Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 [2024 Latest Review]

I often experimented with various colors and palettes as an interior design enthusiast. Through countless trials and errors, my heart finally settled on a hue that perfectly balances subtlety and style. Enter my latest obsession – Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170.

There was this inexplicable pull when I saw Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170. A color so elegantly understated yet captivating in all its greatness.

It’s incredible how a simple shade of gray can transform your space completely, adding a touch of class and serenity that’s hard to find in most conventional paint colors.

Why is Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray So Popular?

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 has taken the interior design world by storm, and I can easily see why.

This color offers an ideal balance of warmth and coolness that works in any room, irrespective of style or lighting conditions.

• Versatile: The beauty of Stonington Gray lies in its versatility. It’s a neutral shade that complements various interior styles, from contemporary to traditional.
• Perfect Balance: Unlike many grays that lean towards blue or purple, Stonington Gray perfectly balances warm and cool undertones, making it an excellent choice for most rooms.
• Subtly Sophisticated: You won’t go wrong with this shade if you want subtlety and sophistication. It’s not too dark or light – just the right amount of gray to create a calming and soothing ambiance.
• Adapts to Lighting: One of its most significant advantages is its adaptability under different lighting conditions. This attribute gives your space an ever-changing aura depending on the time of day!

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray has gained popularity due to its versatility, perfectly balanced undertones, subtle sophistication, and fantastic adaptability under various lighting conditions.

The Understone and LRV of BM Stonington Gray

Gray isn’t just gray in Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray HC-170. Let’s dissect this intriguing hue even deeper.

Understone

Stonington Gray belongs to Benjamin Moore’s Historical Color Collection, inspired by American historical landmarks. Its unique property lies in its undertone:

• Stonington Gray’s undertone is blue-green, giving it a crisp, relaxed vibe. This subtle undertone makes this color versatile and suitable for numerous styles.
• Under different lighting conditions, the blue-green undertone can indeed become more pronounced. However, it remains relatively constant compared to other gray shades, which may radically change depending on the light source.

Light reflectance value (LRV)

Understanding the Light Reflectance Value is essential when choosing colors for your space:

• Stonington Gray has an LRV of 59.36 (out of 100). This number indicates how much light a color will reflect or absorb.
• With a fair LRV score, Stonington isn’t too bright or dark. It strikes a beautiful balance that brightens up spaces without being overwhelming.
• A medium-high LRV such as this makes Stonington Gray an excellent option for rooms with limited daylight, as it can help maximize whatever natural light is available.

Remember, choosing the right shade goes beyond picking a color from the palette. Factors like the undertone and LRV are crucial considerations that need our attention too!

Understanding these elements with our chosen hue – Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray HC-170 – gives us a well-rounded view of why this color works so wonderfully in various settings and lighting conditions.

Does Stonington Gray Look Warm Or Cool?

This question is asked by many, and like many things in life, the answer isn’t straightforward. Here’s why!

Glancing at Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray may make you believe you’re using an excellent color. Yet, if you probe it with a more scrutinizing eye, you’d notice it also gives off a slight warmth to its neutral-gray base – allowing this color to be dubbed as a ‘greige.’ Hence we could say:

• Warm + Cool = Greige: Stonington Gray has warm and cool undertones, hence its gray-beige appearance, neither too warm nor too cold.

Marked by the subtlety of its tone is this hue’s oddly comforting effect! It has this uncanny capacity to:

• Adapt Harmoniously: Be it next to whites or richer colors, Stonington Gray flows seamlessly thanks to the balance between a neutral-gray base and a blue-green undertone.

This attribute is what makes it such an excellent color choice when decorating your home:

• Perfect for Variety: Whether your room predominantly uses warm or cool colors – rest assured that Stonington Gray is versatile enough to complement any palette!

However, like most hues, different factors can influence how warm or cool Stonington Gray appears:

• Influenced by lighting: Daylight might strike it differently compared to artificial light in the evening – prompting the blue-green undertones of this paint to become more pronounced.
• Impacted by surroundings: Depending on other elements in your room, such as furnishing color or decorative accessories, your walls might look darker or lighter than initially intended.

Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray HC-170 exemplifies elegance that works harmoniously within varying decors, thanks primarily to its peculiar balance of warm and cool undertones.

Where You Can Use Stonington Gray

Part of Stonington Gray’s charm lies in its versatility. Here are the many ways you can infuse this color throughout your home:

Cabinets

Cabinets are often the workhorses of our homes and, therefore, deserve some thought regarding color.

A perfect canvas for Stonington Gray, cabinets painted in this shade add a touch of elegance to your spaces while maintaining their functionality.

This versatile gray is sophisticated without overpowering, making your cabinets stylish focal points without dominating the room.

Living Room

As for your living room, think beyond just walls; consider painting the entire room in Stonington Gray for an immersive, soothing ambiance.

