Edgecomb Gray vs Accessible Beige

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Edgecomb Gray and Accessible Beige are both warm neutral paint colors, but Edgecomb Gray is lighter and more refined, while Accessible Beige is warmer and better suited for low-light rooms.

You are 100% not alone in the struggle if you’re stuck choosing between Edgecomb Gray and Accessible Beige. These two beautiful, warm, neutral colors are similar on the paint strip, but when they are on the walls, that’s where you see the differences.

I’ve seen both colors used in actual homes (a friend of mine and clients’), and I can tell you right now: this is not a coin-flip decision. Lighting, flooring, and your home’s overall vibe matter a lot here.

Let’s break it all down — no fluff, no guessing, just real-world paint behavior.

Quick Overview: Edgecomb Gray vs Accessible Beige

Paint Color	Brand	Undertone Family	LRV	Overall Vibe
Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)	Benjamin Moore	Warm greige	63.88	Soft, airy, classic
Accessible Beige (SW 7036)	Sherwin Williams	Warm beige	58	Cozy, grounded, versatile

Quick takeaway: Edgecomb Gray is lighter and more refined. Accessible Beige is warmer and more substantial.

Edgecomb Gray (HC-173): Soft, Subtle & Elegant

Edgecomb Gray is one of those colors that quietly does its job without demanding attention. It’s calm, polished, and very well-mannered.

Undertones

Edgecomb Gray is a warm greige with soft beige and taupe undertones. It stays neutral without drifting yellow or muddy, which is why it’s been a designer favorite for years.

What it doesn’t do:

• Turn yellow
• Go green
• Look cold or sterile

LRV (Light Reflectance Value)

• LRV: 63.88

This higher LRV means Edgecomb Gray reflects more light, making it an excellent choice for spaces you want to feel open and bright.

Best Rooms for Edgecomb Gray

• Living rooms
• Bedrooms
• Hallways and staircases
• Open-concept spaces

It’s especially beautiful in homes with:

• Warm wood floors
• Creamy white trim
• Traditional or transitional styles

Pros

• Light and airy
• Extremely versatile
• Timeless (not trendy)
• Easy to live with

Cons

• Can feel washed out in very bright rooms
• Not ideal if you want strong contrast

Cate’s take: This is the neutral equivalent of a crisp white button-down — effortless and always appropriate.

👉 Before you paint, I highly recommend testing peel-and-stick samples so you can see both colors in your lighting.

Accessible Beige (SW 7036): Warm, Cozy & Dependable

Accessible Beige is the color you choose when you want your home to feel welcoming and grounded — not stark, not trendy, just comfortable.

Undertones

Accessible Beige is a true warm beige with subtle gray undertones that keep it from going overly yellow. It reads warmer than Edgecomb Gray, especially in north-facing light.

What it does well:

• Handles low light beautifully
• Pairs easily with warm finishes
• Feels cozy without feeling dated

LRV (Light Reflectance Value)

• LRV: 58

This slightly lower LRV gives Accessible Beige more depth, which helps it hold its own in rooms with less natural light.

Best Rooms for Accessible Beige

• Family rooms
• Dining rooms
• Basements
• Homes with warm lighting

It works particularly well with:

• Honey or medium wood tones
• Beige or warm tile
• Cream or soft white trim

Pros

• Warm and inviting
• Great in low-light rooms
• Very forgiving
• Excellent whole-house color

Cons

• Too warm for very cool-toned homes
• Not ideal with gray floors

Cate’s take: This color is like a cozy sweater — not flashy, but you’ll reach for it again and again.

👉 These colors are close — test them on your walls first to avoid repaint regret.

Edgecomb Gray vs Accessible Beige: Side-by-Side Comparison

Lighting Sensitivity

• Edgecomb Gray: Prefers good natural light
• Accessible Beige: Performs well even in darker spaces

Warmth Level

• Edgecomb Gray: Soft warm-neutral
• Accessible Beige: Clearly warm

Style Match

• Edgecomb Gray: Traditional, transitional, classic
• Accessible Beige: Casual, cozy, family-friendly

Open Concept Homes

• Edgecomb Gray: Winner 🏆
• Accessible Beige: Better for defined rooms

Trim Pairings That Work

Best Whites for Edgecomb Gray

• Benjamin Moore White Dove
• Benjamin Moore Simply White

Best Whites for Accessible Beige

• Sherwin Williams Alabaster
• Sherwin Williams Creamy

Avoid cool, bright whites — they’ll make both colors look off.

FAQs: Edgecomb Gray vs Accessible Beige

Which color is better for resale?

Edgecomb Gray tends to win with buyers because it’s lighter and more neutral.

Which works better with wood floors?

Both work beautifully, but Accessible Beige handles warmer woods better.

👉 Before you paint, I highly recommend testing peel-and-stick samples so you can see both colors in your lighting.

Can I use these in a small room?

Yes. Edgecomb Gray makes small rooms feel larger; Accessible Beige makes them feel cozy.

Is Edgecomb Gray too gray?

No — but if you want a clearly warm look, Accessible Beige may be a better fit.

Try Before You Commit (Please)

These two colors are close, and lighting will absolutely change how they look.

I always recommend testing peel-and-stick samples so you can:

• See undertones in your lighting
• Compare side by side
• Avoid repaint regret

I use Samplize peel-and-stick samples with every client before committing to paint.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Edgecomb Gray if you want:

• Light and airy
• Classic and refined
• Open-concept friendly

Choose Accessible Beige if you want:

• Warm and cozy
• Forgiving in low light
• A comfortable, lived-in feel

Both are excellent choices — they just serve different purposes. And once you see them in your home? The answer usually becomes very clear.

Related Posts You’ll Love

If you’re still narrowing down the perfect warm neutral for your home, these posts will help you compare undertones, lighting behavior, and cozy vibes:

• Agreeable Gray vs Revere Pewter: Which Neutral Paint Color Is Best?
• PPG Sharkskin — In-Depth Review
• Sherwin Williams Underrated Paint Colors
• 15 Benjamin Moore Warm Neutrals to Elevate Your Space
• Sherwin Williams Warm Neutral Paint Colors That Are On Trend