Benjamin Moore's Edgecomb Gray HC-173 is often recognized as a versatile neutral shade that offers a warm undertone, making it an ideal choice for creating a cozy and inviting space. While it is classified under the taupe or greige family, its RGB composition of 217, 211, and 195 imparts a subtle beige quality that can adapt to various lighting conditions and design styles. This color balances earthy elegance with modern sophistication, making it a popular option for both contemporary and traditional home interiors.
Color Description
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) is a warm, light-to-medium neutral paint color that blends gray and beige, creating a classic greige hue. It is neither too dark nor too light, maintaining a balance that keeps rooms feeling bright and alive, especially in spaces with good natural light.
Undertones
Edgecomb Gray has warm undertones, often described as a mix of beige and gray. While it does not have aggressive undertones, it can slightly favor its gray base in north-facing light and appear warmer and more beige in south-facing light or warm afternoon sunshine. Some analyses suggest it has undertones that can be described as slightly green, yellow, or red, but these are not overwhelming.
Color Values
- Light Reflectance Value (LRV): 63.09
- HEX Value: #D9D3C3
- RGB Code: 217, 211, 195
Usage
Edgecomb Gray is highly versatile and can be used in various rooms, including living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and even as an exterior or accent color. It works well as a whole-house paint color and pairs seamlessly with different design styles, from traditional to modern or coastal looks. It is also suitable for pairing with white trim and other warm wood tones.
Atmosphere
This color creates a cozy, welcoming, and refined atmosphere. It is ideal for creating a comfortable and relaxing environment, making it perfect for family rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. Edgecomb Gray adds interest to a room without darkening it, and its subtle warmth helps other furniture and decor stand out.
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173 Color Alternative
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173 inspires designers to explore alternative shades that harmonize with its timeless neutral appeal. Tikkurila Mulberry H484, Tikkurila Median X486, and Tikkurila Piazza Y487 provide distinctive options while maintaining the refined character associated with the original hue. These alternatives allow homeowners and professionals alike to experiment with diverse color palettes that complement both modern and classic interior designs.
Bathroom
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173 is an excellent bathroom color that creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It skillfully neutralizes exterior influences, ensuring that green foliage does not disrupt the interior’s consistency, while its light-to-medium tone prevents the space from feeling dark. The color works harmoniously when paired with white trim and complements both modern and traditional decor styles.
In design applications, this shade enhances a cozy and refined look, ideal for creating a comfortable environment in any bathroom setting. However, caution is advised when pairing it with warmer off-white or cream trim colors, as the lack of contrast may diminish its pristine appearance in more color-saturated schemes.
Bedroom
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173 is an excellent bedroom color that adapts to various lighting conditions, shifting its appearance to showcase a distinct gray presence in north-facing rooms and warmer beige hints in sunnier spaces. Its ability to enhance both modern and traditional aesthetics makes it a strong candidate for interiors, coordinating smoothly with complementary hues and effectively neutralizing unwanted reflections from natural foliage.
This color pairs well with a range of supporting shades while requiring caution with warmer off-white or cream trim finishes to maintain the desired contrast. In darker or low-light settings, it needs appropriate illumination to prevent the overall ambiance from becoming overly subdued.
Kitchen
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173 is a sophisticated kitchen color that creates a soothing atmosphere when paired with soft white trim and neutral wall shades. It blends harmoniously with light surfaces like cream-colored and marble countertops and complements wood elements such as honey oak cabinets.
The hue also works beautifully with bold accent colors that bring a striking contrast, especially when featured with white cabinets and darker flooring. Its balanced light reflectance creates a warm and inviting environment adaptable to a range of lighting conditions and design elements.
Living Room
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173 is a living room color that sets a refined yet cozy tone. It enhances expansive spaces by amplifying light and creating an open, airy feel, while its warm undertones inject a sense of comfort even when natural light is limited and augmented by warm artificial sources.
This soft, neutral hue pairs harmoniously with a diverse range of decor elements, from hardwood floors and woven textures to cooler color accents. Its ability to work well across different lighting conditions makes it an appealing choice for both contemporary and traditional interiors.
Outdoor
For a home outdoor color, Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173 presents a warm, inviting tone that many appreciate, yet it is primarily formulated for interior settings. While this hue enhances indoor spaces with its subtle charm and adaptability to various lighting conditions, its formulation does not provide the protective qualities required for exterior environments.
If you are planning to refresh your home's exterior, exploring options specifically engineered for outside use is advisable. Products formulated to withstand high moisture and harsh weather conditions are available and may offer superior longevity and performance compared to interior-designed colors like Edgecomb Gray HC-173.
