Choosing the right paint color for your kitchen cabinets is a significant decision. It sets the tone for the entire space, impacts the perception of light and size, and needs to stand the test of time both in style and durability. While classic white kitchens remain popular, homeowners are increasingly seeking neutrals that offer a bit more warmth, personality, and softness. Enter Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray Cabinets (HC-173), a perennial favorite that has gracefully transitioned from sought-after wall color to a top contender for kitchen cabinetry.
But is this sophisticated greige the right choice for your kitchen? Edgecomb Gray, part of Benjamin Moore’s prestigious Historical Collection (also known sometimes as Baby Fawn OC-15 or 972), offers a complex blend of warmth and neutrality that can elevate a kitchen’s design. This article dives deep into everything you need to know about using Edgecomb Gray on cabinets, exploring its unique characteristics, undertones, pairing possibilities, and practical considerations to help you decide if it’s the perfect hue for your heart of the home in 2025 and beyond.
Decoding Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)
Before committing to a color, it helps to understand its fundamental properties. Edgecomb Gray isn’t just gray; it belongs to the ever-popular “greige” family – a skillful blend of gray and beige. This combination allows it to borrow the modern sophistication of gray and the inviting warmth of beige, resulting in a color that feels both current and timelessly comfortable. As part of the Historical Collection, it possesses an inherent classic appeal, suggesting longevity in its style.
A crucial factor in paint selection is its Light Reflectance Value (LRV). LRV measures on a scale of 0 (absolute black) to 100 (pure white) how much light a color reflects. Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray has an LRV of approximately 63 (sources cite figures like 63.09 or 63.88). This places it firmly in the light-to-mid-range category. For kitchen cabinets, this means Edgecomb Gray will reflect a good amount of light, helping the space feel brighter and more open than darker colors, but without the potential starkness of a pure white. It has enough depth to feel cozy and grounded, yet it won’t absorb light and make the kitchen feel dim.
One of Edgecomb Gray’s defining characteristics is its adaptability, often described as a “chameleon” color. Its perceived hue can subtly shift depending on the lighting conditions and surrounding colors within your kitchen. This flexibility allows it to work in various settings, but also underscores the importance of testing it in your specific environment – a point we’ll revisit.
Why Edgecomb Gray is a Top Contender for Kitchen Cabinets
So, what makes this particular greige such a compelling choice for cabinetry? Several factors contribute to its popularity and suitability for the kitchen environment.
First and foremost is its warmth without strong yellow tones. Many homeowners desire warmth in their kitchen, wanting it to feel like an inviting hub. Edgecomb Gray delivers this warmth beautifully, leaning more towards its beige side than a cool, steely gray. Crucially, it achieves this warmth without veering into strong yellow or overly tan territory, which can sometimes look dated or clash with other elements. It strikes a delicate balance, offering a cozy ambiance that feels sophisticated and clean.
Secondly, Edgecomb Gray boasts incredible versatility. It’s a neutral that plays exceptionally well with a wide array of design styles. Whether your aesthetic is modern farmhouse, coastal chic, transitional, traditional, or even minimalist, Edgecomb Gray cabinets can provide a fitting foundation. They complement various countertop materials, hardware finishes, and backsplash choices, allowing for personalization while maintaining a cohesive look. This adaptability makes it a safe yet stylish choice that can evolve with your tastes.
Compared to stark whites or deep charcoals, Edgecomb Gray offers a softer neutral presence. It provides a gentle contrast against white walls or countertops, creating visual interest without demanding all the attention. This softness contributes to a relaxed and welcoming kitchen atmosphere. Furthermore, its timeless appeal as a sophisticated neutral can be a positive factor for home resale value, appealing to a broad range of potential buyers looking for a move-in-ready, updated kitchen.
Finally, don’t underestimate its brightening effect. Thanks to its LRV of around 63, Edgecomb Gray does an excellent job of bouncing light around the room. This is particularly advantageous in kitchens that may lack abundant natural light or have a smaller footprint. Choosing Edgecomb Gray for cabinets can make the space feel larger, airier, and more luminous than opting for a darker neutral, all while adding more character than a standard white.
Understanding the Subtle Undertones of Edgecomb Gray
The topic of undertones is where Edgecomb Gray becomes particularly interesting – and occasionally, a source of confusion. Understanding these subtle nuances is key to predicting how it will look in your kitchen. The most commonly cited undertone for Edgecomb Gray is a soft, subtle green. It’s typically not obvious or dominant, but it’s often present, contributing to the color’s earthy, organic feel. In most balanced lighting, you perceive it simply as a warm, complex greige.
