Knoxville Gray HC-160 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances sophistication and versatility, let me introduce you to Benjamin Moore’s Knoxville Gray (HC-160). This mid-tone gray with its subtle blue undertones is a designer favorite for a reason—it brings a sense of calm and elegance to any space without demanding too much attention. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or tackling an open-concept layout, Knoxville Gray adapts beautifully, making it a reliable choice for homeowners who crave both style and practicality.

First, let’s talk about the color itself. Knoxville Gray sits in that sweet spot between warm and cool, thanks to its blue and green undertones. It’s not stark or sterile, nor is it overly moody. Instead, it strikes a perfect balance, offering just enough depth to feel intentional while remaining neutral enough to pair with a wide range of decor styles. The hex code #5E6C6C and RGB values (94, 108, 108) give you a sense of its muted, earthy elegance—think of the quiet stillness of a foggy morning or the weathered patina of aged stone.

One of the standout features of Knoxville Gray is its adaptability to different lighting conditions. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 15.68%, it reflects very little light, placing it firmly in the medium-dark category. In a sun-drenched room, it softens into an airy, almost ethereal gray, while in dimmer spaces, it takes on a richer, more dramatic presence. This makes it ideal for rooms where lighting fluctuates throughout the day, like living rooms or bedrooms. Just keep in mind that in poorly lit corners, it can lean darker, so consider pairing it with lighter trims or accents to keep the space feeling open.

When it comes to application, Knoxville Gray is a dream. It’s beginner-friendly, with excellent coverage in just one or two coats, and it dries quickly, so you won’t be waiting around forever to finish your project. Available in Matte, Eggshell, and Satin finishes, you can tailor the look to your needs. Prefer a soft, velvety finish? Go with Matte. Need something more durable for high-traffic areas? Eggshell or Satin will give you a subtle sheen while standing up to daily wear and tear. Plus, it’s low-VOC, so you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes lingering in your home.

Now, let’s talk about where this color shines. Knoxville Gray is incredibly versatile, making it a great fit for living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and dining rooms. It works especially well in open-concept spaces, where its neutral yet distinctive tone helps create a cohesive flow between areas without feeling monotonous. If you’re considering an accent wall, this color adds depth and sophistication without overwhelming the room. And if you’re worried about small spaces, don’t be—paired with crisp white trim (like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove) or light furnishings, it can actually make a room feel larger and more intentional.

Decorating around Knoxville Gray is where the fun begins. Its cool undertones play beautifully with warm metals like brass or gold, adding a touch of contrast and luxury. For a modern, industrial vibe, pair it with sleek black fixtures and raw wood accents. If rustic charm is more your style, layer in natural textures like linen, jute, or reclaimed wood to soften its coolness. And if you want to lean into its blue-green undertones, consider complementary shades like soft blues, muted greens, or even a dusty rose for a unexpected pop.

Of course, no color is perfect for every situation. Knoxville Gray’s subtle complexity means it can clash with certain hues, so testing it alongside your existing furniture and flooring is a must. It also tends to look darker in low-light rooms, so if your space lacks natural light, you might want to sample it first or balance it with plenty of reflective surfaces like mirrors or glossy finishes.

But here’s the thing—Knoxville Gray is more than just a paint color. It’s a backdrop for your life, setting a tone that’s calm, inviting, and effortlessly chic. Whether you’re creating a serene bedroom retreat, a polished home office, or a cozy living room, this color delivers. It’s the kind of shade that grows with you, adapting to new furniture, art, and decor without ever feeling dated.

So, is Knoxville Gray right for your next project? If you’re looking for a versatile, sophisticated neutral that works as hard as you do, the answer is probably yes. Grab a sample, paint a swatch, and see how it transforms in your space. You might just find it’s the perfect shade you’ve been searching for all along.

Real Room Photo of Knoxville Gray HC-160

Undertones of  Knoxville Gray ?

The undertones of Knoxville Gray are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Blue. 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

HEX value: #5E6C6C

RGB code: 94, 108, 108

Is  Knoxville Gray Cool or Warm?

This color leans towards the cool side of the spectrum, thanks to its blue and green undertones. However, it maintains a balanced feel that can warm up a space, depending on the accompanying decor. Whether you prefer a crisp, clean look or a warmer, inviting atmosphere, Knoxville Gray can achieve both.

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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Knoxville Gray is 15.68%, 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  Knoxville Gray

Knoxville Gray is more than just a color; it’s a mood setter. With its mid-tone hue, it effortlessly balances warmth and coolness, making it adaptable to an array of lighting conditions. In natural light, it showcases a beautiful softness, while in dimmer settings, it takes on a more dramatic feel without overwhelming the space. Its versatility shines through as it complements both bold colors and soft pastels alike, making it ideal for accent walls or whole-room applications. Plus, it works well in open concept areas, creating seamless transitions between spaces without feeling disjointed.

Pros & Cons of  HC-160 Knoxville Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray

FAQ on HC-160 Knoxville Gray

Is Knoxville Gray suitable for small spaces?

Absolutely! Knoxville Gray can work wonders in small spaces, providing depth without feeling cramped. Its balanced tone helps to create an illusion of space, and when paired with lighter trims or accents, it can open up the area beautifully. Just be mindful of the lighting; in darker corners, it may lend itself to a more enclosed feel.

What finishes are available for Knoxville Gray?

Knoxville Gray is available in several finishes including Matte, Eggshell, and Satin. Each finish offers a unique look and feel; for instance, a Matte finish provides a soft, sophisticated appearance, while an Eggshell or Satin finish adds a subtle sheen that enhances durability, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Comparisons Knoxville Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray HC-160