Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray vs Stonington Gray

When searching for the perfect light gray paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades. Popular Benjamin Moore choices Wickham Gray HC-171 and Stonington Gray HC-170 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful light grays?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Wickham Gray vs Stonington Gray in-depth to help you determine the ideal neutral paint 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 Wickham Gray and Stonington Gray

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore’s Wickham Gray and Stonington Gray:

Undertones – Wickham Gray is a cool gray, Stonington Gray is a warm gray
Light Reflectance – Wickham Gray has an LRV of 67.87, Stonington Gray has an LRV of 59.36
Use – Wickham Gray suits modern styles, Stonington Gray fits traditional decor
Rooms – Wickham Gray excels in open concept spaces, Stonington Gray shines in bedrooms
Availability – Both come in all paint sheens

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

Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray HC-171

With its understated gray appearance, Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray HC-171 creates an elegant backdrop well-suited for open, contemporary spaces. This versatile neutral works across styles.

Here are some details about Wickham Gray:

LRV: 67.87
Undertones: Cool gray
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Whole home color, especially living rooms, kitchens, and hallways
Pairs Well With: Pops of color, black and white, wood tones

Wickham Gray is a hushed dove gray with the slightest hint of blue undertone. In all lighting it maintains its understated gray appearance.

The 67.87 light reflectance value provides ideal illumination without being too stark. Wickham Gray gives an open, breathable feel.

This adaptable neutral complements a wide variety of colors from bold to muted. Popular Wickham Gray color pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
Benjamin Moore White Dove
Crisp white trims
Rich wood stains and finishes
Navy blue accents

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

Living Rooms
Kitchens
Hallways
Open Floor Plans
Bathrooms

Wickham Gray’s versatility helps create a relaxing yet fresh backdrop, perfect for accentuating contemporary styles.

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170

With its warm dove gray appearance, Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 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 Stonington Gray:

LRV: 59.36
Undertones: Warm gray
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Blues, greens, blacks, wood tones

Stonington Gray is a relaxed, soft gray with faint beige undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered charcoal or warm slate gray. The welcoming neutral has traditional appeal.

The 59.36 light reflectance value prevents the shade from feeling too dark or moody. Stonington Gray strikes a cozy yet bright balance suitable for most rooms.

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

Benjamin Moore Moroccan Blue
Benjamin Moore Belleforet Green
Black accent pieces
Aged wood finishes
White trim and mouldings

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

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Libraries

Stonington 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 Wickham Gray vs Stonington Gray

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

Light Reflectance

Wickham Gray and Stonington Gray have very similar LRVs of 67.87 and 59.36 respectively. They offer nearly identical illumination.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Wickham Gray is a cooler gray, while Stonington Gray is subtly warm-toned.

Use & Rooms

Wickham Gray’s modern crispness excels in open living areas and kitchens. Stonington Gray’s cozy warmth is perfect for bedrooms and offices.

Availability

Both Wickham Gray and Stonington Gray come in any sheen from flat matte to high gloss semi-gloss.

Wickham Gray vs Stonington Gray Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Wickham Gray HC-171	Stonington Gray HC-170
LRV	67.87	59.36
Undertones	Cool gray	Warm gray
Use	Contemporary spaces	Traditional rooms
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Modern, contemporary	Traditional, classic

Real-Life Photos: Wickham Gray vs Stonington Gray

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

Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

While they can overlap, Wickham Gray generally appears slightly crisper and cooler than the subtle warm beige tone of Stonington Gray. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Wickham Gray or Stonington Gray?

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

Choose Wickham Gray HC-171 if you want:

A cooler, crisper light gray
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
An airy feel for open concept rooms
To allow colors to pop against the backdrop

Choose Stonington Gray HC-170 if you want:

A slightly warmer, beige-influenced gray
A cozy yet sophisticated neutral for bedrooms
A versatile color that works with traditional decor
A soft, welcoming backdrop

Get samples of both Wickham Gray and Stonington 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 light gray tones that suit many styles.

Ideal Room Pairings

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

Benjamin Moore Wickham Gray

Living Rooms
Kitchens
Hallways
Open Floor Plans
Bathrooms

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray

Bedrooms
Living Rooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Libraries

While both grays work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Wickham Gray and Stonington Gray create peaceful backdrops. Complement them with other colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Wickham Gray HC-171 Pairings

Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
Benjamin Moore White Dove
Crisp white trims
Rich wood stains and finishes
Navy blue accents

Stonington Gray HC-170 Pairings

Benjamin Moore Moroccan Blue
Benjamin Moore Belleforet Green
Black accent pieces
Aged wood finishes
White trim and mouldings

Wickham Gray vs Stonington Gray – Which is Better?

So which light gray paint color is better for your home – Wickham Gray or Stonington Gray?

Consider Wickham Gray HC-171 if you want:

A cool, crisper light gray
A versatile color suitable for modern spaces
An airy open feel for living areas
To allow accent colors to pop

Consider Stonington Gray HC-170 if you want:

A slightly warm, beige-influenced light gray
A welcoming backdrop for bedrooms and offices
A versatile color that works with traditional decor
A soft, cozy ambiance

While Wickham Gray offers modern crispness, Stonington Gray provides subtle warm character.

Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful light gray you choose will suit your home perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to decide between Wickham Gray or Stonington Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:

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

The main differences are their undertones and suitability for varied spaces. Wickham Gray is a cooler gray while Stonington Gray is a slightly warm beige-gray.