When searching for the perfect colorful neutral paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from the same brand. Popular Benjamin Moore choices Palladian Blue HC-144 and Wedgewood Gray HC-146 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, muted colors?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Palladian Blue vs Wedgewood Gray in-depth to help you determine the ideal paint color 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 Palladian Blue and Wedgewood Gray
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore’s Palladian Blue and Wedgewood Gray:
- Undertones – Palladian Blue is a greenish-blue, Wedgewood Gray is a warm gray
- Light Reflectance – Palladian Blue has an LRV of 60.4, Wedgewood Gray has an LRV of 49.59
- Use – Palladian Blue suits modern and traditional styles, Wedgewood Gray fits traditional decor
- Rooms – Palladian Blue excels in kitchens, Wedgewood Gray shines in living rooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Palladian Blue and Wedgewood Gray more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue HC-144
With its cool green-blue appearance, Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue HC-144 creates an elegant backdrop well-suited for varied styles and spaces. This versatile color works across modern and traditional homes.
Here are some details about Palladian Blue:
- LRV: 60.4
- Undertones: Blue-green
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
- Pairs Well With: Warm neutrals, black, white, wood tones
Palladian Blue is a soft periwinkle blue with faint sage undertones. In all lighting it maintains a classic antique blue-green appearance.
The 60.4 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too dark. Palladian Blue gives an open, breathable feel.
This adaptable blue complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Palladian Blue color pairings include:
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
- Crisp white trims
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Brass hardware accents
While suitable anywhere at home, Palladian Blue truly excels in these sleek, serene spaces:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Libraries
Palladian Blue’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating varied styles.
Benjamin Moore Wedgewood Gray HC-146
With its warm gray appearance, Benjamin Moore Wedgewood Gray HC-146 creates an understated backdrop well-suited for accentuating traditional decor. This versatile neutral works in both formal and casual spaces.
Here are some details about Wedgewood Gray:
- LRV: 49.59
- Undertones: Warm gray
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Blues, greens, blacks, wood tones
Wedgewood Gray is a relaxed, soft gray with faint beige undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered mushroom gray. The welcoming neutral has traditional appeal.
The 49.59 light reflectance value prevents the shade from feeling too dark or drab. Wedgewood Gray strikes a cozy yet bright balance suitable for most rooms.
This versatile neutral complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Wedgewood Gray color pairings include:
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Oxford White
- Black accent pieces
- Maple wood finishes
- White trim and mouldings
While suitable anywhere at home, Wedgewood Gray truly excels in these spaces:
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Wedgewood Gray’s warmth helps create a welcoming, traditional feel perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to allow bold colors to stand out.
Comparing Palladian Blue vs Wedgewood Gray
Now that we’ve examined Palladian Blue and Wedgewood Gray independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Palladian Blue and Wedgewood Gray have similar LRVs of 60.4 and 49.59 respectively. Palladian Blue will appear a bit brighter.
Undertones
Here’s where the main difference lies. Palladian Blue is a greenish-blue, while Wedgewood Gray is a warm toned gray.
Use & Rooms
Palladian Blue’s vibrance excels in kitchens and baths. Wedgewood Gray’s warmth is perfect for cozy living rooms.
Availability
Both Palladian Blue and Wedgewood Gray come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.
Palladian Blue vs Wedgewood Gray Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Palladian Blue HC-144 | Wedgewood Gray HC-146 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 60.4 | 49.59 |
| Undertones | Blue-green | Warm gray |
| Use | Kitchens, baths | Living rooms, bedrooms |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Modern, traditional | Traditional |
Real-Life Photos: Palladian Blue vs Wedgewood Gray
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Palladian Blue and Wedgewood Gray:
Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue
Benjamin Moore Wedgewood Gray
While they are both muted tones, Palladian Blue is much brighter and cooler toned than the deeper, warm beige gray Wedgewood Gray. But lighting affects their look.
Should I Choose Palladian Blue or Wedgewood Gray?
So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Palladian Blue or Wedgewood Gray for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Palladian Blue HC-144 if you want:
- A brighter, bolder blue-green tone
- A versatile color suitable for varied spaces
- An airy feel for open concept kitchens
- To allow colors to pop against the backdrop
Choose Wedgewood Gray HC-146 if you want:
- A warmer, beige-influenced gray
- A cozy yet sophisticated neutral for living rooms
- A versatile color that works with traditional decor
- A soft, enveloping backdrop
Get samples of both Palladian Blue and Wedgewood Gray. Paint large sections on your walls viewing at different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.
You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful muted tones that suit many styles.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Palladian Blue and Wedgewood Gray paint colors:
Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Libraries
Benjamin Moore Wedgewood Gray
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Hallways
While both colors work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Palladian Blue and Wedgewood Gray create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:
Palladian Blue HC-144 Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Simply White
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
- Crisp white trims
- Rich wood stains and finishes
- Brass hardware accents
Wedgewood Gray HC-146 Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Oxford White
- Black accent pieces
- Maple wood finishes
- White trim and mouldings
Palladian Blue vs Wedgewood Gray – Which is Better?
So which colorful neutral paint color is better for your home – Palladian Blue or Wedgewood Gray?
Consider Palladian Blue HC-144 if you want:
- A brighter, bolder blue-green tone
- A versatile color suitable for varied spaces
- An airy feel for open concept kitchens
- To allow colors to pop against the backdrop
Consider Wedgewood Gray HC-146 if you want:
- A warmer, beige-influenced gray
- A cozy yet sophisticated neutral for living rooms
- A versatile color that works with traditional decor
- A soft, enveloping backdrop
While Palladian Blue is vibrant, Wedgewood Gray provides subtle warmth. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful Benjamin Moore color you choose will suit your home perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Palladian Blue or Wedgewood Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:
What are the main differences between Palladian Blue and Wedgewood Gray?
The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Palladian Blue is a bolder blue-green while Wedgewood Gray is a warmer, subdued beige-gray.
What colors complement Wedgewood Gray?
Wedgewood Gray looks beautiful paired with light blues, sage greens, black and white patterns, and wood tones for nice contrast.
Can you use Palladian Blue in a bedroom?
Yes, Palladian Blue’s soft antique look would work wonderfully in a bedroom paired with white trim for a relaxing oasis.
Is Wedgewood Gray suitable for northern exposure?
Yes, Wedgewood Gray’s 49.59 LRV provides enough brightness for a north facing room without appearing too dark or drab.
Does Palladian Blue come in semi-gloss finish?
Yes, Palladian Blue is extremely versatile and comes in any sheen from flat matte to semi-gloss to high gloss.
