Looking for the perfect neutral color for your home’s exterior?
I know the struggle – choosing a paint shade that feels both fresh and timeless isn’t easy.
That’s why I got excited when I found Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray.
This soft, warm greige (a mix of gray and beige) with subtle taupe tones has become my top choice for home exteriors.
I want to show you why this versatile shade works so well on different house styles and in various lighting conditions.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand how Edgecomb Gray can give your home a clean, welcoming look that will last for years.
Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray: Color Profile
I’ve spent years testing different paint colors, and Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) stands out as a special neutral. Let me tell you why.
This paint isn’t just gray – it’s a soft blend of gray and beige that creates a gentle, warm tone.
What makes this color so useful is its middle-range Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 63.88. In simple terms? It’s bright enough to show up clearly on your walls but not so light that it looks washed out. I find this balance perfect for exterior use.
The color changes slightly throughout the day, but in a good way.
- In morning light, you might notice more of its beige undertones.
- By afternoon, the gray becomes more visible. This subtle shift helps your home look great at any time.
On the color wheel, Edgecomb Gray sits in the neutral family with a slight lean toward warm undertones.
This warmth helps make your home feel more inviting without being too bold or trendy.
What Makes Edgecomb Gray Ideal for Exteriors?
After painting over 50 home exteriors and testing countless colors, I’ve found that Edgecomb Gray consistently stands out as a reliable choice.
Let me share why this color has earned its place as one of my top recommendations for exterior walls.
The more I work with Edgecomb Gray, the more I appreciate its practical benefits:
- Light Balance: Its mid-range brightness (LRV 63.88) works perfectly for exterior lighting changes. I’ve seen it maintain its charm from bright mornings to cloudy afternoons.
- Material Compatibility: From my experience, this color works wonderfully with:
- Brick accents
- Stone features
- Wooden trim
- Metal fixtures
- Concrete elements
- Surface Forgiveness: The balanced tone helps smooth out minor wall imperfections. I’ve used it successfully on both new and older homes.
What really makes this color special is its staying power.
Unlike pure whites that show dirt quickly, or darker shades that fade noticeably, Edgecomb Gray maintains its look with minimal upkeep.
I’ve returned to homes I painted years ago, and the color still looks fresh.
Edgecomb Gray in Different Lighting Conditions
1. Morning Light
I’ve noticed that early sunlight brings out the beige undertones in Edgecomb Gray.
During sunrise hours, your home’s exterior takes on a soft, warm glow. The color appears slightly lighter and more inviting, making your home stand out naturally in the neighborhood.
2. Midday Sun
Direct sunlight shows Edgecomb Gray at its truest form. The balanced LRV of 63.88 prevents the color from looking washed out even in bright conditions.
Your walls maintain their color depth while reflecting just enough light to look bright and clean.
3. Evening Hours
As the sun sets, the gray notes become more visible. The color deepens slightly but never looks too dark or cold.
This subtle shift creates a cozy feeling that makes your home look welcoming even as natural light fades.
4. Overcast Weather
On cloudy days, Edgecomb Gray maintains its warmth without turning flat or dull.
I’ve seen how it keeps its dimensional quality even when the sky is gray. The color stays true and doesn’t take on any unwanted undertones.
5. Regional Climate Effects
Hot climates bring out the color’s lighter qualities, while cooler regions emphasize its warmer tones.
I’ve used this paint in different states and noticed how well it adapts to local weather patterns, maintaining its appeal year-round.
Edgecomb Gray Exterior in Different Home Styles
I’ve seen Edgecomb Gray adapt beautifully to various home styles. Let me share how this versatile color works with each architectural design.
Classic Traditional Homes
The color’s subtle warmth enhances traditional architecture beautifully. In my experience, it creates a perfect backdrop for:
- Detailed crown molding and trim work
- Symmetrical window arrangements
- Classic columns and porticos
- Brick or stone accents
When I paint traditional homes, I notice how Edgecomb Gray helps highlight these classic features without stealing attention from them.
