Cliffside Gray HC-180 by Benjamin Moore

You walk into your living room, coffee in hand, and pause. Something feels off. The walls—maybe it’s the color? Too stark, too dull, just not *right*. You want a space that feels calm but sophisticated, light but grounded. That’s where Cliffside Gray by Benjamin Moore comes in. This isn’t just another gray; it’s a chameleon of a color, effortlessly adapting to your home’s personality while bringing a sense of serenity and style.

Let’s talk about why this shade works so well. Cliffside Gray (HC-180) is a soft, soothing gray with a whisper of green undertone, giving it depth without overwhelming a room. Its LRV of 60.56% means it reflects plenty of light, making spaces feel airy and open—perfect for smaller rooms or areas with limited natural light. But don’t mistake “light” for “bland.” This color has just enough warmth to keep it inviting and just enough coolness to feel modern. It’s the Goldilocks of grays: not too warm, not too cool, just right.

One of the biggest strengths of Cliffside Gray is its versatility. Whether your style leans modern farmhouse, coastal, or minimalist, this color slides right in. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a classic look, or let it play against brass fixtures for a touch of understated luxury. In a kitchen, it brings a clean, fresh vibe; in a bedroom, it creates a restful retreat. And because it’s so neutral, you can easily switch up your decor over time without worrying about clashing.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. It’s roller-ready, brush-smooth, and dries quickly, with good coverage in one to two coats. The finish options—matte, eggshell, or satin—give you flexibility depending on the room’s needs. Eggshell is ideal for living areas with its subtle sheen and washability, while matte works beautifully in low-traffic spaces like bedrooms where you want a velvety look. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can breathe easy knowing it’s a healthier choice for your home.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: undertones. Yes, Cliffside Gray has a green undertone, but it’s subtle. In north-facing light, it might lean a touch cooler, while south-facing light brings out its warmth. That’s why testing is key. Paint a large swatch on your wall and observe it at different times of day. See how it plays with your flooring, furniture, and fabrics. You’ll quickly notice how adaptable it is—shifting just enough to harmonize with your space without ever feeling unpredictable.

Worried about small rooms? Don’t be. Cliffside Gray is a champion at making tight spaces feel larger. Its light-reflecting properties open up walls, while the muted tone keeps things cozy rather than cavernous. Pair it with lighter furnishings and mirrors to amplify the effect, or add contrast with deeper accents like navy or charcoal for a more dynamic look.

As for pairings, this gray is a team player. It loves crisp whites, soft blues, and even muted purples (its complementary hue). For a monochromatic scheme, layer it with lighter shades like OC-64 or darker tones like AF-470. And if you’re craving a pop of color, try earthy greens or warm terracottas—they’ll make Cliffside Gray sing without stealing the show.

So, is Cliffside Gray the right choice for you? If you want a color that’s timeless but not boring, calming but not cold, and versatile enough to grow with your style, then yes. It’s the kind of shade that makes your home feel *considered*—like you’ve nailed that elusive balance between effortlessness and elegance. Grab a sample, paint a test patch, and see how it transforms your space. You might just find yourself falling in love with your walls all over again.

Real Room Photo of Cliffside Gray HC-180

Undertones of  Cliffside Gray ?

The undertones of Cliffside 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: #CCD0CA

RGB code: 204, 208, 202

Is  Cliffside Gray Cool or Warm?

This paint leans towards a balanced tone, making it both warm and cool. It harmonizes effortlessly with a variety of colors, helping to create a cohesive look throughout your home.

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 Cliffside 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 Cliffside Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Cliffside Gray is 60.56%, 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  Cliffside Gray

Cliffside Gray is a paint that truly shines in various settings. Its neutral tone makes it an excellent backdrop for artwork and furniture, allowing your decor to take center stage. The color adapts beautifully to changing light conditions, appearing lighter during the day and slightly more subdued in the evening. This adaptability makes it particularly appealing for open-concept spaces where lighting can vary significantly. Its application is smooth and user-friendly, making it a great pick for DIYers and professionals alike. When you choose Cliffside Gray, you’re not just selecting a color; you’re investing in a versatile, timeless hue that enhances the beauty of your home.

Pros & Cons of  HC-180 Cliffside Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Cliffside Gray

FAQ on HC-180 Cliffside Gray

Can Cliffside Gray be used in a small room?

Absolutely! Cliffside Gray is a perfect choice for small spaces. Its light reflectance value helps to create an illusion of more space. The soft gray hue adds depth without making a room feel cramped, and it pairs well with various accent colors to personalize your space.

Is Cliffside Gray suitable for exterior use?

While primarily designed for interior walls, Cliffside Gray can be used for exterior projects, especially in shaded areas. Just make sure to choose a high-quality exterior paint formula to ensure durability against weather elements.

Comparisons Cliffside Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Cliffside Gray HC-180