Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray vs Chelsea Gray

When searching for the perfect cool-toned gray paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from the same brand. At first glance, popular Benjamin Moore choices Amherst Gray HC-167 and Chelsea Gray HC-168 may appear nearly identical. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, muted grays?

In this guide, we’ll thoroughly compare Amherst Gray vs Chelsea Gray to help you determine the best cool-toned gray paint for your home. We’ll analyze undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Overview of Key Differences

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is a quick overview of the main differences between Amherst Gray and Chelsea Gray:

Undertones – Amherst Gray is a blue-gray, Chelsea Gray leans green
Light Reflectance – Amherst Gray LRV is 18.8, Chelsea Gray LRV is 23.33
Use – Both suit modern and contemporary styles
Rooms – Amherst Gray shines in bathrooms, Chelsea Gray excels in dining rooms
Availability – Both come in any sheen

Now let’s explore Amherst Gray and Chelsea Gray more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray HC-167

With its bright, crisp gray appearance, Amherst Gray HC-167 creates an airy, uplifting backdrop suitable for any space. This versatile neutral complements varied styles beautifully.

Here are some details about Amherst Gray:

LRV: 18.8
Undertones: Blue-gray
Finishes: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bathrooms, bedrooms, libraries, offices
Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, black, wood tones

Amherst Gray is a hazy, blue-influenced medium gray. In certain lights it can take on a more blue or green look. This sophisticated gray has widespread appeal.

The 18.8 light reflectance value prevents Amherst Gray from feeling too dark or gloomy. Amherst Gray strikes a refined, tranquil balance ideal for most rooms.

This versatile neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Amherst Gray color pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Simply White
Black door and window trims
Stainless steel fixtures
Light blue throw pillows

While suitable anywhere at home, Amherst Gray truly excels in these spaces:

Bathrooms – Elegant and spa-like
Bedrooms – Calm and restful
Libraries – Focused atmosphere
Offices – Crisp and professional

Amherst Gray’s cool tones create an everyday elegance perfect as an all-over wall color. Use it to gently unify varied architectural details.

Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168

With its intense, dramatic gray appearance, Chelsea Gray HC-168 adds bold contrast and dimension as an accent color. This sophisticated neutral complements contemporary styles elegantly.

Here are some details about Chelsea Gray:

LRV: 23.33
Undertones: Green-gray
Finishes: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Dining rooms, offices, libraries, entryways
Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, wood tones

Chelsea Gray is a saturated, mineral green-gray. In any lighting it maintains a bold slate gray appearance. This refined neutral has versatile appeal.

The 23.33 light reflectance value makes this color intense without being overpowering. Chelsea Gray packs visual impact as an accent wall or feature.

This sophisticated gray pairs nicely with lighter hues. Popular Chelsea Gray color pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Golden oak wood flooring
Matte black fixtures
Navy blue furniture pieces

While bolder than an all-over color, Chelsea Gray excels when used strategically in these spaces:

Dining Rooms – Striking and elegant
Offices – Professional focus
Libraries – Cozy and enveloping
Entryways – Makes a bold statement

Chelsea Gray’s saturated darkness helps add stylish contrast. Use it to make lighter walls and decor pop.

Comparing Amherst Gray vs Chelsea Gray

Now that we’ve examined Amherst Gray and Chelsea Gray independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Amherst Gray is noticeably lighter than Chelsea Gray with LRVs of 18.8 vs 23.33. Amherst Gray will feel more airy and bright.

Undertones

Here’s the main difference – Amherst Gray is a blue-toned gray while Chelsea Gray leans green.

Use & Rooms

Both suit modern and contemporary spaces, though Amherst Gray shines in bathrooms and Chelsea Gray excels as an accent.

Availability

Amherst Gray and Chelsea Gray come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

Style

Amherst Gray is more widely versatile, Chelsea Gray makes a bold statement.

Paint Color	Amherst Gray HC-167	Chelsea Gray HC-168
LRV	18.8	23.33
Undertones	Blue-gray	Green-gray
Use	All-over color	Accents
Finish	Any sheen	Any sheen
Style	Modern, contemporary	Contemporary

Real-Life Photos: Amherst Gray vs Chelsea Gray

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Amherst Gray and Chelsea Gray:

Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray

Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray

While they may seem similar at first glance, upon closer inspection you can see Amherst Gray’s blue tones vs the green in Chelsea Gray. Lighting affects their appearance.

Should I Choose Amherst Gray or Chelsea Gray?

So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Amherst Gray or Chelsea Gray for your home? Here are a few tips:

Consider Amherst Gray HC-167 if you want:

A light crisp blue-gray for all-over walls
A soothing, tranquil ambiance
A modern, relaxing oasis for bedrooms and baths
Understated sophistication

Consider Chelsea Gray HC-168 if you want:

A rich, intense green-gray accent wall
Striking modern contrast
A bold contemporary dining room
A statement-making envelope of color

Get color samples of both Amherst Gray and Chelsea Gray. Paint large swatches on your walls to view at all times of day and night. This gives you a sense of how the tones shift under different lighting conditions.

You can also hold decor items next to the samples to visualize the look. Both grays complement most color schemes beautifully.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms especially well-suited to Amherst Gray and Chelsea Gray paint colors:

Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray

Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Offices
Libraries
Kitchens

Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray

Dining Rooms
Entryways
Offices
Libraries
Living Rooms

While both grays work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique cool blue-gray and green-gray tones.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Amherst Gray and Chelsea Gray make bold statements. Complement them with other hues:

Amherst Gray HC-167 Pairs Well With:

Crisp whites like Chantilly Lace
Black door and window trims
Stainless steel fixtures
Light blue accent colors

Chelsea Gray HC-168 Pairs Well With:

Bright whites like Simply White
Golden oak wood flooring
Matte black fixtures
Navy blue furniture pieces

Their cool grays allow bolder accent colors to shine. Play up Amherst Gray’s tranquility or Chelsea Gray’s drama.

Amherst Gray vs Chelsea Gray – Which is Better?

So which cool-toned gray paint color is better for your home – Amherst Gray or Chelsea Gray?

Consider Amherst Gray HC-167 if you want:

A light crisp blue-gray for all-over walls
A soothing, tranquil ambiance
A modern, relaxing oasis for bedrooms and baths
Understated sophistication

Consider Chelsea Gray HC-168 if you want:

A rich, intense green-gray accent wall
Striking modern contrast
A bold contemporary dining room
A statement-making envelope of color

Both are beautiful, sophisticated grays perfect for contemporary homes. Amherst Gray is subdued and versatile. Chelsea Gray makes a dramatic accent.

Get samples before deciding. Either stunning Benjamin Moore gray you choose will elegantly suit your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Amherst Gray vs Chelsea Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Amherst Gray and Chelsea Gray?

The main differences are their tones and uses. Amherst Gray is a lighter blue-gray for all-over use. Chelsea Gray is a deep, intense green-gray best for accents.

What colors complement Chelsea Gray?

Chelsea Gray looks beautiful paired with bright whites like Chantilly Lace, golden oak wood tones, black fixtures, and navy blue furniture for a bold contrast.

Can you use Amherst Gray in a nursery?

Yes, Amherst Gray’s soft blue-gray hue would work wonderfully in a nursery paired with crisp white trim for a soothing, peaceful space.

Is Chelsea Gray suitable for west facing rooms?

Yes, Chelsea Gray’s richness is dark enough for a west facing room without feeling too somber. Add in lighter greens and blues to keep it feeling bright.