Distant Gray OC-68 by Benjamin Moore

Have you ever stood in a paint aisle, staring at a sea of gray swatches, wondering which one will actually make your home feel *right*? You’re not alone. Gray is one of those colors that seems simple—until you realize how many variations exist, each with its own personality. That’s where Benjamin Moore’s Distant Gray (OC-68) comes in. It’s not just another light gray; it’s a whisper of color that brings serenity and sophistication to any space. If you’ve been searching for a shade that feels fresh but never cold, modern but never stark, this might be your answer.

Distant Gray is a chameleon in the best way. At first glance, it’s a soft, light gray, but look closer, and you’ll notice its subtle green undertone. This isn’t a color that shouts—it’s one that hums quietly in the background, creating a calm, cohesive vibe. With an LRV of 88.14%, it reflects nearly all the light that hits it, making rooms feel brighter and more open. That’s why it’s such a great choice for smaller spaces or rooms with limited natural light. Picture it in a cozy bedroom where you want to wake up feeling refreshed, or a home office where you need clarity without distraction. It’s also a dream in living rooms and bathrooms, where its versatility really shines.

One of the best things about Distant Gray is how adaptable it is to different decor styles. Love the clean lines of modern design? Pair it with crisp white trim and sleek furniture. Prefer a Scandinavian vibe? Layer it with light woods and textured textiles. Going for farmhouse charm? Distant Gray plays beautifully with rustic elements like reclaimed wood or wrought iron. And if you’re into transitional spaces—mixing traditional and contemporary—this color bridges the gap effortlessly. It’s the kind of neutral that lets your furniture and accessories take center stage while providing a polished backdrop.

Now, let’s talk application. If you’re new to painting, Distant Gray is a forgiving choice. It covers well, usually needing just one or two coats, and it’s touch-up friendly, so minor mishaps won’t haunt you. The finish options—eggshell, satin, or matte—give you flexibility depending on the room’s needs. Eggshell is great for living areas with its slight sheen and durability, while matte works wonders in bedrooms for a softer look. And because it’s low VOC, you won’t have to deal with harsh fumes, making it a safer pick for families or anyone sensitive to strong odors.

Of course, no color is perfect for every situation. Distant Gray’s subtlety means it can lean a bit bland if not paired thoughtfully. To avoid a flat look, layer in contrast—think deep navy accents, rich wood tones, or even a bold piece of art. Lighting also plays a role. In north-facing rooms, the green undertone might peek through more, while south-facing light can soften it further. Always test a swatch on your walls and observe it at different times of day. That’s the only way to know for sure how it’ll behave in your space.

Wondering what colors to pair with it? Distant Gray loves company. For a serene, monochromatic look, try lighter shades like Balboa Mist or Silver Drop. If you want warmth, add muted greens or creamy whites. For a bit of drama, deeper grays or even a soft purple (its complementary hue) can create striking contrast. And don’t forget about trim—White Dove is a classic pairing that keeps things crisp and clean.

So, is Distant Gray right for you? If you’re after a color that feels peaceful but not boring, light but not sterile, and versatile enough to grow with your style, it’s absolutely worth considering. It’s the kind of shade that makes a house feel like a home—calm, inviting, and effortlessly put together. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or redoing your entire space, Distant Gray is a reliable choice that won’t let you down. Grab a sample, paint a patch, and see how it transforms your walls. You might just fall in love with the quiet magic of this understated hue.

Real Room Photo of Distant Gray OC-68

Undertones of  Distant Gray ?

The undertones of Distant 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: #F2F4F1

RGB code: 242, 244, 241

Is  Distant Gray Cool or Warm?

While Distant Gray is primarily a cool color, its underlying warmth helps it feel inviting rather than stark. This balance allows it to work harmoniously with both warm and cool tones in your decor.

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 Distant 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 Distant Gray

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Distant Gray is 88.14%, which places it in the White colors category. This means it reflect all 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  Distant Gray

Distant Gray is a paint color that truly shines in its versatility. Its soft gray hue is neither too cool nor too warm, making it an excellent choice for various rooms in your home. The color brings a sense of calm, perfect for bedrooms and home offices, while still being sophisticated enough for living areas. When applied, it has great coverage, typically requiring just one to two coats for a flawless finish. Additionally, the color adapts beautifully to different lighting, offering a fresh appearance in natural light and a cozy feel in the evening. If you’re looking for a color that brings serenity without compromising on style, Distant Gray might just be your perfect match.

Pros & Cons of  OC-68 Distant Gray

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Distant Gray

FAQ on OC-68 Distant Gray

Can Distant Gray work in a small room?

Absolutely! Distant Gray is an excellent choice for small rooms. Its light reflectance value helps open up the space, making it feel larger and more inviting. Pair it with lighter furniture and decor to enhance this effect, and watch your small area transform into a bright and airy retreat.

What colors should I pair with Distant Gray?

Distant Gray pairs beautifully with whites, soft pastels, and even deeper accents like navy or charcoal. For a warm touch, consider using natural wood tones or muted greens. These combinations can create a cohesive look that feels both stylish and comfortable.

Comparisons Distant Gray with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Distant Gray OC-68