Pearl Gray 863 by Benjamin Moore

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt a sense of calm wash over you? That’s the magic of the right paint color—it doesn’t just cover walls; it sets the tone for the entire space. Today, let’s talk about one of those effortlessly elegant shades that can transform your home: Benjamin Moore’s Pearl Gray (color code 863). Whether you’re refreshing a single room or planning a full redesign, this soft, sophisticated hue might just be the perfect backdrop for your vision.

Pearl Gray is a muted gray with subtle green undertones, giving it a warmth that keeps it from feeling cold or sterile. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 73.54%, it sits comfortably in the off-white category, meaning it reflects a lot of light. This makes it an excellent choice for rooms where you want to maximize brightness without going full-on white. Imagine it on your living room walls, catching the morning sun and creating an airy, inviting atmosphere—or in your bedroom, where its gentle warmth fosters relaxation.

One of the standout qualities of Pearl Gray is its versatility. It plays well with a range of decor styles, from modern and minimalist to transitional and Scandinavian. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a classic, clean look, or let it mingle with warm wood tones and brass fixtures for a cozier vibe. The green undertones add just enough depth to keep things interesting, but they’re subtle enough that the color won’t clash with your existing furniture or artwork.

Application is a breeze, too. Pearl Gray is beginner-friendly, with a smooth consistency that rolls on easily and dries quickly. It’s low in VOCs, so you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes, and its washable finish means it holds up well in high-traffic areas like hallways or even bathrooms (yes, it’s a great choice for bathrooms—just make sure the space is well-ventilated). Most rooms will need just one or two coats for full coverage, and touch-ups are straightforward, making it a practical option for busy households.

Now, let’s talk about lighting. Pearl Gray is chameleon-like in how it adapts to different environments. In a sun-drenched room, it’ll appear light and fresh, almost ethereal. But in a space with less natural light, it takes on a richer, more grounded quality—still soft, but with a bit more presence. If you’re working with a darker room, consider pairing it with warm lighting to enhance its inviting feel.

Wondering where to use it? The possibilities are nearly endless. It’s a natural fit for living rooms and bedrooms, where its calming energy shines. Home offices benefit from its restful yet focused vibe, and dining rooms feel instantly elevated with Pearl Gray as a backdrop. Even hallways, often overlooked, can feel more intentional and polished with this shade. And if you’re selling your home, it’s a designer favorite for a reason—it’s neutral without being boring, appealing to a wide range of tastes.

Of course, no color is perfect for every situation. Pearl Gray’s warmth means it might not be the best match if you’re aiming for a stark, ultra-modern look. And while it’s generally light-reflective, very dim rooms might make it appear slightly darker than expected. Always test a sample on your walls before committing—paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day to see how it behaves in your specific space.

When it comes to finishes, you’ve got options. Eggshell is a popular choice for walls, offering a soft sheen that’s easy to clean. Satin steps up the durability, making it ideal for kitchens or kids’ rooms. And if you love a flat, velvety look, matte will give you that high-end, designer feel. No matter which you choose, Pearl Gray’s subtle complexity ensures it won’t fall flat.

So, is Pearl Gray right for you? If you’re drawn to colors that feel timeless yet fresh, warm but not overwhelming, and versatile enough to grow with your style, the answer is likely yes. It’s the kind of shade that doesn’t demand attention but quietly elevates everything around it. Picture your favorite throw blanket, the one that’s soft and comforting without being flashy—that’s Pearl Gray in paint form.

At the end of the day, the best paint color is one that makes you feel at home. And with its blend of sophistication, warmth, and adaptability, Pearl Gray just might be the missing piece in your decor puzzle. Grab a sample, see how it looks in your space, and get ready to fall in love with your walls all over again.

Real Room Photo of Pearl Gray 863

Undertones of  Pearl Gray ?

The undertones of Pearl Gray are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Green. 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: #DDE1D8

RGB code: 221, 225, 216

Is  Pearl Gray Cool or Warm?

This color is predominantly warm, giving it a welcoming and inviting vibe. It’s perfect for spaces where you want to encourage relaxation and comfort, making it ideal for bedrooms and living rooms.

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 Pearl 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 Pearl Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Pearl Gray is 73.54%, which places it in the Off‑White 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  Pearl Gray

Pearl Gray is a stunning choice for anyone looking to refresh their space with a timeless hue. Its versatility shines through as it pairs effortlessly with both bold and muted colors, allowing it to adapt to your personal style. When applied, the paint offers a smooth finish that enhances the room’s natural light, creating an airy feel. Many users appreciate how it calms the ambiance, making it ideal for bedrooms or peaceful living areas. However, it’s worth noting that in lower light, the color may appear slightly darker, so choosing the right room is essential. Overall, Pearl Gray is a fantastic option for those seeking a refined yet cozy atmosphere.

Pros & Cons of  863 Pearl Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Pearl Gray

FAQ on 863 Pearl Gray

Can Pearl Gray be used in a bathroom?

Absolutely! Pearl Gray is a great choice for bathrooms due to its calming effect and versatile nature. Just ensure proper ventilation to keep the paint in excellent condition, as bathrooms can be humid. Its washability also makes it easy to maintain in a space that may encounter moisture and splashes.

What trim colors pair well with Pearl Gray?

Pearl Gray pairs beautifully with a variety of trim colors. For a classic look, white trims like Pure White or White Dove create a sharp contrast. If you’re aiming for a more cohesive and warm feel, consider warm wood trims or brass fixtures. This flexibility makes it easy to customize your space to your liking.

Comparisons Pearl Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Pearl Gray 863