Best Behr Light Gray Paint Colors (& BM & SW Matches)

Are you looking for advice on Behr’s most popular shades of gray? Or maybe you’ve found a color you love in Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams and want the closest match or at least something similar. Either way, I’ve got you covered, literally AND figuratively, in paint. 

In the wild world of paint colors, gray paint colors aren’t as popular as they used to be. But who cares about popularity (admittedly, I do sometimes)? When it comes to finding your best paint color, it’s about finding a color that best suits your finishes, lighting conditions, exposure, and personal tastes – and hey, sometimes it’s gray. 

While I specialize in Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore paint colors, and Farrow & Ball (a bit),  I’m sitting down with my BEHR fan deck and sharing the best light grays based on LRV, undertones, and usability in a real home (not just an overedited, professionally designed one). 

WHAT YOU’RE GETTING…

I ain’t no one-tricky pony – you’re getting more than the basics in this blog post.

• What you might expect to see with these colors (very situational): temperature and general approach to undertones? Undertones are the way a color leans; basically, a slang term for a color’s natural bias. 

• What are the LRVs (depth) of these colors? Not sure what LRV is? LRV & Paint Colors: A Color Expert’s Guide

• What Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams paint colors do they compare to – are there better alternatives? Are there close matches to your favorite Behr grays? We’ll find out! 

Behr Silver Drop

COLOR MATCHING BETWEEN HOME DEPOT & BENJAMIN & SHERWIN

If you’re looking for EXACT matches from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams to Behr, you won’t find them. As for ‘similar shades’, yes, there are some awesome alternatives, but they won’t be exactly the same. 

As for matching BM and SW colors, no matter WHAT the Home Depot paint employee tells you, it won’t be a 100% match. 

Could it be darn close? Absolutely – it could be daaang close at first glance! But it could also be off. With how nuanced undertones and biases are, sometimes you don’t see a shift until it’s on a large scale. Paint companies use different bases and pigments to make their colors and mixing systems.

How do I know this?

I worked in the Home Depot paint department.

Now, let’s get this color party started…

1. BEHR DOLPHIN FIN 790C-3

If you’re eyeing Dolphin Fin for your next project, I have the details you need…

With an LRV of 59, Dolphin Fin is a light depth, very slightly warm gray (looks a bit stormy). Whereas some light grays are light and fresh, this LRV has a slightly dark look that offers more contrast with white trim.

As for undertones, grays will always have one (a particular lean toward blue, green, purple, or a blend). And Dolphin Fin is no exception. While its undertones are quite passive, it leans slightly toward green. Here’s where I suggest using it…

• Single room use or open-concept space. While its depth means it could work in a whole home, its undertones don’t make it SUPER flexible.
• A reasonably well-lit room. If you have a dark room, this depth could be a bit heavy-looking; you might consider a gray with a higher LRV. 
• South-facing rooms often suit colors like this, whereas a north-facing room could look a bit flat, depending on how much natural light you get. 

WHAT PAINT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO BEHR DOLPHIN FIN?

Comparing similar shades is the best way to find your perfect color. Within Behr, check out Chic Gray, which you’ll learn about shortly. 

As for Sherwin Williams, Repose Gray is a close match to Dolphin Fin. A previously SUPER popular color (with trends changing, it’s fallen back), Repose Gray was a constant for years. Its LRV of 58 makes it similar in depth, but it’s a bit warmer than Dolphin Fin. That said, expect equally as changeable undertones, with a mild wink at green.

If Dolphin Fin’s wink’ green has you nervous, compare it with Sherwin Williams On the Rocks. It’s a bit lighter than Dolphin Fin, with its LRV of 62 and leans more toward a purple hue.

Which one would I recommend? Well, because its undertones can be a bit more predictable – On the Rocks. However, between Repose Gray and Dolphin Fin, they’re very comparable. 

2. BEHR SILVER CITY MQ2-59

As far as ‘the best neutral gray paint colors go with minimal undertones,’ Silver City takes a shot at the title. However, the more neutral a gray is, the more it can pick up cues from its environment, including your room’s exposure (temperature) and green grass reflecting. 

