Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray vs Stonington Gray

When searching for the perfect neutral gray paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades. Popular Benjamin Moore choices Coventry Gray HC-169 and Stonington Gray HC-170 appear very similar at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful grays?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Coventry Gray vs Stonington Gray in-depth to help you determine the ideal neutral paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Key Differences Between Coventry Gray and Stonington Gray

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore’s Coventry Gray and Stonington Gray:

Undertones – Coventry Gray is a cool gray, Stonington Gray is a warm gray
Light Reflectance – Coventry Gray has an LRV of 48.18, Stonington Gray has an LRV of 59.36
Use – Coventry Gray suits modern and transitional styles, Stonington Gray fits traditional decor
Rooms – Coventry Gray excels in open concept spaces, Stonington Gray shines in bedrooms
Availability – Both come in all paint sheens

Now let’s explore Coventry Gray and Stonington Gray more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray HC-169

With its understated gray appearance, Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray HC-169 creates an elegant backdrop well-suited for open, contemporary spaces. This versatile neutral works across styles.

Here are some details about Coventry Gray:

LRV: 48.18
Undertones: Cool gray
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Whole home color, especially living rooms, kitchens, and hallways
Pairs Well With: Pops of color, black and white, wood tones

Coventry Gray is a hushed medium dove gray with subtle hints of blue undertone. In all lighting it maintains its understated gray appearance.

The 59.36 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too stark. Coventry Gray gives an open, breathable feel.

This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Coventry Gray color pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Benjamin Moore White Dove
Crisp white trims
Rich wood stains and finishes
Vibrant green and blue accents

While suitable anywhere at home, Coventry Gray truly excels in these sleek, modern spaces:

Living Rooms
Kitchens
Hallways
Open Floor Plans
Bathrooms

Coventry Gray’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170

With its warm dove gray appearance, Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional decor. This versatile neutral works in both formal and casual spaces.

Here are some details about Stonington Gray:

LRV: 59.36
Undertones: Warm gray
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Blues, greens, blacks, wood tones

Stonington Gray is a relaxed, soft gray with faint beige undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered charcoal or warm slate gray. The welcoming neutral has traditional appeal.

The 59.36 light reflectance value prevents the shade from feeling too dark or moody. Stonington Gray strikes a cozy yet bright balance suitable for most rooms.

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

Benjamin Moore Moroccan Blue
Benjamin Moore Belleforet Green
Black accent pieces
Aged wood finishes
White trim and mouldings

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

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Libraries

Stonington Gray’s warmth helps create a welcoming, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to allow bold colors to stand out.

Comparing Coventry Gray vs Stonington Gray

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

Light Reflectance

Coventry Gray and Stonington Gray have the exact same LRV of 59.36. They offer identical illumination.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Coventry Gray is a cooler gray, while Stonington Gray is subtly warm-toned.

Use & Rooms

Coventry Gray’s modern versatility excels in open living areas and kitchens. Stonington Gray’s cozy warmth is perfect for bedrooms and offices.

Availability

Both Coventry Gray and Stonington Gray come in any sheen from flat matte to high gloss semi-gloss.

Coventry Gray vs Stonington Gray Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Coventry Gray HC-169	Stonington Gray HC-170
LRV	48.18	59.36
Undertones	Cool gray	Warm gray
Use	Contemporary spaces	Traditional rooms
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Modern, transitional	Traditional, classic

Real-Life Photos: Coventry Gray vs Stonington Gray

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Coventry Gray and Stonington Gray:

Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

While they can overlap, Coventry Gray generally appears slightly crisper and cooler than the subtle warm beige tone of Stonington Gray. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Coventry Gray or Stonington Gray?

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

Choose Coventry Gray HC-169 if you want:

A cooler, crisper neutral gray
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
An airy feel for open concept rooms
To allow colors to pop against the backdrop

Choose Stonington Gray HC-170 if you want:

A slightly warmer, beige-influenced gray
A cozy yet sophisticated neutral for bedrooms
A versatile color that works with traditional decor
A soft, welcoming backdrop

Get samples of both Coventry Gray and Stonington Gray. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.

You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful light gray tones that suit many styles.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Coventry Gray and Stonington Gray paint colors:

Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray

Living Rooms
Kitchens
Hallways
Open Floor Plans
Bathrooms

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Libraries

While both grays work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Coventry Gray and Stonington Gray create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Coventry Gray HC-169 Pairings

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Benjamin Moore White Dove
Crisp white trims
Rich wood stains and finishes
Vibrant green and blue accents

Stonington Gray HC-170 Pairings

Benjamin Moore Moroccan Blue
Benjamin Moore Belleforet Green
Black accent pieces
Aged wood finishes
White trim and mouldings

Coventry Gray vs Stonington Gray – Which is Better?

So which neutral gray paint color is better for your home – Coventry Gray or Stonington Gray?

Consider Coventry Gray HC-169 if you want:

A cooler, crisper neutral gray
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
An airy open feel for living areas
To allow accent colors to pop

Consider Stonington Gray HC-170 if you want:

A slightly warm, beige-influenced gray
A cozy yet sophisticated backdrop for bedrooms
A versatile color that works with traditional decor
A soft, welcoming ambiance

While Coventry Gray offers modern crispness, Stonington Gray provides subtle warm character.

Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful neutral gray you choose will suit your home perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Coventry Gray or Stonington Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Coventry Gray and Stonington Gray?

The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Coventry Gray is a cooler gray while Stonington Gray is a slightly warm beige-gray.