With its blue-green undertone and decent LRV score, this neutral is not flat or dull. Instead, it will fill up your living room with an ethereal glow that changes subtly with the natural light at different times of the day.

Trim

Not just limited to large surfaces, Stonington Gray also works splendidly on smaller areas such as trims! Yes, you heard me right!

Painting trims with this slate hue will accentuate architectural details and create a unified look in combination with walls of similar or contrasting shades.

Plus, its subtle undertones lend an unexpected twist to white walls or darker shades.

Exterior

Don’t limit Benjamin Moore’s HC-170 magic to indoors only! It works wonders on exteriors too. Painting exterior surfaces with Stonington Gray can create a harmonious balance with nature’s colors—think green foliage or blue skies.

Bathroom

The serene vibe that comes naturally with Stonington Gray makes it ideal for creating a spa-like ambiance in bathrooms.

Its clean undertones gracefully counteract harsh artificial lights common to bathrooms and keep the balance even when exposed to dampness or strong daylight.

Ceilings

An often overlooked area is ceilings. But let me tell you this secret: painting ceilings can dramatically change how you perceive space!

I recommend using lighter hues such as Stonington gray here – it’ll give the illusion of height and openness even in compact rooms.

Basement

Let’s now move underground! Basements are notoriously tricky spaces plagued by insufficient lighting and lower ceilings—the answer?

Light yet moody Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray! It makes spaces appear larger while injecting character into these otherwise drab zones.

Kitchen

Lastly, let’s talk about kitchens – usually a hive of activity where raw materials metamorphose into delicious meals.

From backsplashes to cabinets and even walls – no matter what surface you’re dressing up with paint here – BM Stonington Gray adapts perfectly well!

It’s resilient enough to withstand everyday wear and tear while maintaining elegance!

So there you go – eight distinct areas where Benjamin Moore’s HC-170 adds just a stroke of brilliance as effortlessly as ever!

Who would’ve thought one color could make such a difference? Well, I did foresee that; it’s been my latest obsession.

Similar colors of BM Stonington Gray

Are you in love with Stonington Gray but still want to explore other options? Here are some shades closely resembling Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray for your consideration:

• Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52: This is a lighter shade with an LRV of 64.51. Its blue-green solid undertones make it more fantastic than Stonington Gray. This works great in a room with lots of natural light.
• Sherwin Williams Repose Gray (SW7015): From another iconic paint company, Sherwin William’s Repose Gray is warm gray, presenting more brown-taupe undertones than green or blue. It has an LRV of 58, quite close to Stonington Gray.
• Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (OC-23): If you’re seeking something lighter and softer, Classic Gray could be up your alley. Devoid of solid undertones and having an LRV of 73.67 makes it ideal for smaller spaces to give a brighter feeling.
• Farrow & Ball Pavilion Gray (242): Leaning towards the cooler side, with solid blue undertones than green ones. Its lower LRV score of 30 gives it deeper pigment making it perfect for a sophisticated formal setting or dramatic effect.

Remember that these colors though similar will offer different vibes based on their undertones and LRV scores. Hence, they can beautifully complement Benjamin Moore’s Stonington gray, serving as stunning alternatives depending on the exact ambiance you want for your room or space.

BM Stonington Gray: Trim Colors

Choosing the perfect trim color is crucial to harmonizing your room’s aesthetics. I will list some excellent trim choices that pair well with BM Stonington Gray:

• Chantilly Lace (OC-65): This bright white shade with slightly cool undertones makes it a stunning option for trims to contrast with Stonington Gray. This duo brings out the best in each decorator, creating a clean, crisp look.
  How it works: The cool undertones of Chantilly Lace echo the blue-green undernotes of Stonington Grey, offering consistency while maintaining differentiation between walls and trims.
• Dove White: Another beautiful white shade, Dove White has slightly warmer undertones than Chantilly Lace.
  How it works: The warmer feel of Dove White softens the cool vibes of Stonington Gray, providing continuity and a calming coherence between the wall and trim colors.
• Decorator’s White (CC-20): A more muted white option, Decorator’s White leans towards gray.
  How it works: Its subtle gray undertones are sympatico with the walls painted in Stonington Gray for an utterly sophisticated and nuanced monochromatic style.

Whether you want to maintain consistency or introduce contrast into your room depends entirely on personal preference.

Thanks to its balanced undertones, Stonington Gray opens up many possibilities! Remember though – always grab samples and test them out in different lighting conditions before taking that final plunge and painting away.

Why is Sampling Important Before Buying the Full Paint Color?

Sampling paint before making your final purchase is a crucial step I strongly recommend. Here’s why:

• Prevents color regret: Selecting a color from a small swatch can be misleading. A sample lets you see the color on a larger scale.
• Considers Light Exposure: A room’s natural and artificial light significantly affects paint colors. Sampling helps you see the paint in all lighting variations.
• Allows for Comparison: Testing several shades of gray provides a side-by-side comparison to determine which works best.
• Saves Money: Purchasing gallons of paint only to find the wrong color can be costly. Samples are cost-effective and can save future heartache and wallet strain.
• Confirms Undertones: The undertones of Stonington Gray may not be evident in smaller swatches. A more extensive test area offers an accurate look at these subtleties.

