Benjamin Moore Gray Owl vs Stonington Gray, Revere Pewter, Moonshine, & More
The Best Gray Paint Colors: Sample & Compare
Are you searching for the elusive ‘perfect gray paint color’? And what is the perfect gray? Is it cool, or is it warm? Does it have subtle undertones, is it light, is it dark, is it…DRIVING YOU MAD!!!?
Well, if you’re on the internet looking for the best gray paint color ideas, that’s probably the case and I’m glad you found me before hysteria set in. Today, we’re going to focus on some of my favorite gray paint colors, but first, let’s take a deep breath, a chug graceful sip of wine, and talk about gray…
THE THREE TYPES OF GRAY
There are THREE TYPES OF GRAY? You bet your cute little booty there are, and figuring out which one is best for you and your home is the first step.
1. WARM SHADES OF GRAY
Warm grays are grays with a bit of brown in them. They aren’t so warm that they tip into greige or taupe, but they’re not ‘typical or traditional’ gray paint colors.
BM Classic Gray is a popular warm gray
Warm grays cater to green or purple undertones.
2. COOL SHADES OF GRAY
Cool grays are grays that DON’T have brown in them. However, just because they don’t contain brown doesn’t mean you’re left with the perfect gray. What you’re left with is a gray…with undertones – dun dun dun (dramatic sound).
Undertones are those sneaky colors that don’t jump out when you first look at the paint chip but slap you upside the face once you’ve gone to the effort of painting your entire room, only to realize your walls look blue/pink/green/fugly (insert twitching here). And when it comes to cool shades of gray, the undertones can be more obvious than those in warm grays.
Cool gray paint colors cater to blue, purple, or green undertones (or a blend).
Gray – The 3 Undertones You HAVE to Consider
While most people refer to the above two types of gray – warm and cool, there’s one in the middle that’s rarely talked about…
STORMY SHADES OF GRAY
Tucked in between the worlds of warm and cool sits stormy. These grays have a fraction of warmth but not enough to make them look traditionally warm. That said, they sure as heck aren’t cold and icy like traditional cool grays.
These are some of the most important grays; second to warm grays, they’re the most popular shades on the market! We’ll explore some stormy shades of gray below, but how do you know if gray is warm, stormy, or cool?
COMPARE, COMPARE, COMPARE
When you compare similar shades, it’s easier to see the ebb and flow of temperatures, undertones, and depth. Grab 6-8 samples and see if you notice these shifts.
Now, let’s get down to the focus of this blog post, comparing Gray Owl to other popular shades of gray.
WHAT TYPE OF GRAY IS BENJAMIN MOORE GRAY OWL?
Gray Owl is a stormy gray. ‘Scientifically’ (woof), it’s a warm gray. However, you’ll be hard-pressed to see it looking warm on your walls. This said, it’s not icy cold. It’s certainly inclined to look cool vs warm, but it’s not as fresh as cool grays.
As for undertones, Gray Owl is a real hoot. Seriously, look at the above photo to see how the undertones can shift – compare the three layers of the wall to each other…
- Far-left wall: Cool, fresh, almost blue undertone
- Center narrow wall space: Pretty ‘gray’
- Right side gallery wall: Subtle blue/green undertone
Here’s another look at Gray Owl leaning more into its green base in this dining room…
The above is a BEFORE photo from one of my Online Color Consulting clients. Gray Owl and its green undertone are the wrong color for this room’s brick fireplace and dining chairs. If you’re curious, here’s the fix (from a different angle)…
Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Collingwood
Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Gray Owl
GRAY OWL VS. STONINGTON GRAY HC-170
Gray Owl and Stonington Gray are the kingpins of Benjamin Moore’s gray world. While Revere Pewter is in the running, too, it’s a good shift different from the other two.
- Both grays are stormy, but Stonington Gray winks provocatively at the cool gray world.
- Gray Owl’s LRV is 64.51, while Stonington Gray’s is 59.36. This difference means Gray Owl is lighter than Stonington Gray, although both are in the ‘light range.’
- Both grays have blue-green undertones; however, Gray Owl has more green and is a bit more gentle/less cool than Stonington Gray.
- While Gray Owl was hugely popular in the last 10 years, overall, Stonington Gray is the more timeless of the two.
My FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Stonington Gray…
GRAY OWL VS. REVERE PEWTER HC-172
As far as grays go, we’re comparing apples to pork chops. While these can taste good together, they live in different worlds.
I didn’t hesitate to paint my doors Revere Pewter. Would I choose Gray Owl? Heck no.
- Revere Pewter has an LRV of 55.05, making it a good whack darker than Gray Owl’s 64.51 and winking at the light-medium depths.
- Gray Owl is a stormy shade of gray, and Revere Pewter is a warm gray that dabbles in the greige world.
- As for undertones, Gray Owl has its gorgeous green-blue blend, but with its increased warmth, Revere Pewter caters to a warmer, earthier, more organic look.
- Which is the most timeless? Oh, hands-down, Revere Pewter. In fact, it’s been in Benjamin Moore’s top-selling shades for the last 14+ years.
Using LRV to Pick the Perfect Paint Colour
My FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
GRAY OWL VS. MOONSHINE OC-56
Moonshine is not just popular in the Appalachians, but in the average home, too…
- Moonshine has an LRV of 66.53, making it closer in depth to Gray Owl than the previous two shades – these depths are super comparable.
- As for undertones, while both colors have a green undertone, compare the two and notice how Gray Owl seems to carry more blue than Moonshine…as it does. Its undertones are subtle and come off a bit stormier than Gray Owl.
- Which is the most popular and timeless? Neither is timeless, but Gray Owl is more popular.
My Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Moonshine
BENJAMIN MOORE GRAY OWL VS. SHERWIN WILLIAMS BIG CHILL
When looking for your perfect paint color, it never hurts to explore other brands. And no other brand goes head-to-head with Benjamin Moore like Sherwin Williams. This is why we’re taking an up-close and personal look at Big Chill.
- Big Chill has an LRV of 62, making it a touch darker than Gray Owl’s 64.51. However, both are in a similar range in the light world and are comparable.
- When it comes to undertones, if you worry about Gray Owl’s tendency to grab green, Big Chill could fit that as it’s more committed to a subtle blue undertone.
- As for popularity, Gray Owl is the more popular option, but if you ask this color cowgirl, Big Chill is more versatile.
My Paint Color Review of Sherwin Williams Big Chill
The Best Paint Colors to Go With Marble
READ MORE
The Best Sherwin Williams Gray Paint Colours
Benjamin Moores Best Gray Paint Colours
The 3 Gray Undertones You Have to Consider
NEED HELP?
Wonder which gray is best for you and your home?
Check out my Online Color Consulting services!
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2019, UPDATED IN 2024
Love your website Kylie and refer to it ALL THE TIME. Just wanted to say I have Gray Owl in my east facing spare room and it is always blue morning, noon, and night. Funny though, I was painting shelves in the same colour to go on the walls and I was in a southwest facing room as I painted. Well I thought I was going crazy because they looked green. Sure enough once I put them in the spare room they were blue.
Thank you SO much for that feedback Joan! It’s notes like that that help others decide what might work for them – and yes, it does seem to cater toward the blue end, doesn’t it!!!
(and you know I’d LOVE to see photos….)
~Kylie
I used Stonington Gray in a boy’s room, and while it had a tiny touch of blue undertone, it looks terrific with navy/red/white accessories.
Hi Kylie, I am stressed out trying to decide on a gray for my new kitchen. I have dove white cabinets with a java glaze , silver honed travertine backsplash and American black granite. Owl gray, Stonington gray, wicker gray ugh This shouldn’t be so hard!
Hi Diane, I know, it can be tricky! I’m more than happy to help with my e-design. For 1 room it’s $45 and I can let you know the top 3 colours for your room and can explain why they would work – it might take a bit of your angst away! If that interests you, you can check out the details here 😉 https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/product-category/interior-paint-colors/
~Kylie
I love your website and I visit often. I thought by reading all your wonderful posts that I knew the exact paint I need for my small entry way. I picked wickham gray and was so happy until I painted. Then I wanted to cry! It looks white on my walls. I was afraid stoneington would be too dark but now I guess I should have gone with it. Can the wickham be darkened ? I sure wish I had your eye for color.
