We’ve used Edgecomb Gray in nearly every room of our home because it’s a warm, inviting, and versatile neutral. It’s an excellent example of a true greige—an ideal balance of gray and beige. Designers and DIYers alike reach for it for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, cabinets, and even siding because it feels modern without being cold. Here’s why we recommend it.
We also researched popular greige paint colors that experts often recommend, and Edgecomb Gray is consistently near the top of those lists. While the top pick can vary depending on the source, you’ll find several excellent alternatives if you want to compare samples before committing.
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When should you use Edgecomb Gray?
Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) is a standout greige. Consider it if you want:
- A warm greige that balances gray and beige
- A light-to-medium neutral that adds depth without darkening a room
- A timeless hue that reads beautifully in well-lit spaces
- A sophisticated color that avoids looking dated or overly yellow
- A versatile whole-house color that works room to room
- A taupe-like shade that pairs nicely with white trim
- A crowd-pleasing option for resale or rentals
- A neutral that complements both modern and traditional decor
- A subtle backdrop that helps furniture and accents stand out
We love how it creates a soft, cohesive canvas throughout our home—without stealing the spotlight from décor or furnishings.
When should you NOT use Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray can shift in rooms that lack natural light. North-facing or otherwise dim rooms may make it read darker or muddier than expected. We initially used it in a north-facing bonus room and found it lost its warm, light quality there. After repainting that room with a cooler, lighter gray, we avoided using Edgecomb Gray in other dim spaces. That said, it can still work in rooms lit primarily by warm artificial light, where its warmth complements the lighting.
Edgecomb Gray FAQs
Here are the key things to know when choosing Edgecomb Gray for your rooms.
Is Edgecomb Gray warm or cool?
Edgecomb Gray is a warm gray, which makes it an excellent greige choice. Its soft warmth prevents a space from feeling stark or cold while avoiding the yellowed look some taupes develop. It pairs especially well with warm wood tones, woven textures, and other warm neutrals.
What is the undertone of Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray doesn’t show aggressive undertones, which contributes to its broad appeal. Depending on lighting and surroundings, people sometimes detect subtle green, yellow, blue, or even pink hints, but none are dominant. The safest pairing is with other warm tones, though it can also harmonize with cooler accents when balanced well.
Is Edgecomb Gray light or dark?
Edgecomb Gray is a light-to-medium taupe. It’s dark enough to read clearly on walls without appearing white, but light enough to keep spaces feeling open. It typically performs best in rooms with good natural light; in dimmer rooms it can appear richer and deeper, so testing samples on your walls is recommended.
What is the LRV of Edgecomb Gray?
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) helps indicate how much light a color reflects. Edgecomb Gray has an LRV of about 63, which places it solidly in the light-to-medium range and explains its ability to brighten spaces while still showing depth.
What other names does it go by?
Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) appears in different Benjamin Moore collections under related names such as Baby Fawn (OC-15) and Alaskan Skies (972). These variations reflect the paint company’s naming and collection system rather than large differences in the tone itself.
What rooms look best with Edgecomb Gray?
Short answer: almost anywhere. Edgecomb Gray works beautifully as a supporting wall color that adds depth without overwhelming a space. We’ve used it in our dining room, entryway, home office, hallways, and even a small half bathroom. It complements white trim and built-ins while allowing colorful accents, artwork, and textiles to stand out.
When we switched a deep bedroom blue for Edgecomb Gray, the room instantly felt brighter and calmer while still showing character through artwork and textiles. That versatility makes it a go-to neutral when you want a cohesive house palette.
What trim color works best with Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray pairs best with whites that skew warm. In our home we used a warm white for trim to enhance the greige’s warmth and keep the overall palette crisp. Cooler, very bright whites can push Edgecomb Gray toward a grayer appearance, so choose trim whites with a touch of warmth if you want the true taupe quality to show.
What accent colors work well with Edgecomb Gray?
Because Edgecomb Gray is subtle and neutral, it plays nicely with many accents. Aim for colors with warm undertones to maintain harmony, or introduce richer hues to create contrast. For example, a ceiling painted a shade darker on the same swatch can add depth, while navy, warm greens, and muted blues can provide striking but balanced accents.
Some complementary accent directions include warm navy, deep green, soft gray-blues, and muted natural tones—choose shades that contrast without clashing to keep rooms feeling layered and intentional.
How does it compare to other popular greiges?
Edgecomb Gray sits among several popular greiges that are similar but distinct in warmth and depth. Sampling colors on your own walls is the best way to choose. Below are a few general comparisons to help guide you:
Edgecomb Gray vs Revere Pewter
Revere Pewter is slightly darker and cozier. If you prefer a moodier but still warm neutral, it’s a good choice.
Edgecomb Gray vs Accessible Beige
Accessible Beige tends to read warmer and a touch more yellow. It gives a sunnier feel but may be less compatible with cool tones.
Edgecomb Gray vs Agreeable Gray
Agreeable Gray is a bit cooler and grayer. It can work better in rooms with cooler furnishings or less natural light.
Final considerations
Edgecomb Gray is a reliable, flexible greige that supports a wide range of decorating styles and color schemes. It creates a calm, cohesive backdrop while still providing enough warmth to feel inviting. Keep in mind that like many neutrals it will subtly shift with lighting and adjacent colors—test samples in each space and pair it with slightly warm white trim to get the most pleasing result. Used thoughtfully, it’s about as close to a “perfect greige” as you can find.
In short: Edgecomb Gray is an elegant, versatile choice that works in many rooms—just sample it first in the lighting you have and pair it with complementary warm whites and accents.
More paint colors we love
We often feature paint palettes and room tours that highlight our favorite neutrals and accent hues. If you enjoy Edgecomb Gray, consider exploring other warm whites, soft blues, and neutral grays to build a cohesive palette that fits your home’s light and style.
- Warm whites for trim and millwork
- Soft, calming blues for bedrooms and bathrooms
- Deeper greens or navy for accent walls and built-ins
- Layered neutrals for living spaces and dining rooms
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