Last updated: October 27, 2026
BM Edgecomb Gray is a warm greige paint color from Benjamin Moore that works as a soft, light neutral in almost any room. It is neither pure gray nor beige, so it adds warmth without turning yellow or pink on the wall.
Key Takeaways
- BM Edgecomb Gray is Benjamin Moore HC-173, a warm greige from the Historical Collection.
- Its Light Reflectance Value is around 63, which makes it a light, balanced neutral.
- The same color is also sold as Baby Fawn (OC-15) and Alaskan Skies (972).
- It has a warm base with a faint green undertone that can show in north-facing rooms or warm sunshine.
- It pairs well with white trim, deep navy or charcoal accents, and natural wood tones.
What Color Is Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray is a warm greige, which means it sits between gray and beige. It has a beige and taupe base with a soft warmth, so it reads as a gentle neutral rather than a cold gray.
It is not a cool gray, and it should not be described as one. In most rooms it looks like a warm, light gray-beige that changes slightly with the light, which is part of its appeal.
The color comes from Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection, and its code is HC-173. That code is the surest way to get the right color at the store, because the name alone can cause confusion.
Why the Same Color Has Three Names
Edgecomb Gray is the same color as Baby Fawn (OC-15) and Alaskan Skies (972). The paint is identical; only the name and code label change.
This is worth knowing before a shopping trip. If a store is out of one name, the other two are the same color in the can, so there is no need to start the search again.
What Is the LRV of Edgecomb Gray?
The Light Reflectance Value of Edgecomb Gray is around 63. On the 0 to 100 scale, that places it firmly in the light range, which is why it brightens a room instead of closing it in.
Sources give slightly different decimals, such as 63.09 and 63.88, so “around 63” is the honest figure. A single decimal would suggest more precision than the sources support.
The number is easier to judge against nearby colors:
| Color | Code | LRV | Undertone | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edgecomb Gray | HC-173 | Around 63 | Warm, faint green | The Color Concierge |
| Revere Pewter | HC-172 | Around 55 | Warm gray | Opple House |
| Pale Oak | OC-20 | Around 69 | Warm, soft | The Color Concierge |
| Classic Gray | OC-23 | Around 70 | Warm gray | Opple House |
Edgecomb Gray is lighter than Revere Pewter (HC-172, around 55) and deeper than Pale Oak (OC-20, around 69) and Classic Gray. That middle position is what makes it a balanced greige: light enough to open a space, deep enough to show some color on the wall.
Does Edgecomb Gray Have a Green Undertone?
Yes, Edgecomb Gray has a faint green undertone. It is subtle, and many people never notice it, but it can appear in north-facing rooms or in warm sunshine.
The undertone is easier to see by comparison. Next to a violet-leaning gray like Balboa Mist, Edgecomb Gray looks warmer and slightly green. Next to a blue-leaning gray like Stonington Gray, the same green hint stands out more clearly.
This is not a flaw. The faint green keeps the color from turning pink or yellow, which is a common problem with warm neutrals. It is simply something to check on the actual wall before committing.
How Does Edgecomb Gray Change With Light?
Light is the biggest factor in how Edgecomb Gray looks. South-facing rooms make it read warmer, more beige, and creamy. North-facing rooms push it more toward gray, but it does not turn cold.
Bulbs matter too. Warm bulbs emphasize the coziness of the color, while cool bulbs push it toward a more neutral gray. The same can will look different under each, so the bulb choice is part of the decision.
Because of its lightness, Edgecomb Gray is a good choice for dark rooms and basements. It reflects enough light to keep a dim space from feeling closed in, and it works as a whole-house color for the same reason: one unifying neutral across rooms that get different light.
The North-Facing Room Test
A north-facing room is the hardest test for this color, because cool northern light brings out the gray side and can expose the faint green undertone. In most cases the result is still pleasant — a soft gray that stays warm — but it is the room where a sample matters most.
Paint a large swatch, at least two feet square, and look at it in the morning, at midday, and in the evening. If the green hint bothers you in that room, a warmer greige or a lighter color may suit it better. If it reads as a calm, soft gray, it will work.
What Trim Colors Go With Edgecomb Gray?
White trim is the simplest and most reliable partner. White Dove (OC-17) is the classic choice, and Simply White (OC-117) and Chantilly Lace (OC-65) also work well.
For a stronger contrast, pair it with deeper colors:
- Revere Pewter for a tone-on-tone look with a slightly deeper gray.
- Hale Navy for a bold, classic accent wall or cabinetry.
- Kendall Charcoal for a dark, grounding partner on doors or built-ins.
- Mustard, burnt orange, or terracotta for warm accent colors in cushions, rugs, or art.
- Soft blush or muted pink for a gentle contrast in bedrooms.
Edgecomb Gray also works with natural materials. Wood tones, brick, and stone all sit comfortably next to it, because the warm base of the color echoes the warmth of those materials. Paint guides on Activemyhouse follow the same rule: match the trim and accents to the color’s warmth, and the room will feel put together rather than patched.
Where Does Edgecomb Gray Work Best?
Edgecomb Gray works best as a whole-house neutral, in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and kitchens. Its lightness suits open-plan spaces, where one color needs to flow across rooms with different light.
It is also a strong choice for a single room that needs warmth without color. A bedroom painted in Edgecomb Gray feels calm and soft, while a living room in the same color takes both warm and cool furniture without clashing.
One practical note: finishes run from matte through high-gloss, so the sheen should match the room. Matte or eggshell suits walls in living areas and bedrooms, while a satin or semi-gloss finish is easier to clean in kitchens and bathrooms.
Whatever the room, always test a sample on the actual wall first. Undertones shift with the room’s light, and a color that looks perfect on a card can surprise you once it is on four walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Benjamin Moore code for Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray is Benjamin Moore HC-173, from the Historical Collection. The code is the most reliable way to order it, since the same color is also sold as Baby Fawn (OC-15) and Alaskan Skies (972).
Is Edgecomb Gray warm or cool?
Edgecomb Gray is warm. It is a warm greige with a beige and taupe base, and it should not be described as a cool gray, even though it can look more gray in north-facing light.
What is the LRV of Edgecomb Gray?
The LRV of Edgecomb Gray is around 63. Sources give slightly different decimals, so “around 63” is the honest figure, and it means the color is light and balanced on the 0 to 100 scale.
Does Edgecomb Gray look green?
It can show a faint green undertone in north-facing rooms or warm sunshine. The hint is subtle, and comparing it with Balboa Mist or Stonington Gray makes it easier to see before painting.
What trim color goes with Edgecomb Gray?
White Dove (OC-17) is the classic trim pairing, with Simply White (OC-117) and Chantilly Lace (OC-65) as good alternatives. Deeper partners like Hale Navy or Kendall Charcoal add contrast.
Is Edgecomb Gray good for a dark room?
Yes, Edgecomb Gray is a good choice for dark rooms and basements. Its lightness, around LRV 63, reflects enough light to keep a dim space from feeling closed in.
Conclusion
bm edgecomb gray is a warm greige that earns its reputation as a reliable neutral: light enough for dark rooms, warm enough to feel welcoming, and steady enough to carry a whole house. Test a sample on your wall, and it will tell you quickly whether it belongs there.