We’ve used Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray in nearly every room of our home because it’s a warm, inviting, and versatile neutral—one of the best greige paint colors available. Designers and DIYers love it for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchen cabinets, and even siding. Below we explain why it works so well and where it can fall short.
We researched popular greige options and found a number of trusted alternatives that designers recommend. Edgecomb Gray consistently ranks near the top because it balances gray and beige in a way that feels timeless, warm, and adaptable.
When should you use Edgecomb Gray?
Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) is an excellent choice if you want:
- A warm greige that blends gray and beige smoothly
- A light-to-medium neutral that adds interest without darkening a space
- A timeless hue that performs well in rooms with good natural light
- A sophisticated color that doesn’t read yellow or dated
- A single paint color that can work throughout a whole house
- A taupe that pairs beautifully with white trim
- A crowd-pleasing neutral suitable for resale or rentals
- A versatile backdrop for modern or traditional decor
- A subtle wall color that helps furniture and accents stand out
We love how balanced and flexible this near-flawless color is, and you’ll likely appreciate it once you try it in your own rooms.
When should you NOT use Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray can darken or look muddier in rooms with little natural light—especially north-facing rooms with cooler light. We initially painted our bonus room with Edgecomb Gray and found it looked noticeably darker and less warm there than in other spaces. In that north-facing room the color shifted toward a muddier tone, so we repainted with a lighter, cooler gray.
That said, we’ve used Edgecomb Gray successfully in a hallway and a half bathroom that receive no natural light; warm artificial lighting paired nicely with the paint’s warm undertone. Always test swatches in the specific lighting of your room before committing to a full paint job.
Edgecomb Gray FAQs
Here are the key facts to help you decide if Edgecomb Gray is right for your space.
Is Edgecomb Gray warm or cool?
Edgecomb Gray is a warm gray—an ideal greige when you want something that avoids a cold, stark feel. Its soft warmth is why we chose it for multiple rooms. It pairs especially well with warm wood tones and woven textures, maintaining a cozy, sophisticated look rather than appearing yellowed or dated.
What is the undertone of Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray has subtle, hard-to-pinpoint undertones, which helps it read neutral in many settings. Some people detect slight green, yellow, blue, or even pink hints depending on light, furnishings, and surrounding colors. Overall, it performs best alongside other warm tones but can also work with cooler accents like blues when balanced properly.
Is Edgecomb Gray light or dark?
Edgecomb Gray is a light-to-medium taupe. It’s dark enough to read clearly as a neutral—not white—yet light enough to keep a room feeling open and bright. It tends to perform best in rooms with good natural light; in north-facing or dimmer spaces, test swatches since it may appear darker there.
What is the LRV of Edgecomb Gray?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) measures how much light a color reflects, on a scale from 0 (black) to 100 (white). Edgecomb Gray has an LRV of 63.09, which places it in the light-to-medium range and explains why it keeps spaces feeling bright when light is available.
What other names does it go by?
Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) appears in Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection. Similar or related color references include Baby Fawn (OC-15) and Alaskan Skies (972) in different Benjamin Moore collections; the different names and prefixes reflect the brand’s organizational system for color lines.
What rooms look best with Edgecomb Gray?
Short answer: almost anywhere. Edgecomb Gray serves as a supportive, sophisticated neutral that adds depth without overwhelming a room. It looks particularly polished with white trim and built-ins, and we’ve used it in our dining room, bedroom, home office, entryway, and even a small half bathroom.
We also replaced a deep blue bedroom with Edgecomb Gray to create a brighter, more calming room that still allows colorful pillows and artwork to stand out.
What trim color works best with Edgecomb Gray?
White trim that leans slightly warm complements Edgecomb Gray best. In our home we used Benjamin Moore Simply White for trim; its subtle warm undertones enhance Edgecomb Gray’s taupe qualities and keep the overall palette crisp. Cooler whites like Decorator’s White or Sherwin-Williams Extra White can make Edgecomb Gray read grayer, so choose trim whites with a touch of warmth for the most harmonious result.
What accent colors work well with Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray is subtle enough to work with many accent colors. Aim for hues with warm undertones to maintain cohesion. For a coordinated look, we painted our entryway ceiling one shade darker with Revere Pewter (HC-172). Other colors that pair nicely include warm blues, greens, and deeper neutrals.
Popular accent choices that coordinate well with Edgecomb Gray include Benjamin Moore Hale Navy, Cushing Green, Boothbay Gray, White Heron, Revere Pewter, Kendall Charcoal, and October Mist.
How does it compare to other popular greiges?
Edgecomb Gray sits among several very similar greige options. Sampling is the best way to choose the right one for your light and furnishings. Brief comparisons:
- Edgecomb Gray vs Revere Pewter: Revere Pewter (HC-172) is slightly darker (LRV ~55) and cozier. They sit on the same Benjamin Moore swatch and pair well when used together.
- Edgecomb Gray vs Accessible Beige: Accessible Beige (Sherwin-Williams) is a touch darker and warmer with more pronounced yellow undertones, which gives a sunnier feel but pairs less well with cool tones.
- Edgecomb Gray vs Agreeable Gray: Agreeable Gray (Sherwin-Williams) reads slightly cooler with faint violet undertones and is a good choice for rooms with cooler palettes or less natural light.
Final considerations
Edgecomb Gray is a dependable, flexible greige that works across styles and rooms. Its subtle warmth creates a calm, elevated backdrop that supports both neutral and colorful decor. Keep in mind its tendency to shift with lighting: it can look darker in low-light rooms, wash out outdoors, or appear dingy next to many cream tones. For the most consistent result, pair it with warm white trim and test paint directly on your walls before committing.
In short, Edgecomb Gray is an excellent greige choice that balances warmth and neutrality—well worth sampling for your home.
More paint colors we love
We use a few go-to colors throughout our homes. If you want more options to compare, consider whites like Benjamin Moore Simply White or Sherwin-Williams Pure White, and explore other popular neutrals and greiges to find the best match for your home’s light and style.
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White
- Popular blues and soft neutrals we recommend for accents
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