Benjamin Moore offers gorgeous, versatile neutral paint colors perfect for any home. Two of their most popular are the warm beige Pale Oak OC-20 and the organic gray Edgecomb Gray HC-173. Both create welcoming, livable backdrops that suit a wide range of styles. But what’s the difference between Pale Oak vs Edgecomb Gray? And how do you choose the best one for your space?
In this guide, we’ll do an in-depth comparison of these two Benjamin Moore favorites. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance values (LRV), real-life photos, and ideal room applications for each neutral paint color. Read on to determine whether warm Pale Oak or cooler Edgecomb Gray is the right paint color for your home’s interior.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Pale Oak and Edgecomb Gray
Before diving into specifics, here are the main differences between Pale Oak OC-20 and Edgecomb Gray HC-173 at a glance:
- Undertones – Pale Oak has warm yellow-beige undertones, Edgecomb Gray has cool green-gray undertones
- LRV – Pale Oak has an LRV of 68.64, Edgecomb Gray has an LRV of 63.09
- Use – Pale Oak complements traditional styles, Edgecomb Gray suits transitional rooms
- Rooms – Pale Oak excels in cozy spaces, Edgecomb Gray versatile use
Now let’s explore Pale Oak and Edgecomb Gray more closely.
Benjamin Moore Pale Oak OC-20
A creamy beige neutral, Pale Oak OC-20 creates a cozy, welcoming backdrop suitable for a wide range of styles. This versatile color complements designs from farmhouse to modern.
Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore Pale Oak:
- LRV: 68.64
- Undertones: Yellow beige
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices
- Color Pairings: Browns, blues, grays
Featuring soft yellow-beige undertones, Pale Oak shifts between creamy ivory to pale beige depending on lighting. This warmth gives Pale Oak a soothing, calming vibe.
At 68.64 light reflectance, Pale Oak reflects ample illumination for most rooms. The subtle beige influence contributes to its gentle, inviting feel.
Use Pale Oak OC-20 to create a cozy yet uplifting backdrop. This versatile off-white works beautifully across many home spaces:
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Dining Rooms
Some colors that pair perfectly with Pale Oak include:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Benjamin Moore Mascarpone
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173
A bestselling neutral paint color, Edgecomb Gray HC-173 is a versatile warm gray that creates a welcoming, organic backdrop. This adaptable color complements styles from modern to farmhouse.
Here are some details about Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray:
- LRV: 63.09
- Undertones: Green with brown tones
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices
- Color Pairings: Tans, browns, blues
With distinct green undertones infused with subtle brown, Edgecomb Gray has a natural, earthy appearance. Depending on lighting it can read as a soft sage green-gray or deeper charcoal gray with green cast. This adaptability makes Edgecomb Gray highly versatile across styles.
At 63.09 light reflectance, Edgecomb Gray reflects enough light for most rooms without being too bright. The organic nature gives Edgecomb Gray a cozy warmth perfect for bedrooms and relaxed spaces.
Use Edgecomb Gray to create a casual, welcoming backdrop. Its versatility allows it to coordinate beautifully with colors like tans, browns, blues and cream. It looks especially pleasing in these applications:
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Dining Rooms
- Bathrooms
Some colors that pair particularly well with Edgecomb Gray include:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue
- Benjamin Moore Desert Twilight
Comparing Pale Oak vs Edgecomb Gray
Now that we’ve looked at Pale Oak and Edgecomb Gray paint colors individually, let’s compare them directly:
Light Reflectance
Pale Oak is noticeably lighter than Edgecomb Gray, with LRVs of 68.64 vs 63.09 respectively. Pale Oak will make a space feel more open.
Undertones
Pale Oak has warm yellow-beige undertones, while Edgecomb Gray has cooler green with slight brown. Pale Oak feels cheery, Edgecomb Gray relaxed.
Use
The cozy warmth of Pale Oak suits traditional farmhouse styles. Edgecomb Gray’s versatility works across modern, traditional, and boho aesthetics.
Rooms
Pale Oak’s brightness is perfect for airy kitchens and living rooms. Edgecomb Gray’s depth excels in cozy bedrooms and offices.
Paint Finish
Benjamin Moore offers both Pale Oak and Edgecomb Gray in any sheen from flat matte to high gloss.
Pairings
Pale Oak coordinates well with tans, blues, and wood tones. Edgecomb Gray pairs beautifully with cream, navy, and brown.
