Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray: LRV, Undertones and a WHOLE Lot More!

When it comes to gray and charcoal paint colours 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!

What type of paint colour is Chelsea Gray? Is it greige, gray or taupe?

Chelsea Gray is DEFINITELY a gray paint colour, however, once they hit this depth, they’re often referred to as ‘charcoal’.

Chelsea Gray on the door

Is Chelsea Gray a warm or cool paint colour?

While you wouldn’t know it unless you compared it to a COOL gray paint colour, Chelsea Gray is actually a slightly warm gray.

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).

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

What are the undertones of Chelsea Gray? Will it look blue, green or purple?

Remember, EVERY gray has undertones and Chelsea Gray is no exception! Chelsea Gray favours a MILD green undertone, however, I have seen it flash slightly purple or blue on occasion, depending on the exposure of the room, trim colour and paint colours/finishes that it’s partnered with.

What’s the best way to sample Chelsea Gray?

Like with every paint colour, 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

If I’m painting my walls Chelsea Gray, what’s the best white paint colour for my trim?

Chelsea Gray is as flexible as a 10-year old gymnast when it comes to white paint colours. I personally love 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.

Is Chelsea Gray a good colour 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)…

Is Chelsea Gray a popular paint colour right now?

In this range of paint colours (charcoals, or grays with depth), I’ve found that Sherwin Williams Dovetail and Gauntlet Gray are a bit more popular right now as they have less undertone. There’s also Sherwin Williams Cityscape which takes things a bit cooler. HOWEVER, it depends on the undertones that your countertop, backsplash tile and flooring prefer!

Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray

Sherwin Williams Dovetail

What Sherwin Williams paint colour is the same as or similar to Chelsea Gray?

You won’t find an exact match for ANY colour between brands – you WILL see shifts in undertones, temperature and depths. However, there are some with similar intentions, but different approaches…

Sherwin Williams Classic French Gray (the closest)
Sherwin Williams Dovetail

Is Chelsea Gray a good paint colour for my cabinets, vanity or island?

Chelsea Gray can work well on kitchen cabinets, islands or bathroom vanities as long as you have the countertop, backsplash and flooring to visually support its depth and undertones. Generally speaking, the colours previously mentioned are a bit more popular and versatile.

What type of paint colours look good with Chelsea Gray?

Chelsea Gray likes a range of colours, including…

Soft and subtle cream paint colours (so not TOO much yellow)
Greige paint colours
Some gray paint colours as long as the undertones are jibing. It generally prefers a slightly warmer gray over a cold 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!

BENJAMIN MOORE METROPOLIS

SHERWIN WILLIAMS CLASSIC FRENCH GRAY

SHERWIN WILLIAMS DOVETAIL

PAINT COLOURS FOR VANITIES (MEDIUM TO DARK TONES)

Not sure which paint colour is best for YOUR home?

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

KYLIE M INTERIORS E-DESIGN AND ONLINE VIRTUAL PAINT COLOUR EXPERT, SPECIALIZING IN BENJAMIN MOORE AND SHERWIN WILLIAMS PAINT COLORS DIY DECORATING AND DESIGN ADVICE BLOGGER