Benjamin Moore Gray Mist

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Benjamin Moore Gray Mist (OC-30) is the perfect warm off-white that blends beige and greige tones effortlessly.

When I tell you I spent weeks agonizing over paint swatches for my new apartment renovation, I’m not exaggerating. There were days my walls looked like a painter’s mood board and nights I dreamt in hex codes. But friends, after all that, let me introduce you to my unsung hero: Benjamin Moore Gray Mist OC-30.

This soft, creamy neutral is the kind of paint color that doesn’t scream for attention but still manages to steal the show. I used it throughout my kitchen, dining area, and living room, and—no exaggeration—it pulled the whole space together like the final puzzle piece you almost lost under the couch.

So grab your coffee (or wine—My choice), and let’s dive into the full scoop and get a peek at how it looks in my apartment.

First Impressions: What Color Is Gray Mist, Anyway?

Despite the name, Gray Mist isn’t really gray. It’s more of a soft, warm greige—light and creamy, with an elegant subtlety that makes it incredibly versatile. Think oatmeal, but make it fashion. This shade is part of Benjamin Moore’s Off-White Collection, which is known for its versatile and sophisticated neutrals. If you’re looking for a color that won’t overpower your space but still adds sophistication and warmth, this might just be your new best friend. It is mine!

See how Gray Mist looks in your home. Get your sample here.

LRV (Light Reflectance Value) and Why It Matters

Gray Mist has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 73.96—which means it reflects a good amount of light, keeping things bright and airy. Not white bright, but comfortably luminous. It’s high enough that it works well in darker rooms or spaces that need a little lift, but it’s not so high that it washes out in bright sunlight. In a bright room, it will appear crisp and soft, while in lower light, it may lean a touch warmer. If you want a shade that enhances natural light without feeling overly cool, this one delivers.

Understanding LRV is crucial when selecting paint colors because it helps determine how light or dark a shade will appear in a given space. Colors with an LRV above 70 tend to make rooms feel larger and more open, while those with lower LRVs absorb more light and create a cozier atmosphere.

Translation? If you want a paint color that keeps your space feeling open and welcoming, this one delivers.

WAIT! Before you start painting make sure you have the best painting tools to make your job easier. It will take hours off your painting time!

Undertones and How They Change with Lighting

One of the most important things to understand about Gray Mist—or any paint color—is that undertones are subjective and highly influenced by lighting conditions and surrounding decor.

Gray Mist has warm beige undertones, but that doesn’t mean it will always look beige. In a north-facing room, the cooler, indirect light may bring out a slightly grayer tone, making it appear more neutral. In a south-facing room, where sunlight is warmer and more direct, the beige undertones will be more prominent, giving the color a soft, creamy warmth.

Believe it or not, artificial lighting also plays a role. LED bulbs with a cool temperature (4000K+) can make Gray Mist appear more neutral or even slightly cool, whereas warmer bulbs (2700K-3000K) will enhance its warmth. This is why it’s super duper important to test paint samples in different lighting (artificial and natural light) conditions throughout the day before committing to a full-room application.

The key takeaway? There’s no universal “right” way a color should look; it all depends on your space. What looks like a dreamy neutral in one home might feel slightly off in another, so always sample before you paint!

How Lighting Changes Gray Mist: A Drama Queen in Disguise

Oh lighting, the unpredictable frenemy of every paint color. Gray Mist, like most neutrals, does change depending on the light—but it does so gracefully. Let’s break it down:

North-Facing Rooms:

Gray Mist takes on a slightly cooler appearance in north-facing light, sometimes looking more muted and softly grayish. But don’t worry—it still holds onto enough warmth to avoid feeling cold or stark.

South-Facing Rooms:

This is Gray Mist’s red carpet moment. The warm light makes it glow with a creamy, soft-beige radiance that feels fresh and inviting.

East-Facing Rooms:

Morning light brings out its softest, warmest version—like your room is wrapped in a cozy sweater.

