Looking for a light gray paint color that feels fresh, versatile, and is a designer-favorite? Gray Owl by Benjamin Moore is one of the most popular cool grays on the market…and for good reason.
This subtle, sophisticated gray has just the right amount of softness to keep it from feeling sterile, with undertones that shift beautifully depending on the light and surroundings. Whether you’re painting a bedroom, bathroom, or looking for a go-to neutral for your entire home, Benjamin Moore Gray Owl (OC-52) is a strong contender.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Gray Owl. You’ll learn about its undertones, how it behaves in different lighting, how it compares to similar paint colors, and the best white trim and accent colors to pair with it. If you’re trying to decide whether this cool gray is the right choice for your space, keep reading!
Why Is Benjamin Moore Gray Owl So Popular?
Gray Owl is a light gray paint color with a cool cast that works well in both modern and traditional spaces. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 65, it’s bright enough to keep a room feeling light and airy, but not so light that it disappears. That makes it ideal for spaces where you want a neutral backdrop with just a hint of character.
One of the biggest reasons for its popularity? It plays well with a wide variety of colors and finishes, from white oak floors and warm wood tones to crisp white trim and bold accent colors. It’s a true chameleon, and that’s what makes it a favorite for designers and homeowners alike.
Want to test it in your home? Grab a Samplize peel-and-stick sample of Gray Owl to see how it looks in your light.
The Undertones of Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Let’s talk undertones, because Gray Owl has some personality hiding beneath that soft gray surface.
While it’s technically considered a cool gray, Gray Owl has subtle green undertones that can shift toward blue in certain lighting. In north-facing rooms, you’re more likely to see the blue-green side of Gray Owl. In rooms with warmer light (like south or west-facing spaces), it may lean slightly softer or more neutral, but don’t expect it to ever feel truly warm, like a greige.
In fact, in certain lighting conditions or when paired with creamy whites, Gray Owl can feel almost icy, so it’s important to always see samples in your space before committing.
Pro Tip: Paint colors with green undertones are often a safer bet than blues when you’re looking for a cool gray that doesn’t feel too chilly.
Gray Owl in Different Lighting
Lighting changes everything when it comes to paint colors – especially grays. Here’s how Gray Owl behaves in different types of light:
- North-facing rooms: Expect it to feel a little cooler and more muted/gray. The blue undertones may show up more strongly.
- South-facing rooms: You’ll get a slightly softer, lighter version of Gray Owl, with more natural warmth from the sunlight.
- East-facing rooms: In morning light, it feels crisp and clean. Later in the day, it may appear more gray and dull.
- West-facing rooms: You’ll see the most variation here…cool and crisp in the morning, but warming up with golden light in the evening (sometimes leaning more green).
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Gray Owl vs Other Popular Grays
How does Gray Owl stack up against other designer-favorite grays? Here’s a quick breakdown for you.
Gray Owl vs Stonington Gray
Both are Benjamin Moore classics, but Stonington Gray is a bit darker and more of a true gray with sublt blue undertones. Gray Owl is a touch softer and leans more green in comparison. If you want something a little brighter and more adaptable, Gray Owl is often the better choice. Click here to get a peel-and-stick sample sheet of Stonington Gray.
Gray Owl vs Repose Gray
Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray is a slightly darker and warmer gray than Gray Owl. It’s often considered more versatile if you’re looking for a warm neutral gray color. But if you’re going for a crisp, cool gray with a fresh look, Gray Owl is your winner. Get your Samplize peel-and-stick sample of Repose Gray.
Gray Owl vs Classic Gray
Aside from having “gray” in their name, these two colors are quite different. Benjamin Moore Classic Gray is lighter, softer, and more neutral. It’s a better choice for bright, sunny spaces where Gray Owl might feel too gray, or cool-toned for you. If you want a light neutral, that verges on an off-white, go with Classic Gray. For more contrast and depth, Gray Owl could be a better fit. Click here for a sample sheet of Classic Gray from Samplize.
Gray Owl vs Pale Oak
Both Gray Owl and Benjamin Moore’s Pale Oak are versatile light neutrals, but they have very different undertones. Gray Owl is a cool gray with subtle green or blue undertones, while Pale Oak is a warm greige that leans beige in bright light. Pale Oak feels soft and cozy, while Gray Owl has a crisp, modern look. If you want a warmer, more muted backdrop, go with Pale Oak. For a cleaner, cooler vibe, Gray Owl is the better pick. Grab yourself a sample sheet of Pale Oak from Samplize.
