Benjamin Moore Nimbus is a cool gray color that’s neither too light nor too dark and is perfect for any room in your home.
This paint color has been popular for years, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the perfect medium between greige and light gray. It could easily make the top gray or top greige paint colors without a doubt!
This paint color series is meant to be a helpful tool that offers detailed information about the nuances of each shade you’re considering so you can arm yourself with knowledge, relax, and take a step back as you look at paint swatches more subjectively.
And today, we’re taking a look at BM Nimbus.
As one of the many “perfect” gray paint colors, Benjamin Moore Nimbus is a versatile paint color that is could be a good fit for just about any room in your home. It can accomplish a wide range of aesthetic goals and suit many styles from industrial to boho.
Nimbus Color Intro & The Challenges of Gray Paint
When it comes to choosing a gray paint color for your home, the options seem endless! Gray is a versatile color that can add depth and sophistication to any room, but with so many shades of gray available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Here’s the skinny on Benjamin Moore Nimbus to help make your decision about this gray paint color easier. Go ahead and uncross your eyes – you’re about to find out everything you need to know!
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Benjamin Moore Nimbus FAQ’s
What color is Benjamin Moore Nimbus?
Benjamin Moore Nimbus is a neutral to cool gray color with a blue undertone. It’s easy on the eyes and creates a calming energy in any room.
This paint color is the ideal option to use in bedrooms, living areas, or wherever you want to create a soothing vibe and serene atmosphere.
Is Nimbus warm or cool?
Benjamin Moore Nimbus is a slightly cool gray that may appear with blue or purple notes under north-facing light.
As a chameleon of sorts, Nimbus plays well with both warm and cool colors. It’s a versatile paint color that can complement any decor style, from traditional to modern.
This timeless hue has been around for decades but continues to be a favorite among homeowners and designers alike.
Where can Nimbus be used?
Nimbus is known for its ability to open up small spaces and make them appear larger. The blue undertones create an illusion of depth that can make your walls seem like they’re receding, making your room feel more spacious.
This makes it an ideal paint color choice for small apartments, bedrooms, or even bathrooms.
This paint color would also be a great choice for these rooms, too:
Kitchen
Bedroom
Bathroom
Living room
Dining room
Laundry room
Playroom
Basement
In addition, this color’s versatility makes it a great fit for any home and decor style!
Undertones of Nimbus
Undertones are sometimes seen as a challenge to overcome when choosing paint colors. However, since they are the direct result of the paint-mixing process, there’s no way to avoid them.
With that in mind, I think it’s important to arm yourself with knowledge, so you understand the undertones of any paint color you like. This will make the process of picking a new color for your home easier and more efficient since you won’t be dealing with any surprises after you’ve committed.
Let’s take a look at BM Nimbus’ undertones. This shade lives in the gray color family, which is notorious for pesky blue and violet undertones.
However, unless you choose a tile or other accent with lots of purple or blue shades, it’s unlikely that the undertones will be overpowering. In fact, I find this shade one of the most tried and true gray tones around.
Use paint swatches (my personal favorite type? These peel and stick paint samples!) to help you know EXACTLY how your lighting and nearby decor will impact the appearance of your favorite colors.
If undertones make your head ache, you’re not alone! Grab your no-cost copy of “5 Biggest Paint Choice Mistakes” Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
How Different Types of Lighting Affect BM Nimbus
Different lighting situations play with undertones in varying ways. Here’s a basic idea of how you can expect Nimbus to read based on natural lighting.
- North-facing light – northern light is cool and blue-tinted, so it will bring out Nimbus’ cooler gray side with more exposed undertones.
- South-facing light – warm light from the south will draw out its warmth even more while avoiding major taupe vibes.
- East-facing light – east-facing rooms have warm yellow light in the morning and cool, passive light in the afternoon. That shifting light might cause Nimbus to appear flat or washed out in the afternoon.
- West-facing light – west-facing rooms have the opposite lighting situation of east-facing rooms since the light is cool and passive in the morning but very warm in the evening. Since these rooms play well with warm and cool colors, Nimbus will be right at home!
