Benjamin Moore offers gorgeous gray paint colors to suit any style. Two of their most popular are Seapearl OC-19 and Classic Gray OC-23. At first glance, these light-medium grays can appear very similar. But looking closer, there are noticeable differences in undertones and aesthetics.
In this article, we’ll compare Benjamin Moore’s Seapearl vs Classic Gray. We’ll analyze undertones, LRVs, real-world photos, and ideal room pairings. By the end, you’ll understand how these two grays differ and which Benjamin Moore gray works best for your home.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Seapearl and Classic Gray
Before examining all the details, here is an overview of how Seapearl and Classic Gray differ:
- Undertones: Seapearl is a greige, Classic Gray is a blue-gray.
- LRV: Seapearl has an LRV of 76.43, Classic Gray is darker at 73.67.
- Use: Seapearl works well whole-home, Classic Gray better as accent.
- Rooms: Seapearl excels in bedrooms, Classic Gray shines in bathrooms.
Now let’s explore Seapearl vs Classic Gray more closely!
Benjamin Moore Seapearl OC-19
Seapearl OC-19 is a gorgeous greige (gray-beige) paint color with subtle warmth. Its adaptability has broad appeal across styles.
Here are some key details about Seapearl:
- LRV: 76.43
- Undertones: Greige
- Sheen: Available in all paint finishes
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices, dining rooms
- Pairs With: Beiges, blues, browns, grays
Seapearl is a light-medium gray with distinct beige-brown undertones. The subtle greige warmth prevents Seapearl from feeling too stark or cold.
With a 76.43 LRV, Seapearl reflects a moderate amount of light. This keeps the gray appearing uplifting rather than dark and dreary. The beige influence maintains an open, inviting vibe.
This welcoming gray complements a wide variety of color schemes. Especially pleasing combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Oxford White
- Benjamin Moore October Mist
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
While fitting for any room, Seapearl excels when used as the main gray in:
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Entryways
Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23
Classic Gray OC-23 is a gorgeous blue-gray paint color with timeless sophistication. Its crisp neutrality has appeal across styles.
Here are some key details about Classic Gray:
- LRV: 73.67
- Undertones: Blue-gray
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, accent walls
- Pairs With: Whites, blues, grays
Classic Gray is a medium-dark blue-hued gray. The subtle blue influence provides a sharp, crisp look without being too cold.
With an LRV of only 73.67, Classic Gray reflects notably less light than lighter grays. This makes it perfect for adding contrast against surrounding walls and colors. The blue tones keep it uplifting.
Some pleasing combinations with Classic Gray include:
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
- Benjamin Moore October Mist
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
This cooler blue-gray excels when used strategically to accent:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Doors
- Accent walls
- Molding/trim
Comparing Seapearl vs Classic Gray
Now that we’ve explored Seapearl and Classic Gray individually, let’s directly compare the two Benjamin Moore grays:
Light Reflectance
With an LRV of 76.43, Seapearl reflects significantly more light than the 73.67 LRV of Classic Gray. Seapearl will feel brighter and more uplifting.
Undertones
Here is the main difference. Seapearl is a greige with subtle beige-brown tones. Classic Gray is a blue-gray.
Seapearl’s warmth provides a cozy, welcoming vibe. Classic Gray’s blue influence feels crisper and sharper.
Rooms
Seapearl’s versatility makes it great whole-home, especially bedrooms and living rooms. Classic Gray excels as an accent in bathrooms, kitchens, and with dark trim.
Paint Finishes
Both Seapearl and Classic Gray are available in any sheen from matte to high-gloss. They provide beautiful, refined gray finishes.
Seapearl vs Classic Gray Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | Seapearl OC-19 | Classic Gray OC-23 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 76.43 | 73.67 |
| Undertones | Greige | Blue-gray |
| Use | Whole-home color | Accent color |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted in Seapearl and Classic Gray
To better visualize Seapearl vs Classic Gray, let’s look at real rooms painted in the two Benjamin Moore grays:
Seapearl OC-19
Classic Gray OC-23
The images demonstrate how Seapearl takes on a more welcoming, relaxed vibe than sharp Classic Gray. But lighting can make them appear somewhat similar at times.
