Gray Mist OC-30 by Benjamin Moore

Ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease? That’s the magic of the right paint color—it doesn’t just cover walls; it sets the tone for how you experience a space. And if you’re searching for a shade that brings calm, versatility, and a touch of understated elegance to your home, let’s talk about Benjamin Moore’s Gray Mist (OC-30). This isn’t just another gray. It’s a warm, light, and inviting hue that works harder than most neutrals, adapting to your style while making your space feel effortlessly put together.

Gray Mist is one of those colors that surprises you. At first glance, it’s a soft, gentle gray—but look closer, and you’ll notice its subtle yellow undertones adding warmth and depth. Unlike cooler grays that can feel sterile or impersonal, this shade wraps a room in comfort. It’s like the difference between a crisp white shirt and one in a creamy off-white—both are classic, but one feels cozier. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 72.83%, it sits comfortably in the off-white range, meaning it reflects plenty of light to keep spaces feeling open and airy.

Where does Gray Mist shine brightest? Think living rooms where you unwind after a long day, bedrooms designed for rest, or home offices where focus meets comfort. It’s also a fantastic choice for dining rooms, especially if you love hosting. The color’s warmth makes gatherings feel more intimate, while its neutrality lets your decor—whether it’s bold artwork or a rustic farmhouse table—take center stage. And because it plays well with so many styles—modern, Scandinavian, farmhouse, minimalist—you won’t feel boxed into one aesthetic.

Now, let’s talk application. Gray Mist is beginner-friendly, with a smooth consistency that rolls on easily. Most projects will need just one or two coats for full coverage, and it’s touch-up friendly, so minor scuffs or marks won’t leave you repainting entire walls. Opt for an eggshell or satin finish if you want a bit of sheen and extra durability—both are washable and scrubbable, making them practical for high-traffic areas. And since it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can breathe easy knowing it’s a healthier choice for your home.

Lighting will influence how Gray Mist looks throughout the day. In bright, natural light, it leans into its airy, almost ethereal quality. As the sun sets and artificial lighting takes over, those warm undertones become more pronounced, creating a cocoon-like effect. This is why sampling is key. Paint a large swatch on your wall and observe it at different times to ensure it’s the right fit for your space.

Pairing Gray Mist with other colors is where the fun begins. Its warmth makes it incredibly versatile. For a serene, monochromatic look, layer it with lighter shades like OC-19 or AF-50. If you crave contrast, deeper tones like CW-30 or HC-173 add sophistication without overpowering. And for a pop of energy? Try complementary blues—think CSP-535 or HC-154—to create a balanced, dynamic vibe. Trim in White Dove keeps things crisp, while brass fixtures add a touch of luxe warmth.

Of course, no color is perfect for every scenario. Gray Mist’s warmth means it might not be the best match if you’re after a stark, modern gray. And while it’s light, rooms with very little natural light might make it feel a tad heavier than expected. But these are small trade-offs for a color that brings so much flexibility and charm.

So, is Gray Mist right for you? If you want a neutral that’s anything but boring—a color that feels fresh yet timeless, adaptable yet distinctive—then yes. It’s the kind of shade that grows with your style, whether you’re refreshing a rental or putting the finishing touches on your forever home. Test it out, live with it for a few days, and see how it transforms your space. You might just find it’s the quiet hero your walls have been waiting for.

Real Room Photo of Gray Mist OC-30

Undertones of  Gray Mist ?

The undertones of Gray Mist 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: #E3DFD2

RGB code: 227, 223, 210

Is  Gray Mist Cool or Warm?

This color is decidedly warm, bringing a touch of comfort to any room. Its warmth makes it an excellent backdrop for both warm and cool-toned decor, allowing for versatile styling options.

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 Gray Mist

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 Gray Mist

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Gray Mist is 72.83%, 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  Gray Mist

Gray Mist is more than just a paint color; it’s a mood enhancer. Its soft gray tone creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for spaces where relaxation is key, like bedrooms and living rooms. When applied, it provides a smooth finish that not only looks great but also feels inviting. One of the standout features of this color is its adaptability. Whether you’re aiming for a contemporary aesthetic or a cozy farmhouse vibe, Gray Mist fits right in. It’s also an excellent base for layering with bolder colors, allowing you to add personality without overwhelming the space. Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to refresh their home with a timeless and sophisticated shade.

Pros & Cons of  OC-30 Gray Mist

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Gray Mist

FAQ on OC-30 Gray Mist

How does Gray Mist compare to other gray paints?

Gray Mist stands out due to its unique warmth, setting it apart from cooler grays. While many gray paints can feel stark or cold, Gray Mist embraces a soft and inviting tone. This makes it a great choice for creating a cozy atmosphere without sacrificing modernity. It’s also more versatile, as it can harmonize with a wide range of accent colors, making it adaptable to different styles.

Is Gray Mist suitable for small rooms?

Absolutely! Gray Mist is an excellent choice for smaller spaces. Its lightness helps to open up a room and create the illusion of more space. Plus, the warm undertones can make a small area feel inviting rather than cramped. Just keep in mind that the amount of natural light will affect how the color is perceived, so testing a sample is always a good idea.

Comparisons Gray Mist with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Gray Mist OC-30