Reviewing Edgecomb Gray Benjamin Moore (HC-173): A Stylish Neutral

Finding the right neutral paint color feels like an impossible task. Too beige, too gray, or just plain boring – I’ve been there too! Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore might be the answer to your color dilemma.

This popular “greige” (gray-beige hybrid) has become a go-to choice for homeowners who want a versatile, soft backdrop that works with almost any decor style.

In this review, I’ll show you everything you need to know about Edgecomb Gray HC-173. You’ll learn about its undertones, how it looks in different lighting, and which rooms it works best in.

I’ll also share real examples and color matches to help you decide if this truly is the perfect greige for your space.

Edgecomb Gray Benjamin Moore: Color Description

Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore (also known as Baby Fawn OC-15) is a warm neutral paint color sitting smack-dab in the middle of warm gray and beige.

This makes Edgecomb Gray a greige or taupe paint color (depending on your perception). It creates a soft, warm, organic look that’s very versatile when it comes to partnering up with other colors.

With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 63.09, Edgecomb Gray falls in the medium-light range.

This means it will reflect a good amount of light while still having enough depth to add warmth to your walls. Thanks to this balanced LRV, the color adapts well to various lighting conditions and room sizes.

Benjamin Moore has given this color multiple names and numbers across their collections.

You might find it listed as color number 972 or as OC-15, but they’re all the same beautiful greige tone that has become so popular in modern homes.

What Makes Benjamin Moore a Popular Choice?

Benjamin Moore has earned its reputation as a top paint brand for several reasons:

• Quality Formulation: Their paints offer excellent coverage, durability, and a smooth finish that many DIYers and professionals appreciate.
• Color Consistency: When you choose a Benjamin Moore color, you can count on it looking the same from can to can.
• Extensive Color Range: With thousands of colors available, there’s something for every style and preference.

Benjamin Moore’s dedication to creating high-quality products shows in their various paint lines.

Their Aura and Regal Select lines are particularly praised for their stain resistance and washability, making them practical choices for busy households.

The company has been in business since 1883, building trust with generations of homeowners and painters.

• Low-VOC Options: For those concerned about indoor air quality, Benjamin Moore offers several eco-friendly, low-VOC paint options.
• Color Tools: Their color visualization tools help homeowners make confident color decisions before committing to a full paint job.

The brand’s commitment to innovation has kept them at the forefront of the paint industry.

Their color expertise is evident in perfectly balanced shades like Edgecomb Gray, which work well in a variety of settings and lighting conditions.

Interior Spaces Featuring Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore

Looking for a shade that works just about anywhere? Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore doesn’t disappoint.

After testing it in various rooms, we found that its soft, warm undertone adapts beautifully to different lighting and styles.

From cozy living rooms to crisp kitchens, this greige neutral adds just the right amount of warmth without overwhelming the space.

Living Room

Edgecomb Gray creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere in living rooms.

I’ve noticed how it offers just enough color to make the space feel warm without being too bold. This shade works as a perfect backdrop for both traditional and modern furniture pieces.

• Works beautifully with wooden beams and natural stone fireplaces
• Pairs well with white trim for a clean, fresh look
• Creates a soft contrast with dark hardwood floors
• Helps make small living spaces feel more open and airy
• Acts as an excellent foundation for seasonal decor changes
• Looks stunning with navy blue or forest green accent pieces

In my experience, this color truly shines in living rooms with lots of natural light, as it shows off its subtle warm undertones while maintaining a neutral presence.

Try adding textured throws and pillows to enhance the warmth this color brings to your space.

Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets painted in Edgecomb Gray offer a fresh alternative to stark white. I’ve found this color adds warmth to kitchens without feeling too trendy or specific.

• Complements both light and dark countertops
• Looks stunning with brass or gold hardware
• Holds up well in high-traffic cooking areas
• Creates visual interest without competing with backsplashes
• Pairs beautifully with white walls for a two-tone kitchen look
• Makes open-concept kitchens flow nicely with adjacent rooms
• Works wonderfully with wood or butcher block accents

The subtle greige tone helps hide minor smudges and fingerprints better than pure white cabinets, which is a practical bonus for busy kitchens.

Consider using this color on a kitchen island with white perimeter cabinets for a thoughtful, designed look.

Bedroom

In bedrooms, Edgecomb Gray creates a calm, restful environment. I love how this color seems to change slightly throughout the day, adding visual interest to bedroom walls.

• Creates a soothing backdrop for colorful bedding
• Works well with both cool and warm accent colors
• Appears softer and more relaxing in lamp light during evening hours
• Makes smaller bedrooms feel more spacious
• Provides a gender-neutral option for shared bedrooms
• Complements natural linen bedding beautifully

The neutral quality of this color makes it perfect for primary bedrooms, guest rooms, and children’s rooms alike. It gives you the freedom to change up accessories and bedding without needing to repaint.

For added interest, try painting the ceiling a lighter shade for a subtle, layered effect.

Bathroom

Bathrooms benefit from Edgecomb Gray’s versatility and practical nature. I’ve seen this color work wonders in bathrooms of all sizes, adding just enough warmth without feeling closed in.

• Balances well with white fixtures and marble surfaces
• Looks clean and fresh when paired with chrome or nickel fixtures
• Handles humidity well without showing water spots easily
• Creates a spa-like feel with minimal effort
• Complements both cool and warm tile choices
• Works beautifully with natural stone and wood accents
• Makes small powder rooms feel more luxurious

In bathrooms with limited natural light, this color maintains its warmth without looking dingy or too yellow. Try pairing it with matte black fixtures for a modern twist that feels both fresh and timeless.

Home Office

For home offices, Edgecomb Gray provides a focused, professional backdrop that isn’t distracting. I find this color helps create a productive environment that feels neither too stark nor too casual.

