Searching for the perfect warm, welcoming gray paint color? Two popular options from Benjamin Moore – Metropolitan AF-690 and Stonington Gray HC-170 – appear very similar on the surface. But what really distinguishes these two elegant grays?
In this guide, we’ll compare Metropolitan vs Stonington Gray thoroughly to help you determine the best warm 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
Key Differences Between Metropolitan and Stonington Gray
Before getting into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore’s Metropolitan and Stonington Gray:
- Undertones – Metropolitan is a greige, Stonington Gray is a warm gray
- Light Reflectance – Metropolitan has an LRV of 49.96, Stonington Gray has an LRV of 59.36
- Use – Metropolitan suits varied styles, Stonington Gray excels in traditionals
- Rooms – Metropolitan shines in living rooms, Stonington Gray works well in dining rooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Metropolitan and Stonington Gray more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Metropolitan AF-690
With its adaptable greige-gray appearance, Benjamin Moore Metropolitan AF-690 creates an inviting backdrop that feels both historical and fresh. This versatile gray gracefully transitions across varied styles and spaces.
Here are some key details about Metropolitan:
- LRV: 49.96
- Undertones: Greige
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, studies, entryways
- Pairs Well With: Warm metals, wood tones, black and white
Metropolitan is a relaxed tannish gray with faint beige undertones. It maintains versatility across different lighting conditions. The harmonious color has wide appeal.
The 49.96 light reflectance value gives Metropolitan flexibility without seeming too dark or drab. It feels bright yet grounded.
As a versatile greige-gray, Metropolitan complements both cool and warm palettes nicely. Popular combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
- Polished nickel or chrome
- Oak and walnut wood finishes
- Matte black fixtures and hardware
- Crisp white trims and mouldings
Metropolitan excels as a warm, welcoming backdrop that gracefully bridges historical and contemporary spaces.
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170
With its subtle warmth and versatility, Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 creates an elegant gray backdrop perfect for traditional and transitional spaces. This refined gray has timeless appeal.
Here are some details about Stonington Gray:
- LRV: 59.36
- Undertones: Warm gray
- 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 gray 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 gray 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 warmth lends any space a timeless, stately feel. Use it to provide an upscale neutral backdrop day or night.
Comparing Metropolitan vs Stonington Gray
Now that we’ve examined Metropolitan and Stonington Gray independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Metropolitan and Stonington Gray have similar LRVs of 49.96 and 59.36 respectively. Metropolitan reads slightly lighter.
Undertones
Metropolitan leans greige while Stonington Gray is a warmer true gray. Their subtle tonal difference is key.
Use & Rooms
Metropolitan’s versatility excels in living rooms. Stonington Gray suits traditional dining spaces.
Availability
Both Metropolitan and Stonington Gray come in any sheen.
Metropolitan vs Stonington Gray Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Metropolitan AF-690 | Stonington Gray HC-170 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 49.96 | 59.36 |
| Undertones | Greige | Warm gray |
| Use | Versatile, transitional | Traditional |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Transitional, modern, traditional | Traditional, transitional |
Real-Life Photos: Metropolitan vs Stonington Gray
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Metropolitan and Stonington Gray:
Benjamin Moore Metropolitan
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
While both are warm grays, Metropolitan has more greige undertones, while Stonington Gray appears as a warmer true gray. Lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Metropolitan or Stonington Gray?
So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Metropolitan or Stonington Gray for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Metropolitan AF-690 if you want:
- A greige-gray with versatility
- Adaptability across varied styles
- A moodier, more nuanced backdrop
- Subtle and relaxed sophistication
Choose Stonington Gray HC-170 if you want:
- A warm but true gray
- An elegant backdrop for traditionals
- A light, welcoming neutral
- Timeless refinement
Get large samples of both paint colors. Paint swatches on walls viewing during different lighting. This gives you the best sense of their warmth and greige undertones before deciding.
You can also move decor next to the swatches to visualize the overall look. While similar, the two grays suit different aesthetics.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms especially well-suited to Metropolitan and Stonington Gray paint colors:
Benjamin Moore Metropolitan
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Studies
- Entryways
Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray
- Dining Rooms
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Studies
- Entryways and Foyers
While both grays work well throughout the home, the above spaces optimize each paint color’s unique strengths and undertones.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Metropolitan and Stonington Gray create beautiful backdrops. Complement them with palettes that enhance their elegance:
Metropolitan AF-690 Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray
- Polished metals like nickel
- Oak and walnut wood tones
- Matte black fixtures and hardware
- Crisp white trims and mouldings
Stonington Gray HC-170 Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Soft taupes and tans
- Aged brass and gold accents
- Rich mahogany woods
- Crisp white trims
Metropolitan vs Stonington Gray – Which is Better?
So which warm gray paint color is better for your home – Metropolitan or Stonington Gray?
Choose Benjamin Moore Metropolitan AF-690 if you want:
- A greige-gray with subtle versatility
- Adaptability across varied styles
- A moodier, more nuanced backdrop
- Relaxed sophistication
Choose Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 if you prefer:
- A warm but true gray
- An elegant backdrop for traditionals
- A light, welcoming neutral
- Timeless refinement
While comparable, Metropolitan has more versatility and Stonington Gray more traditional refinement. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful warm Benjamin Moore gray you choose is sure to suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Metropolitan or Stonington Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:
What’s the main difference between Metropolitan and Stonington Gray?
The main difference is Metropolitan has greige undertones making it subtly versatile, while Stonington Gray is a warmer true gray that excels in traditionals.
Does Metropolitan come in satin finish?
Yes, Metropolitan’s adaptability makes it available in any sheen from matte flat to soft satin to high gloss semi-gloss.
Can you use Stonington Gray in a kitchen?
Definitely, Stonington Gray’s elegant warmth would complement a kitchen nicely paired with cream cabinets and brass hardware for a welcoming traditional feel.
Is Metropolitan suitable for northern exposure?
Yes, Metropolitan’s 49.96 LRV and greige tone brighten up a north facing room beautifully. Add ample lighting as needed.
What wall colors go well with Stonington Gray?
Stonington Gray looks gorgeous with crisp bright whites, soft tans and taupes, aged brass accents, rich mahogany woods, and bright white trims.