Is there a wink of warmth in there? Sure, but it’s fractional at best. As for undertones you might expect, it doesn’t have a strong natural bias. However, I’ve seen it lean nicely into purple, so sample carefully. 

Depth-wise, Silver City is slightly darker than the average shade of gray (used for walls), with an LRV of 57. Still in the light range, but it’s a HEAVY light. Here’s where I suggest using it…

• Exterior, especially a well-lit one, as lighter shades will wash out more. 
• Single room use or open-concept spaces
• If you can get it to agree with a range of your interior finishes and exposures and enjoy an ‘overall’ cooler look, it could be used for a whole home – just make sure you like purple hues. 
• I’d be cautious in northern light, as its undertones could pop.

BEHR’s Best White & Soft Off-White Paint Colors

Not sure what LRV is? 3 SLAPS WITH A WET NOODLE! Just joking – read about it here – it’ll change your paint pickin’ life. 

DOES BM OR SW HAVE A COLOR MATCH?

Here are some great, similar alternatives…

Sherwin Williams Light French Gray is amazeballs and the closest match to Silver City. Its LRV is 53, so it’s a bit darker without being overly heavy. One thing I prefer about it is that it can appear a bit more neutral/less inclined toward purple compared to Silver City.

You’ll also see that Sherwin Williams Knitting Needles is daaaang similar to Silver City – legit. I’d say it’s one of Sherwin Williams vs. Behr’s best color ‘matches’.

The Best Grays With Purple Tones

Which one is better? Well, the purple potential of Silver City scares my pants off – unless a room needs a bit more of that particular hue. That’s why Sherwin Williams Light French Gray is my choice for the average homeowner, especially for exteriors. Many love its subtle approach to undertones. 

3. BEHR CHIC GRAY PPU26-10

Chic Gray is one of Behr’s most popular light gray paint colors. Coming in with an LRV of 60, it’s a light color that will show good contrast with the right white trim color. 

I didn’t choose this color – my clients hired me to FIX this room! Chic Gray wasn’t the right choice. The Best Colors with Red or Pink Brick Fireplace

As for undertones and overall approach, Chic Gray’s L*a*b* numbers suggest it’s reasonably neutral; however, grays like this can easily lean purple… as you can see. Just remember, regardless of a color’s natural bias toward a certain hue, your room’s exposure, interior lighting, and surrounding finishes can really shift how things appear. 

I say that quite confidently, as check out Chic Gray here…

As for where Chic Gray looks its very best (clearly not in that last kitchen)…

• Its LRV makes it a great choice for a single room – its potential ‘too strong’ undertone makes me hesitate with anything beyond that. That said, if the potential for purple is your jam, fill ‘yer colorful little boots!

WHAT BEHR, BM, or SW COLORS ARE SIMILAR?

Starting with Behr itself, you might look at Gray Shimmer, as my Online clients did (before they hired me and we switched gears ENTIRELY for this hallway). 

Comparing the 2, you can see that Gray Shimmer (LRV 69) is lighter than Chic Gray’s 60; Gray Shimmer is closer to the off-white world. It also appears a bit fresher, and that purple is poppin’ out more than me in a tube top. 

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As for Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, it might be hard to choose…

If you’re looking for the closest match, check out Sherwin Williams On the Rocks. Compared to Chic Gray, it’s slightly less inclined toward purple and offers a touch more warmth. 

I also like how Benjamin Moore Nimbus compares – it’s not as similar to Chic Gray as On The Rocks, but it’s a contender. Nimbus has an LRV of 59.4, so they’re kissin’ cousins (illegal in some States, but not on this blog).

One thing I like a bit more about Nimbus is that it’s a bit warmer and more likely to suit the average interior finish. 

While Behr doesn’t have peel & stick (yet), Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore do. Get your sticker of Nimbus (and more) here…

Because Samplize peel-and-stick are made with 2 coats of REAL PAINT, if you must get a color match, having the ‘real thing’ on hand is best. 