However, the influence of lighting is paramount. Like any chameleon color, Edgecomb Gray can shift its appearance significantly. In North-facing rooms, which receive cooler, indirect light, the gray aspect might become more prominent, making the color feel slightly cooler and potentially emphasizing the green undertone. Conversely, in South-facing rooms or spaces with warm afternoon sun (Western exposure), the beige warmth will likely come forward, making it appear creamier and softer. Artificial lighting also plays a huge role – warm bulbs (lower Kelvin) will enhance its warmth, while cool bulbs (higher Kelvin) will bring out its grayer side.
Beyond lighting, surrounding elements matter. The colors of your countertops, backsplash, flooring, wall paint, and even the view outside your window can influence how Edgecomb Gray is perceived. Placing it next to distinctly green elements might subtly enhance its own green undertone. If paired with very cool blues or grays, its inherent warmth might contrast more noticeably. This interaction highlights why testing large samples directly in your kitchen, next to your fixed finishes, is absolutely essential.
While green is the most noted undertone, some sources and homeowner experiences occasionally mention faint pink, taupe, or even violet/lavender undertones appearing in specific, often unusual, lighting situations or next to particular colors. These are generally considered less characteristic and more situational than the subtle green. At its core, Edgecomb Gray remains a balanced, warm greige, but acknowledging its potential shifts helps manage expectations.
Creating Your Dream Kitchen: Pairing with Edgecomb Gray Cabinets
Edgecomb Gray provides a wonderfully versatile base for building your kitchen’s palette. Here’s how to pair it effectively:
- Countertops: Light countertops create a beautiful, fresh contrast. Popular choices include white or light gray quartz with subtle veining (like styles mimicking Carrara or Calacatta marble), light granites, or even the natural warmth of butcher block. These pairings keep the kitchen feeling bright and allow the soft color of the cabinets to stand out. While possible, be aware that very dark countertops might make Edgecomb Gray read as a creamier off-white rather than a distinct greige, as noted by some designers.
- Backsplashes: Keep the backsplash relatively simple to complement the cabinets. Classic white subway tile (in either a glossy or matte finish) is a foolproof choice. Other options include marble-look tiles, textured ceramic tiles in neutral shades (white, cream, light gray), or a backsplash slab matching the countertop for a seamless look. Subtle patterns can work, but avoid anything too busy that competes with the cabinets.
- Hardware Finishes: You have plenty of flexibility here! Matte black offers a modern, graphic contrast. Brushed nickel or polished chrome provide a classic, clean look. Brass or soft gold (especially brushed finishes) introduces warmth and a touch of elegance, playing beautifully off the cabinet’s warm tones. Oil-rubbed bronze can lend a more traditional or rustic feel. Consider the overall style you’re aiming for when selecting hardware.
- Wall & Trim Colors: For a cohesive and sophisticated look, pair Edgecomb Gray cabinets with a crisp or soft white trim. Excellent Benjamin Moore options include Chantilly Lace (OC-65) for a very clean look, Oxford White (CC-30), White Dove (OC-17) for a softer feel, or Simply White (OC-117) which has a hint of warmth. Using the same white on the walls creates a seamless transition. Alternatively, you could use a slightly lighter neutral on the walls or even an accent color like a deeper greige (BM Revere Pewter), a soft blue (BM Palladian Blue), or a muted green (BM Saybrook Sage) on an island or feature wall. Avoid pairing it directly with very creamy whites (like Swiss Coffee) as they may lack sufficient contrast, or very cool, blue-undertoned whites (like Decorator’s White) which might appear too stark.
- Flooring: Natural wood flooring in light to medium tones complements the warmth of Edgecomb Gray beautifully. Neutral floor tiles in shades of gray, beige, or cream also work well, providing a subtle foundation for the cabinetry.
Practical Considerations Before You Paint
Painting kitchen cabinets is a rewarding but labor-intensive project. Here are some practical points to consider before diving in with Edgecomb Gray:
- Lighting Assessment (Again!): We can’t stress this enough. Observe your kitchen throughout the day. How does the natural light change? What kind of artificial light do you have? Test large sample boards (at least 12×12 inches) painted with Edgecomb Gray. Move them around the kitchen, viewing them in different light conditions and next to your countertops and backsplash.
- Cabinet Prep is Key: A flawless finish relies on meticulous preparation. Cabinets must be thoroughly cleaned (degreased), lightly sanded to provide grip for the primer, and primed with a high-quality bonding primer suitable for cabinetry. Skipping these steps will likely lead to peeling, chipping, and a finish that doesn’t last.