Well that is weird! Do you have wood trim? Wood trim can make a light colour seem LIGHTER than you think it will. And yes, Wickham CAN be darkened. You can try 50%, but beyond that I might just look at a new colour choice…it’s okay, sometimes you just don’t know until you try something!
~Kylie
Good Morning, we painted our hallway Stonington gray and it’s reading very blue? Could it be that our dark woodwork is influencing how the color appears?
Hi Diane! Yes, Stonington does have those undertones and sometimes they can come up in slightly darker spaces that don’t have tons of natural light. And yes, if you have warmer toned wood, the contrast could influence that. Also take a look at your trim. If your trimwork is not white, but it softer/warmer – again, that could do it (I know, it never ends). But the one thing you could EASILY control is your light bulbs! I don’t know what temp they are now, but play around between warm and daylight bulbs to see if that helps!
~Kylie
I did my kitchen and hallway in grey owl and i absolutely love it! Now I’m trying to decide on a darker grey for my cabinets and cannot choose. What suggestions do you have for grey cabinets that would go good with the grey owl?? I also have Wayne scouting and trim that is white!
Hi Chris! There’s a few other things to consider like lighting/cabinet material/countertops/flooring, but off the top of my head I’d suggest either BM Chelsea Gray or BM Kendall Charcoal. I’m also a big fan of SW Classic French Gray!
~Kylie
Hey There,
Great information thank you. I love them both! Is it possible to use grey owl and stonington grey in the same house? I’m not good picking colours but love them both and was hoping to put grey owl in kitchen and livingrom and stonington in family room and playroom. Was wondering if because of the undertones they wouldn’t match.
Hi Melissa! A lot would depend on each room and it’s colour needs for lighting/exposure/furniture. Off the top, you could, they wouldn’t be BAD together by any stretch… if you want me to take a lok, you may want to look at my e-design! It’s affordable, fun, and this way I can look at your photos/furnishings/quality of light/etc… and come up with ideas that work, rather than just guessing! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
The info I find on your site never ends! Just like undertones. Would stonnington be ok for an all over paint color in an open floor plan? And yes, I have tested it and yes it goes a bit blue but there is something about coventry, wickham and stonnington, I always buy the test pots but have never committed. I can’t wait until there is an LED bulb that isn’t too warm or cool, can’t find the mama bear of bulbs that doesn’t look weird. Have a great weekend!
Thanks Kylie-wonderful & helpful post!
This is so helpful! What is your opinion on Balboa Mist? Our realtor thinks it is the perfect shade of gray, but after seeing this article I’m now torn because I’m leaning towards Grey Owl. Also, do you have the perfect blue grey color to use for the front door that will compliment well? We’re going with french oak floors and the house is very open with a lot of natural light. Thank you so much!
Oooo, I’m glad you asked. It’s lovely, but it’s a touch…feminine? Not that it IS purple, but those are the undertones it leans toward. There really isn’t any PERFECT shade of gray, but I’d say it’s not in my top 5 for ‘grayness’. Gray Owl is a bit better (although it can flash the undertones of blue or green). I also like SW Big Chill, a bit more predictable. Cool, but predictable… 🙂
~Kylie
Thanks Kylie! I’ll check out Big Chill also. Do you have a favorite color for the front door? I’m thinking a blue grey and have my eye on Nimbus right now.
Emily
Hi Kylie,
I, like others, have become blind to color searching for the perfect gray! I’m painting my exterior (1959 Rancher) and was convinced I wanted Revere Pewter. Do you find this looks tan/beige on such a large scale? After trying out BM samples of Revere Pewter, Gray Owl, Gray, Stonington, and Coventry…I’m tearing my hair out. To my surprise, when I put up Coventry it matched my current exterior perfectly. I am hesitant to go dark gray (although I find it pretty), as I’ve walked by too many people in my neighborhood who now have purple and green houses at certain times of the day!
Hi Kristine! Yes, those grays can be tricky! And depending on your exposure, the natural light can make it look lighter, warmer, more gray, etc….I’ve played around a bit with Coventry, which is basically a gray with a vague stormy blue undertone – it’s a beauty!
