Steep Cliff Gray 2122-20 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances sophistication with a touch of natural tranquility, Benjamin Moore’s Steep Cliff Gray (2122-20) might just be your perfect match. This stunning shade sits right at the intersection of cool and grounded, making it a versatile choice for almost any room in your home. Whether you’re refreshing a cozy bedroom, designing a sleek home office, or giving your living room a modern edge, this color has the depth and adaptability to elevate your space.

Steep Cliff Gray is a medium-toned blue-gray with an LRV of 20.54%, meaning it reflects a fair amount of light while still maintaining a rich, moody presence. In well-lit rooms, it leans into its cooler undertones, creating an airy, almost misty effect. In lower light, it deepens slightly, offering a more intimate and enveloping feel. This dynamic quality makes it a fantastic option for rooms with varying light conditions—think north-facing spaces that need warmth or sun-drenched areas that could use a calming counterbalance.

One of the standout features of this color is its incredible versatility. It plays well with multiple decor styles, from minimalist Scandinavian to industrial chic. Pair it with crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a classic choice) for a sharp, clean contrast that highlights its cool undertones. Or, if you’re aiming for a warmer look, natural wood finishes—like oak or walnut—soften the gray’s coolness beautifully, adding organic texture to the space. For a bolder statement, try accenting with deep navy or emerald green; these jewel tones bring out the color’s subtle complexity without clashing.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. The paint has excellent coverage—most walls only need one or two coats—and it’s touch-up friendly, so minor scuffs or imperfections won’t leave you frustrated. It’s available in matte, eggshell, and satin finishes, giving you flexibility depending on the room’s function. Eggshell is a great all-around pick for living areas, offering a soft sheen that’s easy to clean, while matte works wonders in bedrooms where you want a velvety, low-reflective finish.

Maintenance is just as straightforward. Thanks to its washability and scrubbable formula, it holds up well in high-traffic areas like hallways or dining rooms. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes during or after painting—a win for both your home and the environment.

Now, let’s talk about potential pitfalls. While Steep Cliff Gray is undeniably stunning, its cool undertones can sometimes feel a bit chilly in rooms with little natural light or predominantly warm-toned furnishings. If your space already leans warm (think lots of reds, oranges, or yellow-based woods), you might want to test a swatch first to see how it interacts. Similarly, if you’re pairing it with other colors, avoid overly warm pastels or beiges, as they can clash with the blue undertones. Instead, stick to cooler neutrals or muted tones for a cohesive look.

For those who love this shade but need something a touch lighter or darker, Benjamin Moore offers a range of similar hues. Lighter alternatives like Gray Owl (HC-161) or Stonington Gray (HC-170) keep the same cool essence but brighten up smaller spaces. On the darker end, options like Chelsea Gray (HC-168) or Kendall Charcoal (HC-166) deepen the mood for a more dramatic effect.

So, is Steep Cliff Gray right for your home? If you’re drawn to colors that feel both modern and timeless, this shade is a strong contender. It’s especially ideal for open-concept spaces where you want a seamless flow between rooms, or for creating a focal wall that anchors without overwhelming. Picture it in a home office with sleek black furniture and brass accents—calm yet commanding. Or imagine a bedroom where it pairs with linen textiles and soft lighting for a serene retreat.

At the end of the day, the best way to know if a color works for you is to see it in your own space. Grab a sample, paint a large swatch, and observe how it shifts throughout the day. Notice how it plays with your furniture, your flooring, your art. Because while Steep Cliff Gray is a chameleon in the best way, your home is unique—and the right color should feel like it was made just for you.

Real Room Photo of Steep Cliff Gray 2122-20

Undertones of  Steep Cliff Gray ?

The undertones of Steep Cliff Gray are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Blue. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

R

G

B

HEX

HEX value: #6E7C7D

RGB code: 110, 124, 125

Is  Steep Cliff Gray Cool or Warm?

Steep Cliff Gray is predominantly a cool shade, perfect for creating a calm and serene environment. Its coolness is balanced enough to complement warmer tones, making it versatile for mixed decor styles. This makes it an excellent choice for spaces where you want to foster relaxation and tranquility.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Steep Cliff Gray

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

4800K

2000K

3000K

4000K

5000K

6000K

7000K

LRV of Steep Cliff Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Steep Cliff Gray is 20.54%, which places it in the Medium colors category. This means it reflect a lot of light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Steep Cliff Gray

Steep Cliff Gray stands out for its unique capacity to adapt to various lighting conditions. In natural light, it reveals a soft, cool gray that breathes life into any space. Under artificial light, it maintains its character without becoming overly dark or flat. This versatility makes it a favorite among homeowners and designers alike. The application process is smooth, with a consistency that allows for easy rolling and brushing. Most users find that it covers well with just two coats, minimizing the need for extensive touch-ups. Overall, Steep Cliff Gray is a solid choice for those seeking a chic yet inviting atmosphere in their home.

Pros & Cons of  2122-20 Steep Cliff Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Steep Cliff Gray

FAQ on 2122-20 Steep Cliff Gray

Is Steep Cliff Gray suitable for small spaces?

Absolutely! Steep Cliff Gray can work wonders in small spaces, as its cool undertones help create an illusion of depth and openness. Just be mindful of your lighting; in brighter conditions, it can reflect light beautifully, making the space feel larger and airier.

How does Steep Cliff Gray pair with trim colors?

Steep Cliff Gray pairs exceptionally well with crisp white trims, offering a sharp contrast that enhances both the wall and trim. It also complements natural wood finishes beautifully, creating a balanced look that adds warmth to the cool gray. Experimenting with different trim colors can yield stunning results.

Comparisons Steep Cliff Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Steep Cliff Gray 2122-20