Collingwood OC-28

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Collingwood OC-28 tops Benjamin Moore’s best-selling paint colors list, and for good reason. It is a super versatile neutral gray paint color that is elegant and classic.

I’m doing a full review on this color because, quite frankly, it is amazing, and people tend to really like it.

WHAT COLOR IS COLLINGWOOD?

Collingwood is a neutral, warm gray paint color. It’s more along the lines of a light to mid-toned gray. It’s neither the darkest nor is it the lightest gray you will find. It’s a good in-between.

Neutral grays like Collingwood are sort of like chameleons. For instance, it can look different depending on what’s happening in the room you are painting. Lighting, furnishings, and fixed elements all can contribute to how a color will look on the walls.

Let me just get right into the good stuff.

STATS

• AKA Collingwood 859
• 82.389 5.411 89.289°
• part of the Off-White Color Collection as well as the Classic Color Collection.
• one of Benjamin Moore’s Best-Selling Neutral Paint Colors

WHAT IS THE LRV OF COLLINGWOOD?

Collingwood’s LRV is 62.14. I know you are thinking, “What in the world does LRV stand for?”

LRV, or Light Reflectance Value, is a measurement commonly used by design professionals that measures the amount of light reflected from or absorbed into a surface. LRVs range from 0-100, with 100 being pure white and 0 being pure black.

But why is LRV important, though?

Identifying the LRV of a paint color comes in handy when deciding whether a color is too dark for a space.

Essentially, the higher the LRV of a paint color, the more reflective it will be. The lower the LRV, the more light the color will absorb.

Knowing a paint color’s LRV is always good, and it can be helpful when choosing a paint color.

Doing some painting yourself? Make sure you pick up this essential painting tool!

IS COLLINGWOOD BEIGE OR GRAY?

Collingwood is a neutral, but it’s a warm gray and can sometimes even be considered a greige. There are instances where it can look more neutral gray and others it can look more greige.

The color will look different in different settings. Rooms with a ton of sun flooding in through the windows will not be the same as a room with no windows.

Overall, this color is a soft, light, and airy gray.

WHAT UNDERTONES DOES COLLINGWOOD HAVE?

All grays have blue, green, and violet undertones. The undertone that tends to present itself most often in Collingwood is violet.

So, depending on the lighting in the space, the colors of your furniture, and the colors of the fixed elements in the room, the undertones of Collingwood can make themselves present.

Undertones are subjective. You need to keep this in mind with all paint colors.

If you are having a tough time with the undertone, the best way to see it is by using a product like Samplize- Peel & Stick Paint Samples or, painting a poster board and bringing it in your home. The color you see on the computer screen is usually not true to color. This is why sampling is so important.

If you want, compare Edgecomb Gray’s green-gray undertones to Collingwood’s violet-gray undertones. This makes it easier to see the different undertones of the 2 colors.

IS IT A WARM OR COOL COLOR?

Collingwood is a warm-toned paint color.

It isn’t the warmest Benjamin Moore gray. However, it is still considered to be warm. You can expect to see it looking a bit more gray in cooler north-facing light and a bit more greige in warmer southern facing light.

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INTERESTED IN WARM PAINT COLORS? CHECK THESE OUT!

• Sherwin William Kilim Beige
• SW Natural Choice
• SW Greek Villa
• BM Swiss Coffee
• SW Shoji White
• 10 Great Mushroom Paint Colors
• Benjamin Moore Classic Gray
• BM Manchester Tan

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COLLINGWOOD AND LIGHTING

Lighting is unquestionably a contributing factor in how paint colors will look in your home.

It plays a large role in how you will perceive a color. For this reason, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the lighting situation of the room you are choosing the right paint color for.

For reference, here is how light appears in different directions.

NORTH-FACING ROOMS – Light in North-facing rooms comes off cooler and somewhat bluish. Lighter colors will appear more muted, while bolder colors will show up, or appear sounder.

