Anchor Gray 2126-30 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances sophistication and versatility, Benjamin Moore’s Anchor Gray (2126-30) might just be your perfect match. This medium-dark gray with subtle blue undertones is a designer favorite for good reason—it’s calming, adaptable, and works beautifully in a variety of spaces. Whether you’re refreshing a living room, creating a serene bedroom, or designing a sleek home office, Anchor Gray delivers a timeless elegance that’s hard to beat.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Anchor Gray is its depth. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 13.57%, it sits firmly in the medium-dark range, meaning it absorbs more light than it reflects. This gives it a rich, moody quality that’s perfect for creating intimate, cozy spaces. But don’t let that scare you—its blue undertones keep it feeling fresh and modern rather than heavy or oppressive. In natural light, those cool undertones come alive, giving the color an almost ethereal quality. Under artificial lighting, it softens into a more neutral gray, making it incredibly versatile throughout the day.

Where does Anchor Gray shine brightest? Think living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices—anywhere you want a sense of calm and sophistication. It’s especially striking as an accent wall in a larger space, where it can add depth without overwhelming the room. If you’re working with a smaller area, pairing it with lighter furnishings and plenty of natural light will keep the space feeling open and airy. And because it’s so adaptable, it plays well with a range of decor styles. Modern, industrial, Scandinavian, transitional—you name it, Anchor Gray can fit right in.

Choosing the right finish is just as important as picking the perfect color. Anchor Gray looks stunning in matte, eggshell, or satin finishes, depending on the vibe you’re going for. Matte finishes give a velvety, high-end look but can be trickier to clean, making them better for low-traffic areas like bedrooms. Eggshell and satin, on the other hand, offer a subtle sheen and are more durable, ideal for living rooms or hallways where walls might need occasional wiping.

Now, let’s talk pairings. Anchor Gray’s blue undertones make it a natural companion for crisp whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, which can brighten up the space and highlight its coolness. If you want to add warmth, creamy beiges or natural wood tones create a beautiful contrast. For a bolder look, deep navy or black accents can elevate the sophistication, while brass or gold fixtures add a touch of luxury. And if you’re feeling adventurous, pops of orange—its complementary hue—can create a striking, dynamic contrast.

Practicality matters too, and Anchor Gray doesn’t disappoint. It’s beginner-friendly, with smooth application whether you’re using a brush or roller. Most projects will only need one or two coats for full coverage, and it dries quickly, so you won’t be waiting around forever to finish your project. Plus, it’s washable and stain-resistant, making it a great choice for busy households. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can feel good about using it in your home.

Of course, no color is without its considerations. Anchor Gray can appear darker in rooms with limited natural light, so if your space is already on the dim side, you might want to test a sample first. And while its undertones are generally subtle, they can shift depending on your lighting and surrounding colors, so it’s always a good idea to try a swatch before committing.

If you love Anchor Gray but want something a little lighter or darker, Benjamin Moore offers a range of similar shades. Lighter options like Stormy Sky (2124-40) or Gray Owl (2137-60) keep the cool, serene vibe but brighten things up. On the deeper end, colors like Chelsea Gray (HC-168) or Kendall Charcoal (HC-166) ramp up the drama for a more moody effect.

At the end of the day, Anchor Gray is one of those colors that just works. It’s sophisticated without being stuffy, calming without being boring, and versatile enough to adapt to your style as it evolves. Whether you’re painting an entire room or just an accent wall, it’s a shade that brings depth, character, and a touch of modern elegance to any space. So grab a sample, see how it looks in your home, and get ready to fall in love with this timeless gray.

Real Room Photo of Anchor Gray 2126-30

Undertones of  Anchor Gray ?

The undertones of Anchor 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: #5C6167

RGB code: 92, 97, 103

Is  Anchor Gray Cool or Warm?

Anchor Gray leans toward the cool side of the spectrum, attributed to its blue undertones. This makes it an excellent choice for creating a calm and refreshing environment, particularly in spaces meant for relaxation or focus.

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 Anchor 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 Anchor Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Anchor Gray is 13.57%, 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  Anchor Gray

Anchor Gray (#5C6167) is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their home. Its muted tone beautifully balances warmth and coolness, allowing it to complement a wide range of colors and styles. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy living room or a sleek home office, this shade sets the perfect mood. It’s particularly effective in larger spaces where it can create an inviting atmosphere without overwhelming the senses. One of the standout features of Anchor Gray is its ability to adapt to different lighting conditions, making it a reliable choice for both bright and dimly lit rooms.

Pros & Cons of  2126-30 Anchor Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Anchor Gray

FAQ on 2126-30 Anchor Gray

What colors pair well with Anchor Gray?

Anchor Gray pairs beautifully with both warm and cool tones. For a cohesive look, consider soft whites like White Dove or creamy beiges. If you prefer bolder contrasts, deep navy or rich black accents can enhance its sophistication. Additionally, natural wood tones can add warmth and texture, creating a balanced aesthetic.

Is Anchor Gray suitable for small rooms?

Yes, Anchor Gray can work well in small rooms if paired thoughtfully. While it can darken a space, using it on one accent wall can create depth and interest without overwhelming the room. Complement it with lighter furnishings and accessories to maintain an airy feel.

Comparisons Anchor Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Anchor Gray 2126-30