Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168 is a sophisticated shade often associated with the versatile hue known as taupe. Its RGB composition of 133, 131, 122 showcases a harmonious blend of warm and cool undertones, making it a popular choice for creating cozy yet elegant interiors. This color's subtle depth and timeless appeal allow it to effortlessly complement a wide range of design styles, from modern to traditional.
Color Description
Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray (HC-168) is a deep, rich gray color with a warm and sophisticated allure. It blends modernity with a classic touch, creating a luxurious ambiance in any room. This color is part of Benjamin Moore's Historic Collection and is known for its elegance and warmth, making it suitable for various spaces such as cozy bedrooms, stylish living rooms, and contemporary kitchens.
Undertones
Chelsea Gray has distinctly warm undertones, often described as having a green or yellow hue. These undertones can sometimes flash violet, but the dominant undertone is green. In different lighting conditions, it can appear as a deep taupe or gray-brown, adding to its versatility.
Color Values
- LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 23 (or 22.83 in some sources), which makes it a darker mid-tone gray.
- HEX Code: #85837A or #86837B in different sources.
- RGB Values: 133, 131, 122 or 134, 131, 123 in different sources.
Usage
- Accent Color: Excellent for accent walls, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and interior doors.
- Exterior Paint: Works well as an exterior paint color, especially when paired with warm, red brick and classic black shutters.
- Trim and Ceiling: Pairs well with soft off-white paint colors or clean whites like BM Chantilly Lace, BM Simply White, or BM Cloud White.
Atmosphere
Chelsea Gray creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making rooms feel cozy and elegant. It adds richness to both traditional and modern spaces, and its warm undertones help maintain a warm and inviting feel even in darker rooms.
Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168 Color Alternative
Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168 is a versatile and sophisticated color that offers a refined aesthetic perfect for both traditional and contemporary interiors. One can consider excellent alternatives such as Dulux Urban Obsession 00NN 25/000, Dulux Urban Walk 40YY 25/074, and Little Greene Baluster 321, each presenting its own unique interpretation of this classic hue. These alternatives provide designers and homeowners with a range of options to achieve a similar balanced elegance while introducing subtle variations that make each space truly distinctive.
Bathroom
Chelsea Gray is an excellent choice for the bathroom, particularly when the room benefits from ample natural or artificial light. Pairing it with light-colored features such as white tiles, countertops, and ceilings effectively balances its dark tone, preventing the space from feeling too confined.
Applying Chelsea Gray to the bathroom vanity creates a warm, modern focal point that can naturally extend to other areas of the home, such as the kitchen. However, caution is advised when considering this color for all the walls, as a lack of sufficient lighting might lead to an overly dark ambiance.
Bedroom
In a bedroom setting, Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168 delivers warm undertones and adds a sense of sophistication. It works as an accent to bring depth and elegance when paired with lighter shades on walls or furniture, creating both a refined and inviting atmosphere.
The color also harmonizes well with natural elements like wood and stone, enhancing the overall warmth and comfort of the space while providing a balance between modern style and timeless charm.
Kitchen
Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168 is an excellent choice for a kitchen color scheme. This refined tone enhances cabinetry, especially as a lower cabinet shade in a tuxedo kitchen setup, lending depth and warmth while preserving a bright ambiance.
When paired with a clean or warm white, such as Simply White or Chantilly Lace, this color creates a classic and cohesive appeal. Its rich character harmonizes with complementary materials like white quartz countertops and warm wood floors, and using a lighter hue on the upper cabinets helps maintain an inviting balance in the overall design.
Living Room
For living rooms, Chelsea Gray creates a refined and balanced atmosphere when applied as an accent tone on walls, furniture, or trim. Its deep character brings depth and warmth to spaces, serving to tie together different design elements while offering a sophisticated backdrop.
This distinctive color pairs beautifully with light neutral shades and softer grays, establishing an elegant contrast that elevates the overall ambiance. Its harmonious interplay with darker muted tones and delicate pastels makes it a compelling choice for spaces receiving ample light, ensuring a cozy and inviting setting.
Outdoor
Chelsea Gray emerges as a striking home outdoor color, providing an exceptional option for siding and trim that sets an inviting and sophisticated tone. This hue harmonizes with warm red brick and stone accents, resulting in an exterior that exudes a classic charm enhanced by complementary mortar details.
The color also pairs beautifully with additional elements such as warm wood front doors and dark black shutters to create an overall balanced design. Furthermore, when used as an accent for exterior trim alongside a darker body color, it introduces a subtle yet refined touch to the home’s façade.