• Reduces eye strain during long work sessions
• Creates an excellent background for video calls
• It pairs beautifully with dark wood desks and bookshelves
• It makes small office nooks feel intentional rather than cramped
• Works well with both modern and traditional office furniture
• Offers a professional look for client-facing video meetings
• Allows colorful office accessories to pop without overwhelming

The subtle nature of this color enables your work materials and technology to stand out while providing a calming environment for concentration and creativity.

Consider adding a feature wall in a complementary color if you want to define your workspace in an open floor plan.

Reviewing Edgecomb Gray Benjamin Moore Look in Exterior Spaces

Thinking of using Edgecomb Gray outside? You’re not alone.

This warm greige has become a favorite for exteriors thanks to its soft, timeless look that shifts beautifully with changing light.

Whether it’s on siding, trim, or shutters, it delivers serious curb appeal without being too bold or too bland.

House Exterior Siding

I’ve used Edgecomb Gray on numerous home exteriors, and it’s proven reliable. The color holds up well in different weather conditions, and I’ve noticed it looks particularly good in both sunny and shaded settings.

What I’ve learned about using Edgecomb Gray outside:

• The color maintains its integrity even in bright sunlight
• It creates a perfect neutral backdrop for colorful landscaping
• Natural stone accents complement it beautifully
• Dark bronze or black hardware creates a nice contrast
• The shade adapts well to changing seasons

Tips from my experience:

• Check how it appears at different times of day before committing
• Consider the surrounding landscape colors
• It works equally well in wooded or open settings
• Use quality exterior paint for better longevity
• It pairs wonderfully with natural wood elements

Front Porch

When I suggest Edgecomb Gray for front porches, my clients often love the welcoming feel it creates. It’s neutral without being boring, which makes it perfect for this transitional space.

Successful combinations I’ve used:

• Edgecomb Gray walls with white ceiling
• Wood porch floors with Edgecomb Gray railings
• Mixed materials like brick, stone, and Edgecomb Gray painted wood
• Traditional and modern porch furniture equally complement it
• Seasonal door decorations pop against this backdrop

Extra touches that work well:

• Soft blue porch ceiling with Edgecomb Gray walls
• Natural fiber rugs and furniture
• Copper or brass lighting fixtures
• Green plants in terracotta pots
• Cohesive look when carried from exterior to porch

Trim or Shutters

I’ve found Edgecomb Gray offers a softer alternative to bright white for trim and shutters. It gives homes a more nuanced, custom look that my clients appreciate.

What works well with Edgecomb Gray trim:

• White siding for subtle contrast without harsh lines
• Brick exteriors gain warmth and sophistication
• Modern farmhouse styles look more refined
• Mixed exterior materials become more unified
• It serves perfectly as a “middle tone” in three-color schemes

Design considerations I would like to share:

• Pair with a slightly darker greige for the main exterior
• Use a bold front door color for balance
• It maintains appearance well between cleanings
• Consider bronze or black hardware for fixtures
• It works beautifully in tone-on-tone exterior schemes

Edgecomb Gray Benjamin Moore vs. Other Brands: The Ultimate Greige Showdown

What Colors Pair Best with Edgecomb Gray Paint?

• Simply White (Benjamin Moore) – A clean white that creates a crisp contrast
• Hale Navy (Benjamin Moore) – A deep blue that offers beautiful depth against Edgecomb Gray
• Revere Pewter (Benjamin Moore) – A slightly darker greige for subtle layering
• Urbane Bronze (Sherwin Williams) – A dark, grounding accent color
• Cloud White (Benjamin Moore) – A soft white with warm undertones
• Grizzle Gray (Sherwin Williams) – A rich dark gray for dramatic contrast
• Manchester Tan (Benjamin Moore) – A natural complement in the same color family
• Iron Ore (Sherwin Williams) – A near-black that adds sophistication
• Classic Gray (Benjamin Moore) – A lighter option for a subtle tone-on-tone effect
• Sea Salt (Sherwin Williams) – A soft green-gray for adjacent spaces
• Alabaster (Sherwin Williams) – A creamy white that feels cohesive rather than stark
• Kendall Charcoal (Benjamin Moore) – A deep charcoal for accent walls or furniture
• White Dove (Benjamin Moore) – A soft white that complements the warmth of Edgecomb Gray

What Experts Have Been Saying About Edgecomb Gray Benjamin Moore

Professional designers and color specialists consistently praise Edgecomb Gray for its versatility and balanced undertones.

It’s often described as a foolproof neutral that works in almost any lighting condition.

Many experts note its ability to look good with both warm and cool color schemes, making it a top recommendation for clients who can’t decide between gray and beige.

Design professionals point out that Edgecomb Gray offers just enough color to make a space feel warm without being too assertive.

It’s frequently recommended for open floor plans where colors need to flow seamlessly between spaces.

Paint experts appreciate its practicality, as it hides marks better than lighter colors but still reflects enough light to keep spaces feeling open.

Color consultants add that it performs well in both traditional and modern settings, making it a truly timeless choice that won’t feel dated in a few years.

The Bottom Line

Looking back at all we’ve explored about Edgecomb Gray, it’s clear why this versatile paint color has earned its spot as a top neutral.

This balanced greige works across many rooms and pairs beautifully with numerous color schemes.

So, what makes Edgecomb Gray special? Its ability to adapt to changing light while maintaining its warm, soft character is truly impressive.

This paint color offers the perfect middle ground for anyone stuck between gray and beige.

What’s next? If you’re planning a painting project, get a sample of Edgecomb Gray and test it in your space at different times of the day.

Watch how it shifts and responds to your specific lighting. This small step will help you feel confident in your decision before you commit to painting an entire room.