Chelsea Gray → Sherwin Williams
The closest Sherwin Williams matches for Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray (HC-168), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Sherwin Williams Equivalent for Chelsea Gray
If you love Benjamin Moore Chelsea 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.
Chelsea Gray (HC-168) is a medium-dark gray with warm green-gray undertones. A rich, medium-dark gray with warm green undertones. Sophisticated and grounding without feeling oppressive. To find a good Sherwin Williams match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 22.07) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Chelsea 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 Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019) with a Delta E of 4.5, which is a "good match" level match. Gauntlet Gray is similar in depth but warmer and more brown. Chelsea Gray stays greener and cooler. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Sherwin Williams Matches for Chelsea Gray
Gauntlet Gray is similar in depth but warmer and more brown. Chelsea Gray stays greener and cooler.
| Chelsea Gray | Gauntlet Gray | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 22.07 | 17 |
| Hex | #9B9890 | #8B847B |
| Undertone | Warm Green-Gray | Warm Brown-Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Chelsea Gray has warm green-gray undertones. A rich, medium-dark gray with warm green undertones. Sophisticated and grounding without feeling oppressive.
Gauntlet Gray has warm brown-gray undertones. A dark, warm gray with strong brown undertones. Reads as a masculine, grounding neutral. Popular for exteriors and accent features.
The undertone difference is worth paying attention to. While they are close in overall appearance, the different undertones mean they may diverge in certain lighting. Chelsea Gray's warm green-gray quality may read differently than Gauntlet Gray's warm brown-gray character, especially in rooms with strong directional light or colored accents that could pull out one undertone more than the other. Test a sample in your specific room before committing.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Chelsea Gray in Your Room
The green undertone is most visible in bright, natural light. In dim rooms, it reads as a classic charcoal gray. Gorgeous on cabinets and accent walls.
Gauntlet Gray in Your Room
The brown warmth is consistent across lighting conditions. In bright light, it reads as a warm dark gray. In dim rooms, it approaches a warm charcoal.
LRV and Brightness
Chelsea Gray has an LRV of 22.07, while Gauntlet Gray has an LRV of 17. That means Chelsea Gray reflects noticeably more light. In the same room, Chelsea Gray will make the space feel brighter and more open than Gauntlet Gray. If you are switching to the Sherwin Williams option, expect the room to feel slightly more intimate and cozy.
Best Rooms for Chelsea Gray
Benjamin Moore recommends Chelsea Gray for: cabinets, accent wall, office, exterior, bathroom vanity. With an LRV of 22.07, this is a medium-dark color that absorbs more light than it reflects. It makes a bold statement and works beautifully on accent walls, front doors, exterior trim, and features where drama is the goal. In a full room, make sure you have good lighting and bright white trim for contrast.
Gauntlet Gray is recommended for: exterior, accent wall, office, cabinets, bathroom vanity. 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.
Chelsea Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Chelsea 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 Chelsea Gray (HC-168) is Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019) with a Delta E of 4.5, which rates as a "good match" match. Gauntlet Gray is similar in depth but warmer and more brown. Chelsea Gray stays greener and cooler. 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. Chelsea Gray is a Benjamin Moore color with warm green-gray undertones and an LRV of 22.07. Gauntlet Gray is a Sherwin Williams color with warm brown-gray undertones and an LRV of 17. With a Delta E of 4.5, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. 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 4.5, 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.