Carter Gray CW-80 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly bridges the gap between warm and cool, sophisticated and inviting, Benjamin Moore’s **Carter Gray (CW-80)** might just be your perfect match. This muted, earthy gray has a subtle red undertone that gives it depth without overwhelming a space, making it a go-to for designers and homeowners alike. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or reimagining your entire home, Carter Gray offers versatility that’s hard to beat.

One of the standout qualities of Carter Gray is its adaptability. It works beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and home offices, blending seamlessly with a variety of decor styles. Think modern farmhouse with its mix of rustic and contemporary elements, minimalist spaces that thrive on simplicity, or even industrial lofts where raw materials meet refined finishes. This color doesn’t demand attention—it enhances what’s already there, acting as a sophisticated backdrop that lets your furniture, art, and textiles shine.

Let’s talk about lighting, because that’s where Carter Gray truly comes alive. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 21.86%, it reflects a lot of light, striking a balance between cozy and airy. In bright, natural light, those warm red undertones peek through, creating a welcoming atmosphere. But in dimmer spaces or under artificial lighting, it leans cooler, maintaining a serene and polished vibe. This duality makes it a fantastic choice for rooms that see a mix of lighting conditions throughout the day. If you’re worried about it feeling too dark in a small space, don’t be—paired with the right accents (think crisp whites, light woods, or mirrors), it can actually make a room feel more expansive.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. Carter Gray is roller-ready and brush-smooth, with good coverage that typically only requires one or two coats. It’s also touch-up friendly, so minor scuffs or marks won’t leave you scrambling to repaint an entire wall. Available in matte, eggshell, and satin finishes, you can tailor the look to your needs. Matte delivers a soft, velvety finish perfect for bedrooms, while satin offers durability for high-traffic areas like hallways or kids’ rooms. Eggshell sits nicely in between, giving a slight sheen that’s easy to clean without being too glossy.

Now, let’s address the undertones—because they matter. Carter Gray’s red undertone is what sets it apart from cooler grays with blue or green bases. This warmth keeps it from feeling sterile or cold, which is why it pairs so well with natural materials like wood, leather, and linen. If you’re pairing it with trim, consider classic whites like Benjamin Moore’s **White Dove** for a crisp contrast. For metals, brass fixtures add a touch of warmth, while brushed nickel or chrome can emphasize its cooler side.

Wondering how it holds up over time? Carter Gray is low-VOC and eco-certified, so it’s a safe choice for families and pets. It’s also scrubbable and stain-resistant, making it practical for everyday life. Whether you’re renting and want a timeless shade that won’t clash with your landlord’s rules, or you’re a homeowner looking for a designer-approved hue, this color delivers.

If you’re still on the fence, here’s a pro tip: Test it in your space first. Paint a large swatch on different walls and observe it at various times of day. Notice how it changes with the light, and see how it plays with your existing furniture and flooring. You might be surprised at how differently it behaves in your home compared to a sample chip.

For those who love Carter Gray but want something a shade lighter or darker, Benjamin Moore offers a range of complementary options. Lighter alternatives like **Gray Owl** keep the same balanced feel, while deeper shades such as **Chelsea Gray (HC-168)** ramp up the drama. And if you’re looking for colors that pair beautifully with it, lean into blues (its complementary hue) or warm neutrals like creamy beiges and soft taupes.

At the end of the day, Carter Gray is more than just a paint color—it’s a mood. Calm, inviting, and restful, it’s the kind of shade that makes a house feel like a home. Whether you’re going for an accent wall or painting an entire open-concept space, it’s a reliable choice that won’t let you down. So grab a brush, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to fall in love with your walls all over again.

Real Room Photo of Carter Gray CW-80

Undertones of  Carter Gray ?

The undertones of Carter 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: #827C6F

RGB code: 130, 124, 111

Is  Carter Gray Cool or Warm?

This color generally falls on the cooler side of the spectrum but exudes a warmth that makes it inviting. It’s perfect for those who want a subtle warmth without the overwhelming nature of traditional warm hues.

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 Carter 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 Carter Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Carter Gray is 21.86%, 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  Carter Gray

Carter Gray is a sophisticated choice that can enhance any room’s atmosphere. It acts as a neutral backdrop, allowing your furnishings and decor to shine. When applied, it reveals its subtle depth, transforming in different lighting conditions. For best results, apply two coats for uniform coverage, and consider using a high-quality roller for a smooth finish. It’s particularly stunning in spaces with natural light, where it can appear warmer, while in dimmer rooms, it leans cooler, providing a balanced vibe. Perfect for accent walls or as a full room color, Carter Gray delivers a touch of elegance without overwhelming your space.

Pros & Cons of  CW-80 Carter Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Carter Gray

FAQ on CW-80 Carter Gray

What types of finishes are available for Carter Gray?

Carter Gray is available in several finishes, including matte, eggshell, and satin. Each finish offers a different look and feel, with matte being great for a soft, understated elegance, eggshell providing a slight sheen for a more polished appearance, and satin adding a durable finish that’s easy to clean. The choice of finish often depends on the room and the desired aesthetic. For instance, satin works well in high-traffic areas, while matte is perfect for creating a cozy, intimate vibe.

Is Carter Gray suitable for small spaces?

Absolutely! Carter Gray can actually work wonders in small spaces. Its muted yet sophisticated tone helps create an illusion of depth while maintaining a cozy atmosphere. When paired with proper lighting, it can make a small room feel more expansive. To enhance this effect, consider using lighter accents and mirrors to reflect light, which complements the calming nature of Carter Gray beautifully.

Comparisons Carter Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Carter Gray CW-80