Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173 — The Soft Neutral Homeowners Love

If you love warm, timeless neutrals — but don’t want anything too beige or too gray — Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173 might be the perfect paint colour for your home. It’s one of those rare shades that feels calm, creamy, airy, and endlessly adaptable.

I recommend this colour often for clients who want a soft, organic backdrop that works with both modern and traditional elements. It’s subtle, sophisticated, and incredibly forgiving — especially in homes with mixed natural light.

Let’s dive into why this colour works so well, where to use it, and how to pair it beautifully.

What Makes Edgecomb Gray HC-173 So Popular?

A perfectly balanced “greige”

Edgecomb Gray sits right between gray and beige — truly a warm greige. It never feels too cool, flat, or muddy.

Soft and airy

It has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 63, meaning it reflects a lot of light and keeps rooms feeling bright.

Warm, but not yellow

This is the secret: Edgecomb Gray’s warmth feels natural, not golden or peachy.

Works with ANY design style

Modern? Transitional? Traditional? Farmhouse? Edgecomb Gray adapts beautifully — it never dominates the room.

How Edgecomb Gray Reads in Different Lighting

Lighting changes everything — especially with neutrals.

North-Facing Rooms

• Appears more muted and slightly cooler

• Lovely paired with soft whites, warm woods, and warm metals

• Doesn’t go blue, which is why I often choose it over cooler grays in these rooms

South-Facing Rooms

• Looks warm and creamy without going yellow

• Feels calm and sunlit at the same time

East-Facing Rooms

• Morning: warm and soft

• Afternoon: lightly shaded and muted

• Avoid pairing with very cold grays here — choose warmer accents to balance

West-Facing Rooms

• Gets rich and glowy in late afternoon light

• Works beautifully with natural textures (linen, rattan, white oak)

  
  

Where Edgecomb Gray Works Best

Living Rooms & Open-Concept Spaces

Creates a warm, cohesive feel that flows through adjoining rooms.

Hallways & Entryways

Softens darker areas without making them feel flat.

Bedrooms

Pairs well with warm whites, earthy tones, and soft blues.

Kitchens

Perfect with white or light wood cabinetry — warm enough to soften hard surfaces.

Condos

Toronto condos often have varied natural light; Edgecomb Gray stays consistent throughout the day.

Designer Pairings That Always Work

Trim & Ceiling Colours

Pair Edgecomb Gray with a crisp or soft white for a clean, timeless look:

• BM White Dove OC-17 (soft, warm white — my go-to)

• BM Chantilly Lace OC-65 (crisp and bright)

• BM Cloud White OC-130 (gentle and classic)

  
  

Accent Colours

For a subtle, elevated palette:

• Soft white

• Clay beige or warm taupe

• Dusty blue

• Sage green

• Black or charcoal accents

  
  

When You Want More Contrast

Try:

• Hale Navy HC-154

• Wrought Iron 2124-10

• Storm AF-700

  
  

Edgecomb Gray vs. Other Popular Neutrals

Edgecomb Gray vs. Revere Pewter

• Edgecomb = lighter, more airy, less taupe

• Revere Pewter = moodier, deeper, more traditional

  
  

Edgecomb Gray vs. Pale Oak

• Pale Oak = slightly pinker undertone

• Edgecomb Gray = more earthy and grounded

  
  

Edgecomb Gray vs. Classic Gray

• Classic Gray = cooler and brighter

• Edgecomb Gray = warmer and more versatile

  
  

When working with tighter refresh budgets, matte or eggshell finishes with Edgecomb Gray can hide many wall imperfections — especially in older Toronto homes or spaces with wear and tear.

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173 is one of those timeless neutrals that quietly elevates a space without ever feeling boring. It’s warm, soft, and endlessly flexible — perfect for Toronto homes with varied lighting and mixed materials.

If you’re unsure whether Edgecomb Gray is right for your space — or how to pair it with your existing finishes — I can help you find the perfect palette.

Want a curated shortcut? I’ve put together a free Top Paint Colours for 2026 guide featuring my favourite Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams picks — plus practical tips on where to use them, how light affects each shade, and common painting mistakes to avoid.

 [Download the guide here]

“The best colour trends aren’t about what’s new — they’re about what still feels right five years from now.”

In 2026, the most successful interiors will be built on flexible, warm, and thoughtfully chosen paint colours — ones that allow furnishings, textures, and lifestyle to shine.

The 2026 colour trends reflect a deeper shift in how we design our homes — toward comfort, warmth, and intention. These palettes are less about making a statement and more about creating spaces that feel good to live in, day after day.

When chosen thoughtfully, colour becomes the quiet foundation that allows your home to feel cohesive, calm, and personal — now and in the years ahead.

If you’re considering a refresh, renovation, or new build in Toronto or the GTA, I always recommend starting with a plan. Colour decisions are far more successful when they’re part of a complete design strategy.

Book a Design Consultation to choose a paint colour you’ll love for years.

Thanks for reading!

Lenore 🤍