Wickham Gray vs Gray Owl: What’s the Difference?

When searching for the perfect warm gray paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from the same brand. Popular Benjamin Moore choices Wickham Gray HC-171 and Gray Owl OC-52 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, muted grays?

In this guide, we’ll thoroughly compare Wickham Gray vs Gray Owl 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

Overview of Key Differences

Before getting into the details, here is a quick overview of the main differences between Wickham Gray and Gray Owl:

Undertones – Wickham Gray is a greige, Gray Owl leans brown
Light Reflectance – Wickham Gray LRV is 67.87, Gray Owl LRV is 64.51
Use – Both suit modern and traditional aesthetics
Rooms – Wickham Gray shines in living areas, Gray Owl excels as an accent
Availability – Both come in any sheen

Now let’s explore Wickham Gray and Gray Owl more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray HC-171

With its warm, inviting gray appearance, Wickham Gray HC-171 creates an elegant, welcoming backdrop well-suited for varied rooms and styles. This versatile neutral works across both modern and traditional spaces.

Here are some details about Wickham Gray:

LRV: 67.87
Undertones: Greige
Finishes: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, wood tones

Wickham Gray is a dusty sage gray with subtle taupe undertones. In certain lights it can take on a more green or brown look. This sophisticated neutral has widespread appeal.

The 67.87 light reflectance value prevents Wickham Gray from feeling too dark or heavy. Wickham Gray strikes a refined, tranquil balance suitable for most rooms.

This versatile greige complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Wickham Gray color pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Simply White
Soft blues and grays
Warm wood flooring
Black and brass metal finishes

While suitable anywhere at home, Wickham Gray truly excels in these living spaces:

Living Rooms – Elegant backdrop
Bedrooms – Calm and restful
Dining Rooms – Sophisticated for hosting
Offices – Focused atmosphere

Wickham Gray’s muted tones help create an everyday elegance perfect as an all-over home color. Use it to gently unify varied architectural details.

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52

With its deep, weathered gray appearance, Gray Owl OC-52 adds bold contrast and dimension as an accent color. This dramatic neutral works elegantly across styles from modern to traditional.

Here are some details about Gray Owl:

LRV: 64.51
Undertones: Brown gray
Finishes: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Accent walls, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms
Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, wood tones

Gray Owl is an intense, mineral-inspired brown gray. In any lighting it maintains a saturated sandy charcoal look. This refined neutral has versatile appeal.

The 64.51 light reflectance value makes this color bold without being overpowering. Gray Owl packs visual impact as an accent.

This sophisticated gray pairs nicely with lighter hues. Popular Gray Owl color pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
Soft warm wood tones
Vibrant teals and brick red
White trim and black hardware

While bolder than an all-over color, Gray Owl excels when used strategically in these spaces:

Accent Walls – Striking focal point
Dining Rooms – Elegant for hosting
Living Rooms – Grounding backdrop
Bedrooms – Cozy and enveloping

Gray Owl’s darkness helps add stylish contrast. Use it to make lighter walls and decor pop.

Comparing Wickham Gray vs Gray Owl

Now that we’ve examined Wickham Gray and Gray Owl independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Gray Owl is slightly lighter than Wickham Gray, with LRVs of 64.51 vs 67.87. Gray Owl will feel a bit more bright.

Undertones

Here’s the main difference – Wickham Gray is a taupey greige while Gray Owl is a deeper brown gray.

Use & Rooms

Both suit modern and traditional spaces, though Wickham Gray shines in living areas and Gray Owl excels as an accent.

Availability

Wickham Gray and Gray Owl come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

Style

Wickham Gray is more widely versatile, Gray Owl fits traditional aesthetics best.

Paint Color	Wickham Gray HC-171	Gray Owl OC-52
LRV	67.87	64.51
Undertones	Greige	Brown gray
Use	All-over color	Accents
Finish	Any sheen	Any sheen
Style	Modern, traditional	Mainly traditional

Real-Life Photos: Wickham Gray vs Gray Owl

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Wickham Gray and Gray Owl:

Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

While they may seem similar at first glance, upon closer inspection you can observe Wickham Gray’s subtle greige warmth vs the deep brown gray of Gray Owl. Lighting impacts their look.

Should I Choose Wickham Gray or Gray Owl?

So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Wickham Gray or Gray Owl for your home? Here are a few tips:

Consider Wickham Gray HC-171 if you want:

A warm, inviting greige with taupe undertones
A relaxing, everyday elegance
Restful all-over walls for living areas
Wide-ranging versatility across styles

Consider Gray Owl OC-52 if you want:

A rich, intense brown gray
Striking contrast as an accent wall
A bold traditional aesthetic
A moody, enveloping backdrop

Get color samples of both Wickham Gray and Gray Owl. Paint large swatches on your walls to view throughout the day and night. This gives you a sense of how the tones shift in different lighting.

Also, hold decor items you already own next to the paint samples to envision how they’ll look together. Both grays complement most color palettes beautifully.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms especially well-suited to Wickham Gray and Gray Owl paint colors:

Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray

Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Entryways

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

Accent Walls
Dining Rooms
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Offices

While both grays work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique greige and brown gray tones.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Wickham Gray and Gray Owl make bold statements. Complement them with other hues:

Wickham Gray HC-171 Pairs Well With:

Crisp whites like Chantilly Lace
Soft blues and grays
Warm oak wood tones
Navy blue accent pieces

Gray Owl OC-52 Pairs Well With:

Bright whites like Simply White
Golden oak wood tones
Vibrant teals, greens and reds
Black iron finishes and hardware

Their muteness allows bolder accent colors to shine. Play up Wickham Gray’s relaxed elegance or Gray Owl’s dramatic contrast.

Wickham Gray vs Gray Owl – Which is Better?

So which warm gray paint color is better for your home – Wickham Gray or Gray Owl?

Consider Wickham Gray HC-171 if you want:

A warm, inviting greige with taupe undertones
A relaxing, everyday elegance
Restful all-over walls for living areas
Wide-ranging versatility across styles

Consider Gray Owl OC-52 if you want:

A rich, intense brown gray
Striking contrast as an accent wall
A bold traditional aesthetic
A moody, enveloping backdrop

Both are stunning, sophisticated grays perfect for varied spaces. Wickham Gray has a laidback versatility. Gray Owl makes a dramatic statement.

Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful Benjamin Moore gray you choose will elegantly suit your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Wickham Gray vs Gray Owl? Here are answers to some common questions:

What are the main differences between Wickham Gray and Gray Owl?

The main differences are their tones and uses. Wickham Gray is a lighter, greige-beige for all-over use. Gray Owl is a deep, intense brown gray best for accents.

What colors go well with Wickham Gray?

Wickham Gray looks beautiful paired with bright whites like Chantilly Lace, soft blues and grays, warm oak wood tones, and navy blue accents for contrast.