BENJAMIN MOORE KINGSPORT GRAY HC-86: Paint Color Review

BENJAMIN MOORE KINGSPORT GRAY – IS IT GRAY, TAUPE, OR 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.

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 COLOR IS KINGSPORT GRAY? GREIGE, GRAY, OR TAUPE?

Kingsport Gray is a tricky one, as it CAN look like a TAUPE paint color, but it easily shifts into the greige world depending on its surroundings. One thing is ISN’T is gray, regardless of its name. Being a taupe (greige), it’s a WARM paint color and warmer than most in this range.

The above is true, especially with south-facing or western afternoon sunshine. On the other hand, in northern light, expect Kingsport’s warmth to sit back a bit without going away.

Why is Kingsport Gray hard to label?

The less a color commits to an undertone, the more likely it is to grab the opposite one. So, whereas some taupes commit HARD to violet, and some greiges are legit green, Kingsport Gray is a bit of a chameleon and can offer a unique versatility in its lack of commitment. LONG STORY SHORT (as usual), it’s one of those neutrals 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 25.05, 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.

NEVER HEARD OF LRV? It could save your paint-lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

WHAT ARE KINGSPORT GRAY’S UNDERTONES?

As discussed earlier, Kingsport Gray is a ninja. While it’s a taupe, it doesn’t really CATER hard to violet OR green. If I had to PICK, sure, it leans just a wink purple-taupe, but I mean that so fractionally I’m just being anal.

But one thing you’ll NEVER see Kingsport Gray do is to look gray. 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).

CHECK OUT KINGSPORT GRAY WITH SAMPLIZE PEEL & STICK

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!

Get your PEEL & STICK sample here! 

WHAT WHITE TRIM COLOR GOES WITH KINGSPORT GRAY?

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 EXTERIOR PAINT COLOR?

If you’re looking for a warm gray or a more typical taupe/greige look, Kingsport Gray probably won’t hit your happy spot as it will be too warm. While it will look a BIT less warm in northern light, Kingsport Gray is more likely to read like a soft brown on an exterior vs. a greige or taupe.

BUT, if this works for your home (it can be great with a wide range of roofs, stones, and bricks), it can be a STUNNING exterior color choice!

5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

WHERE IS KINGSPORT GRAY MOST POPULAR?

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

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

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO KINGSPORT GRAY

Every taupe has its own look; some are warmer, some grayer. You can also expect to see a shift in undertones and depths. HOWEVER, comparing colors is the best way to find your home’s best option, so check these bad boys out…

If you want to read more color reviews to compare your options, here are the links…

• Sherwin Williams Keystone Gray
• Sherwin Williams Mega Greige

I’m working on getting the other colors added to my Color Review section – stay tuned!

WHAT COLORS GO WITH KINGSPORT GRAY?

Generally speaking, Kingsport Gray does well with…

• some of the more modern muted 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

The 6 Best DARK Greige & Taupe Paint Colors: Benjamin Moore

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Metropolis

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Keystone Gray

Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Rockport Gray

NEED ADVICE?

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

originally written in 2021, updated in 2023

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