Great Coordinating Colors for Nimbus
Benjamin Moore Nimbus might be an excellent choice for any room in your home. It’s so neutral that it works well with just about anything and doesn’t give off too many funky undertones and vibes.
There are so many colors that look terrific with Nimbus, which only adds to its versatility. Need some ideas?
Here are some specific colors that play well with Benjamin Moore Nimbus:
- Naval
- Cloud Cover
- Timber Wolf
- White Dove
- Stardust
- Oyster Bay
- Iron Ore
- Urbane Bronze
- Tricorn Black
- Sea Salt
LRV of Benjamin Moore Nimbus (1465)
A big part of the reason for Nimbus’ popularity likely has to do with its Light Reflectance Value (LRV). LRV’s range between 0-100, where 0 is pure black, and 100 is pure white.
The higher the LRV number, the more light is reflected and the brighter a color feels.
The LRV of BM Nimbus = 59.4
This paint color falls almost smack in the center of the LRV scale, making it a great option to take a room to the moodier side or the lighter, airier side…depending on the specific lighting situation of the room.
LRV…what? Don’t worry, I’ve got you! This no-cost guide will help you avoid the paint color picking mistakes most people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
Nimbus Compared to Other Colors
The beauty of Benjamin Moore Nimbus is that it can be paired with so many other colors. Choosing the right shade of grey depends on your personal preferences and the overall aesthetic of your home.
Let’s compare Benjamin Moore Nimbus to other popular gray paint colors and see how it differs.
Nimbus vs Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray
Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams (SW 7029) has an LRV value of 60….which is practically identical to Benjamin Moore Nimbus in terms of saturation and depth.
Agreeable Gray is a popular choice among homeowners for its versatility and warm undertones. The biggest difference is where Nimbus is a true gray, Agreeable Gray has some warm, brown undertones which make it actually a part of the greige color family (which are gray-beige blends).
So if you’re looking for a cooler grey that leans more towards blue than brown, Nimbus might be a better choice.
Nimbus vs Behr Silver Drop
Silver Drop by Behr (790C-2) has an LRV value of 70 making it only slightly lighter than Nimbus.
Silver Drop leans more toward the taupe or beige family than Benjamin Moore Nimbus, making it a great choice for those who are seeking a more neutral palette. However, Silver Drop has more of a blue undertone compared to Nimbus.
Nimbus vs Sherwin Williams Light French Gray
Sherwin Williams Light French Gray #0055 is a mid-toned, neutral gray paint. Though it’s very versatile, with an LRV of 53, it is a step darker and more saturated than Nimbus.
It’s also what I would consider a true gray, but if we had to say which way it leans, warm or cool, it certainly gravitates toward the cooler side of the paint color spectrum.
More Colors to Consider
I know from experience how tedious choosing new paint colors can be! If you aren’t ready to commit to Nimbus yet, check out these other beautiful shades of gray.
- Repose Gray (Sherwin Williams) – a neutral gray paint that’s light, but still has warmth
- Crushed Ice (Sherwin Williams) – a soft, light gray with a touch of taupe
- Big Chill (Sherwin Williams) – a light concrete gray with blue undertones
- Stonington Gray (Sherwin Williams) – a mid-toned gray with greenish-blue undertones
- Gray Owl (Benjamin Moore) – light gray with a touch of green
- Drift Of Mist (Sherwin Williams) – a medium to light greige
- Shoreline (Benjamin Moore) – a light gray-leaning greige
- 15 Best Gray Green Paint Colors – a list of our top paint choices in this family of colors
- 13 Favorite Soothing Blue-Green Paint Colors – these are spa-like shades…pick your favorite
- Top 9 Light Gray Paint Colors – our favorite shades in this genre
Nimbus is a timeless hue that could be a great addition to a neutral paint palette.
Whether you’re looking to create a more calming atmosphere or open up a small space, Nimbus may work for you. Let’s see it in the “real world” so you can get a better look.
Real Homes Using Nimbus
Sheen note: Picking the right color is only winning the battle, not the war. Remember to pick the right paint finish, or sheen, also! Read up on what you need to know about picking the perfect paint sheen.
