ColorplanBenjamin Moore Downtown (CSP-165) is a deep warm gray (greige) with a warm yellow undertone and an LRV of 33. Closest matches: Sherwin-Williams Intellectual Gray (SW 7045), Farrow & Ball Light Gray (No.17) and Behr Studio Taupe (PPU5-07). 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 | 32.7 (mid-tone; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #A39A88 |
| RGB | 163, 154, 136 |
| HSL | 40°, 13%, 59% |
About Downtown
Downtown (CSP-165) is a deep warm gray (greige) from Benjamin Moore with a warm yellow undertone. With an LRV of 33, Downtown 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 Downtown'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 Cole Stone (CW-60); you'd mostly see the difference side by side.
How Downtown changes with the light
Downtown 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
Downtown's warmth balances the cool north light, which is why warmer colors are the safe pick for north rooms.
East-facing rooms
Downtown 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 Downtown close to its true color, slightly lighter and warmer.
West-facing rooms
Downtown will glow warmer in the late afternoon.
See Downtown in real homes
Photos people have shared of Downtown in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
Downtown 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 2.8
Also close: Pavestone (ΔE 3.4)
Compare side by side →Similar Benjamin Moore colors
Downtown questions
What undertone does Downtown have?
Downtown has a warm yellow undertone, so it reads as a warm color. In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Downtown's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward.
Is Downtown a light or dark color?
Downtown has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 32.7 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a deep color. With an LRV of 33, Downtown 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 Downtown in other paint brands?
Sherwin-Williams: Intellectual Gray SW 7045 (close, ΔE 2.8); Farrow & Ball: Light Gray No.17 (close, ΔE 3.4); Behr: Studio Taupe PPU5-07 (close, ΔE 4.1). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with Downtown?
Try Opulence (OC-69) on trim and Distant Gray (OC-68) on the ceiling. Both are Benjamin Moore whites that share Downtown's undertone.
Where does Downtown work best?
Downtown works well in bedrooms, offices, accent walls and kitchen cabinets. With an LRV of 33, Downtown 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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