Benjamin Moore Kingsport Gray HC-86: Paint Color Review

Is Benjamin Moore Kingsport Gray the most NEUTRAL taupe/greige?

When it comes to the best gray paint colors, Kingsport Gray isn’t at the top of the list, but that’s because it’s not gray! That’s right, Kingsport Gray should be named Kingsport TAUPE, and today, we’re going to look at why it’s one of my fave neutral paint colors.

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 pics I need (hence the ‘QUICK Review’), but DEFINITELY have some SUPER helpful info to help you on your way!

What type of paint color is Benjamin Moore Kingsport Gray? Is it gray or greige? Warm or cool?

Kingsport Gray is ABSOLUTELY a TAUPE paint color and a HECK of a one at that! And being a TAUPE, this ALSO makes it a warm color (warmer than MOST taupes/greiges), especially if you have south-facing or western afternoon sunshine. In northern light, you can expect that warmth to sit back a bit, without going away.

However, because Kingsport Gray is pretty non-committal when it comes to undertones, it’s one of those that you could EASILY see as being taupe OR greige.

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

What’s the LRV of Kingsport Gray?

Kingsport Gray has an LRV of 23.84, making it a VERY SOLID, medium depth paint color.

In the above photo, my Online Color Consulting client hired me to find a feature wall color that would work with her beige walls and the greige/taupe carpet you can JUST see a wink of at the top of the stairs. DONE! The LRV of Kingsport Gray makes it a GREAT option for a feature wall as it’s not too soft, NOR too heavy for a darker room.

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

What are the undertones of Kingsport Gray? Will it look gray, brown, purple or green?

Kingsport Gray is SO fabulous because it has VERY LITTLE undertone. If I had to PICK, sure it leans just a wink purple-taupe, but I mean that so fractionally I’m actually just being anal.

You’ll also NEVER see Kingsport Gray look gray, or if you do, that’s more about your perception than the color itself as it’s lovely and warm (compare it to Chelsea Gray to see a more legit gray…and even it’s fractionally warm).

What’s the best way to sample Kingsport Gray or other paint colors?

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 Kingsport Gray, what’s the best white paint color for my trim?

Oh, our King does prefer the warmer end of things, with whites such as…

• Benjamin Moore White Dove (fave)
• Benjamin Moore Cloud White
• Benjamin Moore Oxford White

Benjamin Moore’s Best Warm White Paint Colors

Is Kingsport Gray a good color for the exterior of my home? 

Well, if you’re looking for a warm gray or a more typical taupe/greige look, Kingsport Gray probably won’t make the cut. Because while it can look more greige in some lights, Kingsport is more likely to lean WARM in exterior lighting and is often warmer than expected for those wanting a SLIGHTLY cooler, but not gray approach.

5 Tips to Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

What type of surfaces is Kingsport Gray best on?

With its particular depth, Kingsport Gray looks ESPECIALLY good on…

• kitchen cabinets and islands
• bathroom vanities
• feature walls
• exteriors

What Sherwin Williams paint colors are the same as or similar to Keystone Gray?

If you’re looking for a perfect match, you won’t’ find it as EVERY color has its own particular blend – you WILL see shifts in undertones, temperature and depths, but you could check out a few with similar intentions…

• Sherwin Williams Keystone Gray
• Sherwin Williams Virtual Taupe

And if you’re thinking of color matching between brands, you might want to read THIS first.

What type of paint colors look good with Kingsport Gray?

Generally speaking, Kingsport Gray does well with…

• some muted tan and beige paint colors
• medium-toned gray-blue blends (more here)
• DARK gray paint colors, especially with a green or blue undertone
• some darker navy blue paint colors

And much more!

Not sure if Kingsport Gray is right for you? I’ve got more!

READ MORE

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Metropolis

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Keystone Gray

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Rockport Gray

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