Pale Oak vs Edgecomb Gray Comparison Chart
Here is an overview comparison of key differences between Pale Oak OC-20 and Edgecomb Gray HC-173:
| Paint Color | Pale Oak OC-20 | Edgecomb Gray HC-173 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 68.64 | 63.09 |
| Undertones | Yellow beige | Green with brown |
| Use | Traditional, farmhouse | Transitional, versatile |
| Rooms | Bright kitchens, living rooms | Cozy bedrooms, offices |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
| Pairings | Tans, blues, woods | Cream, navy, brown |
Real Life Photos: Pale Oak vs Edgecomb Gray
To give a sense of how Pale Oak and Edgecomb Gray compare in actual spaces, let’s look at real life photos of the paint colors:
Pale Oak OC-20
Edgecomb Gray HC-173
In real world spaces, Pale Oak appears lighter, warmer and more beige-toned than the deeper, greener Edgecomb Gray. But different lighting can affect their look. Overall, Pale Oak reads cheery and Edgecomb Gray earthy.
Should I Choose Pale Oak or Edgecomb Gray?
So how do you decide between Pale Oak vs Edgecomb Gray for your home’s interior? Here are a few tips:
Consider Pale Oak OC-20 if you want:
- A light creamy beige with yellow tones
- A bright, cheerful ambiance
- To complement farmhouse and traditional styles
- A versatile neutral suitable for whole-home use
Consider Edgecomb Gray HC-173 if you want:
- A relaxed green-influenced gray
- A cozier, intimate feel for bedrooms
- An organic earthy-toned backdrop
- A versatile color that works across many styles
To choose, get paint swatches and view in your actual space. See how lighting affects each color at different times of day. Also paint large samples on walls to compare directly.
While both are beautiful neutrals, Pale Oak fits traditional rooms wanting light and cheery warmth. Edgecomb Gray provides cozy versatility.
Best Rooms for Pale Oak and Edgecomb Gray
Here are rooms that Pale Oak OC-20 and Edgecomb Gray HC-173 are often perfectly suited for:
Pale Oak OC-20
- Living Rooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Hallways
Edgecomb Gray HC-173
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Den/libraries
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
Of course both can work in any space. But the above applications take advantage of Pale Oak’s bright openness and Edgecomb Gray’s cozy warmth.
Design Ideas Using Pale Oak and Edgecomb Gray
On their own, Pale Oak and Edgecomb Gray create simple backdrops. Use other paint colors, textures and decor to make complete room designs:
Pale Oak Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (trim/ceiling)
- Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray (accent wall)
- Cherry wood furniture
- Navy and cream textiles
Edgecomb Gray Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (accent wall)
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (trim)
- Light oak wood floors
- Woven textures and earth toned fabrics
Pale Oak vs Edgecomb Gray: Which is Better for Your Home?
Is cheery Pale Oak or earthy Edgecomb Gray the better Benjamin Moore paint color for your space? It depends on your goals and style:
Consider Pale Oak if you want:
- A bright creamy beige neutral
- A light, uplifting ambiance
- To complement farmhouse/traditional styles
- A versatile all-purpose neutral
Consider Edgecomb Gray if you want:
- A cozy earthy green-influenced gray
- An inviting backdrop for bedrooms
- Organic warmth suitable across many styles
- A gray with more depth than very pale tones
Pale Oak shines in sunny living spaces and whole home plans. Edgecomb Gray excels in bedrooms and more intimate areas.
Be sure to get large in-home paint samples before deciding. Both are stunning versatile neutrals – choose the one that fulfills your goals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about Pale Oak OC-20 and Edgecomb Gray HC-173:
What are the main differences between Pale Oak and Edgecomb Gray?
The main differences are their undertones and lightness. Pale Oak is a warm, bright beige. Edgecomb Gray is a cooler, deeper green-influenced gray.
Does Pale Oak have any gray in it?
No, Pale Oak does not have perceptible gray undertones. It stays firmly in the beige color family with yellow influencing its creamy ivory look.
What colors go well with Edgecomb Gray?
Colors like cream, light blue, navy, and even pale sage green complement Edgecomb Gray beautifully. Its green undertone provides great versatility.
Can you use Pale Oak in a bathroom?
Absolutely. At 68.64 LRV, Pale Oak avoids looking too dark. Its soft beige tones give bathrooms a clean, soothing warmth.
Is Edgecomb Gray suitable for kitchens?
Yes, Edgecomb Gray can work wonderfully in kitchens. Its 63.09 LRV isn’t too light or dark. And green grays provide an earthy, relaxing feel.