SOUTH-FACING ROOMS – In South-facing rooms, there tends to be a consistently bright light throughout the day. Warm and cool tones work with south-facing light, This light intensifies colors, so darker colors will seem a bit brighter while softer colors will appear to look like they are gleaming.

EAST-FACING ROOMS – East-facing rooms have the brightest light in the mornings, with a yellow-orange tone. If an east-facing room will be used mostly in the evenings, going with a warm palette will help balance the lack of natural light.

WEST-FACING ROOMS – Early evening is when West-facing rooms have the most favorable light. Warmer tones might seem overwhelming because of the red-orange the light gives off. However, if the main use for the room is in the mornings, the colors won’t appear as strong as they would in the evening.

Warm light will give Collingwood a beautiful warmth. While cooler light will make it feel a bit grayer.

WHAT ARE THE BEST LIGHT BULBS TO USE?

Just as natural light affects paint colors, so does artificial lighting.

The color of the light bulbs you use will influence how a paint color will look in a room. And unfortunately, it’s an important detail that is often overlooked.

With the variety of light bulbs available, it can become overwhelmingly confusing. I mean what really soft white and bright white?

Thankfully, it becomes easier once you know a little bit about light bulbs.

For reference, light color or light appearance is measured on the Kelvin (K)temperature scale. Lower Kelvin numbers mean more yellow light; the higher the Kelvin number, the whiter or bluer light.

Remember, lower Kelvin (K) numbers = yellow light, Higher Kelvin (K) numbers = white/blueish light

I always recommend using this type of light bulb.

Be cautious of the light bulb names such as “daylight” or warm light”. I’d advise against picking a light bulb by its name.

Instead, always check the package for actual facts. This allows you to choose the best bulb for you.

Don’t forget, as much as lighting plays a major part in how a paint color will look at times, there are other determinants to be aware of. For instance, decor, furniture, fixtures, cabinetry, and floors. These are all elements that can affect and/or influence the way a paint color will look in your room.

WHAT IS THE BEST TRIM COLOR FOR COLLINGWOOD?

Like many other colors similar to Collingwood, it looks fantastic with a bright white trim like BM Chantilly Lace. But don’t think you are limited to white trim colors. If you want to make a bold statement, try using a black paint color.

Or, if you want more of a seamless, monochromatic look, use a shade lighter or darker than Collingwood. You can also use Collingwood as a wall and trim color. To make them distinguishable from each other, consider using different sheens to add some visual interest.

USE IT IN DIFFERENT SHEENS

Another way to use BM Collingwood is to use it in different sheens. Here’s an example.

Let’s say you decided to paint your kitchen cabinets with a gloss finish. You can then use a flat finish on the walls.

By changing the finish or sheen, the color will look different. A higher sheen, like gloss, will reflect more light, making it appear lighter, and a lower sheen, like flat, will do the opposite. 

WHERE TO USE COLLINGWOOD?

You can use Collingwood just about anywhere. It’s neutral and we all know neutrals are great jumping-off points to decorating around.

Some of the places you can use this amazing neutral paint are:

• bedroom
• bathroom
• kitchen
• kitchen cabinets
• living room
• entryway
• nursery
• dining room
• shiplap
• board and batten
• ceilings

WILL BENJAMIN MOORE COLLINGWOOD WORK ON THE EXTERIOR?

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO SAMPLE COLLINGWOOD?

In my book, sampling paint colors is non-negotiable. It’s the only way to see how a paint color will look in your home.

READ MORE: How to Test Paint Samples

So what’s the best way to sample?

WHAT IS THE SHERWIN WILLIAMS EQUIVALENT TO BENJAMIN MOORE COLLINGWOOD?

There isn’t an exact match to BM Collingwood. However, there is one very popular paint color that is surprisingly close, according to the scientific color data.

AGREEABLE GRAY

There is only a .3 difference between the two.

