Stonington Gray HC-170 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly makes you feel at ease—soft, sophisticated, and effortlessly stylish. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray (HC-170). It’s not just another gray; it’s a chameleon of a color, adapting to your space with a warmth that feels both timeless and fresh. Whether you’re refreshing a cozy bedroom or giving your living room a modern lift, this shade might just be the perfect fit.

Stonington Gray is a light, versatile gray with a subtle yellow undertone that keeps it from feeling cold or sterile. It’s the kind of color that plays well with others, blending seamlessly into traditional, farmhouse, or even industrial decor. The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 59.36% means it reflects plenty of light, making it ideal for rooms where you want brightness without sacrificing warmth. In natural light, it feels airy and soft, while under artificial lighting, it takes on a deeper, more grounded presence.

One of the best things about this color is how easy it is to work with. It’s beginner-friendly, with smooth application and quick drying time. You’ll likely only need one or two coats for full coverage, and it’s touch-up friendly, so small mistakes won’t turn into big headaches. The finish options—matte, eggshell, or satin—give you flexibility depending on the room’s needs. Eggshell is a great middle ground for living spaces, offering a slight sheen that’s easy to clean, while matte works beautifully in bedrooms for a softer, more relaxed vibe.

Where does Stonington Gray shine brightest? Think living rooms where you want a calming backdrop for bold artwork or textured fabrics. Bedrooms that need a restful, inviting atmosphere. Home offices where focus and serenity are key. Even hallways and dining rooms benefit from its balanced tone, creating flow between spaces in an open-concept home. It’s also a fantastic choice for small rooms—paired with crisp white trim (like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove), it can make tight spaces feel larger and more intentional.

Now, let’s talk about the undertones. That hint of yellow is what sets Stonington Gray apart from cooler grays. It’s warm enough to avoid feeling clinical but neutral enough to stay sophisticated. This makes it incredibly forgiving with different wood tones, metals, and accent colors. If you’re pairing it with furniture or decor, lean into blues (its complementary hue) for a crisp contrast, or earthy greens and warm whites to enhance its coziness. Just remember: always test a sample on your walls. Lighting can shift how those undertones appear, especially in north-facing rooms or spaces with limited natural light.

If you’re comparing it to other popular grays, Stonington Gray sits in a sweet spot. It’s softer than Revere Pewter, with less beige influence, and warmer than Gray Owl, making it more adaptable. It’s a chameleon in the best way—subtle enough to let your furniture and art take center stage but rich enough to add depth to your walls.

A few things to keep in mind: while it’s versatile, it might not be the best pick if you’re going for an ultra-modern, high-contrast look. And in darker rooms, you might need an extra coat to get full coverage. But for most spaces, it’s a reliable, beautiful choice that won’t leave you second-guessing.

So, is Stonington Gray right for you? If you want a color that feels fresh but not trendy, warm but not heavy, and flexible enough to grow with your style, then yes. It’s the kind of shade that makes designing easier because it works so hard for you. Paint a sample, live with it for a day or two, and see how it transforms in your light. You might just find it’s the missing piece your home has been waiting for.

Real Room Photo of Stonington Gray HC-170

Undertones of  Stonington Gray ?

The undertones of Stonington 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: #CACBC5

RGB code: 202, 203, 197

Is  Stonington Gray Cool or Warm?

While generally considered a cool gray, Stonington Gray has just enough warmth to make it inviting. It’s not too cool to feel stark, but it leans towards a serene gray that complements a variety of decor styles. This balance makes it an excellent option if you’re aiming for a calm and cozy atmosphere.

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 Stonington 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 Stonington Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Stonington Gray is 59.36%, 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  Stonington Gray

Stonington Gray has quickly become a favorite for many homeowners looking to refresh their spaces. Its neutral tone is incredibly adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of design aesthetics. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy, inviting feel or a more sophisticated atmosphere, this color fits the bill perfectly. It’s particularly stunning in living areas, where it brings warmth without overwhelming the senses.

Application is straightforward with Stonington Gray. It offers good coverage, typically requiring just one to two coats for a solid finish. The paint glides on smoothly, and the drying time is reasonable, which is a bonus for those tackling DIY projects. Just be sure to test it in different lighting throughout the day, as its undertones can shift slightly, adding depth and character to your walls.

Pros & Cons of  HC-170 Stonington Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

FAQ on HC-170 Stonington Gray

Can I use Stonington Gray in a small room?

Absolutely! Stonington Gray is a fantastic choice for small rooms. Its balanced undertones create a sense of space without feeling cold. Just ensure you have adequate lighting to keep the room feeling bright and open. Pair it with lighter trim to enhance the airy feeling.

How does Stonington Gray compare to other grays?

Stonington Gray stands out due to its unique blend of warm undertones, making it more inviting than many cooler grays. Compared to similar shades like Revere Pewter, it offers a softer appearance. This quality allows it to harmonize beautifully with a variety of colors and textures in your home.

Comparisons Stonington Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170