Finding a Behr Equivalent for Owl Gray

If you love Benjamin Moore Owl 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.

Owl Gray (2137-60) is a light gray with cool green-gray undertones. A light, cool gray with subtle green undertones. Lighter and cooler than Gray Owl despite the similar name. Reads as a clean, modern light gray with the faintest green whisper. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 60.33) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.

We calculated the perceptual color distance between Owl 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 Gentle Rain (PPU12-12) with a Delta E of 4, which is a "good match" level match. Gentle Rain is close in lightness and cool character. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.

Behr Matches for Owl Gray

Gentle Rain PPU12-12
Good match · ΔE 4

Gentle Rain is close in lightness and cool character.

Owl GrayGentle Rain
LRV60.3355
Hex#D0D1CB#CCCAC4
UndertoneCool Green-GrayCool Green-Gray
FamilyGrayGray

Undertone Comparison

Owl Gray has cool green-gray undertones. A light, cool gray with subtle green undertones. Lighter and cooler than Gray Owl despite the similar name. Reads as a clean, modern light gray with the faintest green whisper.

Gentle Rain has cool green-gray undertones. A cool, light gray with subtle green undertones.

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

Owl Gray in Your Room

The green is very subtle. In most rooms, reads as a clean, cool light gray. The green only emerges in very bright, natural light. A safe, modern neutral.

Gentle Rain in Your Room

The green is very subtle. Reads as a clean cool gray.

LRV and Brightness

Owl Gray has an LRV of 60.33, while Gentle Rain has an LRV of 55. That means Owl Gray reflects noticeably more light. In the same room, Owl Gray will make the space feel brighter and more open than Gentle Rain. If you are switching to the Behr option, expect the room to feel slightly more intimate and cozy.

Best Rooms for Owl Gray

Benjamin Moore recommends Owl Gray for: bathroom, bedroom, hallway, living room, office. With an LRV of 60.33, this is a light color that is in the medium-light range, reflecting enough light to keep rooms feeling open while adding more color and depth than a white or off-white. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where you want warmth and character without darkness.

Gentle Rain is recommended for: bathroom, bedroom, living room, hallway. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Gentle Rain in the same rooms you planned for Owl Gray.

Owl Gray in Other Brands

Looking for Owl Gray equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

The closest Behr match for Owl Gray (2137-60) is Gentle Rain (PPU12-12) with a Delta E of 4, which rates as a "good match" match. Gentle Rain is close in lightness and cool 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. Owl Gray is a Benjamin Moore color with cool green-gray undertones and an LRV of 60.33. Gentle Rain is a Behr color with cool green-gray undertones and an LRV of 55. 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.

Colors on screen are approximations. Your monitor, lighting, and paint finish will affect how colors appear in your space. Always test with a physical paint sample before purchasing.

Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.