Gray Cloud vs Gray Owl: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect light gray paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from the same brand. At first glance, Benjamin Moore options Gray Cloud 2126-60 and Gray Owl OC-52 may appear nearly identical. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, muted grays?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Gray Cloud vs Gray Owl in-depth to help you determine the best light gray 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

Overview of Key Differences

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

Undertones – Gray Cloud is a cool gray, Gray Owl leans slightly warm
Light Reflectance – Gray Cloud LRV is 69.7, Gray Owl LRV is 64.51
Use – Both work well across styles and spaces
Rooms – Gray Cloud shines in bathrooms, Gray Owl excels as an all-over color
Availability – Both come in any sheen

Now let’s explore Gray Cloud and Gray Owl more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Gray Cloud 2126-60

With its bright, frosted gray appearance, Gray Cloud 2126-60 creates an airy, uplifting backdrop suitable for any space. This versatile neutral complements varied styles beautifully.

Here are some details about Gray Cloud:

LRV: 69.7
Undertones: Cool gray
Finishes: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms
Pairs Well With: Warm woods, white, black, blue

Gray Cloud is a hazy light gray with subtle hints of blue. In certain lights it can take on a more blue or green cast. This soft muted gray has widespread appeal.

The 69.7 light reflectance value prevents Gray Cloud from feeling too dark or dreary. Gray Cloud strikes a cheerful, tranquil balance suitable for most rooms.

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

Benjamin Moore White Dove
Soft warm wood tones
Crisp black and white
Navy blue and light teal

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

Bathrooms – Spa-like ambiance
Kitchens – Fresh and inviting
Bedrooms – Calm and restful
Living Rooms – Relaxed backdrop

Gray Cloud’s airy tones help create a laidback elegance perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to gently unify varied architectural details.

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52

With its rich, softened gray appearance, Gray Owl OC-52 adds refined depth and contrast as an accent color. This dramatic neutral works across styles from modern to traditional with elegance.

Here are some details about Gray Owl:

LRV: 64.51
Undertones: Warm gray
Finishes: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Accent walls, dining rooms, bedrooms, living rooms
Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, beige, wood tones

Gray Owl is a hazy, mineral-inspired warm gray. In any lighting it maintains a weathered charcoal gray look. This sophisticated neutral has versatile appeal.

The 64.51 light reflectance value makes this color intense without feeling overpowering. Gray Owl packs visual impact as an accent.

This refined gray pairs nicely with a variety of lighter colors. Popular Gray Owl color pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Soft warm wood tones
Vibrant teal and brick red
White trim and black hardware

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

Accent Walls – Striking focal point
Bedrooms – Cozy and enveloping
Living Rooms – Grounding backdrop
Dining Rooms – Elegant for hosting

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

Comparing Gray Cloud vs Gray Owl

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

Light Reflectance

Gray Cloud is noticeably lighter than Gray Owl with LRVs of 69.7 vs 64.51. Gray Cloud will feel more open.

Undertones

Here’s the main difference – Gray Cloud is a cool gray while Gray Owl has warm undertones.

Use & Rooms

Both are versatile across styles, though Gray Cloud shines in baths and Gray Owl excels as an accent.

Availability

Gray Cloud and Gray Owl come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

Style

Gray Cloud trends more modern, Gray Owl fits traditional aesthetics well.

Paint Color	Gray Cloud 2126-60	Gray Owl OC-52
LRV	69.7	64.51
Undertones	Cool gray	Warm gray
Use	All-over color	Accent walls
Finish	Any sheen	Any sheen
Style	Modern	Traditional

Real-Life Photos: Gray Cloud vs Gray Owl

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

Benjamin Moore Gray Cloud

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

While they appear similar at first, upon closer inspection you can see Gray Cloud’s cool blue tones vs the warm charcoal look of Gray Owl. Lighting affects their appearance.

Should I Choose Gray Cloud or Gray Owl?

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

Consider Gray Cloud 2126-60 if you want:

A light airy gray with subtle cool undertones
A tranquil, laidback ambiance
Soothing all-over walls for bedrooms and baths
A versatile neutral suitable for any room

Consider Gray Owl OC-52 if you want:

A rich, intense warm gray
Striking accent walls with visual depth
A cozy enveloping feel in living areas
A sophisticated mood with traditional character

Get color samples of both Gray Cloud and Gray Owl. Paint large swatches on your walls to view throughout the day and night. This gives you a sense of how the tones shift in different lighting.

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

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Gray Cloud and Gray Owl paint colors:

Benjamin Moore Gray Cloud

Bathrooms
Bedrooms
Kitchens
Living Rooms
Hallways

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

Accent Walls
Dining Rooms
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices

While both grays work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique cool and warm undertones.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

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

Gray Cloud 2126-60 Pairs Well With:

Crisp whites like Benjamin Moore White Dove
Warm wood tones like oak and birch
Navy blues and light teals
Black and brass metal accents

Gray Owl OC-52 Pairs Well With:

Bright whites like Chantilly Lace
Golden oak wood tones
Vibrant teals, greens and reds
Black wrought iron finishes

Their shared muteness allows bolder accent colors to shine. Play up Gray Cloud’s cool tranquility or Gray Owl’s cozy warmth.

Gray Cloud vs Gray Owl – Which is Better?

So which light gray paint color is better for your home – Gray Cloud or Gray Owl?

Consider Gray Cloud 2126-60 if you want:

A light airy gray with subtle cool undertones
A tranquil, laidback ambiance
Soothing all-over walls for bedrooms and baths
A versatile neutral suitable for any room

Consider Gray Owl OC-52 if you want:

A rich, intense warm gray
Striking accent walls with visual depth
A cozy enveloping feel in living areas
A sophisticated mood with traditional character

Both are stunning, elegant grays that suit varied spaces. Gray Cloud has a relaxed, modern feel. Gray Owl is bold and traditional.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Gray Cloud vs Gray Owl? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Gray Cloud and Gray Owl?

The main differences are their tones and uses. Gray Cloud is a lighter, cool gray for all-over use. Gray Owl is a deeper, intense warm gray perfect for accents.

What colors go well with Gray Owl?

Gray Owl looks beautiful paired with bright whites like Chantilly Lace, warm wood tones, and vibrant accent colors like emerald green and navy blue.

Can you use Gray Cloud in a nursery?

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

Is Gray Owl suitable for southern exposure?

Yes, Gray Owl’s rich 64.51 light reflectance is dark enough for a south facing room. Add in lighter blues and whites to keep the space feeling bright and airy.