Posted on January 23, 2020 by KylieMawdsley
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.
Read more: North, East, South, West – Which Paint Colour 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).
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.
Read more: SHOULD I Paint My Wood Cabinets White? A QUESTIONNAIRE
Read more: The 4 Best White Paint Colours from Sherwin Williams
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)…
Read more: 5 Tips to Choosing an Exterior Paint Colour
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
Read more: Paint Colour Review of Benjamin Moore Metropolis
SHERWIN WILLIAMS CLASSIC FRENCH GRAY
Read more: Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Classic French Gray
SHERWIN WILLIAMS DOVETAIL
Read more: Paint Colour Review of Sherwin Williams Dovetail
PAINT COLOURS FOR VANITIES (MEDIUM TO DARK TONES)
Read more: The Best Paint Colours for a Bathroom Vanity
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
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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 :).