- Choosing the Right Paint: Don’t use standard wall paint on cabinets. Opt for a paint specifically designed for cabinetry and trim, known for its durability, hardness, and self-leveling properties. Benjamin Moore’s ADVANCE line (a waterborne alkyd) is a highly regarded choice for cabinets, offering excellent flow, leveling, and a hard, furniture-like finish that cures well.
- Sheen Selection: The best sheen for kitchen cabinets is typically Satin or Semi-Gloss. Satin offers a subtle sheen that is durable and easier to clean than flatter finishes, while hiding minor imperfections better than glossier options. Semi-Gloss provides maximum durability and washability, but its higher shine will highlight any surface flaws. Many homeowners prefer Satin for a modern, slightly softer look, while Semi-Gloss offers practicality, especially in high-use kitchens.
Edgecomb Gray vs. Other Popular Greiges
How does Edgecomb Gray stack up against other popular greige contenders often considered for cabinets?
- Edgecomb Gray vs. Revere Pewter (BM HC-172): These two are neighbors on the Benjamin Moore color strip and often compared. Revere Pewter is noticeably darker (LRV ~55.5 vs. Edgecomb’s ~63) and generally cooler, leaning more towards gray with potential subtle green undertones. Edgecomb Gray is distinctly warmer and lighter. While Revere Pewter can be beautiful on cabinets, especially for more contrast, Edgecomb Gray offers a brighter, warmer alternative.
- Edgecomb Gray vs. Agreeable Gray (SW 7029): Sherwin Williams’ Agreeable Gray is another extremely popular greige. It has an LRV of 60, making it slightly darker than Edgecomb Gray. Agreeable Gray is generally considered a cooler greige than Edgecomb, with more prominent gray and sometimes subtle violet undertones. Edgecomb Gray reads warmer and leans more towards beige. If you prefer warmth, Edgecomb is likely the better fit.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray cabinets:
Is Edgecomb Gray good for kitchen cabinets?
Yes, Edgecomb Gray is an excellent choice for kitchen cabinets. It offers a warm, sophisticated, and versatile neutral alternative to white, brightening the space while adding character. It works well across various design styles.
What color hardware goes with Edgecomb Gray cabinets?
Edgecomb Gray pairs well with many hardware finishes. Matte black provides modern contrast, brushed nickel or polished chrome offer classic appeal, brass or soft gold adds warmth and elegance, and oil-rubbed bronze lends a traditional or rustic touch. The best choice depends on your kitchen’s overall style.
What undertones does Edgecomb Gray have?
Edgecomb Gray primarily has subtle green undertones, contributing to its warm, earthy feel. However, its appearance can shift with lighting and surroundings, sometimes leaning slightly more gray (in cool light) or beige (in warm light). Less commonly, faint pink or violet hints might appear situationally.
Is Edgecomb Gray warm or cool?
Edgecomb Gray is considered a warm greige. It balances gray and beige but definitely leans towards the warmer side compared to many other popular grays and greiges.
What white trim color goes with Edgecomb Gray?
Crisp or soft whites pair beautifully. Top choices include Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17), Simply White (OC-117), Chantilly Lace (OC-65), and Oxford White (CC-30). These provide enough contrast without being too stark or too creamy.
Does Edgecomb Gray look yellow?
No, Edgecomb Gray generally does not look yellow. While it’s a warm color, its warmth comes more from its beige component, successfully avoiding strong yellow undertones which can be common in some off-whites or beiges.
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Conclusion: Is Edgecomb Gray the Right Choice for Your Cabinets?
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) has rightfully earned its place as a go-to neutral, and its transition to kitchen cabinets feels entirely natural. It offers a beautiful balance of warmth and sophistication, creating an inviting yet modern feel. Its light-reflecting properties can make kitchens feel brighter and more spacious, while its versatility allows it to complement a wide range of styles and finishes.
The key takeaway, however, lies in its chameleon-like nature. The subtle green undertones and its sensitivity to light mean that testing is non-negotiable. What looks perfect in an online photo or a friend’s home might render slightly differently under your specific kitchen lighting and alongside your unique finishes.
If you’re seeking a timeless, warm neutral that steps away from basic white but maintains a light, airy, and sophisticated ambiance, Edgecomb Gray is a fantastic contender. By carefully considering its characteristics, undertones, and pairing potential, and by diligently testing it in your own space, you can confidently decide if this beloved Benjamin Moore hue is the perfect choice to transform your kitchen cabinets in 2025.