West-Facing Rooms:

Afternoon and evening light deepen its beige undertone slightly, but it never veers too yellow or heavy. It stays soft and neutral, just a little richer.

In my apartment (which is a mix of south- and west-facing light), Gray Mist flows beautifully from room to room. It creates this seamless warmth that I absolutely love.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PAINT COLORS

Is Gray Mist Warm or Cool?

Gray Mist leans warm due to its subtle beige undertones. This makes it an excellent choice if you’re looking to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere without the yellow-heavy warmth of some traditional creams. In my space, I see no yellow at all.

However, in cooler lighting (north-facing rooms), it may pick up some of its grayish tones, appearing more neutral. In warm lighting (south-facing rooms), the beige undertones will come forward, making it feel soft and creamy. The ability of this color to shift depending on the light is what makes it so adaptable and sophisticated.

Where Does Gray Mist Work Best?

The short answer? Almost anywhere. The longer answer? In my very humble opinion, it’s an excellent choice for:

Living Rooms

Want a light, bright space that feels cozy and inviting? Gray Mist is subtle enough to act as a backdrop while still adding warmth to the space. Pair it with soft whites, warm wood tones, and natural textures for a balanced look.

This color works particularly well with transitional and modern farmhouse styles, offering just the right amount of depth while maintaining a fresh feel.

Kitchens

If you have white or off-white cabinetry like I do, Gray Mist is a fantastic wall color. It provides just enough contrast to keep things interesting while maintaining a seamless, fresh look.

For a sophisticated kitchen design, consider pairing Gray Mist with brass hardware, warm wood flooring, and a soft white backsplash. It complements both warm and cool-toned countertops, including marble, quartz, and butcher block.

Bedrooms

Gray Mist is a fantastic color option for those who love a neutral bedroom that doesn’t feel too cold or overly warm. It is great because it goes so well with muted blues, soft greens, and earthy tones, creating a serene and relaxing retreat.

To add depth to a Gray Mist bedroom, consider layering textured fabrics, woven baskets, and linen bedding. Incorporating black metal accents can create a modern contrast, while soft, neutral decor keeps the space tranquil.

Bathrooms

Yes, Gray Mist works here, too! Its light-reflecting qualities help small bathrooms feel bigger, and it complements both cool and warm-toned fixtures. Whether you have brushed nickel or brass hardware, it plays nicely with both.

For a spa-like bathroom atmosphere, pair it with soft green or pale blue towels, wood accents, and plenty of natural light.

Hallways & Entryways

Need a color that flows well from room to room? Gray Mist’s neutrality makes it an excellent choice for open floor plans and transitional spaces.

This color is perfect for entryways because it sets a warm and welcoming tone. Pair it with a deep navy or charcoal front door for a striking yet classic look.

HOW CAN I SAMPLE?

Popular Color Comparisons

Choosing a neutral paint color often means comparing it to similar shades to find the best fit. When deciding on a paint color for my apartment, I compared Gray Mist to a few other popular colors I was considering. Here’s how it stacks up against the other popular hues:

Gray Mist vs. Swiss Coffee

• Swiss Coffee (BM OC-45) is another warm off-white but has a stronger yellow undertone compared to Gray Mist’s subtle beige.
• If you want something a touch creamier and cozier, Swiss Coffee might be the way to go.
• Gray Mist, on the other hand, stays a bit more neutral and less warm.

Can’t decide? Try them both! Get your samples here.

Gray Mist vs. Classic Gray

• Classic Gray (BM OC-23) is a softer, cooler greige that leans more gray than beige.
• If you’re looking for a neutral that doesn’t lean too warm but still feels soft, Classic Gray is a great alternative.
• Gray Mist has more warmth, making it feel cozier in most lighting conditions.

Want to see how they compare in real paint? Pick up samples here.

Gray Mist vs. Balboa Mist

• Balboa Mist (BM OC-27) is slightly darker and has a more pronounced gray undertone.
• It’s a good option if you love the versatility of Gray Mist but want a bit more depth and contrast.
• Balboa Mist works particularly well in rooms with a lot of natural light where its gray tones shine through.

