With so many options, picking the perfect gray can be overwhelming. Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection’s Brewster Gray (HC-162) is a chic blue-gray that complements nearly any interior design. Does it work in your house, though?
Everything you need to know is covered in this guide to Brewster Gray Benjamin Moore. I’ll go over its undertones, LRV, applications, and the best trim colors.
Additionally, you will learn about purchasing options, lighting effects, and color coordination.
You’ll be able to tell by the end whether this classic shade is appropriate for your house. Let’s examine the specifics.
What Is Brewster Gray by Benjamin Moore?
Brewster Gray (HC-162) comes from Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection. This collection features colors inspired by 18th and 19th century architecture across America.
The shades reflect authentic period colors used in historic homes.
The color has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 29.97. This number tells you how much light the color reflects.
Lower numbers mean darker colors. At just under 30, Brewster Gray reads as a medium-dark shade. It absorbs more light than it reflects, creating a moody, grounded feel on walls.
Color Characteristics and Undertones
Brewster Gray balances blue and gray tones with a subtle green undertone that warms the overall appearance.
A Balanced Blue-Gray
Brewster Gray appears as a calm blue-gray on walls. It reads as refined without feeling too formal. This color suits people who love neutrals but want something more interesting than plain gray.
The Hidden Green Undertone
The soft green undertone warms up the blue-gray base. This hidden green keeps the color from feeling cold or sterile.
Bright natural light brings out blue tones more clearly. As daylight fades, the green undertone becomes more visible.
This green influence makes Brewster Gray feel natural and grounded. It connects well with organic materials like wood and stone.
Where to Use Brewster Gray in Your Home
This versatile color works in multiple rooms and applications throughout your house or exterior.
Walls and Accent Walls
Brewster Gray works beautifully on the living room, bedroom, and family room walls. It creates a tranquil, cozy atmosphere. Use it on accent walls to add dimension without painting an entire room.
Cabinetry and Built-Ins
Kitchen and bathroom cabinetry look impressive in Brewster Gray with ample lighting. Pair it with brass hardware for warmth or matte black for contemporary contrast.
Exterior Use
Brewster Gray performs well on exterior siding or shutters. Pair it with white or cream trim for classic contrast. Consider using it on a front door with brass hardware for an inviting entry.
Best Trim and Ceiling Colors to Pair With Brewster Gray
Choosing the right trim color makes Brewster Gray look its best and creates the contrast you want.
Benjamin Moore Cloud White (OC-130)
Cloud White is a soft, creamy white that adds warmth and balance. It prevents Brewster Gray from feeling too cold while maintaining clear definition between walls and trim.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
Chantilly Lace offers a crisp, clean white for high contrast. This bright white makes Brewster Gray’s blue-gray tones pop and creates a more dramatic, modern look.
Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)
Alabaster provides a warm white alternative with subtle undertones. It bridges the gap between Cloud White and Chantilly Lace, offering enough warmth without looking creamy.
Coordinating and Complementary Colors
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray works well in adjoining rooms as a warm greige that transitions smoothly from Brewster Gray. Silver Gray (2131-60) offers a lighter option for hallways or transitional areas.
Battenberg (CSP-100) brings warmer beige tones that complement Brewster Gray’s green undertones. Hush (AF-95) provides a soft, muted pink-beige for gentle contrast.
Use these shades in connecting rooms to create visual flow. Paint hallways in lighter coordinating colors to transition between darker Brewster Gray rooms and prevent abrupt color changes.
Similar Colors to Consider
If you love Brewster Gray but want something slightly different, these alternatives offer similar appeal.
Adagio (1593) appears lighter and less green than Brewster Gray. It provides the same blue-gray family feel with more brightness. Choose this if your room lacks natural light.
Templeton Gray (HC-161) goes deeper and more saturated. It sits right next to Brewster Gray in the Historical Collection. Use this for more drama and depth in well-lit spaces.
Gibraltar Cliffs (1587) reads grayer and more neutral. It pulls less blue and green, offering a truer gray option. Pick this if you want less color influence in your neutral.
Lighting Considerations
Natural light brings out Brewster Gray’s blue tones during the day. South-facing rooms make the color look brighter and more vibrant. North-facing rooms pull out cooler, grayer qualities that can feel heavier.
Artificial light changes the color significantly. Warm bulbs emphasize the green undertones and create an earthier feel. Cool LED lights enhance blue tones and make it feel slightly colder.
Brewster Gray works best in bright spaces with good natural or artificial light. It can feel heavy in rooms with limited windows.
Buy sample pots and paint large swatches on different walls. Observe them at various times throughout the day to see how the color truly performs in your home.
Styling and Design Inspiration
Brewster Gray pairs beautifully with natural materials and works across multiple design styles.
Natural wood tones complement Brewster Gray perfectly. Light oak, walnut, and pine all work well against this blue-gray.
Stone countertops and exposed brick enhance the color’s earthy qualities. These organic materials bring out the green undertones naturally.
The color suits coastal, traditional, and modern farmhouse styles equally well. In coastal spaces, pair it with whites, navy, and natural textures.
For traditional rooms, add rich wood furniture and classic brass fixtures. Modern farmhouse looks benefit from mixing Brewster Gray with white shiplap and black accents.
Choose linen fabrics in natural tones for soft goods. Beige, cream, and warm gray textiles layer beautifully with this wall color.
Add brass lamps and fixtures for warmth. Navy accent pillows or artwork provide depth without clashing. Keep accessories simple to let the wall color shine.
Where to Buy Brewster Gray Benjamin Moore
Brewster Gray is available at all Benjamin Moore authorized retailers and online through their website. Visit a local store to see the color in person or order for home delivery.
Sample options include free paint swatches, small 8 oz sample pots, and peel-and-stick samples. Test the color on your walls with sample pots or use peel-and-stick options for mess-free testing.
Download the Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio App to preview Brewster Gray digitally. The app uses augmented reality to show how the color looks on your actual walls before you buy.
Conclusion
Brewster Gray For good reason, Benjamin Moore is still a favorite among designers. Last year, I used it for my own research, and I really like how it changes throughout the day. The color is elegant without being ostentatious.
Before committing to gallons, test samples in your lighting. Having the proper preparation is crucial to enjoying the outcome.
Are you prepared to sample Brewster Gray? Go to your neighborhood Benjamin Moore store or leave a comment below about your experience using this color!
Frequently Asked Questions
What undertones does Brewster Gray have?
Brewster Gray has blue-gray tones with a subtle green undertone. The green adds warmth and prevents the color from feeling cold or sterile in most lighting conditions.
Is Brewster Gray too dark for small rooms?
With an LRV of 29.97, Brewster Gray can feel heavy in small, dark rooms. It works best in spaces with good natural light or bright artificial lighting.
What trim color works best with Brewster Gray?
Benjamin Moore Cloud White (OC-130) works beautifully as trim with Brewster Gray. For higher contrast, use Chantilly Lace (OC-65) or Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008).
Can I use Brewster Gray on kitchen cabinets?
Yes, Brewster Gray works well on kitchen cabinets with ample lighting. Pair it with brass or matte black hardware and white countertops for balance.
How does Brewster Gray compare to Hale Navy?
Brewster Gray is lighter and grayer than Hale Navy. Hale Navy leans more blue with less green undertone and has a lower LRV at 6.97.
