Reviewing Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray (HC-165)

Have you ever loved a gray paint sample, only to find it looks completely different on your walls?

That’s what makes choosing the right gray a little tricky. Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray (HC-165) is a muted blue-gray with subtle green undertones that can shift depending on the lighting.

I’ve always liked how a single paint color can bring different moods to a room, and this shade is a good example.

Ahead, let’s go over its undertones, lighting changes, ideal spaces, color pairings, and similar shades worth considering.

What Makes Boothbay Gray (HC-165) Unique?

Boothbay Gray (HC-165) is a medium-depth blue-gray from Benjamin Moore’s Historical Colors collection.

Boothbay Gray has noticeable blue undertones, while subtle green hints may appear under certain lighting conditions. Its gray base keeps the overall color muted rather than overly blue or green, making it one of several blue-gray paint colors worth considering for a calm interior.

With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 43.26, Boothbay Gray reflects a moderate amount of light. It can appear deeper in darker rooms and softer in spaces with plenty of sunlight. LRV measures how much visible light a paint color reflects on a scale from 0 (black) to 100 (white). At this level, Boothbay Gray has noticeable depth, particularly in rooms with limited natural light.

Boothbay Gray also pairs well with warm wood, white furniture, and darker finishes, making it easier to update your decor without repainting.

How Does Lighting Affect Boothbay Gray?

Boothbay Gray can look different depending on the light your room receives. Natural light in your home and indoor bulbs can make its blue undertones more noticeable or give the color a softer appearance.

• North-Facing Rooms: Appears deeper and cooler with stronger blue tones. Warm lighting and light furniture can help balance the color.

• South-Facing Rooms: Looks softer and slightly lighter in bright sunlight. Check paint samples during peak daylight.

• Warm LED Bulbs (2700K–3000K): Soften the blue-gray appearance, making them a good choice for bedrooms and living rooms.

• Cool LED Bulbs (4000K+): Make blue undertones more noticeable. Test your bulbs before painting to avoid an overly cool look.

Ideal Spaces for Boothbay Gray

1. Living Rooms & Family Spaces

Boothbay Gray works particularly well in living rooms with plenty of natural light, where its medium depth adds color without overpowering the furniture. Rather than creating a completely neutral background, it introduces a subtle blue-gray tone that can make white upholstery, wooden tables, and framed artwork stand out.

If your living room doesn’t receive much daylight, consider adding lighter curtains, warm-toned textiles, and layered lighting. These details can help the space feel comfortable without losing the color’s distinctive character.

2. Home Offices

Want a focused workspace without feeling closed in? This shade provides just enough color to keep your office interesting while maintaining the professional vibe you need. White built-ins create a clean contrast, while dark wood desks add warmth against the cooler walls.

3. Bedrooms

Bedrooms are a natural place to consider a muted blue-gray, particularly if you prefer cooler colors over warm beige or cream. Boothbay Gray can create a restful-looking backdrop, while its appearance shifts subtly as daylight changes.

It works particularly well with crisp white bedding and brass accents. For a softer look, introduce linen curtains, a warm wood nightstand, or a textured throw. The contrast between cool walls and warmer materials helps keep the room from feeling stark.

4. Open-Concept Areas

Boothbay Gray can create a consistent look across connected living, dining, and kitchen areas. Using the same wall color helps visually connect these spaces, while different furniture and lighting keep each area distinct.

5. Sunrooms

Sunrooms with plenty of natural light can bring out the softer side of Boothbay Gray. Its blue-gray appearance may show a slight green influence depending on the lighting and surrounding finishes. Light wood furniture and neutral fabrics help balance the cooler tones.

6. Kitchen & Dining Areas

In kitchens, this color provides a soft blue-gray backdrop that pairs well with all-white kitchen designs and darker cabinet finishes. Its medium-depth shade can make minor marks less noticeable than they would be on bright white surfaces. For kitchen cabinets, choose a washable cabinet paint in satin or semi-gloss for easier cleaning.

Boothbay Gray on Exteriors

Among gray exterior house paint ideas, Boothbay Gray is worth considering for siding, especially if you prefer a muted blue-gray finish.

In bright sunlight, Boothbay Gray may appear lighter and bluer, while cloudy weather or shaded areas can make it look deeper and grayer. This variation is worth considering for homes with a mix of sunny and shaded walls.

For trim, Benjamin Moore Simply White creates a clean contrast against Boothbay Gray. If you want darker accents, Benjamin Moore Hale Navy is worth considering for your front door or shutters.

How to Use Boothbay Gray with Other Benjamin Moore Shades

1. Light Pairings

White Dove and Cloud White create a soft contrast with Boothbay Gray, while Simply White offers a brighter option for trim and doors. Chantilly Lace (OC-65) is another crisp white choice that Benjamin Moore officially recommends alongside Boothbay Gray.

2. Deeper Companions

Hale Navy creates a stronger contrast while maintaining a blue-based color scheme. Iron Mountain is another option for kitchen islands or built-ins when you want a darker accent with a more neutral appearance.