Which do I recommend? Of them all, I’d set you up with Benjamin Moore Nimbus. My clients often love its moderate approach to temperature, and its color bias (undertone) is subtle, at best. 

By the way…

I use images of real homes from my Online Color Consulting clients, friends, and family. Because Benjamin and Sherwin are my main squeeze (Behr is just my side piece), I don’t have many photos of their colors in action. 

If you use my advice and use one of these colors – or even sample them, please send photos, as they make my blog even more helpful! 

4. BEHR SCULPTOR CLAY PPU5-08

Should this color be in this gray blog post or in the soon-to-be-written greige and taupe one? Let’s find out. 

Sculptor Clay is absolutely gorgeous. Whereas many of Behr’s popular gray paint colors lean more toward purple, this color takes a different approach. This is because its undertones (natural bias) are a bit more likely to lean green. This faint green offers a slightly more organic, warmer look than some others. 

As for depth, Sculptor Clay (why is there no ‘s on it?), has a listed LRV of 55. This means it’s between light and light-medium, with a bit more junk in its trunk than lighter, fresher shades.

Colors like Sculptor Clay can be real color ninjas.

But is it a warm gray or a greige-taupe? It can be either; it all comes down to perception – that’s the great thing about a color like this. Now, let’s talk about where it does its best work…

• In a single room, so long as it’s bright enough, otherwise it could look a bit drab/dingy.
• An open-concept space, so long as it’s well-lit
• Some might paint their whole home this warm gray-greige, but it could be tricky to make it work with a wide range of interior finishes
• Exteriors – absolutely
• Kitchen cabinets – definitely

WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO SCULPTOR CLAY?

I don’t know what came first, Behr’s Sculptor’s Clay or Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter, but I bet one of them was made to compete with the other. 

These two are peas in a pod as revere Pewter and Sculptor Clay are reasonably good matches (but not at all 100%) – remember, there IS no 100%.

Starting with bias/undertones, Revere Pewter is (ahem) slightly more likely to appear with a green undertone. In temperature, Sculptor Clay is a wee wink warmer. Depth-wise – same same – BOOM. 

How about Sherwin Williams’ best match? Worldly Gray has a similar approach to Sculptor Clay, but its LRV of 57 makes it a bit lighter. High Sierra is interesting if you want a comparison that’s a bit grayer and slightly darker (LRV 53).

Which do I recommend? Oooo, it’s a toss-up between Revere Pewter and Sculptor Clay. High Sierra is a touch too gray (personally) for what I’d be looking for. It would all come down to the brand my client prefers. 

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5. BEHR SILVER MARLIN N360-2

While I’m a Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams expert, admittedly, Behr has some badass grays, including Silver Marlin. This gray has an LRV of 57, so it winks at the light-medium depths, but offers a bit more freshness. 

As for which way it leans, it’s quite neutral in many spaces, not flashing any wild and crazy undertones, but that’s not to say it can’t or won’t. 

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SILVER CITY

For similar shades in Benjamin Moore, Stonington Gray is the closest match (ish) to Silver Marlin based on my eyeballs and technical measuring tools. The same? Heck no, that’s impossible, compare the 2 and notice that they both have a similar, not icy, but not overly warm approach. But notice how Stonington Gray appears a bit bluer than Silver Marlin. Its depth (LRV) is comparable, but just a bit lighter (59).

Overall, Silver Marlin appears a bit muddy and slightly green compared to Stonington Gray. 

Within Behr, do me a favor and compare Silver City to Silver Marlin. THIS is where you might notice the undertones/biases. In comparison, Silver Marlin seems a bit stormy and coastal, allllmost blue-green compared to Silver City. But don’t be fooled: colors shift easily with a room’s exposure, interior finishes, and even the Kelvin of the light bulbs. COMPARE COMPARE COMPARE and sample the right way. 

