Wickham Gray HC-171 by Benjamin Moore

Ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease? Like the walls were wrapping you in a quiet, effortless calm? That’s the magic of a well-chosen paint color—and if you’re searching for a shade that delivers serenity without sacrificing style, let’s talk about Benjamin Moore’s Wickham Gray.

This soft, sophisticated gray (HC-171) is one of those rare neutrals that works just as well in a cozy farmhouse bedroom as it does in a sleek, modern home office. With its delicate green undertones and a light reflectance value (LRV) of 67.87%, it’s a chameleon of a color—bright enough to open up a space but muted enough to keep things grounded. Whether you’re painting your first home or refreshing a rental, Wickham Gray is the kind of shade you won’t tire of.

Let’s break down why this color might be the perfect fit for your next project. First, the undertones. Wickham Gray leans ever so slightly green, which gives it a fresh, organic feel. Unlike colder grays that can feel sterile, this one has just enough warmth to keep a room inviting. But here’s the catch: lighting plays a big role. In a sun-drenched living room, it’ll feel airy and soft, almost like a whisper. In a north-facing bedroom with less natural light, it might read a touch cooler—still elegant, but more subdued. Always test a swatch on your walls and observe it at different times of day before committing.

Now, let’s talk versatility. Wickham Gray is a dream for open-concept spaces because it bridges styles effortlessly. Pair it with crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a classic combo) for a clean, timeless look. Add brass fixtures and warm wood tones to lean into its organic side, or keep things minimalist with black accents and sleek furniture for a contemporary vibe. It’s also a fantastic backdrop for bold art or colorful textiles—since it’s so neutral, it lets other elements shine without competing.

Worried about small spaces? Don’t be. This shade’s light-reflecting qualities make it ideal for hallways, entryways, or cramped home offices. It won’t visually shrink a room the way darker colors can, and its subtle complexity keeps it from feeling flat or boring. Just remember: if your space lacks natural light, consider supplementing with warm artificial lighting to keep it from feeling too cool.

As for application, Wickham Gray is beginner-friendly. It typically covers well in one to two coats, and its low-VOC formula means you won’t be overwhelmed by fumes. Choose eggshell for walls (it’s durable and has a soft sheen) or satin for higher-traffic areas like hallways. Semi-gloss works beautifully on trim or doors, especially if you want a subtle contrast against the walls. And since it’s scrubbable, it’s a practical choice for homes with kids or pets.

Of course, no color is perfect for everyone. If you love high-drama, bold spaces, Wickham Gray might feel too quiet for your taste. It’s a team player, not a showstopper. And while its green undertone is part of its charm, it might clash with existing finishes that lean pink or red. Always test alongside your furniture and flooring to avoid surprises.

Now, imagine this color in your home. Picture it in a bedroom with linen bedding and rattan accents—calm, collected, effortlessly chic. Or envision a home office where it sets a focused yet peaceful tone. Maybe even a coastal-inspired living room with navy throw pillows and driftwood decor. Wickham Gray adapts to your vision, never overpowering but always enhancing.

So, is it right for you? If you’re after a timeless, versatile neutral that brings tranquility to your walls, the answer is probably yes. Grab a sample, paint a large swatch, and live with it for a few days. See how it changes with the light. Notice how it makes you feel. Because the best paint colors don’t just look good—they make your home feel like *yours*. And Wickham Gray? It’s got that quiet confidence to do just that.

Real Room Photo of Wickham Gray HC-171

Undertones of  Wickham Gray ?

The undertones of Wickham Gray are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Green. 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: #D4D8D2

RGB code: 212, 216, 210

Is  Wickham Gray Cool or Warm?

This color has a cool undertone, making it ideal for spaces that aim for a serene and refreshing ambiance. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a more muted palette that invites relaxation and tranquility.

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 Wickham 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 Wickham Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Wickham Gray is 67.87%, 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  Wickham Gray

Wickham Gray stands out for its ability to blend seamlessly with a range of settings. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy nook or a sophisticated lounge, this shade adapts beautifully. Its soft gray hue creates a tranquil backdrop, allowing other features in the room — like artwork or furniture — to take center stage. The color feels particularly inviting in natural light, where it can reveal its warm undertones. However, in dimmer settings, it may lean slightly cooler, making it a fantastic choice for rooms that receive plenty of sunlight. Overall, it’s a reliable choice that balances elegance and warmth, perfect for those looking to create a serene atmosphere.

Pros & Cons of  HC-171 Wickham Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray

FAQ on HC-171 Wickham Gray

What types of finishes are available for Wickham Gray?

Wickham Gray is available in several finishes, including eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. Each finish offers a different level of sheen, allowing you to choose the right one based on your space and desired effect. Eggshell provides a low sheen that’s perfect for interior walls, while semi-gloss is great for trim and accents due to its durability and ease of cleaning.

Can Wickham Gray be used in smaller spaces?

Absolutely! Wickham Gray can be a fantastic choice for smaller spaces. Its soft, neutral tone can make a room feel larger and more open, especially when paired with good lighting. Just be mindful of the lighting conditions, as it may lean cooler in dimly lit areas. Overall, it’s a great way to add sophistication without overwhelming a small room.

Comparisons Wickham Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray HC-171