Chelsea Gray vs Gauntlet Gray
A side-by-side comparison of Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray (HC-168) and Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019).
| Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray | Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray | |
|---|---|---|
| Code | HC-168 | SW 7019 |
| Hex |
#9B9890
|
#8B847B
|
| RGB | 155, 152, 144 | 139, 132, 123 |
| LRV | 22.07 | 17 |
| Undertone | Warm Green-Gray | Warm Brown-Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
| Best Rooms | Cabinets, Accent Wall, Office, Exterior, Bathroom Vanity | Exterior, Accent Wall, Office, Cabinets, Bathroom Vanity |
LRV Comparison
Light Reflectance Value measures how much light a color reflects. Chelsea Gray has an LRV of 22.07 (medium-dark) and Gauntlet Gray has an LRV of 17 (dark). Chelsea Gray will make a room feel noticeably brighter.
The Full Comparison
Two rich medium-dark grays popular for cabinets and accent walls. Chelsea Gray (BM) has distinctive green undertones that give it a cool, sophisticated edge. Gauntlet Gray (SW) is warmer and browner, reading as a true warm gray. For kitchen cabinets in a bright, modern kitchen, Chelsea Gray's coolness provides elegant contrast. For a cozy study or den, Gauntlet Gray's warmth is more inviting. Both work beautifully with brass hardware, but Chelsea Gray leans contemporary while Gauntlet Gray leans transitional.
Chelsea Gray Undertones
A rich, medium-dark gray with warm green undertones. Sophisticated and grounding without feeling oppressive.
Gauntlet Gray Undertones
A dark, warm gray with strong brown undertones. Reads as a masculine, grounding neutral. Popular for exteriors and accent features.
Lighting Behavior
Chelsea Gray: 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: 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.
Explore These Colors
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Chelsea Gray (Benjamin Moore) and Gauntlet Gray (Sherwin Williams) are not the same color. They're in the same family (gray), but they differ in undertone, LRV, and how they behave in different lighting. Chelsea Gray has warm green-gray undertones, while Gauntlet Gray has warm brown-gray undertones. Always compare physical samples before choosing.
Chelsea Gray is lighter with an LRV of 22.07, compared to Gauntlet Gray's LRV of 17. LRV (Light Reflectance Value) measures how much light a color reflects on a scale from 0 (black) to 100 (white).
You could, though most designers would recommend the opposite: Gauntlet Gray (the darker shade, LRV 17) on walls and Chelsea Gray (the lighter shade, LRV 22.07) on trim. That said, rules are made to be broken.