Where to Use Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
Thanks to its clean, subtle undertones, Gray Owl works beautifully just about anywhere. Here are some of the best places to use it…
Living Rooms
Gray Owl makes a gorgeous, neutral backdrop for everything from modern farmhouse to transitional coastal decor. Pair it with white trim, wood floors, and soft blues or greens for a relaxed, cohesive space.
Bedrooms
Gray Owl sets the tone for a calming retreat in a bedroom. Pair it with cozy bedding, crisp white sheets, warm accents, and layered textures to keep it from feeling too cold.
Bathrooms
Want a spa-like vibe in your bathroom? Gray Owl looks amazing against white tile, marble, and brushed nickel or chrome finishes. It will give your bathroom a clean, modern look without going too stark.
Kitchens & Cabinetry
Gray Owl can work great on kitchen walls and even on cabinets, but make sure you pair it with the right lighting and surrounding finishes. I like to use Gray Owl as a wall color with white cabinets for a soft contrast, but you’ll want to add some warm accents or natural materials to keep it from looking too sterile.
Gray Owl can also be a beautiful kitchen cabinet color choice, giving a soft coastal vibe to your kitchen, as seen in the kitchen below.
Hallways & Entryways
If you’re looking for a whole-house gray, Gray Owl transitions beautifully from one room to the next. It looks crisp and clean against both wood tones and white trim or millwork.
What White Trim Colors Pair Best with Gray Owl?
To create contrast and keep your space looking fresh, try one of these designer-approved white trim colors with Gray Owl:
- BM Chantilly Lace (OC-65) – A bright, clean white that highlights Gray Owl’s cool tone
- BM Simply White (OC-117) – A bright white with soft yellow undertones for subtle warmth
- BM White Dove (OC-17) – A soft, warm white with a greige base that adds an elegant, sophisticated look
- BM Cloud White (OC-130) – Adds just a hint of cream for a more traditional look
If you’re using Gray Owl on walls, I recommend a white ceiling color. Chantilly Lace is a great option for both ceilings and trim, when paired with Gray Owl.
The Best Paint Colors to Use with Gray Owl
If you’re looking to build a whole-house color palette around Benjamin Moore Gray Owl, here are some of my favorite color pairings.
- Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17) – a super versatile warm white (see my full review of BM White Dove for more info)
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154) – A classic navy that adds depth and richness to any room
- Benjamin Moore Silver Mink (1586) – a versatile shade of blue, with a silver undertone
- Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain (2134-30) – a soft black with very subtle undertones that perfectly complement Gray Owl
- Benjamin Moore Pashmina (AF-100) – a sophisticated greige that will bring out the blue-green undertones in Gray Owl beautifully
- Benjamin Moore Normandy (2129-40) – use this blue-gray as a bold pop of color against Gray Owl
- Benjamin Moore Intrigue (1580) – moody gray-green that adds contrast, and an earthy look
- Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray (HC-160) – A dark, modern blue-green-gray that plays off Gray Owl’s undertones perfectly
- Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray (HC-168) – classic, flexible, medium gray with a hint of green
Because Gray Owl has subtle blue and green undertones, it’s going to look especially beautiful with other paint colors that have blue-green, blue-gray, or gray-green undertones. On the other hand, warm grays and greiges will also work with with Gray Owl, but their warm tones will amplify Gray Owl’s blue and green undertones. If you want a fresh look with beautiful results, build your Gray Owl palette with a mix of muted blues and/or greens, and soft whites, and then add warmth with wood tones or brass.
Is Benjamin Moore Gray Owl Right for Your Home?
If you’re searching for a cool gray that’s crisp, subtle, and easy to use in nearly any room, Gray Owl is a solid choice. It’s not too dark, not too light, and it has just enough undertone to feel interesting without being tricky to work with. For coastal style homes, this is a fantastic whole-house option.
But remember that lighting matters! Gray Owl can lean more blue or more green depending on your space, so it’s important to test it before you commit.
🎨 Order a Samplize peel-and-stick sample of Benjamin Moore Gray Owl to see how it looks on your walls throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl is one of those rare shades that feels both modern and timeless. It works in a wide variety of surfaces, compliments almost any style, and offers just the right depth of color to keep a room feeling polished and pulled together.
Need help pairing Gray Owl with other paint colors in your home? Or, are you tired of scrolling, and just want some expert help choosing a paint color for your interior or exterior? I’d love to help! Check out my page on choosing paint colors for some free resources, and to check out my paint consultation services.
