Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray HC-167: Paint Color Review

Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray: a POPULAR dark gray paint color

There’s NO shortage of light gray paint colors from any NUMBER of brands, but boy, can it be hard to find JUST THE RIGHT dark gray paint color.

Why?

Well, those sneaky undertones that are found in EVERY gray paint color can be even more passive in some darker charcoal gray paint colors. This is why it’s even more important to take an up-close and personal look at this bad boy…

SUMMARY OF BENJAMIN MOORE AMHERST GRAY

TYPE OF COLOR: warm gray
LRV: 18.8
UNDERTONES: subtle green
BEST WHITE: Benjamin Moore White Dove
LIGHTER VERSION: Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
GOOD FOR EXTERIORS: yes
GOOD FOR CABINETS: yes
POPULARITY: moderate
SIMILAR TO: Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray

Now, let’s dive into some fun and helpful details…

What type of paint color is Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray? Is it warm or cool?

Amherst Gray is a slightly WARM, charcoal gray paint color. And while in some lights, it can look quite neutral, it has a sneaky undertone (which we’ll get into shortly).

If you have south-facing light shining on your wall or exterior, Amherst Gray can lean that bit warmer, stepping further away from the neutral gray end of things. However, if you have north-facing or other flat light, you may see it fall back into its gray base quite nicely.

Exterior Paint Colors: Does Exposure REALLY Matter? HECK YES, IT DOES!

What’s the LRV of Amherst Gray?

Amherst Gray has an LRV of 18.8. This LRV parks Amherst Gray nicely in the medium-dark end of things. Whereas SUPER DARK colors can look black in some dark rooms, with this more moderately dark LRV, Amherst generally holds its look unless you have an EXCEPTIONALLY dark room.

On the other hand, in a room that gets a lot of natural light, Amherst Gray will look lighter (as will any color) while still making a great impact on your space.

Not sure what LRV is? THREE SLAPS WITH A WET NOODLE! Read all about it HERE.

What are the undertones of Amherst Gray? Will it look blue, green or violet?

Amherst Gray has a slight green undertone. However, like MANY grays, with the right environment and exposure, it can drop that green almost entirely.

What’s the best way to sample Amherst Gray?

Like with every paint color, I highly recommend using SAMPLIZE. Samplize is a peel & stick paint sample that you can easily move around your room for over HALF THE COST of traditional sample pots – and they deliver right to your front door!

Learn all about Samplize HERE

What white paint color goes with Amherst Gray?

If you’re painting your walls Amherst Gray, I suggest the following white paint colors for trims, cabinets, doors and ceilings…

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace for a clean, crisp approach
Benjamin Moore White Dove or Cloud White for a softer, warmer look

SHOULD I Paint My Wood Cabinets White? A QUESTIONNAIRE

What’s the lighter version of Amherst Gray

If you’re worried that Amherst Gray is a touch too dark, check out Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray: Paint Color Review. While Chelsea Gray has similar tendencies to Amherst Gray with its undertones, its higher LRV lifts it visually.

Chelsea Gray door, Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray walls

Is Amherst Gray a good color for the exterior of my home?

If you have the right stone, brick and/or roof, Amherst Gray could be an AWESOME choice for your exterior, but they HAVE to be able to humour that subtle green undertone! You can also check out the DARKER, but similar approach of Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal which is WICKED gorgeous.

5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

Is Amherst Gray a good paint color for kitchen cabinets?

Amherst Gray is VERY popular for kitchen cabinets but is OFTEN misused. With its subtle green undertone, it must connect on some level with what’s happening in the countertop.

Before, the STRONG orange stain on the wood cabinets overwhelmed the space and clashed with the flooring…

After, everything looks more modern – including the older-style granite countertop!

Which paint colors are the same as or similar to Amherst Gray?

GOOD QUESTION! While there are some similar colors, EVERY single one has its nuances and personality. However, for a similar approach, compare Amherst Gray with…

Sherwin Williams Classic French Gray
Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray

Shown above, Sherwin Williams Classic French Gray

And if you’re thinking of color matching between brands, read THIS first.

What paint colors look good with Amherst Gray?

Because Amherst Gray is often used as an ‘accent’ color, either on a feature wall, kitchen island/cabinets or bathroom vanity, it’s VERY FLEXIBLE as to its partners (just like me, just joking). Check out colors such as…