Pale Oak vs Edgecomb Gray

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Benjamin Moore Pale Oak and Edgecomb Gray are both fantastic colors. If you’ve narrowed your paint search down to them, congratulations—you’ve officially entered the Warm Neutral Olympics. And trust me, it’s way more competitive than any sport I played growing up.

Both colors are gorgeous, versatile, homeowner-approved, designer-approved, dog-approved (Watson has standards), and yes—very easy to get wrong if you don’t understand their undertones. That’s where I come in.

In this head-to-head comparison, I’m breaking down undertones, LRV, lighting behavior, room-by-room performance, and real-life usage so you can confidently choose the winner for your home.

Let’s dive in before you repaint your walls for the 14th time this year. (No judgment. I’ve been there.)

Quick Summary: Pale Oak vs Edgecomb Gray

Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (OC-20)

• LRV: 68.64
• Undertones: Warm gray with a soft taupe blush
• Vibe: Light, airy, elegant, soft
• Best For: Rooms that need warmth without heaviness
• Full Pale Oak Paint Review

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)

• LRV: 63.88
• Undertones: Warm greige leaning beige
• Vibe: Cozy, earthy, organic
• Best For: Homes that want a natural, grounded neutral
• Full Edgecomb Gray Paint Color Review

In plain English: Pale Oak is the lighter, fresher sister. Edgecomb Gray is the richer, earthier sister. Both beautiful. Both different. Choose carefully.

Test both colors the easy way! Order Samplize samples so you can see Pale Oak and Edgecomb Gray on your actual walls before committing.

Undertones: The Difference That Matters Most

Pale Oak Undertones

I describe Pale Oak as a warm gray with polite taupe undertones. It’s like gray invited taupe over for coffee, and now they’re best friends.

Depending on lighting, Pale Oak can look:

• Soft warm gray
• Taupe-leaning greige
• A whisper of pink (don’t panic—it’s subtle and typically only in low light)
• Super sophisticated in bright natural light

If your home has:

• Lots of natural light
• North-facing rooms
• Modern furnishings

You’ll love how Pale Oak stays calm and airy without going too beige.

Edgecomb Gray Undertones

Edgecomb Gray is pretty true to the definition of greige—not too gray, not too beige—and definitely warmer and more grounded than Pale Oak.

It leans:

• Soft beige in warm lighting
• Greige in neutral lighting
• Slightly muddy (in a good way!) in low-light spaces
• Cozy and earthy in any room

Think of Edgecomb Gray as the “I want a warm neutral, but I also want it to look designer” color.

If your home features:

• Woods, warm floors, or earthy decor
• Lower natural light
• A traditional or rustic style

Edgecomb Gray will look like it was made for your space.

LRV Showdown: Which Color Is Lighter?

Quick refresher: LRV = Light Reflectance Value (how much light the paint color reflects).

• Pale Oak LRV: 68.64 → lighter, brighter, more reflective
• Edgecomb Gray LRV: 63.88 → slightly deeper, richer

What this means for your walls:

• If you want a color that keeps your home feeling a bit on the side of bright and open → Pale Oak wins
• If you want warmth and dimension without looking dark → Edgecomb Gray wins

Neither will feel heavy, but Pale Oak definitely brings more natural brightness.

See Pale Oak and Edgecomb Gray in your lighting before painting. Get the Samplize peel-and-stick samples—my favorite way to test colors.

How They Look in Different Lighting

North-Facing Rooms

• Pale Oak: Leans more taupe-gray, sometimes slightly pink. Still soft and pretty.
• Edgecomb Gray: Becomes more muted and reads like a gentle greige. More depth than Pale Oak.

South-Facing Rooms

• Pale Oak: Looks warm and creamy—but not yellow.
• Edgecomb Gray: Pulls warmer and more noticeably beige.

East-Facing Rooms

Morning light warms them both.

• Pale Oak: Warmer taupe-gray
• Edgecomb Gray: Cozy greige

Afternoon shadows will cool both down slightly.

West-Facing Rooms

Hello golden hour.

• Pale Oak: Soft, warm, dreamy
• Edgecomb Gray: Approaches full beige (in a pretty way)

Room-by-Room Breakdown

Living Room

• Pale Oak: Bright, elegant, works beautifully with modern style
• Edgecomb Gray: Warm, earthy, excellent with wood floors and traditional decor

Kitchen

• Pale Oak: Gorgeous with white cabinets and marble-look countertops
• Edgecomb Gray: A pro at complementing warm countertops and stained cabinets

Bedroom

• Pale Oak: Airy and calming
• Edgecomb Gray: Cozy and cocoon-like

Hallways

• Pale Oak: Helps narrow spaces feel bigger
• Edgecomb Gray: Adds warmth without going too dark

Bathrooms

• Pale Oak: Great if you want a spa-like, clean feel
• Edgecomb Gray: Works well unless your lighting is very cool

Pale Oak vs Edgecomb Gray: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Pale Oak if you want:

• A lighter neutral
• A soft, airy feel
• A color that plays well with modern finishes
• A shade that minimizes yellow/orange wood tones

Choose Edgecomb Gray if you want:

• A warm greige that isn’t too light
• A grounded, earthy look
• A color that warms up dim spaces
• A shade that complements natural materials

If you still can’t decide:
Order Samplize peel-and-stick samples (my favorite mess-free option). Stick them up, move them around, stare at them like you’re in a staring contest—trust me, it works.

Still torn? Grab Samplize peel-and-stick samples for Pale Oak and Edgecomb Gray—they’re mess-free, accurate, and way cheaper than repainting twice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pale Oak lighter than Edgecomb Gray?

Yes. Pale Oak has a higher LRV than Edgecomb Gray, making it the brighter and lighter option.

Does Pale Oak look pink?

Sometimes… slightly. Only in dim or cool lighting. It’s not Barbie pink—more like “I’m a taupe with a secret.”

Is Edgecomb Gray still popular in 2025?

Absolutely. It’s timeless, warm, flexible, and a favorite among designers and homeowners.

Which is more greige?

Edgecomb Gray leans more greige (and a touch more beige). Pale Oak is more of a soft, warm gray with taupe influence.

Can I use either color with white trim?

Yes! Try:

• Chantilly Lace for crisp contrast
• Simply White for a softer, warm pairing

Best white for Pale Oak?

Chantilly Lace or White Dove.

Best white for Edgecomb Gray?

White Dove or Cloud White.

Final Verdict

If you want light, fresh, and airy, go with Pale Oak.
If you want warm, cozy, and grounded, choose Edgecomb Gray.

Both are stunning neutrals—and both are easy wins when used in the right space. Just remember: lighting is the real boss here. You’re just the homeowner trying to impress it.

And as always, grab a Samplize sample (or two). Your walls will thank you, your decision-making anxiety will calm down, and you won’t end up repainting at 11 p.m. because “it looked different in the store.”

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