Paint Colour Review: Chelsea Gray by Benjamin Moore

If you're looking for a rich, sophisticated grey with timeless appeal, Chelsea Gray HC-168 by Benjamin Moore might just be the perfect choice. This deep, neutral shade exudes elegance and is a go-to for anyone looking to add depth and drama to their home. Whether you're considering it for cabinetry, an accent wall, or even a full room, Chelsea Gray is a stunning versatile shade.

Keep reading to find out if Chealsea Gray is the right shade for your home.

What colour is Chelsea Gray?

Chelsea Gray is a gorgeous warm dark grey. It has a warm grey-brownish base with slight violet and a hint of green undertones giving it a balanced look. It works beautifully in different settings and design styles making it a favourite to create warm, cosy, and inviting spaces.

Chelsea Gray HC-168 by benjaminmoore.com

Chelsea Gray’s LRV

LRV (or Light Reflectance Value) helps determine how much light is absorbed or reflected by a paint colour. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, 0 being absolute black and absorbing all light, and 100 being pure white and reflecting all light. The higher the LRV, the lighter and brighter the paint colour. The LRV of a paint colour is an important factor to consider, especially if you're concerned about brightness or creating a specific ambience. Colours with higher LRVs tend to make a room feel brighter and more spacious, while colours with lower LRVs can create a more intimate or cosy atmosphere.

Chelsea Gray has an LRV of 23.33, meaning it’s on the lower end of the medium grey range. This gives it a rich, grounded feel, perfect for creating a cosy, intimate atmosphere. It won’t brighten up a room, but it will add depth and drama. In spaces filled with natural light, it can add a sophisticated feel, while in lower light, it can take on a moody, luxurious vibe.

How does Chelsea Gray look in different lighting conditions?

Lighting greatly impacts how a paint colour is perceived within a space, whether it be natural or artificial light. Natural light varies throughout the day making colours look slightly different in the morning and the evening, which is why it’s essential to use samples before fully committing to a paint colour so you can see how colours look at various times of the day and you can decide if a paint colour is the right one for your space.

In a north-facing room of afternoon eastern light, Chelsea Gray can lean into its grey-violet tones slightly more while still providing a beautiful warmth to balance out the cool light. Its warm grey-brownish base is strong enough to prevent it from looking too cold. In a south-facing room or afternoon western light, it can look even warmer, almost like a taupe colour, offering a beautiful elegant, dramatic shade.

Which white paint colour is Chelsea Gray best paired with?

When it comes to choosing the perfect white trim to complement Chelsea Gray, you'll want something crisp and clean to provide a nice contrast. A few top choices I usually recommend are Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65 or Simply White OC-117. Chantilly Lace offers a bright, pure white that makes Chelsea Gray pop without feeling too stark, while Simply White brings a touch of warmth that softens the overall look. Another great option to consider is White Dove OC-17 to offer a softer contrast with a subtle added warmth.

What about coordinating colours?

For a classic, elegant look, try pairing it with soft whites, greiges, or warm light greys like Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray HC-173, Classic Gray OC-23, or Pale Oak OC-20. These lighter shades balance Chelsea Gray’s depth and create a sophisticated contrast. If you’re leaning towards a bolder palette, Chelsea Gray also works well with blue-greys, like Hale Navy HC-154, or greens, such as Chimichurri CSP-810, or even pastel tones like First Light 2102-70. These colours bring out Chelsea Gray’s luxurious side, adding a sense of drama and personality to any space.

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Whether you're looking to make a bold statement with an accent wall or create a cosy atmosphere throughout your home, Chelsea Gray offers endless possibilities. With its ability to adapt beautifully to various lighting conditions, it's no wonder this shade remains a favourite in interior decorating.

Still not sure about Chelsea Gray? Have a look at my whole house colour palettes! Ready to download, comprehensive, detailed, budget-friendly, and expertly put-together, you are one click away from transforming your home!

If you find choosing the right colour for your home too stressful and overwhelming, I also provide a Custom Interior Colour Palette service. I would love to make this process easier for you and help you create your dream home. If you need more information about my services or simply want to get in touch with me, click here.

Thank you for reading and happy decorating,  

Manon xx