Learn all about Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray, plus see 21 real homes that use it!
Does either of these sound familiar? You want a neutral, but something dark enough that it looks like there’s actually paint on your wall, not just white primer.
How about: You love the warmth of beiges from the bygone days, but don’t want your home to look dated. You know grays are all the rage right now, but you don’t want your home to look cold.
If either of these situations is one you can relate to, you may have found your perfect paint pal in Edgecomb Gray!
HC-173 is one of Benjamin Moore’s most popular neutral shades of paint. SO popular, in fact, that they’ve triple-dipped on its wild success and sell this paint shade under not just one name, but three! More on that later.
For now, as you’ve probably guessed, the latest paint shade in our in-depth paint color series is none other than Edgecomb Gray. Let’s dig in and see if it’s a great option for your own home!
What color is Edgecomb Gray?
BM Edgecomb Gray is what is now commonly called a greige paint color. It’s a mix of gray + beige.
The result is a neutral paint shade with mass appeal that’s not too warm, not too cold, not too yellow, not too blue…it’s what Goldilocks would have described as the perfect bowl of porridge. Although personally, I can’t imagine any porridge truly being good…ick.
Here’s how Benjamin Moore describes this shade of paint:
“A go-to gray that’s timeless with a modern edge, this earthy, organic neutral is soft and stylish, creating a setting that feels distinctly personal.”
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray Undertones
While many people may prefer to bury their heads in the sand and hope the undertones just go away, I think that knowing a paint’s undertones makes the process of picking a new color for your home more efficient (and less expensive as you won’t be throwing away gallons of paint you decide you don’t like).
Frankly, this paint shade has pretty un-scary undertones. They aren’t strong, or change the paint shade dramatically, as sometimes can happen with other colors.
Because of the balanced composition of this color stemming from a combination of red, yellow, and blue in fairly equal parts, the undertones on this paint shade are minimal and mild in most situations.
If your room has cooler light (like a north-facing room), is darker with less natural light (like a basement), or has a lot of green accents (plants, fabrics), then there’s a chance you’re going to see some green undertones peeking through.
On the flip side, if your room has warm natural light (like a south-facing space), a lot of windows, and accent colors like reds and pinks in it, then you may see a touch of pink undertones showing up.
NOTE: Because no paint colors will look the same at varying times of the day or in two different places, use paint swatches (I love these peel-and-stick samples) to help you know exactly how your lighting and surrounding decor will affect the way your favorite colors appear.
How Different Types of Lighting Affect BM Edgecomb Gray
It’s been mentioned a little already, but different lighting situations play with undertones in varying ways. Here’s a basic idea of how you can expect Edgecomb Gray to read based on natural lighting.
- North-facing light – northern light is blue-tinted and cool, which will tone down the warmth this color projects and make Edgecomb Gray read more gray, and on the cooler side.
- South-facing light – warm light from the south will play with the warmth in this shade to make it show off its more beige side…and you may catch a glimpse of the pink undertones.
- East-facing light – eastern light is a warm yellow light in the morning and cool light in the afternoon. That lighting combination will cause Edgecomb Gray to read more beige in the morning, then shift to a cooler greige.
- West-facing light – western light is the opposite of east-facing light because it’s cool and shadowy in the morning, then ultra-warm in the evening. HC-173 will appear more like a true greige toward gray in the early part of the day until the rich, red-tinged western light draws out its warmer beige tendencies later in the day.
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LRV of Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is a number on a scale between 0 and 100 that each color has assigned to it based on how much light it REFLECTS. A lower reflective value number means the color reflects less light, while a higher number means it reflects more light. (0 = absolute black; 100 = pure white)
The LRV of BM Edgecomb Gray = 63.88
Edgecomb Gray is solidly in the middle of the pack when it comes to depth of color. It’s certainly not white, and it’s not on the super dark end of the scale, either. It’s a saturated color that will surely look like there’s paint on the wall, without making most rooms look super dark and cave-like.
It may also help brighten up darker rooms (but if that’s your main objective, look to a paint color with an even HIGHER LRV).
LRV…what? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! Grab a FREE copy of my new guide to avoid the paint color picking mistakes people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray Color Comparison
To understand the Edgecomb Gray undertones and overall color profile a bit more, let’s look at HC-173 next to several other popular greige paint colors.