Before committing to Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 or any other color, take the time to test with samples.

This ensures your satisfaction with the final look and saves you from unfortunate surprises down the line.

Lighting and Cardinal Directions

Understanding how a paint color behaves in different directions and lighting is paramount. It allows us to harness the paint’s full potential in creating stunning home aesthetics.

When it comes to using Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170, here’s how each direction plays its part:

North-Facing Rooms

North-facing rooms tend to have a cooler or bluer light for most of the day.

• These rooms can sometimes appear overly cool or shadowy, especially during the winter months or on cloudy days.
• But fear not, Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 is an excellent choice for north-facing rooms as its blue-green undertones harmonize beautifully with the cooler natural light.
• Thanks to its versatile LRV, Stonington Gray helps lessen the cool blues by adding warmth while maintaining that crisp ambiance.

South-Facing Rooms

South-facing rooms are generally well-lit, basking in warm and golden sunlight throughout the day.

• This abundance of bright light enables more flexibility when using grays – like our beloved Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC 170.
• Here, Stonington Gray appears lighter and less blue than in other directional lights – perfect if you want a more neutral gray vibe.

East-Facing Rooms

East-facing rooms enjoy bright light during mornings but can gradually lose warmth as the day progresses.

• With this shift, Stonington Gray can seem brighter and bluer earlier, appearing cooler later.
• Still, thanks to its blue-green undertones and balanced LRV, this gray doesn’t feel too cold or stark even when daylight fades. Instead, it retains enough welcoming appeal throughout a typical day inside this space.

West-Facing Rooms

Conversely, west-facing rooms may look relatively darker during mornings but rev up once afternoon hits with warm golden hues illuminating these areas vividly at sunset.

• Despite this dramatic light change, Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC 170 manifests wonderfully under such shifting conditions.
• During less illuminated hours, expect this shade to exhibit subtle drama with more depth showing off its gray hue beautifully. As sunlight increases coming the late afternoon, watch how it transforms into an elegant backdrop that feels lighter than before.

Let’s not forget: A color swatch might look beautiful on paper but remember that walls are three-dimensional, which means light reflections can significantly influence perceived color tones!

Our directionally challenged spaces shouldn’t deter us from achieving gorgeously painted rooms with adept knowledge about how natural light affects colors – much like our lovely pick, Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HG 170.

BM Stonington Gray: Interior and Exterior?

Painting your house is much more than just a visual change. It reflects your personality and can dramatically influence your mood and lifestyle.

So let’s see how Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 performs when applied to a house’s interior and exterior parts.

Interior

• Living Room: A coat of Stonington Gray on your walls provides a calming backdrop, setting off bold furniture pieces or complementing a minimalist design aesthetic. It creates an impression of space and presents an elegant look without appearing stark.
• Bedroom: Stonington Gray can create a peaceful, soothing environment conducive to relaxation and sleep if used in bedrooms. Coupled with white furniture or accents, it adds a touch of sophistication to your personal space.
• Bathroom & Kitchen: This shade conveys cleanliness subtly in bathrooms and kitchens. Being somewhat reflective, it bounces light around the room, creating an illusion of expansiveness in smaller areas.
• Ceilings & Trims: Painting ceilings with Stonington Gray gives the room a modern finish. This shade offers an alluring contrast for trims and moldings paired with lighter walls.

Exterior

Outdoor use can be just as beautiful as indoor use for Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray HC-170.

• House Facade: Applying this color to your exterior brings a fresh aura into your home. Since it complements various architectural styles effortlessly while still standing out amongst other houses in the neighborhood.
• Trim & Shutters: Stonington Gray can be an excellent accent color for trims, shutters, or doors if you prefer darker shades for your exterior walls. The contrast creates pleasant intrigue while underscoring architectural features.
• Garage & Outdoor Structures: Your garage and outdoor structures will stand out beautifully if painted in this versatile gray. This hue also camouflages dirt well, which benefits exteriors exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Each area inside or outside your home will acquire its character when painted with Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170.

It’s remarkable how one color can manifest itself distinctively across various applications! Remember that painting is personalization at its finest; make sure each brush stroke mirrors you.

FAQs About Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170

Conclusion

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 is a game-changer in interior and exterior design. This superb gray color not only radiates sophistication but also offers incredible versatility, making it a perfect fit for almost any space. Its blue-green undertone and spot-on LRV allow it to perform well under diverse lighting conditions.

Whether you’re planning to paint your living room, bedroom, or house’s exterior facade, Stonington Gray has proven an excellent choice.

It’s a testament that simplicity and subtle elegance coexist beautifully in just one shade of gray. So unleash your creative spirit and let Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170 transform your home into a haven of tranquility and style.