BM Nimbus in Foyers and Entryways
1. Fabulous First Impressions
I’m partial to this shade because it’s what I used in our own foyer! I was searching for a gray without shifty, shady undertones, and Nimbus, I think, is one of the truest of the true grays out there.
Paint in the adjacent room, our dining room is Benjamin Moore Pale Smoke.
2. Excellent In the Entryway
I love the way this entryway gives a warm welcome to visitors! Rooms for Rent created a spacious, stylish, and functional space…and a fresh look thanks to Nimbus.
3. Friendly Foyer
This is another iteration of my own foyer (you saw it from another angle…and with different decor…in the first example).
Check out how the color varies depending on the amount of natural light in the space. Even in the dark corners, this color reads true gray, just darker.
Nimbus in Kitchens
For kitchens, eggshell or satin are popular finish choices for walls. For cabinets consider semi-gloss or high gloss for the most durable finish (and a gorgeous glow).
4. Killer Kitchen Cabinet Color
I mean, if this example doesn’t grab you hook, line and sinker as a fan of this color, I’m not sure what else could. Used as a cabinet color here, Nimbus is showing all its’ neutral expertise, and I’m a fan, for sure.
5. Noteworthy Nimbus
Here’s another awesome example of this shade being used as a kitchen cabinet color. Once again, it’s getting an A+ from me, how about you?
6. Beautiful on Built-Ins
Nimbus provides the perfect amount of depth and visual interest against a white backdrop. Proven by these beautiful built-ins painted in Nimbus against a white shiplap wall.
7. Timeless Hue
Clarice of Home Image Interiors designed this fabulous kitchen, and I have to say, the Nimbus cabinetry helps create a very timeless, sophisticated look in this space…don’t you agree?
8. Welcoming in Warm Lighting
I love this kitchen example because it shows how the shade can look in warm lighting. Notice that this hue stays true to its gray tones…so if that’s important to you, definitely consider this color!
BM 1465 in Bedrooms
In general for bedrooms, and low-traffic areas, flat paint is fine. If you like something with a bit of shine (and more ease of cleaning) opt for eggshell or satin.
9. Tranquil Vibes
Another great example of Nimbus creating a calming, soothing space. A perfect zone for sleeping and re-energizing.
Nimbus in Living Rooms and Family Rooms
10. Sophisticated (But Not Stuffy) Living Space
This room looks like something out of a high end model home, right? Nimbus elevates the space, but it’s still very cozy and approachable.
11. Cool and Calming
In this space with the blue decor accents, Nimbus leans into its’ cooler side. Cooler, but definitely not cold. This room reads like an inviting oasis…refreshing.
12. Warm and Welcoming…but not TOO Warm
This family room leans into shades of gray to create a warm, welcoming vibe. Except the color tones are cool! See how a cool palette can still be inviting?
Nimbus in Other Places and Spaces
13. Pretty in the Powder Room
The Phinery brightened up this powder room in Benjamin Moore Nimbus. I really love how this soft gray plays complements the black hardware and oak vanity.
14. Dynamic Dining Room
This image is a beautiful example of this shade in a room where the color is showing its moodier side, possibly in the late day or early morning when the sun isn’t at full intensity…and it looks beautiful!
15. Lovely with Lightbulbs
When you turn on lightbulbs, paint colors often dramatically change, so it’s important to consider how a paint color looks under many different lighting situations.
And here’s a good example of how the color can look with warm white lightbulbs in play.
That brings our examination of Nimbus paint to an end! Named after a storm cloud, this gray paint is anything but dreary. But if you’re looking for a true gray tone, this is a good one to check out further!
And if this is a color you’re seriously considering, remember paint-sampling is better than ending up paint-sorry! I highly recommend these peel and stick samples because they are inexpensive, re-usable and re-positionable…
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!
Ready to show those boring, bland walls who’s the boss at home? This no-cost guide will help you sidestep mistakes that almost everyone makes when it comes to picking paint! You’ll be on your way to perfect paint promptly…pinky swear.
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