Gotham CSP-385 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances warmth and modernity, Benjamin Moore’s Gotham (CSP-385) might just be your perfect match. This sophisticated gray-brown hue is a chameleon—adaptable, elegant, and full of character. Whether you’re refreshing a living room, designing a cozy bedroom, or crafting a sleek home office, Gotham brings a touch of urban charm to any space. Let’s dive into what makes this color so special and how you can make it work in your home.

Gotham’s magic lies in its undertones. At first glance, it’s a muted gray, but look closer, and you’ll notice subtle red undertones that add depth and warmth. Unlike cooler grays that can feel sterile, Gotham has a richness that makes rooms feel inviting. It’s the kind of color that plays well with others, pairing beautifully with both warm and cool accents. Think crisp whites, natural wood tones, or even bold greens—its complementary hue. This versatility makes it a favorite among designers and homeowners alike.

Lighting is key with Gotham. In bright, natural light, those warm undertones shine, creating a cozy yet refined atmosphere. But in lower light, it takes on a moodier, more dramatic vibe—perfect for spaces where you want to evoke intimacy. Its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 22.32% means it reflects a fair amount of light, but it’s still deep enough to add dimension. If your room lacks natural light, test a swatch first to ensure it doesn’t feel too dark.

Application is a breeze with Gotham. It’s beginner-friendly, roller-ready, and offers excellent coverage—often needing just one or two coats. Whether you choose a matte, eggshell, or satin finish, it goes on smoothly and dries to a polished look. Matte finishes give a soft, velvety elegance, while satin adds a subtle sheen that’s easy to clean. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can breathe easy knowing it’s a healthier choice for your home.

Where does Gotham shine brightest? It’s ideal for living rooms, where its warmth creates an inviting gathering space. In bedrooms, it sets a serene, grounding tone. Home offices benefit from its sophisticated edge, and dining rooms gain an air of understated elegance. It also works wonders as an accent wall or even on furniture—imagine a Gotham-painted bookshelf or sideboard adding depth to a neutral room.

Pairing Gotham with the right trim can elevate your space. Crisp whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Pure White create a clean contrast, while wood trim enhances its earthy warmth. For a modern farmhouse vibe, pair it with rustic textures like reclaimed wood or woven baskets. In contemporary settings, sleek metals and minimalist decor let Gotham’s sophistication take center stage.

One of Gotham’s standout qualities is its adaptability to different decor styles. Industrial spaces love its urban edge, while modern interiors appreciate its clean lines. Rustic homes benefit from its earthy warmth, and urban lofts embrace its muted elegance. It’s a designer favorite for open-concept spaces, where it helps define areas without overwhelming the flow.

A few things to keep in mind: Gotham can darken in low-light rooms, so if your space lacks windows, consider pairing it with plenty of layered lighting. And while it’s touch-up friendly, darker colors like this can show imperfections more easily, so prep your walls well. But these small considerations are outweighed by its versatility and timeless appeal.

If you’re still on the fence, compare Gotham to similar shades like Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter or Sherwin-Williams’ Perfect Greige. While these colors share gray-brown tones, Gotham’s unique red undertones give it a distinct warmth that sets it apart. It’s a color that feels current yet classic—a rare combination in the world of paint.

At the end of the day, Gotham is more than just a paint color. It’s a mood—cozy, sophisticated, and grounding. It’s the kind of hue that makes a house feel like a home, wrapping you in its understated elegance. Whether you’re a DIY newbie or a seasoned decorator, Gotham is a reliable choice that delivers style and substance. So grab a sample, test it in your space, and see how this chameleon color transforms your walls into something truly special.

Real Room Photo of Gotham CSP-385

Undertones of  Gotham ?

The undertones of Gotham are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Red. 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: #877E78

RGB code: 135, 126, 120

Is  Gotham Cool or Warm?

Overall, Gotham leans towards a warm tone, but its complexity means it can read as cool in certain lighting. This dynamic quality makes it a great choice for those wanting a color that evolves throughout the day.

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 Gotham

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 Gotham

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Gotham is 22.32%, 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  Gotham

Gotham’s charm lies in its ability to adapt to different lighting and settings. In natural light, it reveals subtle warm undertones, while in dimmer conditions, it leans more towards a cool gray, making it an intriguing choice for any room. Its matte finish provides a soft, elegant appearance that’s perfect for accent walls or entire rooms. When applied, it goes on smoothly and covers well, often needing just one or two coats, depending on the surface. Users will appreciate how easily it blends with both light and dark furnishings, making it a versatile color for any decor style.

Pros & Cons of  CSP-385 Gotham

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Gotham

FAQ on CSP-385 Gotham

What surfaces can I use Gotham on?

Gotham is suitable for a variety of surfaces including drywall, wood, and even metal when properly primed. Whether you’re painting walls, trim, or furniture, this color adheres well and provides a beautiful finish. For best results, ensure surfaces are clean and prepped before application.

How does Gotham compare to other grays?

Gotham stands out among other gray paints due to its unique blend of warmth and depth. Unlike cooler grays that can feel stark or cold, Gotham’s undertones add richness and character, making it a more inviting option. It pairs well with both warm and cool colors, providing flexibility in your design palette.

Comparisons Gotham with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Gotham CSP-385