Colorplan

Gray Owl vs Cromarty

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52 compared with Farrow & Ball Cromarty No.285

Gray Owl is a touch lighter (LRV 65 vs 60) than Cromarty. Gray Owl has a warm yellow undertone, while Cromarty has a green-yellow (khaki) undertone. The difference (ΔE 2.8) is visible side by side but subtle on a whole wall, so check samples together before swapping one for the other.

Living room painted Gray Owl on the left and Cromarty on the right
Gray Owl · Benjamin MooreCromarty · Farrow & BallPhoto: Pipcke / Unsplash

ΔE 2.8 · Close

How different the two colors look. Under 2.5 is very hard to tell apart on a wall; over 5 is clearly different.

Which to choose

For a small or dim room, Gray Owl reflects more light (LRV 65).

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Side by side

Gray OwlCromarty
BrandBenjamin MooreFarrow & Ball
CodeOC-52No.285
LRV6560
Undertoneyellowgreen-yellow
FamilyGrayGreen
HEX#D3D4CC#C8CDC4
Good foropen-plan living areas, hallwaysbedrooms, bathrooms

Questions

What is the difference between Gray Owl and Cromarty?

Gray Owl is a touch lighter (LRV 65 vs 60) than Cromarty. Gray Owl has a warm yellow undertone, while Cromarty has a green-yellow (khaki) undertone. The difference (ΔE 2.8) is visible side by side but subtle on a whole wall, so check samples together before swapping one for the other.

Which is lighter, Gray Owl or Cromarty?

Gray Owl is lighter, with an LRV of 65 against 60.

How does Gray Owl compare to Cromarty in a north-facing room?

Gray Owl has a cool undertone that north light will push cooler and grayer; warm white trim helps balance it. The same goes for Cromarty.

Based on published color values. Screens vary, so always check a physical sample before buying.

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