When it comes to creating a beautiful, inviting home, the right paint color can make all the difference. Among the vast array of neutrals available today, Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore stands out as a soft, sophisticated shade that effortlessly bridges warm and cool tones. This paint color has won the hearts of homeowners, interior designers, and real estate professionals alike, offering timeless appeal that suits nearly every style of décor. Whether you’re looking to refresh your living room, kitchen, or even your home’s exterior, Edgecomb Gray delivers an understated elegance that adapts seamlessly to a variety of spaces.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore what makes Edgecomb Gray so popular, where it performs best, how to pair it with other colors, and how it stacks up against other well-loved shades. From technical insights to design inspiration, this article will provide everything you need to know to make the most of Edgecomb Gray in your next painting project.
What is Edgecomb Gray
Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) is a signature color from Benjamin Moore, a leading name in the paint industry known for its high-quality, designer-loved finishes. Officially classified as a greige (a mix of gray and beige), Edgecomb Gray strikes a delicate balance between cool and warm tones, making it one of the most versatile neutrals in today’s market.
This chameleon-like hue has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 63.09, meaning it reflects a good amount of light without being too stark or too dark. It has subtle green and taupe undertones that shift depending on the lighting and surrounding decor. In bright, natural light, it leans toward a warm, creamy gray; in dimmer, artificial light, it takes on a cozy, soft beige feel. This ability to adapt gives Edgecomb Gray its universal appeal.
Many people appreciate Edgecomb Gray because it doesn’t dominate a space. Instead, it provides a neutral canvas that enhances architectural details, furnishings, and accessories. It’s a color that can serve as a whole-home palette or a strategic accent in a well-curated design plan. Its understated elegance makes it perfect for creating serene interiors that still feel grounded and welcoming.
Where to Use Edgecomb Gray in Your Home
One of the greatest strengths of Edgecomb Gray is its ability to enhance nearly every room in the home. In the living room, Edgecomb Gray creates a soft backdrop that harmonizes with both contemporary and traditional styles. It works beautifully with natural textures like linen and rattan, as well as more formal elements like crown molding and classic wood furniture. The warm undertones help create a cozy, lived-in feel while maintaining a fresh and updated look.
In the kitchen, this greige wonder is a favorite for cabinetry, walls, and even island accents. It pairs exceptionally well with white cabinetry, marble countertops, and brass or matte black fixtures. Whether you’re designing a modern farmhouse kitchen or something more transitional, Edgecomb Gray’s subtle warmth provides balance and contrast without clashing with other design elements.
The bedroom is another ideal space for Edgecomb Gray, where its calming and neutral tones can promote rest and relaxation. When paired with soft whites, muted pastels, or earthy tones, Edgecomb Gray helps create a tranquil sanctuary that feels both elegant and understated. It also complements a variety of bedding textures and wood tones, from rustic oak to sleek walnut.
In bathrooms and hallways, where lighting can be limited, Edgecomb Gray still holds its own. Its mid-range LRV means it won’t make small spaces feel darker, and it works particularly well when paired with crisp white trim or light-colored tile. The versatility of Edgecomb Gray makes it an excellent choice for unifying various rooms in an open floor plan while still offering enough visual interest to stand on its own.
Best Color Pairings with Edgecomb Gray
To make the most of Edgecomb Gray, choosing the right complementary colors is key. Thankfully, this adaptable neutral plays well with a wide range of shades. For trim and ceilings, popular Benjamin Moore whites like White Dove, Simply White, and Chantilly Lace create crisp contrast without looking too stark. These soft whites help emphasize architectural features and give the entire space a polished finish.
For homeowners looking to add bold accents, navy, charcoal, and emerald green make striking companions to Edgecomb Gray. These deeper hues can be used for furniture, accessories, or even feature walls to add depth and drama. Edgecomb Gray’s warmth keeps these combinations from feeling too cold or harsh, maintaining an inviting atmosphere throughout the room.
Edgecomb Gray also shines when paired with warm earth tones like camel, dusty rose, taupe, and terracotta. These colors emphasize the beige undertones in Edgecomb Gray, creating a cozy and layered palette that feels effortlessly stylish. For metallic finishes, brushed nickel, matte gold, or oil-rubbed bronze hardware can complement the neutral tone without overwhelming the space.
Whether your design leans traditional, transitional, or modern, Edgecomb Gray provides a neutral foundation that allows your other design elements to shine.
