Searching for the perfect soft, airy gray paint color? Two similar muted gray options from Benjamin Moore – Wind’s Breath OC-24 and Edgecomb Gray HC-173 – may seem very alike at first glance. But what really sets these two gorgeous, hazy grays apart?
In this guide, we’ll compare Wind’s Breath vs Edgecomb Gray in-depth to help you determine the ideal soft gray 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 Wind’s Breath and Edgecomb Gray
Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore’s Wind’s Breath and Edgecomb Gray:
- Undertones – Wind’s Breath is a cool gray, Edgecomb Gray is slightly warm
- Light Reflectance – Wind’s Breath has an LRV of 69.59, Edgecomb Gray has an LRV of 63.09
- Use – Wind’s Breath modern and contemporary styles, Edgecomb Gray leans traditional
- Rooms – Wind’s Breath excels in bedrooms, Edgecomb Gray shines in dining rooms
- Availability – Both come in all sheens
Now let’s explore Wind’s Breath and Edgecomb Gray more thoroughly.
Benjamin Moore Wind’s Breath OC-24
With its airy, faded gray appearance, Benjamin Moore Wind’s Breath OC-24 creates a versatile backdrop with a soft contemporary edge. This hazy gray adds modern style.
Here are some details about Wind’s Breath:
- LRV: 69.59
- Undertones: Cool gray
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices, entryways
- Pairs Well With: Crisp whites, black, polished metals
Wind’s Breath is an ethereal pale gray with faint blue undertones. In all lighting it maintains its light, weathered gray appearance.
The 69.59 light reflectance value gives Wind’s Breath flexibility without seeming gloomy or dark. It’s bright enough without starkness.
As a cool-toned gray, Wind’s Breath complements both modern and some traditional color combinations like:
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace
- Deep charcoal gray accents
- Matte black fixtures and hardware
- White oak and maple wood tones
- Mirrors and glass textures
Wind’s Breath excels as an airy, relaxed gray that works well across many rooms while adding a contemporary edge.
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173
With its gently weathered appearance, Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173 creates an elegant backdrop with traditional appeal. This versatile gray suits varied classic color palettes.
Here are some details about Edgecomb Gray:
- LRV: 63.09
- Undertones: Subtle warm gray
- Finish: Available in all sheens
- Rooms: Dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, offices
- Pairs Well With: Antique furnishings, wood tones
Edgecomb Gray is a soft, hazy gray with faint beige undertones. In all lighting it maintains its neutral versatility.
The 63.09 light reflectance value gives Edgecomb Gray a stately polish that still feels gentle and approachable. It’s ideal for elegant, traditional spaces.
As a warm-toned gray, Edgecomb Gray pairs beautifully with other traditional colors like:
- Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan
- Aged brass lighting and hardware
- Rich walnut and oak wood tones
- Creamy off-whites and beiges
- Classic blue and green accents
Edgecomb Gray elegantly excels in more formal living areas:
- Dining Rooms
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Libraries
Edgecomb Gray’s refined hazy grayness creates an inviting, stately backdrop day or night.
Comparing Wind’s Breath vs Edgecomb Gray
Now that we’ve looked at Wind’s Breath and Edgecomb Gray independently, let’s directly compare them:
Light Reflectance
Wind’s Breath and Edgecomb Gray have similar LRVs of 69.59 and 63.09 respectively. Wind’s Breath will read slightly lighter.
Undertones
Wind’s Breath is a cool-toned gray, while Edgecomb Gray has subtle warm undertones. Their tonal difference is key.
Use & Rooms
Wind’s Breath excels in modern bedrooms, Edgecomb Gray suits traditional dining rooms.
Availability
Both Wind’s Breath and Edgecomb Gray come in any sheen.
Wind’s Breath vs Edgecomb Gray Comparison Chart
| Paint Color | Wind’s Breath OC-24 | Edgecomb Gray HC-173 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 69.59 | 63.09 |
| Undertones | Cool gray | Subtle warm gray |
| Use | Modern, contemporary | Traditional |
| Finishes | All sheens | All sheens |
| Style | Modern, contemporary | Traditional, transitional |
Real-Life Photos: Wind’s Breath vs Edgecomb Gray
Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the differences between Wind’s Breath and Edgecomb Gray:
Benjamin Moore Wind’s Breath
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
While both are soft grays, Wind’s Breath has a cooler, more faded appearance, while Edgecomb Gray is subtly warmer and more beige. Light affects their look.
Should I Choose Wind’s Breath or Edgecomb Gray?
So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Wind’s Breath or Edgecomb Gray for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Wind’s Breath OC-24 if you want:
- A cool, airy faded gray
- A more modern, contemporary feel
- Slightly more versatility
- A relaxed yet stylish backdrop
Choose Edgecomb Gray HC-173 if you want:
- Subtle beige-gray warmth
- An elegant backdrop for traditionals
- A refined, stately look
- Timeless versatility
Get large samples of both paint colors. Paint swatches on walls viewing during different times of day and sheens. This gives you the best sense of how the colors are affected by light.
You can also visualize them with decor you already have. While similar, these grays suit quite different aesthetics.
Ideal Room Pairings
Here are some rooms especially well-suited to Wind’s Breath and Edgecomb Gray paint colors:
Benjamin Moore Wind’s Breath
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Offices
- Entryways
- Hallways
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
- Dining Rooms
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Libraries
While both grays work well throughout the home, the above applications optimize each paint color’s unique strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Wind’s Breath and Edgecomb Gray make beautiful backdrops. Complement them with palettes that enhance their tones:
Wind’s Breath OC-24 Pairings
- Crisp bright whites
- Matte black fixtures
- Polished metals like nickel and chrome
- White oak and maple wood tones
- Navy blue accent walls
Edgecomb Gray HC-173 Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan
- Aged brass lighting and hardware
- Rich walnut and oak wood tones
- Creamy off-whites and beiges
- Classic blue and green accents
Wind’s Breath vs Edgecomb Gray – Which is Better?
So which soft gray paint color is better for your home – Wind’s Breath or Edgecomb Gray?
Choose Benjamin Moore Wind’s Breath OC-24 if you want:
- A cool, airy contemporary gray
- A relaxed yet stylish backdrop
- Slightly more versatility
- Modern, youthful appeal
Choose Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173 if you prefer:
- Subtle beige-gray warmth
- An elegant backdrop for traditionals
- A refined, stately look
- Timeless sophistication
While comparable, Wind’s Breath has more modern edge and Edgecomb Gray more traditional refinement. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful soft Benjamin Moore gray you choose will suit your home beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Wind’s Breath or Edgecomb Gray? Here are answers to some common questions:
What’s the main difference between Wind’s Breath and Edgecomb Gray?
The main difference is Wind’s Breath has cool undertones for modern spaces, while Edgecomb Gray is subtly warm and more suited to traditional styles.
Does Edgecomb Gray come in satin finish?
Yes, Edgecomb Gray’s versatility makes it available in any sheen from matte flat to satin to high gloss semi-gloss.
Can you use Wind’s Breath in an office?
Yes, Wind’s Breath’s cool, ethereal gray color would look beautiful in an office paired with bright white trim and chrome fixtures for an airy, focus-enhancing backdrop.
Is Edgecomb Gray suitable for northern exposure?
Yes, Edgecomb Gray’s subtle warmth and 63.09 LRV brighten up a north facing space nicely. Add ample lighting as needed.
What colors complement Wind’s Breath walls?
Wind’s Breath looks gorgeous with bright whites, blacks, polished metallics like nickel and chrome, white oak and maple wood tones, and navy blue accents.
