ColorplanBenjamin Moore Cathedral Gray (CSP-205) is a deep warm gray (greige) with a warm yellow undertone and an LRV of 26. Closest matches: Sherwin-Williams Dovetail (SW 7018), Farrow & Ball Mouse's Back (No.40) and Behr Elephant Skin (PPU18-16). For trim, try Opulence (OC-69).
Room Preview
This photo shows walls only. Photos show the color in a real room's light; your own light will change it.
Suggested trim and ceiling are Benjamin Moore whites that share this color's undertone.
Color Details
| Family | Gray |
| LRV | 25.8 (dark; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #938A7C |
| RGB | 147, 138, 124 |
| HSL | 37°, 10%, 53% |
About Cathedral Gray
Cathedral Gray (CSP-205) is a deep warm gray (greige) from Benjamin Moore with a warm yellow undertone. With an LRV of 26, Cathedral Gray absorbs more light than it reflects, so it works best in rooms with good natural light or where you want a cozier feel.
In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Cathedral Gray's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward. It's a good fit for bedrooms, offices, accent walls and kitchen cabinets. It's very close to Equestrian Gray (1553); you'd mostly see the difference side by side.
How Cathedral Gray changes with the light
Cathedral Gray has a gentle warm undertone that keeps it from going cold in north-facing rooms, and it looks a touch warmer again in afternoon west light.
North-facing rooms
Cathedral Gray's warmth balances the cool north light, which is why warmer colors are the safe pick for north rooms.
East-facing rooms
Cathedral Gray will look warmer and brighter in the morning and cooler and grayer by afternoon; check a sample at both times.
South-facing rooms
Bright south light shows Cathedral Gray close to its true color, slightly lighter and warmer.
West-facing rooms
Cathedral Gray will glow warmer in the late afternoon.
See Cathedral Gray in real homes
Photos people have shared of Cathedral Gray in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
Cathedral Gray equivalents in other brands
The closest color from each brand. ΔE (“delta E”) scores how different two colors look: under 2.5 is very hard to tell apart on a wall, over 5 is clearly different.
Sherwin-Williams
Close · ΔE 3.2
Also close: Keystone Gray (ΔE 3.3)
Compare side by side →Farrow & Ball
Very close · ΔE 2.5
Also close: Chemise (ΔE 3.3)
Compare side by side →Similar Benjamin Moore colors
Cathedral Gray questions
What undertone does Cathedral Gray have?
Cathedral Gray has a warm yellow undertone, so it reads as a warm color. In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Cathedral Gray's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward.
Is Cathedral Gray a light or dark color?
Cathedral Gray has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 25.8 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a deep color. With an LRV of 26, Cathedral Gray absorbs more light than it reflects, so it works best in rooms with good natural light or where you want a cozier feel.
What is the closest match to Cathedral Gray in other paint brands?
Sherwin-Williams: Dovetail SW 7018 (close, ΔE 3.2); Farrow & Ball: Mouse's Back No.40 (very close, ΔE 2.5); Behr: Elephant Skin PPU18-16 (close, ΔE 4.2). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with Cathedral Gray?
Try Opulence (OC-69) on trim and Distant Gray (OC-68) on the ceiling. Both are Benjamin Moore whites that share Cathedral Gray's undertone.
Where does Cathedral Gray work best?
Cathedral Gray works well in bedrooms, offices, accent walls and kitchen cabinets. With an LRV of 26, Cathedral Gray absorbs more light than it reflects, so it works best in rooms with good natural light or where you want a cozier feel.
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