Comparing Edgecomb Gray to Similar Colors
Edgecomb Gray is often compared to other beloved greige shades, and understanding the differences can help you choose the perfect one for your space. Revere Pewter, also from Benjamin Moore, is a slightly darker, cooler greige. With a lower LRV (55.51), Revere Pewter can feel more grounded and moody, especially in spaces with limited natural light. Edgecomb Gray, by contrast, is lighter and more versatile, offering a brighter and more uplifting feel.
Agreeable Gray by Sherwin-Williams is another close competitor. It has a similar LRV (60) and also straddles the line between warm and cool. However, Agreeable Gray often leans slightly cooler than Edgecomb Gray, making it a better fit for modern or minimalist interiors. Edgecomb Gray’s subtle warmth, on the other hand, gives it a timeless charm that suits both classic and current styles.
Other contenders like Pale Oak, Balboa Mist, and Accessible Beige offer their own unique tones and undertones. Pale Oak is cooler and more silvery; Balboa Mist has lavender undertones; Accessible Beige is deeper and more beige-forward. Edgecomb Gray stands out as the happy medium—offering enough depth to be interesting while remaining soft and unobtrusive.
When comparing these shades, it’s essential to test samples in your own home under different lighting conditions. Edgecomb Gray’s unique ability to shift with the light makes it a standout choice that adapts beautifully across settings.
Expert Tips for Painting with Edgecomb Gray
Before committing to a full gallon of Edgecomb Gray, it’s wise to test it first. Lighting plays a huge role in how the color appears. In north-facing rooms, Edgecomb Gray can lean more gray and subdued, while south-facing rooms bring out its beige warmth. Use peel-and-stick samples or paint swatches on multiple walls to see how it interacts with both natural and artificial light.
Choosing the right paint finish is also essential. For living rooms and bedrooms, a matte or eggshell finish provides a soft, velvety look with minimal sheen. In kitchens and bathrooms, opt for satin or semi-gloss to withstand moisture and frequent cleaning. Edgecomb Gray looks elegant in all finishes, but sheen can impact how reflective or flat the color appears.
To avoid common pitfalls, don’t pair Edgecomb Gray with overly cool whites or stark black accents unless you’re deliberately aiming for contrast. Stick to warm-toned whites, creamy beiges, and muted hues for a more cohesive feel. Also, be mindful of surrounding décor—flooring, furniture, and textiles can affect how the paint color is perceived.
Above all, remember that Edgecomb Gray is meant to enhance—not overpower—your space. With the right lighting, pairings, and preparation, this color can elevate the look and feel of any room in your home.
Conclusion
Edgecomb Gray isn’t just another neutral—it’s a master of adaptability, elegance, and timeless style. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or revamping your entire home, this color offers the versatility and sophistication that today’s homeowners crave. Its warm undertones, flattering LRV, and ability to work across design styles make it a top pick for designers and DIYers alike.
When used thoughtfully, Edgecomb Gray can tie together different spaces, highlight architectural features, and serve as the perfect canvas for bold design choices or serene minimalism. It’s no wonder that this soft greige continues to earn high praise and enduring popularity. For a truly timeless paint color that complements every room, Edgecomb Gray is a choice you won’t regret.
FAQs About Edgecomb Gray
Is Edgecomb Gray warm or cool?
Edgecomb Gray is a warm greige with subtle beige and green undertones. It shifts slightly depending on the lighting.
Does Edgecomb Gray work well with hardwood floors?
Yes, it complements a wide range of wood tones, especially medium to light finishes like oak, maple, and walnut.
Is Edgecomb Gray suitable for modern or farmhouse-style interiors?
Absolutely. Its versatility makes it ideal for both modern and farmhouse styles, among others.
How does Edgecomb Gray look in rooms with low natural light?
In lower light, it reads more beige and cozy, offering warmth without feeling too dark or muddy.
What trim color pairs best with Edgecomb Gray walls?
Soft whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Simply White provide a clean yet harmonious contrast.
Is Edgecomb Gray still in style for 2025 and beyond?
Yes, its timeless appeal and versatility ensure that Edgecomb Gray remains a popular and relevant choice.
Can I use Edgecomb Gray for home staging or resale value improvement?
Definitely. Its neutrality and wide appeal make it ideal for staging and increasing a home’s marketability.
