Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray: Undertones, Best Uses, & More

When it comes to popular, dark shades of gray, Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray is often in the top 10. With a grounded, organic look, this charcoal has been a hot choice for accent walls, cabinets, and exteriors for decades.

However, as with any gray, there are sneaky undertones to consider. And depending on your painting project, a color like Amherst Gray could be a bit too dark or moody, or maybe not dark enough! This is why doing your research on a color’s bias, LRV, and lighting needs is so important!

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

WHAT TYPE OF GRAY IS AMHERST GRAY?

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 A 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! 

AMHERST GRAY’S LRV

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 AMHERST GRAY’S UNDERTONES?

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

Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Amherst Gray…

WHAT WHITE TRIM COLOR GOES WITH IT?

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, its higher LRV lifts it visually.

Chelsea Gray door, Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray walls

IS IT A GOOD EXTERIOR PAINT COLOR?

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 humor 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 IT A GOOD CABINET PAINT COLOR?

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 COLORS ARE SIMILAR?

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

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

WHAT COLORS GO WITH AMHERST GRYA?

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…

• some soft gray and greige paint colors (Amherst prefers warm ones vs cool ones)
• some tan and beige paint colors and more muted cream tones
• Blue-green-gray blends (in adjoining rooms)
• soft and warm whites

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

READ MORE

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

The Best DARK Gray Paint Colors from Benjamin Moore

Not sure which paint color is best for YOUR home?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!

Chat soon,