Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168: Paint Color Review

Chelsea Gray: America’s FAVORITE 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 it’s one of the most popular shades of gray for today’s interiors…

SUMMARY OF BENJAMIN MOORE CHELSEA GRAY

• TYPE OF PAINT COLOR: warm gray
• LRV: 23.33
• UNDERTONES: minor green hue, 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 and IMPORTANT details!

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

Chelsea Gray is a gray paint color. However, while it might look like a cool or neutral shade of gray, it’s actually slightly warm!

If you have a room with a south-facing light, you might see Chelsea Gray leaning that bit warmer and maybe even grabbing a touch of green undertone along the way (usually vague at best). In a north-facing room, Chelsea Gray can look like a pretty skookum shade of gray without being icy cold or harsh – you just might not notice its subtle warmth much.

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Chelsea Gray on the door with Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray walls

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 favors a MILD warm, brown-green undertone and rarely flashes blue, although the odd time it can look slightly violet.

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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.

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Is Chelsea Gray a good color for a home’s exterior?

Chelsea Gray can work very well on the exterior of a home, adding huge curb appeal; 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 paints BEST options in this range, along with Kendall Charcoal and Amherst Gray. Although Sherwin Williams Dovetail and Gauntlet Gray are a bit more popular right now, Chelsea Gray will always have its place in the average home.

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 ARE SIMILAR TO CHELSEA GRAY?

When it comes to finding your home’s ultimate paint color, nothing beats COMPARISON. So, let’s check out some other top shades to see if one of them could be a better fit for you and your home.

CHELSEA GRAY vs BENJAMIN MOORE AMHERST GRAY

Amherst Gray is similar to Chelsea Gray, for sure, however, you’ll see a noticeable shift in depth. Amherst Gray has an LRV of 18, compared to Chelsea Gray’s depth (LRV) of 23. While both colors skirt the medium to medium-dark range, Amherst Gray is noticeably darker.

Colors like Amherst Gray and Chelsea Gray look particularly stunning in the matte finish of Aura paint.

You might notice that Amherst Gray doesn’t come across quite as warm or muddy in certain types of light compared to Chelsea Gray. However, just like Chelsea Gray, it can pick up a green undertone (but rarely/never purple).

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray

BENJAMIN MOORE KENDALL CHARCOAL vs CHELSEA GRAY

In jumping from the more moderate approach of Chelsea Gray to the darker charcoal look of Kendall Charcoal, there’s a drastic shift in depth. Kendall Charcoal has an LRV of almost 15, putting it well into the medium-dark range.

Colors like Chelsea Gray, Amherst Gray, and Kendall Charcoal are most popular on accent walls, kitchen islands, and exteriors. However, you can easily paint an entire room with these shades, with the two lighter ones being the better choices (most of the time).

FULL Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

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

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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 2024 JUST FOR YOU!