Should You Choose Seapearl or Classic Gray?
So which Benjamin Moore gray is the better choice for your space – warm Seapearl or cool Classic Gray? Here are some tips for deciding:
Pick Seapearl OC-19 if you want:
- A light-medium greige with cozy warmth
- Inviting, livable feel for bedrooms and living rooms
- Available in any paint finish and sheen
- A calming backdrop with beige-brown tones
Choose Classic Gray OC-23 if you want:
- A medium blue-gray with crisp sophistication
- Cool accent for bathrooms, kitchens, and doors
- Significant contrast against lighter walls
- A neutral that adds definition and clarity
If still uncertain between the two grays, get samples and paint large swatches on your walls. View throughout daylight before deciding. Also pair with your existing furnishings and color scheme.
Either Benjamin Moore gray you select will provide refined elegance. But the minor differences mean one likely better suits your goals and style.
Ideal Room Applications
Here are some rooms that typically suit Seapearl and Classic Gray best:
Seapearl OC-19
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Classic Gray OC-23
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Doors and trim
- Accent walls
- Foyers
With their versatile grays, Seapearl and Classic Gray can work in any space. But the above applications tend to maximize their individual strengths.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Seapearl and Classic Gray create peaceful backdrops for any home. Complement them with other paint colors and decor for gorgeous rooms:
Seapearl Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (trim/ceilings)
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (accent wall)
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (furniture)
- Warm wood tones
Classic Gray Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (trim/cabinets)
- Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal (accent wall)
- Benjamin Moore October Mist (furniture)
- Chrome or nickel fixtures
Seapearl vs Classic Gray – Which Gray is Best for You?
When choosing between Seapearl and Classic Gray, consider your goals and style:
Pick Seapearl OC-19 if you want:
- A light-medium greige suitable for whole-home use
- Welcoming warmth ideal for bedrooms and living rooms
- Available in any sheen from matte to high-gloss
- A calming backdrop with beige-brown tones
Choose Classic Gray OC-23 if you want:
- A medium blue-gray used strategically as an accent
- Cool sophistication for bathrooms, kitchens, and trim
- Significant contrast against surrounding colors
- A neutral that adds definition and clarity
While the two grays share similarities, the minor differences mean one likely better suits your space. Get large samples before deciding between cozy Seapearl and crisp Classic Gray.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Seapearl vs Classic Gray? Here are answers to common questions:
Does Seapearl have green undertones?
No, Seapearl does not have distinct green undertones. It is a greige with subtle beige-brown tones, not green. The warmth provides a cozy, welcoming look.
What colors pair well with Classic Gray walls?
Classic Gray looks gorgeous with clean whites, navy blues, and charcoal blacks. Its coolness also complements warm woods, tans, creams, and terra cottas beautifully.
Which Benjamin Moore gray has higher LRV?
With an LRV of 76.43, Seapearl reflects notably more light than Classic Gray at 73.67 LRV. Seapearl will feel brighter and less somber.
Can you use Classic Gray in a bedroom?
Yes, Classic Gray can work in bedrooms, but typically shines more as an accent wall color. Paired with light airy walls, it adds nice contrast without feeling too bold.
Is Seapearl suited for kitchens?
Definitely! While Classic Gray is more popular for kitchens, warm tranquil Seapearl also provides a beautiful backdrop for cooking spaces needing a relaxed vibe.
Conclusion
When comparing Benjamin Moore’s Seapearl vs Classic Gray, the main differences come down to undertones and aesthetics.
- Seapearl is a greige with cozy warmth ideal for whole-home use in bedrooms and living rooms.
- Classic Gray is a blue-gray that excels as an accent color in bathrooms, kitchens, and with trim.
While the two grays share some similarities, the contrasts in undertone and formality help one likely better suit your goals. Consider your space and needs when deciding between warm Seapearl and cool accent Classic Gray. With large samples, you’ll discover your perfect Benjamin Moore gray with certainty!
