Montpelier → Behr
The closest Behr matches for Benjamin Moore Montpelier (HC-159), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Montpelier
If you love Benjamin Moore Montpelier 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.
Montpelier (HC-159) is a medium-dark gray with warm sage-gray undertones. A dark, warm gray with green undertones from the Historical Collection. Named for Thomas Jefferson's estate, it carries the same dignified, earthy sophistication. Darker than Chelsea Gray. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 20.18) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Montpelier 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 Anonymous (PPU18-15) with a Delta E of 4.8, which is a "good match" level match. Anonymous is more neutral. Montpelier has more green character. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Behr Matches for Montpelier
Anonymous is more neutral. Montpelier has more green character.
| Montpelier | Anonymous | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 20.18 | 20 |
| Hex | #918E86 | #928E89 |
| Undertone | Warm Sage-Gray | Warm Dark Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Montpelier has warm sage-gray undertones. A dark, warm gray with green undertones from the Historical Collection. Named for Thomas Jefferson's estate, it carries the same dignified, earthy sophistication. Darker than Chelsea Gray.
Anonymous has warm dark gray undertones. A warm dark gray. Behr's answer to Chelsea Gray or Gauntlet Gray. Substantial and grounding.
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. Montpelier's warm sage-gray quality may read differently than Anonymous's warm dark 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
Montpelier in Your Room
In bright light, the sage-green quality is visible and distinctive. In dim rooms, it reads as a rich, warm dark gray. The warm green keeps it organic and alive, even at this depth.
Anonymous in Your Room
Reads as a warm, solid dark gray. The warmth keeps it from feeling cold or industrial.
LRV and Brightness
Montpelier has an LRV of 20.18, while Anonymous has an LRV of 20. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
Best Rooms for Montpelier
Benjamin Moore recommends Montpelier for: exterior, accent wall, office, kitchen cabinets, front door. With an LRV of 20.18, 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.
Anonymous is recommended for: accent wall, cabinets, exterior, office, 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.
Montpelier in Other Brands
Looking for Montpelier equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Montpelier (HC-159) is Anonymous (PPU18-15) with a Delta E of 4.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Anonymous is more neutral. Montpelier has more green character. 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. Montpelier is a Benjamin Moore color with warm sage-gray undertones and an LRV of 20.18. Anonymous is a Behr color with warm dark gray undertones and an LRV of 20. With a Delta E of 4.8, 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 4.8, 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 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.