Edgecomb Gray versus Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
Revere Pewter is a widely used (in my honest opinion, overused) greige paint, also by Benjamin Moore.
With an LRV of 55.51, Ben Moore Revere Pewter HC-172 is definitely darker than Edgecomb Gray. And therein lies the issue I have with it. Frequently hailed as a go-to hue for almost any situation, I find that it can create a cave more often than it can create a lovely, inviting space.
The tone of Revere Pewter is also slightly cooler and grayer than Edgecomb Gray’s more balanced color profile.
If you’re considering Revere Pewter, proceed with caution.
Edgecomb Gray versus Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
Sherwin Williams has several extremely popular greige paint colors, and Agreeable Gray is one of them.
With an LRV of 60, Agreeable Gray (SW 7029) is a touch darker than Edgecomb Gray. And this shade leans more toward gray and has a cooler color profile than Edgecomb Gray.
Ben Moore Edgecomb Gray versus Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige
The name is on the money for this next popular greige…Accessible Beige from Sherwin Williams (SW 7036). With a comparable LRV of 58 (just two points darker than Edgecomb Gray), these colors have a lot in common. Of the two though, Accessible Beige bends warmer…beige-er, which makes sense.
But fear not, this isn’t your grandma’s beige. Accessible Beige is much more modern and hip (although I don’t know your grandma, there’s certainly a chance she’s modern, and hip, too…no offense intended, Granny!)
Edgecomb Gray versus Ben Moore Baby Fawn
Last, but not least let’s look at another Benjamin Moore color, this one in their off-white color collection, Baby Fawn (OC-15).
If you’re looking at those two samples below, scratching your head thinking, “wow, I can’t see any difference between those two colors AT ALL” then you, my friend, have a GREAT eye!
Because you’re right! They are, in fact, identical!
I guess this shade is so popular, they wanted to double down (well, actually triple) on its success and stick it in any and every color collection they could…repackage it with other names, and they’re off to the races. Just a theory.
Whether that theory is right or wrong, Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray, Baby Fawn, AND Alaskan Skies (972) are, in fact, the same shade.
Are you already feeling a little lost? Let me help you get back on track. Grab a free copy of my guide to help you avoid the same paint color picking mistakes most people always make!
Other Edgecomb Gray FAQ’s
We’ve covered some of these, at least in part, but let’s go over a few more pressing paint questions…
What color is similar to Edgecomb Gray?
Baby Fawn OC-15 by Ben Moore is the obvious answer here (since it’s the same exact color). But if you’re looking for the same color from a different brand, you won’t find a perfect match. Other popular greiges to check out are ones we’ve explored here (Accessible Beige, Agreeable Gray, and Revere Pewter).
Other greige colors to check out include:
• Classic Gray (Benjamin Moore)
• Worldly Gray (Sherwin Williams)
• Pale Oak (Benjamin Moore)
• Modern Gray (Sherwin Williams)
• Balboa Mist (Benjamin Moore)
• Repose Gray (Sherwin Williams)
Where should I use BM Edgecomb Gray?
This shade looks best when used in:
• Kitchens
• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms
• Living rooms
• Exteriors
It’s great as a wall color, but can also be used beautifully as a door and trim color, particularly when coupled with a slightly warm white wall color.
Be cautious using this color as a cabinet color. It can definitely work, but it’s a little tricky for this type of application.
This beautiful and popular shade plays well with many shades throughout the color spectrum. If you’re searching for some specific colors to pair with Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray, check out these great coordinating and complementary shades:
• White Dove
• Hale Navy
• Kendall Charcoal
• Chantilly Lace
• Revere Pewter
• Simply White
More Colors to Consider
I totally understand how challenging it can be to choose new paint colors! If you’re still on the edge about Edgecomb Gray, check out some other neutral color inspiration:
- Dover White (Benjamin Moore) – a warm, creamy off-white
- Silver Drop (Behr) – a pale gray with a hint of beige
- Pure White (Benjamin Moore) – warm white that can lean slightly greige
- Manchester Tan (Benjamin Moore) – much warmer, definite tan/beige
- Amazing Gray (Sherwin Williams) – a mid-toned, warm greige
- Creamy (Sherwin Williams) – a warm, off-white
- Linen White (Benjamin Moore) – a sophisticated, classic and inviting off-white
- Gray Owl (Benjamin Moore) – a go-to, popular gray
- Natural Cream (Benjamin Moore) – a lovely off-white with greige undertones
Ok, it’s time to get a better feel for Edgecomb Gray in real-life spaces under lots of different lighting situations and with lots of other “things” in the rooms (fabrics, plants, flooring, etc.) that the paint can play on.
