Gray Horse by Benjamin Moore is a soft and beautiful gray paint color that works in almost any room. It has a warm feel that makes spaces look calm and comfortable.
I like how it changes with the light – sometimes looking more gray, other times a bit beige. This makes it easy to use in many styles, from modern to farmhouse.
It’s not too dark or too light, which helps it blend well with different colors and furniture. I’ve used Gray Horse in a few rooms and always loved how peaceful it made the space feel.
In this blog, I’ll share what makes this color special, how it looks in real homes, and the best colors and finishes to pair it with.
If you’re thinking about using a soft gray that feels warm and cozy, this color is a great place to start.
Why Gray Horse Is an Ideal Paint Color?
Gray Horse is a color that suits almost any setting. It’s soft and balanced, which makes it easy to use. You don’t have to worry about it feeling too strong or too flat.
One reason people like this color is that it’s not too cool or too warm. Some grays feel blue. Others feel brown. But Gray Horse sits comfortably in the middle. It works in homes that lean towards modern or classic styles.
You can use this shade in both small and large rooms. In a small space, it adds color without making the room feel tight. In a bigger space, it brings calm without feeling empty.
It also matches a wide range of styles like Modern, clean and simple, Classic, soft and timeless, and casual, relaxed and easy.
Because it blends well with other colors and materials, Gray Horse is a versatile choice, suitable for use in various settings.
Understanding the Subtle Undertones of the Gray Horse
Gray Horse (2140-50) by Benjamin Moore is a medium gray paint with a quiet, natural feel. It’s neither too light nor too dark, making it easy to use in various parts of the home.
What sets it apart is a hint of sage green. This soft green tone adds warmth, making the gray feel more relaxed.
The HEX code is #B9B9AD, and the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is 48.54. That means it reflects a moderate amount of light.
It won’t make a room feel too bright, but it also won’t weigh it down. This makes it a safe choice for both sunny and dim spaces.
If you look closely at Gray Horse, you’ll notice a hint of sage green. This green undertone gives the color a calm, natural feel. It helps the gray stay warm without turning beige or brown.
The appearance of the Gray Horse can change depending on the lighting. In natural light, the green comes forward more.
Under artificial light, the tone shifts. The color may feel warmer or cooler based on the type of bulb.
Cool bulbs (with a blue tone) can make Gray Horse look more like a true gray, with less green showing through.
Warm bulbs, with a yellow tone, bring out the sage undertone and make the space feel softer.
Before painting a full room, it’s smart to test the color. Try it on a few walls. Check it during the day and at night.
Use both natural and artificial light. This helps you see the full range of how Gray Horse will look in your home.
Best Places to Use Gray Horse in Your Home
Gray Horse is easy to use in different rooms. It has just enough color to be interesting, yet remains soft and calm. Here are some of the best places to try it:
Living Rooms
I’ve found that this shade works especially well in living rooms, where it helps create a calm, welcoming space that feels just right.
It pairs nicely with soft furniture, wood tones, and neutral rugs to add comfort and charm.
The gentle green undertone adds a subtle warmth without being too noticeable or distracting. It’s a great choice if you want a color that feels grounded but not too bold.
Bedrooms
In bedrooms, Gray Horse feels soft and restful, making it perfect for creating a peaceful space.
Pair it with white bedding and warm lamps to create a quiet, cozy atmosphere that feels inviting at any time of day.
Adding natural textures like wood or linen can enhance the warm undertones and make the room feel even more soothing.
This shade works well in both small and large bedrooms, bringing a balanced and calm look.
Home Offices
For home offices, this color gives a clean and clear tone. It helps the room feel focused but not too cold. It also works well with black, white, or wood desks and shelves.
Add a few soft touches like a rug or curtains, and the space becomes both functional and comfortable.
Kitchens
I’ve noticed that Gray Horse pairs well with both white and wood cabinets, making it a great choice for many kitchen styles.
It adds a soft background that doesn’t clash, letting other design elements shine.
You can also use it on lower cabinets or walls to create a balanced, natural look that feels warm and easygoing.
I often like how it brings a bit of softness without making the space feel dull.
Entryways
This color is light enough to keep entryways open and fresh. It gives a touch of color without making the space feel closed in.
It works well with tile floors, light wood, or white trim.
Flooring Options That Pair Beautifully with Gray Horse
The right floor can bring out the best in Gray Horse. This paint color is versatile, allowing it to work well with a wide range of materials and tones.
1. Light Oak or Birch: Light woods, such as oak or birch, create a soft contrast. They help brighten the space and make Gray Horse feel lighter. This pairing works well in bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens.
2. Natural Stone: Stone floors in beige, tan, or gray add an earthy, grounded feel. This is a good match for the sage undertone in Gray Horse. It’s a smart choice for entryways or bathrooms.
3. Warm Gray or Beige Carpet: Carpet in warm grays or soft beige adds texture and comfort. It keeps the room feeling calm and cozy. This pairing is great for bedrooms and living spaces.
4. Matte or Medium-Dark Woods: For a more dramatic effect, consider medium to dark wood floors. These shades add depth without overpowering the room. Stick to matte finishes for a softer, more natural look.
Gray Horse Compared to Other Warm Neutral Paints
Gray Horse is a soft, medium gray with a sage green undertone, giving it a calm and earthy feel. Here is the comparison between Gray Horse and other warm natural paints:
| Paint Color | Tone | Undertones | How It Differs from Gray Horse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Horse (2140-50) | Medium soft gray | Sage green | Balanced gray with a subtle green edge |
| Revere Pewter (HC-172) | Light greige | Beige + gray | Warmer and more beige; less green and slightly lighter |
| Silver Chain (1472) | Cool light gray | Blue | Feels cooler and crisper; no green tones |
| Balboa Mist (OC-27) | Light warm gray | Purple-violet | Softer and more muted; reads lighter and airier |
| Pashmina (AF-100) | Mid-tone greige | Beige + gray | Neutral and deeper in tone, lacks the soft green touch |
Color Pairings and Accent Ideas
Gray Horse works well with many other colors. It can be a base or a soft backdrop. Its sage undertone makes it easy to pair with both cool and warm accents.
For Fabric and Decor, use linen, cotton, or wool in warm neutrals or soft patterns.
Wood tones, woven baskets, and ceramic pieces also complement each other well. Maintain a natural and textured look for a calm, lived-in feel.
The right metal adds a nice touch to any space. With Gray Horse, consider using brushed nickel for its clean and simple look.
Matte black adds a sharp contrast look. Aged brass brings warmth without shine, making the look classy.
Try these shades to bring balance and interest to the room:
- Warm whites: for a clean, soft contrast
- Dusty greens or sages: to bring out the green undertone
- Muted blues: add a cool, calm layer
- Soft taupes: for a neutral, blended look
Conclusion
Gray Horse by Benjamin Moore is a paint color that quietly stands out. It has a soft gray base with a gentle green undertone that adds just enough depth without feeling bold.
This balance makes it a great choice for homeowners who want a color that’s calm, neutral, and still a little different.
It’s versatile enough to be used in various rooms, including living areas, bedrooms, entryways, and even kitchens.
It looks clean with white trim, but also blends beautifully with natural wood, stone, and soft metals.
Whether your home is modern or traditional, this color blends in effortlessly.
You can use Gray Horse on walls, cabinetry, or furniture.
What I love most about Gray Horse is that it works as a main color, but it also makes a great backdrop for warmer accents and soft, textured elements.
If you’re looking for a gray that’s easy to live with, but still has some personality, Gray Horse is a solid, reliable pick.