood
- Byzantine Gold
Some of my go-to colors that look good with classic gray include the following:
- Chantilly Lace (as a trim, ceiling or cabinet color)
- Simply White (as a trim or cabinet color)
- Hale Navy
- White Dove (as a trim or cabinet color)
- Sea Haze
- Jet Black
Trim Colors that Coordinate with Classic Gray
It looks so serene when you paint the walls Classic Gray and the trim a beautiful soft white color. My recommendations would be one of these beautiful white paint colors:
- Chantilly Lace – my go-to bright white paint color for ceilings
- White Dove – a beautiful soft, warm white
- Simply White – my go-to paint color for white trim
You won’t want to leave any room painted in these colors because it’ll be so welcoming and inviting.
Final Thoughts
Classic Gray Benjamin Moore is truly an all-around standout shade that will elevate any space and make your home look beautiful. It’s versatility makes it an ideal choice for a wide variety of home decor styles and functions, while at the same time it’s a great mood-enhancing color that will help you relax and unwind.
It is a color that is universally timeless, meaning it never goes out of style, and won’t need to be repainted with the frequent trend updates.
Trends come and go in the world of interior design, but Classic Gray is here to stay. If you want a classic color that will stand the test of time and have universal appeal, then Classic Gray is definitely worth considering.
Tools To Help Complete A DIY Paint Project
It would be nice if you could just toss paint on the walls and call it a day, wouldn’t it?
Because it does take some work, you’re going to want to invest in the proper tools to make your space as gorgeous as it can be. Plus, you want the walls to turn out perfectly every time.
Take a look at my tool recommendations to get you started!
- Roller Tray: Cleanup is so simple with these roller trays. Plus, there is a magnetic piece that will allow the roller to stay in place. This is a sanity saver, too.
- Drop Cloths: Using some drop clothes will keep paint off of your floor, furniture, and other items you don’t want getting messy.
- Paint Cup: I can’t get enough of this paint cup. It makes painting so much easier, and you’re going to be hooked, I promise!
- Painter’s Tape: If you want clean, straight paint lines, then the painter’s tape is going to be your new best friend. It’s a must-have!
- Paint Brush: You will want a variety of paintbrushes to paint. You want to have something that is of great quality too. Otherwise, if you go for something that’s not well made you may end up with lost bristles in your fresh paint, and that’s so frustrating.
Other Paint Color Posts
Check out some of my other favorite paint color posts:
- The Best Green Paint Colors For Your Home
- The Best Home Decor Paint Colors: Mindful Gray
- How to Choose the Best White Paint Color
- The Best Blue Green Paint Colors for Your Home
- Beautiful Interior Door Paint Colors {inspiration}
If this gray isn’t the color for you, check out this section on the blog to find the perfect paint color.
MORE POSTS YOU WILL LOVE:
Laura, We are building a home with a very open concept in the main living areas. The great room/dining is on the south west side of the house. Clear pine vaulted ceiling in great room and all the flooring is LV light maple. Trying to decide if BM Classic Gray will get washed out from the sun and simply look white most of the time, which I do not want. I would like a light gray that keeps its look. Thinking Balboa Mist may be too beige for me. Your opinion is appreciated. Thanks
Jane
Hi Jane, it’s so hard to choose paint colors without being in the space. My biggest tip would be to paint a large poster board with a sample of Classic Gray. Hang it on the wall where it will go and look at it throughout the day. See if it looks washed out or not. That’s the best way to pick the color! I hope this helps! – Laura
If you know you are going to paint, but unsure of the color, you do not need the poster board. Just get a sample and paint it. If you have a picture on the wall, you can paint under the picture.
Hi Payne, I think the white border helps neutralize the new color. Otherwise you’re getting the new color influenced by the old wall color. I’ve painted gray over beige before. And until I had the entire room covered with the gray, it looked blue because it was next to the beige. So, I would at the very least hold up a white piece of paper next to the new color. You need the new color next to white so that it looks like it will once it’s painted. I hope that helps! xo, Laura
Can I use classic grey on walls (open concept) if my cupboards are cloud white.
Hi there! I’d have to see them in the room to decide, but google it and see if you can find them together in a space, then test it out! 🙂 Good luck!
What color are the kitchen cabinets with the glass/criss cross door, and what color is the trim paint color in this kitchen?
Hi Kelly! I wish I had the answer for you, but since that is a Studio McGee project, I don’t have that info. Sorry! Wish I could be more help. xo, Laura
Hi-we have BM Classic Gray walls in our great room, red/golden oak floors, gray/tan/black granite, stainless appliances.
We are painting our kitchen cabinets.
Do you think BM Decorators White or White Dove would work best on the cabinets?
We want no yellow undertones, something somewhat more contemporary since we are updating, but not stark.
Thank you!
Also choosing between professional spray (lacquer) or professional paint (spraying doors and drawers only). Decisions, decisions….
We are going w/ classic gray. Excited, but hesitant on trim/door/and ceiling. Considering Simply white ( seems to be too yellow warm but really goes well w/ my med brown flooring and dark woods) or chantilly ( goes better w/ the grey but worried TOO white lol)…. THE QUESTION- do you do the ceiling the same as trim? Noticed in some pics it looked different. Thank you!
Hi Sheryl, I do recommend doing ceilings the same as trim if they are white. Just use a flat paint on the ceilings and a satin or semi-gloss on the trim! The different finishes will make the look like a slightly different color! Hope this helps!
(I wrote a post all about which finish to choose here — https://theturquoisehome.com/paint-finishes/)
Hi Laura–
Thank you for this page. Would classic gray go well with an accent wall in BM gray mirage? When I tested a bit they seemed to pair well together but I’m not sure because I only used a small amount on my walls.
I love the color classic gray, I have cherry wood furniture in my living and dining room. Will it work with the cherry?
Thank you
Mary
Hi Mary, I would definitely test out a swatch on the wall behind the cherry furniture to see how it looks in your room with your lighting! Trying paint colors is key here!
Thanks for the great post. I’m looking to use BM Classic Gray in my open concept home. Does it hold well in darker, east facing rooms as it does in bright south ones? More importantly, what darker paint color complements CG for interior doors? Thanks
I have tan/orangey stacked stone fireplace so have to stay in the warm family. I tried Classic Gray but fear it is just a bit too light/white. Can you recommend one color “down” that will still go with tan brownish fireplace and is just a tad darker. (My husband won’t let me paint it!)
Thanks.
I love Revere Pewter (Benjamin Moore) for a good gray that goes well with gray or brown. Try it!
Hello! Any idea where the pillows are from in the last picture? All of the ones on the couch 🙂
Thanks
Carri
Hi Carri, I did some research and couldn’t find them anywhere. So sorry!
Was this using classic gray OC-23? I think there are two different classic grays.
Hi Paul, I believe they are the same color, just in two different Benjamin Moore collections. 🙂
Do you recommend classic Gray with white cupboards and dark charcoal countertop natural wood floor and Dark wood table.
It sounds beautiful to me! 🙂 – Laura