Remember that photos on a computer screen are in no way a substitute for seeing a real sample on your own wall. But, I think it can be really helpful to at least rule colors “in” to buy samples for or “out” to just scratch completely.
21 Real Homes Using BM Edgecomb Gray Paint
Ok, the “boring” informational part is over! Let’s get to the fun part and see how gorgeous Benjamin Moore HC-173 (AKA Baby Fawn) looks in different homes. Here are 21 real houses that use Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray paint in all the right ways.
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray Kitchens
A quick note here: don’t forget to consider sheen! We have an in-depth explanation of choosing sheens here. For kitchens, an eggshell finish is a good choice.
1. Kitchen wall color with warm white cabinets
This traditional kitchen uses Edgecomb Gray as the wall color. And though it is tough to tell in this image, the perimeter kitchen cabinets are actually a very warm white.
Notice how nicely Edgecomb Gray compliments the walnut wood tones of the counter stools and the wood trim in the adjacent room, as well as the browns in the tile backsplash. But it also looks great with the floor tile that is reading cooler and grayer.
2. Eat-In Kitchen Nook Color
Edgecomb Gray on the walls is coupled with Benjamin Moore White Dove trim in this cozy kitchen nook area.
You can see how this color plays in the shadows versus the brighter spots in the photo…darker and cooler in the shadows, brighter and warmer in the sunnier spots.
3. Warmer in Artificial Lighting
Notice how much warmer Edgecomb Gray looks in this space thanks to the influence of lots of artificial lighting.
Still a beautiful color, but much creamier and warmer than the color typically looks in natural lighting, or with just one or two lamps turned on.
4. White Kitchen, but Better
If you want a light/bright kitchen, but are scared of things looking too stark, then Edgecomb Gray might be a great solution for you.
Here, the white cabinetry, white planked ceiling, and white backsplash are balanced by the wood accents throughout, and the Baby Fawn (AKA Edgecomb Gray) wall color.
Edgecomb Gray Dining Rooms
5. Tones Down Orange Oak Floors
Edgecomb Gray can be a great paint shade to look at if you want to tone down oak flooring that has that orange-y tone to it. HC-173 really modernizes this space, while keeping with the traditional style.
Living Rooms Painted with Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
Sheen note: For living rooms and family rooms, you can choose a flat finish, but I usually recommend at least an eggshell sheen to help with cleanability.
6. Traditional, not Tired
This living room is a nice example of Edgecomb Gray in a traditional space. It’s warm but not yellow, bright, but definitely not white.
If you look closely, you’ll also see how the amount of light plays on the appearance of this paint color showing lots of variation between areas of shadow, versus areas near the natural and artificial lighting.
7. Works Well with Wood Tones
Edgecomb Gray HC-173 is looking cozy and comfortable in this traditional living room. It is a great supporting actor for the stars of this show…the wood beams and beautiful stone fireplace. The trim color here is Dove Wing by Benjamin Moore.
8. Subtle Green Undertones
Coupled with White Dove (are you getting the sense yet that this is a popular combo?) for the trim, you can see here some of those green undertones of Edgecomb Gray pulling through in this comfy family room.
When there is green nearby, like here with the Christmas tree and greenery in the vase), it’s more likely that you’ll see those subtle undertones will become noticeable.
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray Bathrooms
Don’t forget the finish! For bathrooms, opt for an eggshell or satin sheen. Why? We’ll tell you in this post about paint sheen.
9. Gray Undertones in Cool Natural Light
In this lovely bathroom, Edgecomb Gray shows itself living up to the “gray” in its name. In cooler north-facing rooms or morning light, the gray tones in this paint color rule…but it doesn’t look off-putting or cold, by any measure.
10. Surprisingly Dark
Yes, Baby Fawn (Edgecomb Gray’s doppelganger) is in the Benjamin Moore off-white collection, but here it’s showing just how “meaty” a color it can actually be.
