Cromwell Gray HC-103 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances warmth and sophistication, Cromwell Gray by Benjamin Moore might just be your perfect match. This rich, earthy hue—officially coded as HC-103—is a chameleon in the best way possible. It’s technically a gray, but don’t let the name fool you. With its subtle red undertones and a hint of beige, it leans into a warm, inviting personality that makes any space feel instantly cozy. Whether you’re refreshing a living room, bedroom, or home office, this color has the versatility to adapt to your vision while adding depth and character.

One of the standout qualities of Cromwell Gray is its ability to play well with different lighting conditions. In natural light, it reveals its warm, earthy side, making rooms feel bright and welcoming. As the sun sets, it takes on a richer, more intimate tone—perfect for creating a restful bedroom or a dining room that feels both elegant and relaxed. Just keep in mind that with an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 19.62%, it sits firmly in the medium-dark range. That means it absorbs more light than it reflects, so if you’re using it in a smaller or dimly lit space, pair it with ample lighting and lighter furnishings to keep things airy.

When it comes to application, Cromwell Gray is a dream for DIYers. It offers excellent coverage, often needing just one or two coats, and it’s beginner-friendly whether you’re rolling or brushing it on. You’ll find it available in matte, eggshell, and satin finishes, each bringing out a different dimension of the color. A matte finish softens its appearance, making it feel more organic and understated—ideal for a rustic or industrial vibe. Eggshell and satin, on the other hand, add a subtle sheen that works beautifully in modern or traditional settings, reflecting just enough light to keep the room from feeling too heavy.

Decorating around Cromwell Gray is where the fun really begins. Its warm, neutral base makes it incredibly adaptable, playing nicely with a range of styles from modern farmhouse to industrial chic. For trim, consider pairing it with a crisp white like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove to create a clean, polished contrast. If you love a bit of warmth, brass fixtures and wood trim add a touch of organic elegance that complements its earthy undertones. And if you’re feeling bold, try an accent wall in a complementary blue hue—it’ll make the red undertones pop while keeping the space balanced.

Now, let’s talk about the rooms where Cromwell Gray truly shines. In a living room, it creates a backdrop that’s both refined and inviting, letting your furniture and artwork take center stage. For a bedroom, it sets a restful, cocoon-like atmosphere—especially when layered with soft textiles in creams or muted blues. Home offices benefit from its grounding effect, helping to foster focus without feeling sterile. And in a dining room, it adds just the right amount of drama, especially when paired with a statement light fixture or a sleek wooden table.

Of course, no color is without its considerations. While Cromwell Gray is versatile, it’s not the best choice for high-gloss finishes, as its depth can get lost. And if you’re working with a very small room, you’ll want to be mindful of lighting to avoid it feeling too closed in. But with the right approach—think layered lighting, mirrors, and lighter accents—you can make it work beautifully even in compact spaces.

At the end of the day, Cromwell Gray is more than just a paint color—it’s a mood. It’s the kind of shade that makes a house feel like a home, wrapping you in warmth while still feeling polished and intentional. Whether you’re going for a modern edge or a rustic retreat, this hue has the flexibility to adapt to your style. So grab a sample, test it in your space, and see how it transforms your walls into something truly special. You might just find it’s the missing piece you’ve been looking for.

Real Room Photo of Cromwell Gray HC-103

Undertones of  Cromwell Gray ?

The undertones of Cromwell 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: #7F7766

RGB code: 127, 119, 102

Is  Cromwell Gray Cool or Warm?

This color leans slightly warm, thanks to its earthy undertones, making it perfect for creating cozy, inviting spaces. However, it maintains enough neutrality to work in cooler palettes as well, ensuring versatility across different 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 Cromwell 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 Cromwell Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Cromwell Gray is 19.62%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little 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  Cromwell Gray

Cromwell Gray is a paint color that strikes an impressive balance between warm and cool tones, making it a standout choice for many interiors. When applied, it has a soft quality that catches the light beautifully, creating an inviting ambiance. This color works exceptionally well in living rooms and bedrooms, where it can easily adapt to various styles, from contemporary to farmhouse chic. One of its strengths is its ability to complement both bright and muted decor elements, allowing homeowners the flexibility to accessorize as they please. Additionally, its moderate coverage means you can achieve a stunning look without the hassle of multiple coats in most cases. Overall, Cromwell Gray offers a refined elegance that elevates any space.

Pros & Cons of  HC-103 Cromwell Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Cromwell Gray

FAQ on HC-103 Cromwell Gray

Is Cromwell Gray suitable for small spaces?

Cromwell Gray can be used in small spaces, but it’s essential to consider lighting. While its warm undertones can make a room feel cozy, using it in a poorly lit area may make it appear darker. To maximize its effect, pair it with good lighting and lighter furnishings to maintain an airy feel.

What finishes work best with Cromwell Gray?

Cromwell Gray looks stunning in a variety of finishes. For a more modern look, consider an eggshell or satin finish, which will reflect light beautifully. If you’re after a more muted and sophisticated feel, a matte finish can soften its appearance and enhance its earthy undertones. Ultimately, the choice depends on the ambiance you want to create.

Comparisons Cromwell Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Cromwell Gray HC-103