Searching for the perfect light greige paint color? Two popular options from Benjamin Moore – Gray Owl OC-52 and Stonington Gray HC-170 – appear very similar on the surface. But what really distinguishes these two gorgeous, muted greys?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Gray Owl vs Stonington Gray in-depth to help you choose the ideal light greige 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 Gray Owl and Stonington Gray
Before getting into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl and Stonington Gray:
- Undertones – Gray Owl is a cooler greige, Stonington Gray is a warmer greige
- Light Reflectance – Gray Owl has an LRV of 64.51, Stonington Gray has an LRV of 59.36
- Use – Gray Owl suits modern styles, Stonington Gray leans traditional
- Rooms – Gray Owl excels in bedrooms, Stonington Gray shines in dining rooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Gray Owl and Stonington Gray more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52
With its adaptable greige appearance, Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52 creates a flexible backdrop that works across varied styles and spaces. This versatile greige gracefully transitions throughout your home.
Here are some key details about Gray Owl:
- LRV: 64.51
- Undertones: Greige
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, baths, offices
- Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, warm woods, black, metallics
Gray Owl is a hushed, misty greige that maintains the same restful tone across lighting conditions. The harmonious color has widespread appeal.
The 64.51 light reflectance value gives Gray Owl a moody flexibility that isn’t too dark or too stark. It’s muted without feeling flat or gloomy.
As a flexible greige, Gray Owl complements both cool and warm palettes nicely. Popular combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Black metal fixtures and accents
- White oak and walnut wood tones
- Polished brass hardware
- Navy blue accent walls
Gray Owl excels as an adaptable, livable greige that beautifully bridges varied rooms and styles.
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170
With its subtle warmth and versatility, Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 creates an elegant greige backdrop perfect for traditional and transitional spaces. This refined greige has timeless appeal.
Here are some details about Stonington Gray:
- LRV: 59.36
- Undertones: Warm greige
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, studies
- Pairs Well With: Antique furnishings, wood tones, creams
Stonington Gray is a gentle warm greige that maintains its welcoming yet refined appearance under any lighting. The versatile color works across formal spaces.
The 59.36 light reflectance value gives Stonington Gray a stately polish that still feels soft and approachable. It’s ideal for elegant rooms.
This transitional greige pairs beautifully with other traditional colors like:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Soft taupes and tans
- Aged brass and gold accents
- Rich walnut and mahogany woods
- Crisp white trims
Stonington Gray elegantly excels in more formal living areas:
- Dining Rooms
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Studies
- Entryways and Foyers
Stonington Gray’s understated greige warmth lends any space a timeless, stately feel. Use it to provide an upscale neutral backdrop day or night.
Comparing Gray Owl vs Stonington Gray
Now that we’ve looked at Gray Owl and Stonington Gray independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Gray Owl and Stonington Gray have similar LRVs of 64.51 and 59.36 respectively. Stonington Gray reads marginally lighter.
Undertones
Gray Owl is a cooler, truer greige while Stonington Gray has warm undertones. Their subtle tonal difference is key.
Use & Rooms
Gray Owl adapts anywhere, especially modern bedrooms. Stonington Gray suits traditional spaces like dining rooms elegantly.
Availability
Both Gray Owl and Stonington Gray come in any sheen.
Gray Owl vs Stonington Gray Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Gray Owl OC-52 | Stonington Gray HC-170 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 64.51 | 59.36 |
| Undertones | Cooler greige | Warm greige |
| Use | Adaptable | Traditional |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Modern, transitional, traditional | Traditional, transitional |
Real-Life Photos: Gray Owl vs Stonington Gray
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Gray Owl and Stonington Gray:
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
While both are light greiges, Stonington Gray has subtle warm peach undertones, while Gray Owl appears cooler and mistier. Light affects their look.
Should I Choose Gray Owl or Stonington Gray?
So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl or Stonington Gray for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Gray Owl OC-52 if you want:
- A cooler, more adaptable greige
- A moodier, more modern feel
- Flexibility across varied spaces
- A seamless transitional hue
Choose Stonington Gray HC-170 if you want:
- A warmer, inviting greige backdrop
- Elegance for traditional interiors
- A light, uplifting neutral
- A refined but approachable feel
Get large samples of both paint colors. Paint swatches on walls viewing during different lighting. This gives you the best sense of their adaptability and warmth before deciding.
You can also move decor next to the swatches to visualize the overall look. While comparable, the two greiges suit different aesthetics.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms especially well-suited to Gray Owl and Stonington Gray paint colors:
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Offices
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
- Dining Rooms
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Studies
- Entryways and Foyers
While both greiges work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths and undertones.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Gray Owl and Stonington Gray create beautiful neutral backdrops. Complement them with palettes that play to their strengths:
Gray Owl OC-52 Pairings
- Crisp bright whites
- Black metal fixtures
- White oak and walnut wood tones
- Polished brass hardware
- Navy blue accent walls
Stonington Gray HC-170 Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Soft taupes and tans
- Aged brass and gold accents
- Rich walnut and mahogany woods
- Crisp white trims
Gray Owl vs Stonington Gray – Which is Better?
So which light greige paint color is better for your home – Gray Owl or Stonington Gray?
Choose Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52 if you want:
- A cool, adaptable greige
- A moodier, more modern feel
- Versatility across styles and rooms
- A seamless transitional hue
Choose Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 if you prefer:
- A warm, inviting greige backdrop
- Elegance for traditional interiors
- A light, uplifting neutral
- A refined but approachable feel
While comparable, Gray Owl is more flexible and Stonington Gray more traditional. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful light greige Benjamin Moore hue you choose is sure to suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Gray Owl or Stonington Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:
What’s the main difference between Gray Owl and Stonington Gray?
The main difference is Gray Owl has a cooler, more modern undertone while Stonington Gray is warmer and more traditional. They have similar depth.
Does Stonington Gray come in eggshell finish?
Yes, Stonington Gray’s versatility makes it available in any sheen from matte eggshell to high gloss.
Can you use Gray Owl in a dining room?
Definitely, Gray Owl’s subtle greige color would complement a dining room nicely paired with crisp whites and walnut wood tones for an elegant modern feel.
Is Stonington Gray suitable for southern exposure?
Yes, Stonington Gray’s 59.36 LRV and warm undertone allow it to handle abundant sunlight from southern exposures nicely.
What colors pair well with Gray Owl walls?
Gray Owl looks gorgeous with bright whites, modern black and metal accents, brass hardware, white oak and walnut wood tones, and navy blue focal points.