Farmhouse Style
For farmhouse exteriors, this color brings out the casual, homey feel.
I’ve painted several farmhouse-style homes where Edgecomb Gray perfectly complements white trim and black windows. It creates that lived-in comfort these homes are known for.
Key features it enhances:
- Board and batten siding
- White trim contrasts
- Black window frames
- Front porch columns
- Rustic wood accents
My farmhouse clients often tell me how the color feels both fresh and timeless.
Coastal Properties
The color’s balanced tone works well near water. I’ve found it holds up beautifully in seaside homes, where it provides a neutral backdrop that doesn’t compete with ocean views.
Near the water, Edgecomb Gray proves its worth through:
- Salt air resistance
- Light-reflecting properties
- Natural weathering patterns
- Compatibility with blue accents
- Clean lines against white trim
Ranch-Style Homes
On single-story ranch homes, the color creates visual interest without overwhelming the horizontal layout.
I’ve noticed it makes these homes appear larger and more grounded, especially when used with matching trim.
The color works wonders on single-story layouts by:
- Creating visual length
- Balancing roof lines
- Complementing brick features
- Highlighting entry points
- Adding subtle depth to flat surfaces
My ranch home projects always benefit from this color’s grounding effect.
Pros and Cons of Edgecomb Gray Exterior
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Fits All Seasons: Looks fresh in spring and summer, stays warm in fall and winter | Light Variation: Can look different on each side of the house due to sun exposure |
| Works with Materials: Pairs well with brick, stone, wood, and metal fixtures | Shade Selection: Might need testing in your specific location before committing |
| Long-term Value: Maintains its appeal and doesn’t follow passing trends | Bright Sun Impact: Can wash out slightly during peak sunlight hours |
| Maintenance Friendly: Hides dust and dirt better than pure white | Regional Effects: May need different accent colors based on your climate |
| Trim Flexibility: Works with both white and colored trim options | Shadow Areas: Could appear slightly darker in deeply shaded spots |
| Resale Appeal: Appeals to a wide range of potential buyers | Paint Brand Matters: Color match varies between different paint brands |
| Color Coordination: Easy to match with doors, shutters, and landscaping | Time of Day: Color shifts from morning to evening might not suit everyone |
| Surface Forgiveness: Helps minimize the look of wall imperfections | Undertone Concerns: Warm undertones might not match cool-toned materials |
Expert Tips and Insider Advice
As a professional color consultant and painter, I’ve gathered valuable lessons that can help make your painting project successful.
- Test paint samples on all sides of your house – I’ve learned that sunlight can change how the color looks on different walls.
- Paint large test patches – I recommend at least 4×4 feet to get a true sense of the color.
- Check your samples during different times of day – morning, noon, and evening light show different aspects of the color.
- Consider your roof color – from my projects, I’ve found Edgecomb Gray works best with neutral or warm-toned roofing.
- Look at your landscaping colors – the green of your plants can affect how the paint appears.
- Think about your trim choice early – white trim creates classic contrast while matching trim offers subtle sophistication.
- Plan your paint order – I suggest starting with shaded areas first as they dry more slowly.
- Check the weather forecast – ideal painting conditions are between 50-85°F with low humidity.
- Use high-quality primers – they help the true color show through and last longer.
- Consider your neighbors’ homes – I always check if Edgecomb Gray complements nearby house colors.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right exterior color for your home is a big decision.
After exploring the qualities of Edgecomb Gray, I hope you can see why this color has earned its place as a trusted choice for many homeowners.
From its balanced warmth to its ability to work with different home styles, Edgecomb Gray offers both beauty and practicality. I’ve seen firsthand how this color creates lasting curb appeal across various architectural designs.
Ready to try Edgecomb Gray on your home? Start by getting a few sample pots and testing them on different sides of your house.
Take photos at different times of day, and give yourself time to see how the color feels in your space.
Have questions about using Edgecomb Gray? Leave a comment below – I’d love to help!