Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray (HC-165) combines cool gray and blue tones to create a calm, polished look in any space.
As a medium-toned paint color, it offers the right mix of depth and softness, working beautifully in both homes and outdoor settings.
Looking at its makeup, this paint combines steely gray with subtle blue hints, making rooms feel peaceful and well-balanced.
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Boothbay Gray: A Versatile Color
Interior Applications
In living rooms and bedrooms, Boothbay Gray creates a quiet background that lets furniture and art stand out while keeping spaces feeling open.
The color’s gentle nature makes it particularly good for offices and bathrooms, where it adds style without making smaller rooms feel closed in.
Exterior Use
This paint gives home exteriors a clean, welcoming look. It works especially well on front doors, making a subtle statement without being too bold.
The color stays true over time and handles different weather conditions well.
Complementary Color Pairings
When mixing with other colors, Boothbay Gray plays nicely with many options.
It pairs beautifully with crisp whites for trim and ceilings while complementing deep blues in fabrics and art.
Natural wood furniture looks rich against it, and metal finishes in brass or gold add warmth to the overall look.
Boothbay Gray Color in Different Lighting
Impact of Lighting
Boothbay Gray shows different sides of itself based on your room’s lighting.
The color appears lighter in bright, south-facing rooms, and its blue tones become clearer.
North-facing spaces bring out the deeper gray aspects, creating a cooler feel.
East-facing rooms show the color at its brightest in the morning, while west-facing spaces make it glow warmly in the afternoon.
Creating the Right Ambience
Consider your lighting setup carefully to get the most from this paint color. In the evening, table lamps with warm bulbs can soften the color’s cooler tones.
Wall sconces at eye level help highlight the paint’s subtle depth.
In rooms with limited natural light, adding more light sources at different heights can prevent the color from appearing too dark or flat.
Under bright LED lights, the paint may show more blue-gray qualities, so adjust your bulb temperature to achieve your desired look.
Best Ways to Use Boothbay Gray in Your Home
1. Walls
Painting your walls with Boothbay Gray creates a soft, balanced look that works in many rooms. In bedrooms, it sets a peaceful mood for rest.
Living rooms feel pulled together with this color, while home offices gain a professional touch without feeling cold.
The color makes small spaces feel larger and adds depth to bigger rooms.
2. Ceilings
Boothbay Gray adds interest overhead for a twist on the usual white ceiling. It works well in rooms with tall ceilings, creating a sense of warmth above.
Painting walls and ceilings in bathrooms in this color can make the space feel like a private retreat.
3. Trim and Accents
White trim stands out beautifully against Boothbay Gray walls, adding crisp lines to your space.
Wood trim keeps its natural warmth while gaining a modern touch from the contrast.
This color pairs nicely with marble counters and metal hardware for cabinets.
4. Front Door
On the front doors, Boothbay Gray makes a subtle statement.
It complements brick, stone, or siding, making your entrance look put together without drawing too much attention.
The color stays true even outdoors, keeping your home’s first impression fresh.
Where to Buy Boothbay Gray Paint
Benjamin Moore Retailers
Boothbay Gray is available at local Benjamin Moore paint stores.
The company’s website has a store locator tool that helps you find nearby retailers—just enter your zip code to see a list of stores in your area.
Tips for Buying Paint
Before buying a full gallon, get a paint sample to test in your space. Paint a large section on your wall and watch it over at different times of the day.
This helps you see how the color changes with your specific lighting. Test it next to your furniture, flooring, and other room elements to ensure it creates your desired look.
Remember that computer screens and paint chips don’t always show true colors, so testing is key.
Boothbay Gray vs. other colors, both from Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore
| Color | Brand | Description | Undertones | LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boothbay Gray | Benjamin Moore | A cool, medium-steely gray with blue undertones. Offers a serene, sophisticated vibe. | Blue, cool gray | 45 | Living rooms, bedrooms, exteriors, offices |
| Mindful Gray | Sherwin Williams | A soft, warm gray with a slight green undertone, creating a balanced neutral. | Warm gray, subtle green | 48 | Versatile for all interiors, including kitchens and bathrooms |
| Repose Gray | Sherwin Williams | A light gray with cool undertones that’s flexible and modern. | Cool gray | 58 | Modern living spaces, bathrooms, hallways |
| Colonial Gray | Sherwin Williams | A rich, warm medium gray with brown undertones. Adds depth and warmth. | Warm brown-gray | 38 | Traditional spaces, bedrooms, exteriors |
| Stonington Gray | Benjamin Moore | A cool, medium gray with subtle blue undertones, similar to Boothbay Gray but slightly lighter. | Cool gray, light blue | 59 | Modern interiors, bathrooms, open spaces |
| Gray Owl | Benjamin Moore | A very light, soft gray with green undertones. Offers a clean and airy look. | Light gray, soft green | 65 | Living rooms, kitchens, open-plan spaces |
| Chelsea Gray | Benjamin Moore | A rich, deep gray with warm undertones. Offers a sophisticated and bold look. | Warm gray, brown undertones | 30 | Accent walls, offices, contemporary spaces |
Summing up
The color shifts gently throughout the day, showing different sides of its personality as light changes.
Added to Benjamin Moore’s historic collection in 1976 during the US Bicentennial, Boothbay Gray draws from the classic buildings of its namesake Maine harbor town.
Boothbay Gray offers a perfect balance for those seeking a reliable paint color.
Whether used on walls, cabinets, or exteriors, this paint color brings a sense of calm and style to any space.