Boothbay Gray → Behr
The closest Behr matches for Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray (HC-165), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Boothbay Gray
If you love Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray but need a Behr alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Behr, your local store does not carry Benjamin Moore, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Boothbay Gray (HC-165) is a medium-dark blue with soft blue-gray undertones. A soft, coastal blue-gray from the Historical Collection. Named for the Maine harbor town. Lighter and more approachable than Van Deusen Blue, with a nautical charm that works in both coastal and contemporary homes. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 34.54) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Boothbay Gray and every Behr color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest Behr option is Reflecting Pool (PPU13-14) with a Delta E of 4, which is a "good match" level match. Reflecting Pool is a reasonable match. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Behr Matches for Boothbay Gray
Reflecting Pool is a reasonable match.
| Boothbay Gray | Reflecting Pool | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 34.54 | 48 |
| Hex | #ACB7B8 | #BBC8CC |
| Undertone | Soft Blue-Gray | Soft Blue-Gray |
| Family | Blue | Blue |
Undertone Comparison
Boothbay Gray has soft blue-gray undertones. A soft, coastal blue-gray from the Historical Collection. Named for the Maine harbor town. Lighter and more approachable than Van Deusen Blue, with a nautical charm that works in both coastal and contemporary homes.
Reflecting Pool has soft blue-gray undertones. A soft blue-gray with coastal quality. Calming and breezy.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Boothbay Gray in Your Room
In bright light, the blue is soft and present. In dim rooms, the gray calms it into a sophisticated neutral. The coastal quality makes it feel fresh and relaxed in any setting.
Reflecting Pool in Your Room
The blue is gentle and soothing. In bright rooms, distinctly blue-gray. In dim rooms, a cool neutral.
LRV and Brightness
Boothbay Gray has an LRV of 34.54, while Reflecting Pool has an LRV of 48. That means Reflecting Pool reflects more light. If you switch from Boothbay Gray to Reflecting Pool, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.
Best Rooms for Boothbay Gray
Benjamin Moore recommends Boothbay Gray for: bedroom, bathroom, living room, hallway, kitchen. With an LRV of 34.54, this is a medium-dark color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.
Reflecting Pool is recommended for: bathroom, bedroom, nursery, laundry room, living room. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Boothbay Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Boothbay Gray equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Boothbay Gray (HC-165) is Reflecting Pool (PPU13-14) with a Delta E of 4, which rates as a "good match" match. Reflecting Pool is a reasonable match. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Boothbay Gray is a Benjamin Moore color with soft blue-gray undertones and an LRV of 34.54. Reflecting Pool is a Behr color with soft blue-gray undertones and an LRV of 48. With a Delta E of 4, the difference is subtle and mainly visible in direct side-by-side comparison. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 4, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Behr equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Behr. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Behr work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.