Boothbay Gray → Sherwin Williams
The closest Sherwin Williams matches for Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray (HC-165), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Sherwin Williams Equivalent for Boothbay Gray
If you love Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray but need a Sherwin Williams 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 Sherwin Williams, 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 Sherwin Williams 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 Sherwin Williams 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 Sherwin Williams option is Silvermist (SW 7621) with a Delta E of 3.8, which is a "good match" level match. Silvermist is close. Both are soft, coastal blue-grays at similar depth. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Sherwin Williams Matches for Boothbay Gray
Silvermist is close. Both are soft, coastal blue-grays at similar depth.
| Boothbay Gray | Silvermist | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 34.54 | 47 |
| Hex | #ACB7B8 | #BAC6C7 |
| 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.
Silvermist has soft blue-gray undertones. A soft, calming blue-gray. More blue than most grays, more gray than most blues. Sophisticated and serene.
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.
Silvermist in Your Room
The blue is gentle and always present. In cool north light, it reads as a definite blue-gray. In warm light, the gray calms the blue.
LRV and Brightness
Boothbay Gray has an LRV of 34.54, while Silvermist has an LRV of 47. That means Silvermist reflects more light. If you switch from Boothbay Gray to Silvermist, 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.
Silvermist is recommended for: bedroom, bathroom, living room, office, hallway. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Silvermist in the same rooms you planned for Boothbay Gray.
Boothbay Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Boothbay Gray equivalents in other brands besides Sherwin Williams? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Sherwin Williams match for Boothbay Gray (HC-165) is Silvermist (SW 7621) with a Delta E of 3.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Silvermist is close. Both are soft, coastal blue-grays at similar depth. 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. Silvermist is a Sherwin Williams color with soft blue-gray undertones and an LRV of 47. With a Delta E of 3.8, 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 3.8, 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 Sherwin Williams equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Sherwin Williams. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Sherwin Williams 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.