6. BEHR EON N370-2

With a listed LRV of 65, Eon sits in my happy range for the average room. As the late Great Goldilocks once said, ‘not too light, not too dark – mmmm, just right’. 

As for which way the wind blows (also called undertones), Eon is known to pick up a green hue – subtle, but it can be brought out by its surrounding conditions/light/etc. And sure, it’s a warm gray, but grays like this rarely look ‘really warm’. In fact, put this gray on the right (or wrong, depending on how you look at it) walls, and it could look a bit green-blue. 

Putting this all together, here’s where I recommend using Eon…

• Single room 
• I wouldn’t use it in a whole home, as the likelihood of it working with a wide range of interior finishes is slim.
• It could be pretty for an exterior, just make sure it connects with any brick, stone, roof, etc. 

WHAT COLORS ARE THE CLOSEST MATCH TO EON?

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl is similar to Eon – not the same, but they definitely drive the same boat.

Gray Owl has an LRV of 64.51, which makes it more or less the same as Eon’s 65. As for how their undertones (natural biases) compare, Eon is a bit more inclined toward green and offers a touch more warmth than Gray Owl. 

While you’re comparing, add Benjamin Moore Moonshine to the mix (and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, add some to your glass). Compared to Eon, Moonshine is a touch darker and has marginally more green (marginal is an overstatement).

Well, Benjamin Moore really slayed all day there – does Sherwin Williams have anything? You bet your cute lil’ booty it does.

While Behr doesn’t have peel-and-stick (yet), you can get any BM or SW in a large-scale sticker! Here’s a peel-and-stick sample of Conservative Gray…

Sherwin-Williams Conservative Gray is quite similar to Eon. Conservative Gray has an LRV of 63, making it a nudge darker than Eon. As for their approach to color, Conservative Gray is a touch less warm and has a pretty comparable commitment to green – it’s there, but not shocking. 

Which color is better? It depends on what my client needs. If we NEED green, I’d put my money on Conservative Gray (or at least Tim’s money). I really like that Gray Owl is slightly less inclined toward green, as in this type of color, green isn’t always the goal – a somewhat balanced, soft, neutralish looking gray is. This works for many of my clients who like this type of gray but are nervous about strong undertones. 

Benjamin Moore’s 9 Best Gray Paint Colors

7. BEHR NATURAL GRAY PPU18-10

Many go for Natural Gray, thinking it’s a safe gray. A SAFE GRAY? There’s no such thing. And the safer it ‘seems’, the more likely it is to grab a range of undertones with changing lighting, surroundings, etc. 

If you ask me (which you kind of are), Natural Gray’s undertone makes it trickier than some. This is because it can flash a decent purple hue. Pretty? Sure, so long as it suits your interior finishes and tastes, but some find it a bit overbearing. 

Its LRV of 53 makes it a light-medium, just shy of the light range. Combine this with its color bias, and here’s where I suggest using it…

• In a single room
• Open-concept space, so long as you WANT purpleish walls.

That’s it…that’s all.

COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO NATURAL GRAY

Oh, I won’t just show you similar, I’ll show you better. If I dislike this color so much, why am I sharing it? Because a LOT of you ask about it, and I’d rather give you answers that are helpful, rather than shooting rainbows up your arse about how great it is. 

Within Behr, Silver City is a nice alternative as it’s a bit grayer/cooler and a bit less inclined toward purple. 

This image is a great example, comparing the 2 colors listed below – Smoke Embers and Light French Gray. 5 Steps to Choosing Your Exterior Paint Colors

As for Benjamin Moore, Smoke Embers has a bit more depth and a kind of stormy/less purple approach. Its LRV of 51.44 is about 25% darker, but is in the same ballpark. 

Sherwin Williams’ best color match to Natural Gray is Essential Gray; however, it’s noticeably darker with its LRV of 48. Instead, I’d rather steer you toward Sherwin Willams Light French Gray, which is a stunner. Its LRV is 53, which is the same as Natural Gray, but you’ll find LESS purple – yay! I’m not a purple-hater, it’s just not as easy to work with if you want ‘gray’. 

