Classic Gray OC-23 by Benjamin Moore

Ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease? Like the walls were giving you a gentle hug? That’s the magic of the right paint color—and if you’re searching for a shade that effortlessly balances warmth and sophistication, let’s talk about Benjamin Moore’s Classic Gray (OC-23).

This isn’t just another gray. It’s a chameleon. In the morning light, it’s a soft, airy whisper. By evening, it wraps your space in a cozy, muted glow. With an LRV of 73.67%, it reflects plenty of light, making it ideal for rooms where you want brightness without the starkness of pure white. But here’s the secret: its subtle yellow undertone keeps it from feeling cold. That’s why it works equally well in a sun-drenched kitchen or a north-facing bedroom.

Worried about commitment? Classic Gray is famously forgiving. It’s beginner-friendly—goes on smoothly with a roller, dries fast, and covers well in one or two coats. Touch-ups? No problem. And with low VOCs, it’s a healthier choice for your home. But don’t skip the primer if you’re painting over darker walls; that yellow undertone can peek through otherwise.

Now, let’s talk pairings. Classic Gray plays well with others. For a crisp, clean look, pair it with White Dove trim. Want drama? Deep blues like Hale Navy or forest greens make it pop. Warm wood tones and brass fixtures? Perfect. It’s the neutral that adapts to your style, whether you’re leaning modern farmhouse, minimalist, or traditional.

Lighting is key, though. Test a swatch on your wall and watch it shift throughout the day. In bright light, it’s a serene, almost ethereal gray. At night, under warm bulbs, it leans into its creamy side. That adaptability is why it’s a favorite for open-concept spaces—it flows seamlessly from room to room.

Small spaces? Absolutely. It opens up cramped areas without feeling sterile. Just avoid pairing it with cool grays or stark whites unless you want its warmth to stand out. And if you crave contrast, try it on an accent wall with richer tones like Sherwin Williams’ Urbane Bronze.

As for finishes, eggshell is my go-to for most walls—durable, slightly luminous, and easy to clean. Use matte for ceilings or low-traffic areas where you want to minimize sheen. Satin works wonders in kitchens and baths, offering extra washability.

Still on the fence? Compare it to Revere Pewter (a tad warmer) or Edgecomb Gray (a touch greige). Classic Gray sits right in the middle—neutral enough to be versatile, warm enough to feel inviting. It’s the kind of color that makes your decor shine, not compete.

So, is Classic Gray right for you? If you love a neutral that’s anything but boring, yes. It’s a backdrop that lets your furniture, art, and life take center stage. And isn’t that what great design should do?

Real Room Photo of Classic Gray OC-23

Undertones of  Classic Gray ?

The undertones of Classic 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: #E3E0D7

RGB code: 227, 224, 215

Is  Classic Gray Cool or Warm?

Classic Gray leans more towards a balanced, neutral tone, but its underlying warmth gives it a cozy feel. This makes it versatile enough to fit into both warm and cool color schemes. If you’re aiming for a space that feels inviting yet sophisticated, this gray is a solid choice that won’t clash with your existing color palette.

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 Classic 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 Classic Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Classic Gray is 73.67%, which places it in the Off‑White colors category. This means it reflect a lot of 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  Classic Gray

Classic Gray is truly a standout choice for anyone looking to refresh their walls with a timeless hue. Its striking balance of warmth and coolness makes it incredibly adaptable, allowing it to shine in various lighting conditions. When applied, it can transform a space, creating an inviting yet elegant atmosphere. Whether you’re painting a cozy nook or an expansive living area, Classic Gray offers a chic backdrop that enhances your decor without overwhelming it. Its ability to shift subtly with the light throughout the day adds depth to your walls, making it a favorite among homeowners and designers alike. Plus, it pairs beautifully with both warm and cool accents, ensuring a harmonious look throughout your home.

Pros & Cons of  OC-23 Classic Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Classic Gray

FAQ on OC-23 Classic Gray

Can Classic Gray be used in small spaces?

Absolutely! Classic Gray is an excellent choice for small spaces. Its mid-range LRV helps to reflect light, making the area feel more open and airy. Plus, its soft undertones create a cozy atmosphere without overwhelming the senses. Just be sure to test it in your specific lighting before committing, as it can shift in tone throughout the day.

What colors pair well with Classic Gray?

Classic Gray pairs wonderfully with a range of colors. For a fresh look, consider crisp whites like White Dove or Chantilly Lace. If you prefer a bolder contrast, deep blues or rich greens can create a stunning effect. Additionally, warm wood tones and metallics like brass also complement Classic Gray beautifully, enhancing its versatility.

Comparisons Classic Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23