Trout Gray 2124-20 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances sophistication and versatility, Benjamin Moore’s Trout Gray (2124-20) might just be your perfect match. This medium-dark gray with a subtle blue undertone is a designer favorite for good reason—it’s adaptable, calming, and works beautifully in almost any space. Whether you’re refreshing a cozy bedroom, designing a sleek home office, or giving your kitchen a modern update, Trout Gray has the depth and character to elevate your interiors without overpowering them.

One of the standout qualities of Trout Gray is its ability to shift with the light. In bright daylight, it leans into its cooler side, offering a serene, almost misty vibe. As evening falls and artificial lighting takes over, those warm undertones emerge, creating a snug and inviting atmosphere. This makes it an excellent choice for rooms that transition from day to night, like living rooms or bedrooms. Just keep in mind that because it has a lower Light Reflectance Value (LRV of 16.41%), it absorbs more light than it reflects. If your space lacks natural light, consider supplementing with warm-toned lamps or lighter furnishings to keep it from feeling too heavy.

What really sets Trout Gray apart from other grays is its muted, earthy quality. While some grays can feel sterile or overly cool, this one has just enough warmth to keep it grounded. It’s not as stark as a true cool gray, nor as taupe-leaning as some warmer options. If you’ve struggled with grays that pull too brown or too blue in the past, Trout Gray strikes that elusive middle ground. It pairs seamlessly with both crisp whites (like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for trim) and richer, deeper tones, making it a dream for layering textures and accents.

Speaking of pairings, let’s talk about complementary colors. Trout Gray plays well with a wide range of hues, from soft blush pinks and muted greens to bold navy or even mustard yellow. For a modern farmhouse look, try it alongside warm wood tones and black iron fixtures. In a Scandinavian-inspired space, keep things airy with white oak furniture and minimalist decor. And if you love a moody, industrial vibe, layer in matte black finishes and leather accents. The color’s versatility means you can easily switch up your decor over time without having to repaint.

When it comes to application, Trout Gray is beginner-friendly. It covers well in one to two coats, dries quickly, and is touch-up friendly—a big plus if you’re painting around kids or pets. The finish you choose can also impact the final look. A matte finish will emphasize its soft, velvety quality, while an eggshell or satin sheen adds a subtle glow that works well in kitchens or hallways. And because it’s low-VOC, you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes during or after painting.

Now, let’s address a common concern: small spaces. Yes, you can absolutely use Trout Gray in a smaller room. Its neutral tone won’t overwhelm, and when paired with good lighting (think layered sources like sconces, floor lamps, and overhead fixtures), it can actually make the space feel more expansive. Just avoid using it in a room with zero natural light—without some illumination, it might fall flat.

If you’re still on the fence, here’s a pro tip: grab a sample pot and test it on your walls. Paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day. Notice how it interacts with your furniture, flooring, and even the colors outside your windows. You might be surprised at how differently it reads in your space compared to a swatch or screen.

At the end of the day, Trout Gray is more than just a paint color—it’s a backdrop for your life. Whether you’re creating a peaceful retreat, a stylish entertaining space, or a functional home office, this gray has the depth and flexibility to grow with your needs. It’s a color that doesn’t shout for attention but quietly enhances everything around it. And isn’t that what great design is all about?

Real Room Photo of Trout Gray 2124-20

Undertones of  Trout Gray ?

The undertones of Trout 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.

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HEX value: #696D70

RGB code: 105, 109, 112

Is  Trout Gray Cool or Warm?

Trout Gray is primarily a cool-toned gray, but its warm undertones make it feel cozy and inviting. This balance allows it to adapt well to various lighting conditions and decor styles.

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 Trout 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.

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LRV of Trout Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Trout Gray is 16.41%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little 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  Trout Gray

Trout Gray is a captivating choice for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their interiors. The color provides a soft backdrop that complements a wide range of decor styles, from modern minimalism to rustic charm. Its ability to adapt to different lighting makes it especially unique—what may appear cool and calming in the morning sun can take on a warmer, cozier vibe by evening. This adaptability allows you to create a dynamic and inviting atmosphere throughout the day.

When using Trout Gray, you’ll find that it pairs beautifully with both bold and subtle accents. Whether you’re looking to highlight artwork or create a serene bedroom retreat, this gray serves as an excellent canvas. Moreover, its neutral yet distinctive character means it can work harmoniously with vibrant colors or earthy tones, making it a truly versatile choice for any homeowner.

Pros & Cons of  2124-20 Trout Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Trout Gray

FAQ on 2124-20 Trout Gray

Is Trout Gray suitable for small spaces?

Absolutely! Trout Gray can make small spaces feel larger and more open while still maintaining a cozy atmosphere. Its neutral tone allows it to blend seamlessly with various decor styles, making it a great choice for compact areas like hallways or entryways. Just ensure you have adequate lighting to truly appreciate its beauty.

How does Trout Gray compare to other popular grays?

Trout Gray stands out due to its unique blend of warm and cool undertones, setting it apart from many other grays that lean too warm or too cool. Compared to grays like Revere Pewter or Mindful Gray, Trout Gray has a slightly more muted and earthy feel, making it ideal for those seeking a more understated yet sophisticated look.

Comparisons Trout Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Trout Gray 2124-20