Light French Gray with Sherwin Williams Pure White

Which one is better? Oh, if you’re nervous about purple hues, Light French Gray wins by a long shot. Second place goes to Smoke Embers with its stormy hue. However, if you’re in it for purple, Silver City could be just what you’re looking for! 

8. BEHR CAMPFIRE ASH N320-1

Some light gray paint colors can easily be mistaken for greige-taupe, and Campfire Ash is one of them. Is it gray, or is it a bit too warm for that?

It comes down to perception. For someone who’s looking for a legit light gray, yes, it’s too warm. For someone who loves warmer greige-taupes? It’s probably not warm enough. So there you have it. 

As for depth and undertones/bias, Campfire Ash’s LRV is 69, which puts it in the high end of the light range, winking lustily at the off-white world. As for which way it leans, it could grab a touch of green in some lights, making it tricky. However, sometimes this is JUST what a room needs. Comparing it to similar shades will help you see if it’s the best option. 

I recommend using Campfire Ash…

• In a single room, definitely. 
• In a whole home? I’d see how it settles, as it could be exposure-dependent, and how it responds to any surrounding finishes. If they have more taupe (purple-pink), it could be a miss. 

WHAT COLORS ARE A CLOSE MATCH TO CAMPFIRE ASH?

Sherwin Williams comes in hot with its similar shade, Egret White.

REVIEWS: SW Egret White | SW Modern Gray | BM Balboa Mist | SW Aesthetic White

Egret White is one of my most recommended warm neutrals (in my Online Color Consulting). It has an LRV of 70, making it balls-to-the-wall with Campfire Ash’s 69. For undertones, the real difference (though subtle) is that Campfire Ash is more likely to lean a bit green than Egret White. 

Benjamin Moore Classic Gray is along similar lines to Campfire Ash (#8 above), but there are a few key differences. 1. Classic Gray’s LRV is 73.67, making it lighter than Campfire Ash’s 69, and 2. Of the 2, Campfire Ash tends to lean a touch green, whereas Classic Gray can pick up a subtle taupe (purple-pink). 

BTW, for those of you who love Classic Gray, Behr Spun Wool sits on the other side, with MORE purple-pink than Classic Gray but a more comparable LRV of 73. 

They’re obviously not done, but you can see how Egret White settles on the siding.

WHICH DO I RECOMMEND? The best, closest match to Campfire Ash is Egret White – it wins that battle. As for the best overall? I’ve gotta give it to Egret White again. A higher chance for green undertones can make things a bit iffy. Also, the depth of Egret White is a bit more likely to suit a range of white trims compared to Classic Gray. 

9. BEHR PUMICE MQ6-23

Pumice is one of the darker grays on this page, and I’m happy to sit with it for a bit. 

Starting with depth, Pumice’s listed LRV is 50. This puts it in the light-medium world – not as heavy as some, but a good step out of the light, fresh gray world. 

If you’re wondering about undertones, Pumice’s natural bias leans a tiny bit green, which will only be exploited with the right exposure/lighting/surrounding finishes. Because of this, along with its depth, I suggest using Pumice…

• In a single room that has reasonable natural light, otherwise it could look muddy/murkky
• On kitchen cabinets, it could be amazeballs
• Gorgeous as an exterior color, for sure. 

COLORS THAT ARE A CLOSE MATCH TO PUMICE

Ooooo, I’ve got a good one for you – Sherwin Williams Mindful Gray.

You may as well be looking at Pumice in this sample above (along with Amazing Gray)

Some ‘similar colors/alternatives’ are closer than others, and comparing Pumice and Mindful Gray is a ‘chef’s kiss’ scenario. In fact, you will find very little difference between these 2 in depth and undertones/approach. Both are muddy, warm grays that barely wink at the greige world. BOTH can grab a subtle green undertone. While Pumice is ‘slightly’ more inclined that way, it’s fractional. 