I had to stop for a second when I discovered that these two were so similar. I pulled out my paint samples to compare them side by side and they are, in fact, quite similar.

Of course, this is going solely from data.

They are similar but not a dupe for one another.

If you are thinking about trying to color match between brands, I highly suggest not doing so. Every paint brand is different so there is no guarantee that the paint color you are trying to match will be the same.

It’s best to find a color within the paint brand to ensure you know what you are getting.

However, If you do decide to color match, please please please do yourself a favor and get a sample of the matched color beforehand.

COORDINATING COLORS

Neutral paint colors are the easiest to coordinate with. There’s no doubt about that. But creating color combinations and color palettes can sometimes through your for a loop. I’m here to help. below are colors that work well with Collingwood.

COLOR COMPARISONS

Let’s compare some colors!

This is one of my favorite ways to decipher colors and see their tone, undertones, etc. It’s a helpful tool to use when you are struggling with finding a paint color.

BENJAMIN MOORE COLLINGWOOD VS REVERE PEWTER

• Revere Pewter has an LRV of 55.51, which is lower than Collingwood
• Revere Pewter is the darker paint color of the two
• Collingwood is the cooler-toned paint color
• Revere has a green-gray undertone.
• Revere has more of an earthy and natural feel to it

READ MORE: REVERE PEWTER FULL REVIEW

DOES COLLINGWOOD GO WITH REVERE PEWTER?

Because Revere Pewter is such a popular color, everyone wants to know what colors will work best with it. In this case, Collingwood, might not be the best fit. There are better-suited colors for Revere.

BENJAMIN MOORE COLLINGWOOD VS EDGECOMB GRAY

• Edgecomb Gray has an LRV of 66.88.
• Edgecomb has green-gray uundertones
• Collingwood is more gray, and Edgecomb has a bit of beige.
• Edgecomb Gray is the warmer toned color.

READ MORE: BENJAMIN MOORE EDGECOMB GRAY

BENJAMIN MOORE COLLINGWOOD VS BALBOA MIST

• Balboa Mist has an LRV of 67.37, higher than Collingwood at 62.14
• Balboa Mist is lighter than Collingwood
• Collingwood is a smidge cooler than Balboa Mist
• Both colors can flash violet

READ MORE: AN AMAZING GRAY – BALBOA MIST

BENJAMIN MOORE COLLINGWOOD VS PALE OAK

• Collingwood is a bit grayer than Pale Oak
• Pale Oak has an LRV of 69.89 which is a bit higher
• Pale Oak is the lighter of the two colors
• Both have a chance of shifting or flashing lavender in certain lighting
• Pale Oak may also shift or flash to a peachy color

READ MORE: BENJAMIN MOORE PALE OAK

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!

RECAP

• Here’s a brief overview of what we have learned about Benjamin Moore Collingwood:
• It has an LRV of 62.14
• it’s one of Benjamin Moore’s most popular neutral paint colors list
• it is an elegant and sophisticated gray color
• has moments when it can flash violet
• looks amazing with a classic bright white trim
• in a north-facing room, it has the potential to appear cooler-toned
• warm south-facing light showcases the warmth of the color.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I have to say, Collingwood is an awesome paint color. It’s sophisticated and refined, versatile, and makes a beautiful backdrop for a space.

Of course, it won’t be the perfect gray paint color for everyone. However, if you like it and want to see it it will perform in your room, I say go for it and purchase a sample.

You must sample this (and every) paint color to see if it will work in your home. I know you are probably 100% over me saying this, but it’s the honest truth.

Are you planning on tackling a painting project on your own? 

Use these tips and avoid these mistakes to help you paint your room like a pro.

Don’t forget your tools and accessories!

Drop cloths are a must for any painting project. Paint is messy! Save yourself the hassle of unnecessary cleanup by using drop cloths. You’ll be happy you did.

A high-quality paint brush will go a long way. The same goes for paint rollers. You want to use tools that will work with you, making your painting job easier

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