3. Coordinating Colors

Boothbay Gray works with Gray Owl in adjoining rooms where a lighter gray is needed. For a softer blue-green contrast, Benjamin Moore Beach Glass is another option, especially if you want a slightly greener appearance in adjoining rooms.

4. Statement Combinations

For a more layered neutral palette, consider pairing Boothbay Gray with Revere Pewter and Kendall Charcoal. Revere Pewter adds warmth, while Kendall Charcoal provides a darker accent that works well on cabinets or built-ins.

5. Coastal Connections

For a beachy vibe that’s not cliché, try combining Boothbay Gray with Beach Glass and White Sand. These colors mirror natural coastal elements without going overboard on the theme.

6. Balance with Wood Tones

Boothbay Gray pairs well with natural wood, especially medium oak and walnut. Their warm brown tones help balance its cooler blue-gray appearance. However, strongly yellow or orange-stained wood can create a sharper contrast, so consider your existing flooring and furniture when choosing this shade.

Boothbay Gray vs. Similar Paint Colors

Two gray paint colors can look nearly identical on small swatches but noticeably different once they’re applied across an entire wall. Boothbay Gray shares similarities with several Benjamin Moore grays and blue-grays, but the differences become clearer when you compare their depth and undertones.

Paint Color	LRV	Compared With Boothbay Gray	Best For
Boothbay Gray (HC-165)	43.26	Muted medium blue-gray	Bedrooms, cabinets, accent walls
Gray Owl (OC-52)	64.51	Much lighter, cooler gray	Bright, airy interiors
Smoke (2122-40)	56.39	Lighter, with blue-green undertones	Soft coastal interiors
Beach Glass (1564)	49.70	Slightly lighter, more blue-green	Bathrooms and relaxing bedrooms

Note: LRV figures are useful for comparing relative lightness, but paint colors with similar values may have very different undertones. The “Best For” column reflects decorating suggestions rather than manufacturer restrictions.

Which Color Should You Choose?

Boothbay Gray is a good middle ground if you want noticeable blue without moving too far from gray. Gray Owl suits lighter interiors, and Smoke is worth considering if you prefer a lighter blue appearance. For a softer blue-green look, Beach Glass is the closer choice.

How to Incorporate Boothbay Gray into Your Home

Bringing Boothbay Gray into your home doesn’t mean you need to repaint every wall. Starting with one room or an accent wall can help you see how the color works with your existing decor.

From choosing the right spot to pairing it with existing furniture, a few thoughtful decisions can make Boothbay Gray feel like a natural part of your home’s overall design.

1. Start Small

If you’re unsure about using Boothbay Gray throughout your home, begin with a single room or an accent wall.

A guest bathroom or home office can be a good starting point, provided it has enough lighting. In smaller rooms, pair the color with light trim and furnishings to balance its medium depth.

2. Test Properly

Apply large paint samples, around 2 × 2 feet, on different walls. Check how Boothbay Gray looks in morning, afternoon, and evening light, as well as under your usual indoor lighting.

For exterior projects, compare samples on sunny and shaded sides of the house. This helps you see how the color works with your existing finishes before making a final decision.

3. Consider Flow

Think about sightlines between rooms. Using Boothbay Gray in visually connected spaces can create a consistent look without painting every room the same color.

4. Layer Your Lighting

The beauty of this color really comes through with proper lighting. Mix your light sources – natural light, overhead fixtures, and table lamps.

5. Add Depth with Textures

Boothbay Gray looks even better when you pair it with varied textures. Try:

• Natural woven baskets

• Plush velvet pillows

• Nubby wool throws

• Smooth ceramic lamps

• Textured wall art

Wrapping Up: Is Boothbay Gray Right for You?

Finding the right gray often comes down to more than choosing a shade you like on a paint card. Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray is a good choice if you want something with a little more character than a typical neutral. I like that it makes a statement without feeling too bold or overwhelming.

Before making your final decision, think about the overall feel you want for your space. A color should do more than look good on its own. It should feel right with everything around it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Boothbay Gray Look More Blue or Gray?

Boothbay Gray generally appears blue-gray, with blue becoming more noticeable in cooler lighting. Its gray base keeps the color muted rather than bright.

What Paint Sheen Works Best with This Color?

Use eggshell or matte for living rooms and bedrooms, satin for kitchens and bathrooms, and semi-gloss for trim and doors.

Can I Use This Color on Kitchen Cabinets?

Yes, it gives cabinets a soft blue-gray look. Use a durable cabinet paint like Benjamin Moore Advance for a hard-wearing finish.

Is There a Sherwin-Williams Match for Boothbay Gray?

Sherwin-Williams Mineral Deposit (SW 7652) and Uncertain Gray (SW 6234) are two close alternatives. Mineral Deposit leans slightly greener, while Uncertain Gray has a cooler blue-gray appearance. Neither is an exact match, so compare physical samples in your home’s lighting before choosing.