York Gray CW-45 by Benjamin Moore

Ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease? Like the walls were giving you a quiet, warm hug? That’s the magic of the right paint color—and if you’re searching for a shade that balances sophistication with comfort, let’s talk about Benjamin Moore’s York Gray (CW-45). This isn’t just another gray; it’s a chameleon of warmth and subtlety, perfect for creating spaces that feel both polished and lived-in.

York Gray is a light, muted gray with a whisper of red undertones, giving it a softness that avoids the coldness of some grays. With an LRV of 59.07%, it reflects plenty of light, making it ideal for rooms where you want brightness without glare. Imagine it in a sunlit living room—the walls glow gently, enhancing your furniture and art without competing for attention. In a bedroom, it becomes a serene backdrop that pairs effortlessly with crisp white linens or rich wood tones.

One of the best things about York Gray is its versatility. Whether your style leans modern farmhouse, traditional, or transitional, this color adapts. It plays well with brass fixtures, warm woods, and even bold accent colors like deep blues or muted greens. Pair it with Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for trim, and you’ve got a classic, timeless combo that feels fresh but never trendy. And if you’re worried about small spaces, don’t be—York Gray’s warmth makes rooms feel cozy yet open, especially with ample lighting.

Application is a breeze, even for beginners. It’s roller-ready, dries quickly, and usually covers well in one to two coats (though darker rooms might need an extra layer). Choose a satin or eggshell finish for kitchens and bathrooms—their washability stands up to daily life. Matte works beautifully in low-traffic areas like bedrooms, where you want that velvety, depth-rich look.

Now, let’s address the undertones. York Gray’s red base means it leans warm, which can shift slightly depending on your lighting. North-facing rooms might pull out its cooler side, while south-facing spaces amplify its warmth. Always test a swatch on your walls and observe it at different times of day. This step is non-negotiable—it’s the difference between a color you like and one you love.

If you’re pairing it with other colors, think complementary. Soft blues (like Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy) create a calming contrast, while creamy whites keep things airy. For a monochromatic scheme, layer it with deeper grays from the same family. And don’t shy away from texture—linen drapes, a jute rug, or a leather armchair will make York Gray’s subtle complexity shine.

So, is York Gray right for you? If you want a gray that feels inviting, works hard in any room, and won’t box you into a single design style, the answer is yes. It’s the kind of color that makes a house feel like a home—quietly confident, endlessly adaptable, and always welcoming. Grab a sample, paint a patch, and see how it transforms your space. You might just find it’s the missing piece you’ve been looking for.

Real Room Photo of York Gray CW-45

Undertones of  York Gray ?

The undertones of York Gray 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: #D2CBB9

RGB code: 210, 203, 185

Is  York Gray Cool or Warm?

York Gray leans more toward the warm side of the gray spectrum, creating a soothing ambiance in your home. This warmth makes it perfect for spaces where you want to foster relaxation and comfort, such as bedrooms or living rooms. It’s an excellent choice if you want a gray that feels inviting rather than stark.

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 York 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 York Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of York Gray is 59.07%, which places it in the Light colors category. This means it reflect most of the incident 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  York Gray

York Gray stands out for its ability to adapt to various lighting conditions, making it a strong candidate for any room in your home. During the day, the warm undertones shine softly, creating a cozy atmosphere, while in the evening, it transforms into a more sophisticated, muted gray. This quality allows it to pair seamlessly with both bright whites and deeper colors, giving you flexibility in your design choices. Its application is smooth, allowing for an even finish that doesn’t require professional help unless you prefer it that way. Users generally find it easy to work with, and it dries quickly, which is a bonus for DIY projects. Overall, York Gray is an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile gray that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Pros & Cons of  CW-45 York Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore York Gray

FAQ on CW-45 York Gray

Can York Gray be used in small spaces?

Absolutely! York Gray is a fantastic choice for small spaces. Its warm undertones help create an inviting and cozy atmosphere, making smaller rooms feel more expansive without overwhelming the senses. Just ensure you use good lighting to maximize its potential and keep the space feeling open.

Is York Gray suitable for kitchens or bathrooms?

Yes, York Gray is suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Its washability makes it easy to maintain, and the warm undertones can create a welcoming environment in these often-used spaces. Just be sure to use a finish that can handle moisture, like eggshell or satin, to ensure durability.

Comparisons York Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore York Gray CW-45