Benjamin Moore GRAY 2121-10: Paint Color Review

Benjamin Moore GRAY: LRV, Undertones & More

If there’s one dark gray paint color I refer to time and time again, it has to be Gray 2121-10. Whether it’s for cabinets, exteriors, doors or feature walls, Gray has proven to be one of the BEST dark gray paint colors on the market. And today, we’re going to find out why.

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In order to show you RELATEABLE & REAL homes, I ONLY use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients. This means I don’t always have the quality photos I need or the RIGHT photos, but DEFINITELY have some SUPER helpful info to help you on your way!

But before we get started, there’s an IMPORTANT specification you need to know. When asking for GRAY at your local Benjamin Moore store, you have to include its code – 2121-10. Because its name is quite, ahem, generic, the code is what tells the paint store employee WHICH gray you want.

What type of paint color is GRAY? Is it warm or cool?

Gray is definitely a COOL dark gray or charcoal paint color. However, its DEPTH can help a room feel cosier compared to a light gray paint color with similar undertones.

North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?

What’s the LRV of Gray 2121-10?

With an LRV of almost 10, Gray is a DARK gray paint color. Will it act like black in a dark room? It certainly could, so make sure you have the right interior lighting to bring it to life!

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

What are the undertones of Gray? Will it look like a neutral gray?

Gray rarely looks like a TRUE gray as its violet-blue undertones come into play on most surfaces. Are they overpowering? No, the gray is ALWAYS the boss, but make sure your surrounding surfaces can handle the undertones it presents.

How should I sample Gray?

Undoubtedly, you’ll be heading out in the near future to grab paint samples – stop right there! I want you to check out SAMPLIZE. Samplize offers peel and stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a FEW reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…

samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1-3 business days, depending on location

they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling

if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

What’s the best white trim or cabinet color with Benjamin Moore Gray?

With its wicked depth, Gray is reasonably flexible as it relates to white paint colors. A few of my favourites include Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore White Dove and Sherwin Williams Pure White.

The ULTIMATE GUIDE to White Paint Colors

6 Questions to Ask Before You Paint Your Cabinets White

3 Steps to Picking the Best White Paint Color

Is Gray a good exterior paint color?

ABSOLUTELY, Gray can be a GORGEOUS exterior paint color, so long as your surrounding finishes (roof/stone/brick) suit its violet-blue undertones. While it can look darn dark on an interior wall, with reasonable exterior light, it can look lighter than expected!

5 Tips to Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

Does Your Exposure REALLY MATTER When Choosing EXTERIOR Paint Colors?

Is Gray a popular color for kitchen cabinets?

Definitely. While I wouldn’t say Gray is used very often for ALL of the cabinets, it’s a great choice for kitchen islands, built-ins and bathroom vanities.

The 4 Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands & Bathroom Vanities

Does Sherwin Williams have a paint color similar to Gray?

I WISH! Gray is a unique dark gray paint color and Sherwin Williams doesn’t have anything quite the same. However, they have some other great dark options including Cyberspace, Roycroft Pewter and a few others as well.

And if you’re thinking of color matching between brands (ie. getting Benjamin Moore to make a Sherwin Williams paint color), you might want to read THIS first.