Still unsure? See how they look in your home. Grab some samples here.

These comparisons highlight how undertones and depth can vary subtly, affecting the overall feel of a space. Testing samples is key! Samplize came in clutch for me during this process!

Trim Talk: What Colors Pair Well?

Let’s talk about what really made Gray Mist sing in my space: the trim and doors.

I used Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace for all the trim, and let me tell you—perfection. It’s clean, crisp, and modern, which adds the perfect contrast to Gray Mist’s warmth. It keeps the palette from feeling too beige or mushy and gives everything a polished edge.

For the doors, I got a little fancy and went with Benjamin Moore Pashmina—a rich, moody greige that brings some drama (the good kind). The combo of Gray Mist walls, Chantilly Lace trim, and Pashmina doors? Chef’s kiss.

WAIT! Before you start painting make sure you have the best painting tools to make your job easier. It will take hours off your painting time!

What Paint Colors LOOK GOOD with Gray Mist?

Gray Mist is a chameleon-like neutral, which means it works beautifully with a variety of color palettes. Here are some great color pairings to consider:

Soft Whites

• Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace – It’s a crisp, clean white for trim and ceilings.
• Benjamin Moore White Dove – A warm white that enhances Gray Mist’s coziness.

Deep & Moody Accents

• Benjamin Moore Hale Navy – A bold, dramatic navy that creates a striking contrast.
• Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal – A rich, warm gray that adds depth and sophistication.

Earthy Neutrals

• Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray – A slightly deeper greige that pairs effortlessly.
• Benjamin Moore Pashmina – is a rich greige with warm taupe undertones.

Soft Blues & Greens

• Benjamin Moore Palladian Blue – A serene blue-green that enhances Gray Mist’s warmth.
• Benjamin Moore October Mist – A muted sage green for a natural, organic feel.

These color combos allow Gray Mist to blend in with various styles, whether you’re going for classic elegance, modern contrast, or a soft and serene aesthetic.

Sample Color Palettes Featuring Gray Mist

If you want to build a whole color story around Gray Mist (and you should), here are a few palettes I’d recommend:

1. Soft & Serene

• Walls: Gray Mist OC-30
• Trim: Chantilly Lace OC-65
• Accent: Pale Smoke 1584 (a soft blue-green)
• Cabinetry or Doors: Pashmina AF-100

2. Warm Neutrals

• Walls: Gray Mist OC-30
• Trim: White Dove OC-17
• Accent: Smokey Taupe 983
• Furniture/Upholstery: Clay Beige OC-11

3. Elegant & Moody

• Walls: Gray Mist OC-30
• Trim: Simply White OC-117
• Accent Wall: Kendall Charcoal HC-166
• Interior Doors: Pashmina AF-10

Final Thoughts: Is Gray Mist the Right Choice?

If you’re looking for a light, warm neutral that doesn’t feel too yellow, Gray Mist is a fantastic option. It works in a variety of spaces, complements many decor styles, and plays nicely with different lighting conditions.

My very personal first-hand experience with this color has bumped it to my new favorite. I never thought I’d see the day that Sherwin Williams Repose Gray got dethroned, but like I learned about life, things will always change (whether you like it or not).

I find it to be the absolute perfect color for those who are looking for a light, semi-warm neutral that isn’t really gray. I know it sounds a bit crazy, but I’m telling you it is the exact color I wanted.

If you’re looking for a flexible, crowd-pleasing neutral that doesn’t lean too cool or too yellow, Gray Mist is a total winner. It plays well with others, looks good in all types of lighting, and has just enough personality to make your walls feel finished—not flat.

However, as with any paint color, always test it in your space first! Grab a Samplize peel-and-stick sample (because no one wants 50 tiny paint patches on their walls) and see how it looks in your lighting.

So, what do you think? Are you ready to embrace Benjamin Moore Gray Mist in your home? Let me know in the comments, and happy painting!

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