Benjamin Moore Nimbus: LRV, Undertones and a Little More

Sandwiched in between popular cool grays and trendy warm grays sits this lovely little color called Nimbus. And while this color doesn’t get the recognition it should, I’m here to get it out in the open where it belongs!

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, but DEFINITELY have some SUPER helpful info to help you on your way!

What type of paint color is Nimbus? Is it a warm or cool gray?

While it can be hard to tell just eyeballin’ it, Nimbus is a SLIGHTLY warm gray paint color. If you have north-facing light it will look more like a cool gray and its undertones (coming shortly) could be a bit more exposed. However, if you have south-facing or warm afternoon western light, it will lean a bit more into its warmth without going ANYWHERE near taupe.

What’s its LRV?

Nimbus has an LRV of 60, putting it in the light depths. A paint color with this LRV will wash out a bit in intense light, but also won’t be so heavy that it weighs a room down. However, if you have a DARK room, it could look a bit flat (learn more HERE).

Sherwin Williams Big Chill / Sherwin Williams Silverplate / Benjamin Moore Nimbus

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

Is Nimbus a TRUE gray or does it have undertones?

Because there IS no useable TRUE gray, you can fully expect Nimbus to have undertones – violet ones to be exact! However, while the undertones are a bit noticeable, they aren’t remotely overwhelming.

Before, Benjamin Moore Horizon had the wrong undertones for this bathroom tile…

After, Nimbus hits JUST the spot!

What’s the best way to sample a paint color – sample pots?

Like with every paint color, 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

What’s the best white paint color for my trim if I’m using Nimbus on my walls?

Nimbus is only a BIT fussy when it comes to white paint colors. If you’re starting from scratch, check out…

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Benjamin Moore White Dove – probably as warm as you should go

Is it a good exterior color?

Nimbus CAN work on an exterior but expect that violet undertone to be slightly noticeable. This means your stone, brick and/or roof will need to SUIT this type of gray paint color.

Does Sherwin Williams have a paint color that’s the same as Nimbus?

Wellll – no. Every color has its own nuances and there will be NO perfect match. You WILL see shifts in undertones, temperature and depths, but you could check out…

Sherwin Williams On the Rocks
Sherwin Williams Touch of Gray

Oh, by the way, if you’re thinking of color matching between brands, you might want to read THIS first.

What type of paint colors look good with Nimbus?

Nimbus is a bit finicky with colors that are warmer than it, but there are many other colors you can explore, such as…

other gray paint colors with a similar undertone profile, but are lighter/darker
some blue-gray blends can be beautiful with Nimbus
other stormy gray paint colors with blue undertones

Not sure if Nimbus is YOUR color? I’ve got more!

BENJAMIN MOORE COLLINGWOOD