Oxford Gray 2128-40 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room where the ambiance immediately soothes your senses. The walls, painted in a soft yet sophisticated hue, wrap around you like a warm hug. This is the magic of Oxford Gray, a color by Benjamin Moore that transforms spaces into tranquil retreats. If you’re considering a fresh coat of paint for your home, you might want to dive deeper into the allure of this stunning shade.

Oxford Gray, with the color code 2128-40, is more than just a paint color; it’s a lifestyle statement. It’s a balanced blend of gray with soft blue undertones, which makes it versatile enough to fit various design aesthetics, from modern to transitional and even Scandinavian. This color doesn’t just sit on your walls; it breathes life into your spaces. It creates an atmosphere that feels both calming and elegant.

One of the most appealing aspects of Oxford Gray is how it interacts with light. In natural sunlight, the blue undertones come alive, making the room feel fresh and spacious. Under warm artificial lighting, it softens, offering a cozy vibe that wraps you in comfort. This adaptability means that whether you’re painting a living room, bedroom, or even a home office, Oxford Gray can be the perfect backdrop for your personal style.

Now, you might be wondering how this color performs in real-life applications. The ease of use is a major bonus. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of around 28.78%, Oxford Gray reflects a good amount of light, brightening up spaces without overwhelming them. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, this color is roller-ready and brush smooth, making application a breeze. Plus, it’s washable and scrubbable, so you don’t have to fret about stains or marks ruining your fresh look.

Think about where you plan to use Oxford Gray. It shines in living rooms, where it can complement a variety of furniture styles. Picture a cozy sectional adorned with colorful cushions, or a sleek coffee table sitting beneath a statement light fixture. In bedrooms, it creates a serene retreat, perfect for unwinding after a long day. It also works well in home offices, promoting a calm yet focused atmosphere.

What about smaller spaces? Absolutely, Oxford Gray can work wonders in those areas, too. It has the unique ability to create the illusion of a more open space, especially when paired with lighter accents. Just keep in mind that cooler tones can make smaller rooms feel a bit more closed off. Balance is key; consider adding light-colored decor to keep the space feeling airy.

When it comes to pairing colors, Oxford Gray is incredibly versatile. For a classic look, white trim, like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Simply White, can add a crisp contrast that enhances the elegance of the gray. If you’re in the mood for something bolder, black windows or dark wood trim can create a dramatic effect, allowing Oxford Gray to take center stage.

Let’s talk about complementary colors. Oxford Gray looks stunning alongside warm tones like peach or terracotta, creating a harmonious balance. It also pairs beautifully with other cool colors, making it a great choice for accent walls or bedding. Think about incorporating shades like navy or muted greens to elevate the overall aesthetic.

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider using Oxford Gray as an accent wall in a dining room, where it can set a sophisticated tone for gatherings. Or imagine it as a calming backdrop for a gallery wall showcasing your favorite art pieces. The possibilities are truly endless, and the results are guaranteed to impress.

When it comes to finishes, you have options. Whether you prefer a matte, eggshell, or satin finish, Oxford Gray accommodates your desired look. A matte finish gives a soft, understated elegance, while satin offers a bit of sheen that can enhance the color’s depth. Choose what aligns best with your overall vision and lifestyle.

As an expert in home design, I often get asked about the best lighting for Oxford Gray. In spaces with abundant natural light, the blue undertones become more pronounced, offering that fresh and airy feel. However, in rooms with limited light, it’s wise to be cautious. The cooler undertones can sometimes make a space feel a bit closed off. Pair it with light-colored furniture and decor to maintain an inviting atmosphere.

If you’re still on the fence about committing to Oxford Gray, think about how it compares to similar shades. It shares a kinship with Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl and Sherwin-Williams’ Repose Gray, but what sets Oxford Gray apart is its unique balance of warmth and coolness. It stands strong as an elegant choice that feels more sophisticated and inviting than its counterparts.

In the end, choosing the right paint color for your home is about creating a space that resonates with you. Oxford Gray exudes a calm sophistication, making it a compelling option for anyone looking to elevate their interior. The color adapts beautifully to various design styles and lighting conditions, and its versatility ensures that you can create a look that’s uniquely yours.

So, are you ready to transform your space? As you stand in front of that blank canvas, consider the elegance of Oxford Gray. It’s not just paint; it’s a pathway to a serene, stylish home. Whether you’re painting a single wall or an entire room, this color can help you achieve the atmosphere you’ve always dreamed of. And remember, no matter how you choose to use it, the beauty of Oxford Gray is that it’ll always be a timeless choice.

Real Room Photo of Oxford Gray 2128-40

Undertones of  Oxford Gray ?

Oxford Gray leans toward the cooler side with soft blue undertones, making it a great choice for those looking to create a fresh and airy feel in their rooms. It pairs well with both warm and cool accents, allowing for versatile decor options.

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HEX value: #8290A0

RGB code: 130, 144, 160

Is  Oxford Gray Cool or Warm?

This color is predominantly cool, thanks to its blue undertones. However, it retains a balance that allows it to harmonize with warmer colors, making it adaptable for various 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 Oxford 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 Oxford Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Oxford Gray is around 45. This means it reflects a moderate amount of light, helping to brighten up spaces without overpowering them.

Detailed Review of  Oxford Gray

Oxford Gray is more than just a paint color; it’s an experience. With its subtle blend of gray with hints of blue, it transforms spaces into tranquil retreats. This color works beautifully in both natural light and artificial light, adapting without losing its charm. Whether you’re looking to create a statement wall or a calming backdrop for furniture and art, Oxford Gray delivers. It’s particularly effective in larger rooms, where its depth can be fully appreciated. The application process is smooth, and it maintains a consistent finish that enhances the overall look of your space. If you’re aiming for a modern yet timeless feel, Oxford Gray should be on your shortlist.

Pros & Cons of  2128-40 Oxford Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Oxford Gray

FAQ on 2128-40 Oxford Gray

Can Oxford Gray be used in small rooms?

Absolutely! Oxford Gray can work beautifully in small spaces. Its balanced undertones help to create the illusion of more space, making it feel open and inviting. Just be mindful of the lighting, as cooler tones can sometimes make a small room feel a bit more closed off. Pair it with lighter accents to keep it airy.

What trim colors work best with Oxford Gray?

Oxford Gray pairs wonderfully with a variety of trim colors. For a classic look, consider pairing it with white trim, such as White Dove or Simply White. If you’re looking for a more dramatic contrast, black windows or dark wood trim can also enhance its elegance. The key is to choose a trim color that complements the subtle undertones of the gray.

Comparisons Oxford Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Oxford Gray 2128-40