Edgecomb Gray HC-173 by Benjamin Moore

You walk into your living room, coffee in hand, and pause. Something feels off. The walls are just… there. They don’t add warmth or personality—they’re just a backdrop. You’ve been scrolling through paint colors for weeks, but nothing feels quite right. Too cold, too beige, too bold. What you need is a shade that bridges the gap between cozy and sophisticated, something timeless but not boring. That’s where Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) comes in.

Edgecomb Gray is one of those rare colors that feels like a warm hug without veering into yellow or feeling too heavy. It’s a soft, warm gray with a whisper of beige, sitting right in that sweet spot where neutral meets inviting. The first time I used it in a client’s home, they gasped—not because it was dramatic, but because it made their space feel instantly more put-together, like the walls had finally settled into their role as the foundation of the room.

Let’s talk undertones, because they’re the secret sauce of this color. Edgecomb Gray has a subtle red undertone, which gives it that warmth without tipping into pink. In natural light, it’s airy and fresh, but as the sun sets, it deepens into something richer, almost like a soft taupe. That adaptability is why it works in so many spaces. North-facing room? No problem. Open-concept living area with tons of windows? Perfect. It’s a chameleon, but in the best way—never clashing, always harmonizing.

If you’re worried about it feeling flat, don’t be. Edgecomb Gray has enough depth to keep things interesting. Pair it with crisp white trim (White Dove is a classic combo), and suddenly your moldings pop. Add brass fixtures or warm wood tones, and the room feels layered and intentional. For a moodier vibe, try it alongside navy or forest green accents. And if you love earthy tones, terracotta or muted blues will make it sing. This color doesn’t just play well with others—it elevates them.

Now, let’s talk practicality. Edgecomb Gray is beginner-friendly. It covers well in one to two coats, and because it’s a light color with an LRV of 63.09, it reflects plenty of light, making small rooms feel larger. The finish options—eggshell, satin, low sheen—are all workhorses for busy homes. Spills? Wipe them off. Kids or pets? It’s touch-up friendly. And since it’s low-VOC, you won’t be stuck airing out your house for days after painting.

Of course, no color is perfect for every situation. In rooms with very little natural light, Edgecomb Gray can lean a touch darker, so test a swatch first. And if you’re someone who craves bold, high-contrast spaces, this might feel too subtle. But for most homes, it’s a winner. It’s why designers keep coming back to it—it’s reliable without being predictable.

So, is Edgecomb Gray right for you? If you want a color that feels fresh but not sterile, warm but not heavy, and timeless but not safe, then yes. Paint a sample on your wall, live with it for a few days, and watch how it shifts with the light. Chances are, you’ll fall in love with the way it makes your space feel: calm, collected, and effortlessly stylish. After all, the best colors don’t shout—they whisper, and Edgecomb Gray whispers exactly what you’ve been waiting to hear.

Real Room Photo of Edgecomb Gray HC-173

Undertones of  Edgecomb Gray ?

The undertones of Edgecomb 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: #D9D3C4

RGB code: 217, 211, 196

Is  Edgecomb Gray Cool or Warm?

Edgecomb Gray is predominantly a warm color, making it an excellent choice for creating inviting environments. Its warmth works well in spaces designed for relaxation, such as bedrooms or living rooms, fostering a cozy atmosphere. However, it remains neutral enough to adapt alongside cooler accents or furnishings without clashing.

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 Edgecomb 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 Edgecomb Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Edgecomb Gray is 63.09%, 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  Edgecomb Gray

Edgecomb Gray is a standout choice for anyone looking to create a welcoming atmosphere in their home. This shade radiates warmth and has a beautiful depth that makes it easy to pair with a variety of decor styles. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy reading nook or a sophisticated dining area, Edgecomb Gray sets the perfect tone. Its versatility allows it to shine in both bright and dim light, making it a great option for rooms that receive varying amounts of natural light throughout the day.

When it comes to application, this paint glides on smoothly and provides excellent coverage. Most users find that one to two coats are sufficient for a flawless finish. Plus, its ability to adapt to different lighting conditions means it won’t drastically change from day to night. If you’re looking for a color that offers both beauty and functionality, Edgecomb Gray is a fantastic choice.

Pros & Cons of  HC-173 Edgecomb Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray

FAQ on HC-173 Edgecomb Gray

Can Edgecomb Gray work in a small space?

Absolutely! Edgecomb Gray is an excellent choice for small spaces due to its light reflectance and warm undertones. It helps to create an airy feel while adding depth, making spaces feel larger and more inviting. When paired with the right accents, it can make a small room feel cozy yet sophisticated.

What colors pair well with Edgecomb Gray?

Edgecomb Gray pairs beautifully with a range of colors. For a classic look, consider whites like White Dove or Simply White. For a bolder contrast, try pairing it with navy or deep green accents. Earthy tones like terracotta or muted blues also complement Edgecomb Gray beautifully, enhancing its warmth and versatility.

Comparisons Edgecomb Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173