Light Pewter vs Classic Gray: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect neutral gray paint color, two Benjamin Moore favorites often top the list – Light Pewter 1464 and Classic Gray OC-23. At first glance they may appear similar, but differences emerge upon closer inspection.

In this article, we’ll analyze Light Pewter and Classic Gray in depth. We’ll compare undertones, light reflectance, real photos, and ideal room pairings. Read on to determine if soft Light Pewter or versatile Classic Gray is the best neutral gray paint for your home.

Key Differences Between Light Pewter and Classic Gray

Before diving into the nuances, here are the main differences between Light Pewter and Classic Gray:

Undertones – Light Pewter is a cool gray, Classic Gray is a warm gray
Light Reflectance – Light Pewter has an LRV of 67.52, Classic Gray has an LRV of 73.67
Use – Light Pewter for modern and contemporary spaces, Classic Gray for versatile style
Rooms – Light Pewter ideal for sophisticated homes, Classic Gray suits any room

Now let’s explore Light Pewter and Classic Gray more closely.

Benjamin Moore Light Pewter 1464

With its soft gray appearance, Light Pewter 1464 creates a gorgeous refined backdrop. This elegant gray has broad appeal.

Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore’s Light Pewter:

LRV: 67.52
Undertones: Cool blues
Finish: Available in all paint sheens
Rooms: Whole home color, especially living rooms and bedrooms
Pairings: Grays, blues, greens

Light Pewter is a light-medium gray with subtle hints of blue. In different lighting, it can read as more blue, green or neutral gray. But its overall effect is an elegant, sophisticated gray for refined spaces.

With a 67.52 light reflectance value, Light Pewter provides a decent amount of light reflectance for a gray. The cool blue influence creates a soothing, tranquil mood.

The elegance and adaptability of Light Pewter is one of its greatest strengths. This refined color pairs effortlessly with both warm and cool accents. Especially popular combinations include:

Benjamin Moore White Dove
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Benjamin Moore October Mist
Benjamin Moore Mountain Road

Use Light Pewter to create serene, livable spaces. This cool gray backdrop helps rooms feel residential yet sophisticated. It works in any area but is especially suited to:

Living rooms
Bedrooms
Dining rooms
Offices
Hallways

Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23

With its gray appearance accented by subtle warmth, Classic Gray OC-23 creates a versatile backdrop. This greige has enormous popularity.

Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore Classic Gray:

LRV: 73.67
Undertones: Warm grays
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Any room in the home
Pairings: All colors

Classic Gray is a gray with faint hints of brown or taupe influence. In most lighting, it appears as a true gray. But its subtle warmth gives it more versatility than many cooler grays.

With a 73.67 light reflectance value, Classic Gray supplies moderate brightness for a gray. The slight warmness makes it highly adaptable for any design scheme or style. Popular pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Benjamin Moore Simply White

Thanks to its adaptability, Classic Gray works well in any room of the home. Its greige tone creates a versatile backdrop for accent colors to pop. Use it in:

Living rooms
Dining rooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
Kitchens
Offices

Comparing Light Pewter vs. Classic Gray

Now that we’ve examined their unique traits, let’s directly compare Light Pewter and Classic Gray:

Light Reflectance

Light Pewter and Classic Gray have very similar light reflectance at 67.52 and 73.67 LRV respectively. Both offer a decent level of illumination for deeper grays.

Undertones

This is a key distinction. Light Pewter has cool blue-gray undertones, while Classic Gray has subtle warm undertones.

The coolness of Light Pewter gives it an elegant, refined effect. Classic Gray’s greige tone provides versatile warmth.

Use

Light Pewter works well for sophisticated, modern spaces seeking a cooler gray. Classic Gray’s greige adapts well as a whole home neutral.

Paint Finish

Both Light Pewter and Classic Gray come in any sheen from matte to high gloss. They allow for beautiful sophisticated finishes.

Light Pewter vs. Classic Gray Comparison Chart

Here is an overview of how Light Pewter and Classic Gray compare:

Paint Color	Light Pewter 1464	Classic Gray OC-23
LRV	67.52	73.67
Undertones	Cool blues	Warm grays
Use	Modern, sophisticated	Versatile neutral
Sheen	Any finish	Any finish
Style	Contemporary, modern	Transitional, traditional

Real Photos: Light Pewter vs Classic Gray

To better visualize the differences, here are real photos of Light Pewter and Classic Gray:

Light Pewter

Classic Gray

As shown, Light Pewter is cooler in tone while Classic Gray is warmer and more neutral. But lighting affects their appearance significantly.

Should I Choose Light Pewter or Classic Gray?

So how do you decide between Light Pewter vs Classic Gray for your home? Here are some helpful tips:

Consider Light Pewter if you want:

A gray with subtle cool blue undertones
A sophisticated, elegant backdrop
To pair with other cool greys and blues
A refined look for modern spaces

Consider Classic Gray if you want:

A warmer versatile gray with greige tones
A whole home neutral
To complement a range of color schemes
A transitional style backdrop

As with any close paint decision, get samples and test Light Pewter and Classic Gray on your walls before deciding.

Both of these popular gray paint colors create elegant backdrops.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are rooms well-suited to showcasing Light Pewter and Classic Gray:

Light Pewter 1464

Modern living rooms
Contemporary bedrooms
Dining rooms
Offices
Bathrooms

Classic Gray OC-23

Living rooms
Dining rooms
Bedrooms
Entryways
Any room!

Light Pewter fits best in refined modern spaces, while versatile Classic Gray works anywhere. Both provide beautiful neutral canvases to build upon.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

Light Pewter and Classic Gray create sophisticated, welcoming backdrops. Pair them with these colors:

Light Pewter Color Pairings

Benjamin Moore White Dove (white)
Benjamin Moore October Mist (green)
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (blue)
Medium wood tones

Classic Gray Color Pairings

Benjamin Moore Simply White (white)
Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green (green)
Benjamin Moore Essex Green (green)
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (gray)

Light Pewter vs Classic Gray: Which is Best for Your Home?

So which neutral gray paint color works best in your home – Light Pewter or Classic Gray? Consider the following:

Choose Light Pewter if you want:

A cooler gray with hints of blue
A sophisticated and elegant backdrop
A refined look for modern spaces and styles

Choose Classic Gray if you want:

A greige with warm gray beige tones
A flexible and versatile neutral
A whole home color that works anywhere
A transitional style backdrop

While Light Pewter offers cool elegance, Classic Gray provides adaptable warmth. Test them in your home before deciding! Either way, you’ll end up with a beautiful sophisticated gray.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Light Pewter vs Classic Gray? Here are helpful answers:

Does Light Pewter have green or blue undertones?

Light Pewter is predominantly a blue-gray, with subtle hints of blue and green coming through depending on the lighting. The overall effect is a cool sophisticated gray.

What colors complement Classic Gray?

Thanks to its neutral greige tone, Classic Gray pairs beautifully with any color from deep blues to bright whites.

Should I use Light Pewter in a north facing room?

Yes, Light Pewter would work well in a north facing room without much natural light. Its cooler tone and decent light reflectance will brighten the space.

Can Classic Gray be used in bathrooms?

Definitely! Classic Gray is a versatile paint color that works well in any room of the home including bathrooms. Its greige warmth is soothing and welcoming.