Used as the color on the shiplap, Edgecomb Gray looks very dark next to its partner in this space, SW Snowbound.
BM Edgecomb Gray in Bedrooms
Sheen note: For bedrooms, flat is fine if you’re shine averse. Personally, I err on the side of cleanability and durability, so I up the finish a step or two and opt for eggshell or satin (especially important in kids’ spaces!)
11. Tranquility Now Transitional Bedroom Wall Color
HC-173 looks calming, neutral, sophisticated in this transitional bedroom. See how the shade warms under artificial lighting (although it depends greatly on your lightbulbs…tip: opt for warm white!)
12. Model Home Look
Edgecomb Gray modeling its good looks here in a beautiful, modern but approachable bedroom. Not too gray, not too beige.
13. Neutral Nursery
Edgecomb Gray is coupled here with Simply White to create a beautiful nursery with a neutral palette.
The plants and likely trees outside are once again helping show off those subtle green undertones in this paint that can show through every now and then.
Edgecomb Gray Exteriors
Sheen note: For exterior siding and trim, opt for a durable and easy to clean finish! My favorites? Satin for siding, and semi-gloss for trim.
14. Southern Charmer
Neutral, but still interesting is how I’d describe this beautiful homes’ exterior paint palette comprised of Edgecomb Gray and white trim (White Dove again!). The shutters are Benjamin Moore Briarwood.
15. Nearly White in Bright Sun
The main exterior color here is Edgecomb Gray, coupled with Simply White for the trim. You can see that the bright sunlight washes a lot of the pigment away, making this shade look a bit more like it belongs in that off-white collection where Benjamin Moore keeps Baby Fawn OC-15.
In the shadows, however, you can certainly see more of the true color of this paint showing through (Bria Hammel Interiors/SD Custom Home/Laura Rae Photography via Home Bunch)
16. Looks Right on a Rancher
Here on this rancher, the stucco is painted Edgecomb Gray. For the trim? SW Urbane Bronze!
Other Edgecomb Gray Paint Sightings
17. Trim and Door Color
Kristi’s whole house (Making it in the Mountains) is a great place to peruse if you’re considering Edgecomb Gray. It flows beautifully through every room in her home.
Here in her bedroom, she uses it as the trim and door color, which is a less common use of this color, but beautiful, nonetheless! Wall and ceiling color is Cloud White.
18. Charming Cabinet Color
Check out how lovely Edgecomb Gray looks here on this pantry built-in cabinetry! The wall color is BM Chantilly Lace.
19. Lovely Laundry Room in Greige
Here’s another beautiful spot from Making it in the Mountains – Kristi’s laundry room. In this space, her walls are painted Edgecomb Gray, and the contrasting trim and ceiling paint is again, Cloud White.
20. Perfect in a Playroom
Check out how fun a neutral color can look in this fantastic (and organizationally outstanding) playroom! You can see this space is in a basement, so this is a good look at how this color looks in a space with a smaller amount of natural light, and the shadows created from the overhead recessed lighting.
Oh, and if you’re now thinking of all the ways you could and should organize, check out this playroom organizing ideas article next!
21. Terrific on Trim
Boxwood and Spruce shares this example of Edgecomb Gray being used as a darker trim color against, in this case, White Dove, for a lighter, brighter wall color. Stunning, right?
22. Home Office Hero
Young House Love is another great place to look for Edgecomb Gray – they’ve used it throughout their entire home. Here’s just one space that highlights the versatility of this color.
It’s definitely a great shade to look at if you really are aiming for one color to flow throughout your whole home.
And that brings us to the end of this color study! I hope that this has given you a bit more of a glimpse into whether or not Edgecomb Gray is a color that you’d like to use in your own home!
Don’t forget! Make sure to sample this color before you buy a gallon or more! These peel-and-stick samples are my go-to recommendation!
Pin this paint color for later! And if you use this paint shade, leave a comment on the pin! That helps others decide if they want to try this color, too!
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! And before you’re on your way, make sure you grab your free copy of the 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Picking Paint, so you can avoid the heartache (and hole in your wallet) when your paint choices don’t quite work out! Click here, and I’ll send your free copy right now!
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