Paint Colour Review: Classic Gray OC-23 by Benjamin Moore
Classic Gray walls - Photo via Benjamin Moore
If you’re looking for a soft, airy light grey that brings a subtle touch of warmth, Classic Gray OC-23 by Benjamin Moore might just be the perfect choice. This pale, sophisticated grey has a way of making any space feel effortlessly elegant while remaining subtle and versatile. But like any paint colour, how it looks can change depending on lighting and surroundings. So, let’s dive into Classic Gray’s tones and undertones, its LRV (Light Reflectance Value), how it shifts in different lighting conditions, where it works best in a home, and more!
What colour is Classic Gray?
Classic Gray is a soft, light grey that leans more towards the lighter end of the spectrum, making it feel almost like an off-white in bright spaces. It has subtle warm violet undertones which help soften it and prevent it from looking too cool or stark. Because of its balanced nature, Classic Gray is one of those magical neutrals that can shift slightly depending on the environment but always remain soft and elegant. It doesn’t have strong yellow or green undertones, making it a great choice for those who want a warm neutral without the risk of it looking too creamy or overly warm. Its violet undertones may appear more or less noticeable depending on lighting exposure, but we’ll get to that later.
Classic Gray walls - Photo via benjaminmoore.com
Classic 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.
With an LRV of 74, Classic Gray is a soft, light grey that can brighten up a space without feeling stark or sterile. It has enough depth to create contrast against true whites while still maintaining an airy, open feel. In well-lit rooms, it can look like a warm off-white thanks to its higher LRV allowing it to reflect light well, making rooms feel brighter and more spacious. In dimly-lit rooms, Classic Gray can appear slightly darker, however, it won’t feel overly heavy or muddy, thanks to its soft warmth.
How does Classic 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.
Lighting plays a huge role in how Classic Gray appears in a space. While it’s a soft, warm grey, its undertones and depth can shift depending on the type of light it receives.
In north-facing rooms where the natural light is cooler and slightly blue-grey, Classic Gray can appear a bit more muted and look slightly greyer. The soft violet undertones may be more noticeable in this lighting, giving it a cooler, more neutral feel. However, it still won’t feel cold or stark, as it has enough warmth to balance the cool light.
In south-facing rooms that receive warm, golden light throughout the day, Classic Gray’s warmth is enhanced. In these spaces, it can lean more into its soft base, helping it feel cosy and inviting, and making it an excellent choice for living rooms and bedrooms with southern exposure.
In east-facing rooms, Classic Gray will look warmer and brighter in the morning when the sunlight is strongest. However, as the day goes on and the light fades, it can take on a slightly cooler appearance in the afternoon and evening. This makes it a great option if you want a neutral tone that shifts subtly but remains elegant throughout the day.
In west-facing rooms that get soft, cooler light in the morning but receive a warm, golden glow in the afternoon, Classic Gray may appear more neutral or slightly cool earlier in the day, but by the afternoon, it will pick up a subtle warmth and feel softer.
Classic Gray walls and Chantilly Lace trims - Photo via benjaminmoore.com
Where to best use Classic Gray in your home?
Classic Gray is one of those effortlessly beautiful neutrals that works almost anywhere in a home from cosy bedrooms to bright, open-concept living areas.
In living rooms, Classic Gray creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, perfect for living spaces. It pairs beautifully with soft whites, warm wood tones, and layered textures for an elegant yet cosy feel.
In bedrooms, it is a great choice if you’re looking for a serene, calming wall colour. Its soft warmth makes bedrooms feel restful, and it complements both modern and traditional design styles.
In kitchens, Classic Gray works well on walls, especially when paired with white cabinets and stainless steel hardware, for a light and neutral space.
In bathrooms, this soft grey brings a fresh, spa-like vibe without feeling too stark. It looks especially beautiful with marble, soft white tiles, and matte black or chrome fixtures.
If you want a soft neutral that flows beautifully throughout your home, Classic Gray is an excellent choice for hallways and entryways. It reflects light well, making these areas feel bright and welcoming.
What about white trim colours?
Since Classic Gray is a soft, light grey with subtle warmth, the ideal trim colour should provide enough contrast while complementing its undertones. Here are some of the best white trim options to pair with Classic Gray:
For a crisp, bright contrast, consider Chantilly Lace OC-65, Benjamin Moore’s purest and brightest with no strong undertones.
For a soft, warm yet bright white, consider Simply White OC-117, a beautiful white with a touch of warmth without being too creamy.
For a subtle, seamless blend, consider White Heron OC-57, a bright white with a hint of softness that pairs well with Classic Gray.
For a warm touch, consider Cloud White OC-130, a lovely trim colour with a gentle creaminess that enhances the warmth in Classic without looking too yellow.
What are the best coordinating colours?
Classic Gray is a versatile grey that pairs beautifully with a wide range of colours. Whether you want a soft, monochromatic look or a bold contrast, here are some of the ideal coordinating colours to enhance its subtle warmth and elegance.
For a subtle, layered palette, consider other neutrals like Edgecomb Gray HC-173 or Revere Pewter HC-172.
For a deeper, cosy neutral contrast, consider a warm dark grey like Chelsea Gray HC-168 or a muted brown such as Beachcomber 993.
For a bold, dramatic contrast, consider a deep blue like Hale Navy HC-154 or a muted green such as Passion Vine 1504.
For a cool, tranquil feel, consider a medium blue-grey like Wedgewood Gray HC-146.
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Classic Gray OC-23 by Benjamin Moore is a timeless, soft grey ideal for cosy, bright, and airy interiors. Whether you use it as a main wall colour, a backdrop for bold accents, or as part of a layered neutral palette, Classic Gray is a foolproof option for a sophisticated and elegant home.
If you have your eyes on a specific paint colour but need help deciding on the perfect coordinating colours, trim, or a whole-house palette, I’ve got you covered! Check out my ready-made digital colour palettes or custom paint colour selection service to take the guesswork out of selecting the best colours for your space.
Have you used Classic Gray in your home? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how it worked for you!
Thank you for reading and happy decorating,
Manon xx