While this home would love some white trim around the windows for contrast, the rest of the palette is pretty, given the roof colors (I can only control so many things)! 

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As for Behr’s alternatives, Arid Plains is interesting, as it’s a touch darker and can also grab a green hue.

WHAT BEHR COLORS ARE MOST SIMILAR TO…

In case I missed a few of your favorites in the above lists, here are a few more (if I left any out, leave me a comment!).

BENJAMIN MOORE STONINGTON GRAY VS. BEHR

Of all the colors that come close, Behr doesn’t have a ‘super close’ match to Stonington Gray. That said, sometimes that ‘not perfect match’ ends up being the better option! 

• Behr Silver Marlin (has an LRV of 57, making it a touch darker than Stonington Gray. You’ll also notice a shift in bias, as Silver Marlin can appear a bit greener with its undertone and a touch more neutral at times.
• Behr Silver City might ‘technically’ have a bit more warmth, its more about the color shift, as Stonington Gray appears more blue (blue-green) than Silver City’s tendency toward purple.

SHERWIN WILLIAMS AGREEABLE GRAY VS. BEHR

Oh, you guys and your Agreeable Gray! But I don’t blame you – for those homes stuck between the worlds of gray and beige, a color like Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray can be a great solution. Now, let’s see what its closest matches are in Behr. 

Color Review of Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray

• Oh, we have to start with Agreeable Gray vs. Behr’s Toasty Gray. COME TO MOMMA,  hot damn, are these two ever similar! But what are the REAL differences? Toasty Gray is a bit warmer, but is it really noticeable? Heck no, we’re splittin’ hairs here, and they’re short n’ curly. Could Toasty Gray be a bit more inclined to grab a green undertone? Suuuuure, but fractional at best – these 2 are really quite striking in their similarities as far as ‘two different brands/colors’ go. 
• However, you’ll want to check out Tranquil Gray (LRV 60 – same as Agreeable Gray). Remember, just because a color isn’t an exact match, it doesn’t mean the change it offers isn’t JUST what your home needs! 

BENJAMIN MOORE BALBOA MIST VS. BEHR

If you’re looking for the closest match to Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist…you better keep looking.

While some colors come up close enough to sample, Behr’s pretty slim pickin’s. Behr Toasty Gray is too warm to be comparable. Behr Moth Gray has a more color (purple-pink bias). 

Just because a color is ‘the closest’ doesn’t mean it’s close enough to bother sampling. 

While it scares me to say it, you’ll probably get closer by asking Home Depot to color-match Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist than with any of their premade colors. 

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Because they come up…a lot.

CAN HOME DEPOT (BEHR) MATCH BENJAMIN MOORE & SHERWIN WILLIAMS PAINT COLORS?

Heck no. As mentioned earlier, paint brands have proprietary systems. They use different pigments, resins, bases, the whole shebang. While a computer can ‘read’ a color sample and create its ‘closest version’ within a brand, it won’t be a 100% match. 

If the above image is close enough for you, and still works with your finishes, great. But if you ask me, it’s not good enough. 

Does Color Matching Between Paint Brands Really Work?

IS IT BETTER TO COLOR-MATCH A COLOR OR CHOOSE A DIFFERENT ONE?

Let’s say you’ve fallen in love with Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray or Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter. But you use Behr paint. So, you go to Home Depot and find ‘similar shades’ (which we did earlier in this post). However, they aren’t ‘exactly the same’ as the color you fell in love with. 

• Should you go with this ‘close enough color’?
• Should you ask Home Depot to color-match your favorite shade?

Do both. Get a sample pot of Behr’s best, most similar version to your chosen color. Then, ask them to mix a sample pot of their best color match from Benjamin or Sherwin. 

Remember, neither will be an exact match to the original, but at least you can decide which looks best in your home/lighting/etc. 

READ MORE

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BEHR’s Best White & Soft Off-White Paint Colors

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Get the color advice you need with Kylie M’s Online Paint Color Consulting packages! 

Updated for new content and images for 2026