Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray: America’s FAVOURITE shade of gray!
When it comes to gray and charcoal paint colors that have a bit more meat on their bones, it’s hard to beat the look of Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray, and today we’re going to find out why!
SUMMARY OF BENJAMIN MOORE CHELSEA GRAY
- TYPE OF PAINT COLOR: warm gray
- LRV: 23.33
- UNDERTONES: minor green, occasionally violet
- BEST WHITE FOR TRIM: Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
- GOOD FOR EXTERIOR: yes
- GOOD FOR CABINETS: yes
- POPULARITY: high
- SIMILAR TO: Sherwin Williams Classic French Gray
Now, let’s get into the fun details!
What type of paint color is Chelsea Gray? Is it greige, gray or taupe?
Chelsea Gray is DEFINITELY a gray paint color. However, once a gray like this hits this depth, it’s often referred to as ‘charcoal’.
Is Chelsea Gray a warm or cool gray paint color?
While you wouldn’t know it unless you compared it to a COOL gray paint color, Chelsea Gray is a WARM gray paint color!
Chelsea Gray on the door
In a room with northern light, you can expect Chelsea Gray to look pretty darn gray. But in a room with intense southern or afternoon western sunshine, you’ll see a bit of warmth rise out of this beautiful shade of gray!
North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?
What’s the LRV of Chelsea Gray?
Chelsea Gray has an LRV of 22, which puts it in the HEAVY end of the medium-depth range (learn more HERE).
Being a medium-depth paint color, Chelsea Gray holds itself quite well in dark rooms but will need SOME light to help it come to life. If you have an overly bright room, Chelsea Gray has a depth that calms a space down without looking overly harsh or sharp.
Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint-lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.
Does Chelsea Gray have green undertones?
Remember, EVERY gray has undertones, and Chelsea Gray is no exception! Chelsea Gray favours a MILD warm, brown-green undertone and rarely flashes blue, although the odd time it can look SLIGHTLY violet.
What’s the best way to sample Chelsea 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’s the best white paint color with Chelsea Gray?
Chelsea Gray is SUPER flexible with a wide range of white paint colors. If you’re painting your trims or cabinets, check out the soft look of Benjamin Moore White Dove and Sherwin Williams Pure White, although the cleaner approach of Sherwin Williams High Reflective White can also be nice.
SHOULD I Paint My Wood Cabinets White? A QUESTIONNAIRE
The 4 Best White Paint Colors from Sherwin Williams
Is Chelsea Gray a good color for the exterior of my home?
Chelsea Gray can work very well on the exterior of a home; just note that it CAN look much warmer than expected, especially if you have south-facing exposure or afternoon western light. And don’t forget about that passive green undertone!
Chelsea Gray is shown on the trim in this next photo (the ‘after’ shot)…
5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color
Is Chelsea Gray a popular gray paint color?
HECK YES, Chelsea Gray is one of Benjamin Moore’s BEST options in this range. And although Sherwin Williams Dovetail and Gauntlet Gray are a bit more popular right now, Chelsea Gray will always have its place. 
Benjamin Moore’s Chelsea Gray
Sherwin Williams Dovetail
Which paint colors are the same as or similar to Chelsea Gray?
If you’re looking for the perfect, medium-toned gray paint color, there are a few more you should check out…
- Sherwin Williams Classic French Gray (the closest)
- Sherwin Williams Dovetail
- Benjamin Moore Metropolis
Is Chelsea Gray a good paint color for my cabinets, vanity or island?
Chelsea Gray is a good paint color for kitchen cabinets, islands or bathroom vanities. HOWEVER, ensure your countertop, backsplash, and flooring have what they need to visually support Chelsea Gray’s depth and undertones. Generally speaking, the colors previously mentioned are a bit more versatile.
What paint colors go well with Chelsea Gray?
Chelsea Gray suits a range of colors, including…
- soft and subtle cream paint colors (so not TOO much yellow)
- greige paint colors
- some gray paint colors as long as the undertones are jibing (it usually prefers a slightly warmer one vs a cool one)
- gray-blue blends with a bit more depth
Not sure if Chelsea Gray is right for you? Want a bit warmer or cooler? I’ve got more!
READ MORE
Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Metropolis
The Best Paint Colors for a Bathroom Vanity
The Best DARK Greige & Taupe Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore
Sherwin Williams Cityscape: Paint Color Review
Not sure which paint color is best for YOUR home?
Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2020, UPDATED IN 2022 JUST FOR YOU!
Comments 10
I am thinking of painting my bathroom cabinet in Chelsea Gray. The vanity top is Minuet Quartzite, and I will be painting the trim either White Dove or Chantilly Lace. What do you suggest as a coordinating paint color that isn’t too dark? Also, do you think that bronze cabinet pulls would look okay with Chelsea Gray, or should I stick with silver tones? Thanks!
Hi Kylie,
Thanks for the great videos and help!
Thanks to use I have chosen Chelsea Grey as the color of my house but having a tough time picking an accent color for a very large garage door. I want something in the brick red family? Any suggestions would be so appreciated!
Bridget
Author
Oooooo, anyway I can talk you out of this? While it CAN depend on the house, this seems a bit backwards as it’s usually best if the neutral goes on the garage door and the COLOUR on the front door. Or, I’d even go to a darker gray as the second colour, ie. BM Kendall Charcoal. As for THE colour, I 100% wouldn’t be able to say without seeing your exterior’s brick/stone/roof, as I could throw a colour at you, but it could 100% be the WRONG choice for your home’s finishes!
Can I ask what color the light gray is in the first, third and forth photos( the empty room with Chelsea gray on the door, the kitchen image and the bathroom with Chelsea gray door)? I am looking to use Chelsea gray as an accent and looking for a light gray to pair it with.
Author
Hi Alexa, that’s Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray. PERSONALLY, I would lean a bit warmer for the walls, but this is the combo they chose!
I’m painting my 2 story craftsman house BM Chelsea gray with white trim and I’d like to paint the front door black. We just had a black roof put on. Can you suggest a color black that would go with the Chelsea gray. Also what is a good white to use with this color combo.
Thanks
Author
Hi Liz, I would DEFINITELY hit up Benjamin Moore Jet Black or Black 2132-10 🙂
Hi!
My interior bedroom doors are painted Benjamin Moore’s Chelsea Gray with Dove White trim throughout the house. I’m thinking of painting my kitchen cabinets Dove White. Would it be too matchy-matchy if I paint my kitchen island Chelsea Gray? My other option is the darker Kendall Charcoal. I would LOVE some advice! 🙂
Thanks!
Author
Hi Diane, if it were ME, I would add a bit of variation on the island :).
I am torn between Chelsea grey or Classic french grey with either Sherwin Williams urban bronze or Benjamin Moore Deep River for a little contrast and simply white for all other trim. Im thinking of Hawthorne Yellow for the front door. Id gladly pay a hundred for your opinion but your exterior package doesn’t choose colors Any help greatly appreciated.