Crownsville Gray HC-106 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances sophistication and warmth, let me introduce you to Benjamin Moore’s Crownsville Gray (HC-106). This isn’t your average gray—it’s a muted, earthy shade with subtle yellow undertones that add depth and character to any space. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or reimagining your entire home, Crownsville Gray brings a calming, elegant presence that works across a variety of styles.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Crownsville Gray is its versatility. It’s a chameleon of sorts, adapting beautifully to different lighting conditions. In bright natural light, it softens to a gentle, airy hue, making rooms feel open and serene. As the sun sets and artificial lighting takes over, it deepens into a richer, more intimate tone—perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in bedrooms or living rooms. This adaptability makes it a fantastic choice for spaces that serve multiple purposes, like a home office that transitions into a relaxation zone by evening.

The warmth of Crownsville Gray comes from its yellow undertones, which set it apart from cooler, bluer grays. These undertones give it an earthy elegance, making it feel inviting rather than stark or industrial. If you’ve ever painted a room gray only to find it feels cold or sterile, this shade will be a refreshing change. It pairs exceptionally well with natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing the organic vibe of rustic or modern farmhouse decor. For trim, try pairing it with a crisp white like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove to keep the look fresh and balanced.

Application is a breeze with Crownsville Gray. It’s beginner-friendly, with smooth coverage that often requires just one or two coats. Whether you’re rolling it on or using a brush, you’ll appreciate how evenly it applies and how quickly it dries. Plus, its low VOC formula means you won’t be overwhelmed by harsh fumes, making it a great option for families or anyone sensitive to strong odors. And when life happens—because it always does—you’ll love how easy it is to wipe clean, thanks to its highly washable finish.

Now, let’s talk about where this color shines. Crownsville Gray is a natural fit for living rooms, where its calming presence sets the tone for relaxation and conversation. In bedrooms, it creates a restful retreat, especially when layered with soft textiles in complementary shades. Kitchens and dining rooms benefit from its warmth, making meals feel more inviting. And if you’re designing a home office, this gray provides just enough depth to keep the space feeling focused yet comfortable.

If you’re worried about using a darker shade in a small room, don’t be. Crownsville Gray can work beautifully in compact spaces when balanced with lighter furnishings and plenty of natural light. The key is to keep the trim and ceiling bright—this contrast prevents the room from feeling closed in. And if you’re not ready to commit to painting all four walls, consider an accent wall. It’s a great way to introduce the color without overwhelming the space.

When it comes to decor pairings, Crownsville Gray is incredibly flexible. For a modern farmhouse look, pair it with rustic wood accents, brushed brass fixtures, and linen textiles. In a more contemporary setting, sleek black hardware and minimalist furniture let the gray’s sophistication take center stage. And if you love color, don’t shy away—this gray plays well with soft blues, warm taupes, and even muted greens.

A few pro tips before you take the plunge: Always test the color in your home. Paint a large swatch on the wall and observe it at different times of day. Lighting can dramatically affect how the undertones appear, and you’ll want to make sure it harmonizes with your existing furniture and flooring. Also, consider the finish. A matte finish will give you a velvety, understated look, while satin or eggshell adds a subtle sheen that’s easier to clean—ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens.

Crownsville Gray isn’t just a paint color; it’s a design tool. It has the rare ability to feel both timeless and fresh, making it a smart investment for your home. Whether you’re drawn to its warmth, its versatility, or its effortless elegance, this shade has a way of making spaces feel intentional and lived-in. So if you’re on the fence, grab a sample and see for yourself. Sometimes, the perfect color is the one you didn’t know you were looking for.

Real Room Photo of Crownsville Gray HC-106

Undertones of  Crownsville Gray ?

The undertones of Crownsville Gray are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Yellow. 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: #867F69

RGB code: 134, 127, 105

Is  Crownsville Gray Cool or Warm?

This paint leans more towards the warm side of the spectrum, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that can brighten up any room without feeling overpowering.

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 Crownsville 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 Crownsville Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Crownsville Gray is 21.96%, 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  Crownsville Gray

Crownsville Gray is a standout choice for anyone looking to infuse their home with a touch of sophistication. Its soft, muted tone creates a serene atmosphere, making it ideal for spaces where relaxation is key, like bedrooms or living rooms. When applied, the paint goes on smoothly, and its coverage is commendable, often requiring just one to two coats for full opacity. It works beautifully in both natural and artificial light, adapting its tone to suit the environment. Plus, its earthy undertones allow it to complement a variety of colors and styles, making it a truly versatile option for all your painting needs. Whether you’re refreshing a tired room or starting from scratch, Crownsville Gray won’t disappoint.

Pros & Cons of  HC-106 Crownsville Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Crownsville Gray

FAQ on HC-106 Crownsville Gray

Can Crownsville Gray be used in small rooms?

Absolutely! While Crownsville Gray is a deeper color, it can work beautifully in small rooms when paired with lighter furnishings and decor. To ensure the space feels open, consider using white trim and plenty of light-colored accents to balance the richness of the gray.

How does Crownsville Gray perform in different lighting conditions?

Crownsville Gray is quite adaptable; it tends to look lighter and more muted in bright natural light while deepening in the evening or in dimmer settings. This quality makes it an excellent choice for versatile spaces that experience varying light throughout the day.

Comparisons Crownsville Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Crownsville Gray HC-106