Thank you Kylie! I do like Coventry but feel like I’d be choosing it simply from being overwhelmed (similar to what I have now). I love Revere Pewter everywhere I see it, but don’t want a ‘beige’ house, do you feel it tends to go beige/tan on exteriors? The colorist at my paint store recommended Thunder. Pretty, but now just another contender to further the madness! As I put that up, I think I might be going too warm? When I try to go lighter (Gray Owl) it looks silver. Again, walk past my neighbors newly painted ‘silver’ house every morning and feel it’s so cold and bland. Anything out there in between the warm greige and icy gray?
Hi Kylie,
THanks for your informative posts! We’re picking between Stonington and Grey Owl for a three bedroom condo and are looking to paint the entire place one color. Will the Stonington be too dark or would you suggest Grey Owl to keep it lighter?
Thanks!
Hi Seema! If I had to choose between the 2, I’d PROBABLY hit up Gray Owl, just because it’s that bit softer…
I have Stoningham Gray through my house and I love it everyone is copying me and painting their house this beautiful color! No purple undertones! So mild and calming! Love it!!!
Thank you for sharing Sheila, it’s comments like yours that help others make their decision – thank you!
Hi Kylie! I came across your post and it is very informative! I am painting a nursery and am looking for a gray with a hint of blue. Not too “baby-blue”. We currently have Stonington Gray in a few rooms in our house and it is beautiful but looks very blue. I am debating between BM Gray Owl, Pale Smoke, and Gray Cashmere. The lighting really throws me off because they all look extremely different than I expected, even after trying them on white sheets of paper. The room is east facing. Gray owl looks very beige but I can’t tell if it’s just the paint already on the walls throwing the lighting off or what. (The room is a bright blue from the previous owner) I look at pictures of Gray Owl and love it but for some reason in this room it looks beige. I’m afraid to start painting with one of the other two and have it look too blue! I would like a cool toned gray that will also look nice with different wood tones, and whites. (Neutral/safari theme) Any help would be appreciated ???? I’m afraid to start this paint project and not like it! Thank you ????
Hi Katie! Due to the number of emails I get every day, I have to pick n’ choose which questions to answer, focusing first on the ones that have mass appeal! I do try to give as much complimentary info as I can on my blog and if that doesn’t help, it might be time for a closer look with my E-design. Otherwise, I’m just guessing as to the lighting in the room, flooring and all of the other things that matter when choosing a colour! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
I hope to hear from you!
~Kylie
My wife and I purchased our home back in November and the sellers had painted the kitchen in Stonington a while back. The kitchen doesn’t get a ton of natural light (they put in a beautiful family room addition on so that was the sacrifice). Needless to say, it goes quite blueish purple. The ceiling is painted a strange color and looks almost beige which doesn’t help. It’s going to get painted white (probably white dove which is the trim color throughout the house) which hopefully will help brighten up the room and show the beauty of the color. When we decide to re-do the kitchen, we will hit you up for an e-design! Leaning towards Gray Owl for the east facing 2 story foyer and halls, which are next to the also east facing dining room that is in Revere Pewter, and the west facing living room which is also Revere Pewter and looks nothing like the dining room… Amazing what a difference the natural lighting makes at different times of the day.
I know, isn’t natural light just amazing! I’ve seen even the SAME colour used throughout a home and seen it shift DRASTICALLY from space to space – oh the joy of light! And gray is one of those colours that is just super susceptible to change too!
We are ready to update our master bath and have chosen Owl Gray for the walls in the bath and our bedroom. Do you think I’ll be able to plan on blue for accessories (bed quilt etc…) ? Or will I need to see how the color reflects in our light?
Hi Jayne! I would definitely wait and see how Gray Owl reacts as it CAN go more green!
Painting a west facing bedroom Gray Owl – do you think White Dove OC 17 would work or should I go with Simply White? I have White Dove in the hallway but want to go with the better match with Gray Owl. Thanks Kylie!
Sorry Kylie – left out that I meant for the trim/baseboards!
Also just realized I have Simply White trim in the bathroom so obviously I’m good with mixing it up with those two depending on the light and the all colour lol
Hello! First off, I love your website! My husband and I just bought a new house and I had no ideas as far as paint. All of your posts and videos are super informative, especially the ones about undertones and LRV. However, I have painted my son’s west facing bedroom twice with two different greys and bought more samples and it seems that no matter what it shows purple! I did go with Gray Owl in my daughter’s room and love it. Do you think if I had Gray Owl darkened a little that it would show any purple at all?