Benjamin Moore Anchor Gray 2126-30: Paint Color Review

Benjamin Moore Anchor Gray: a more subdued approach to navy blue 

There’s NO paint color more classic than navy blue. But not ALL navy blues are created equal, and sometimes, you need to do a little research before you slap your favourite blue hue on your walls.

This is why we’re taking an up close and personal look at Benjamin Moore Anchor Gray; one of my fave blues when I’m looking for something a BIT less typical.

What type of paint color is Anchor Gray? 

As with ANY paint color, it’s all about perception. If you ask ME, I see Anchor Gray as a darker navy blue with a SOLID dose of gray in it (and I’m always right, sooooo). However, talk to my hubs, and he’ll say that it’s gray with some blue in it (insert marriage counselling session HERE).

Ahhhhh, the glory of paint colors.

If you have a north-facing room, because Anchor Gray has a bit more color than a typical gray, it will have more personality (whereas some grays can fall a bit flat). HOWEVER, it’s not so blue that it’s punchy or overwhelming, regardless of your exposure.

This cool blue hue is always a nice balance to warm southern light or afternoon western exposure.

North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?

What’s the LRV of Anchor Gray?

Anchor Gray has an LRV of ALMOST 12. I’d get into the decimals of it, but I like to keep things a bit more meat n’ potatoes around here (no gravy).

Not sure what LRV is? It could save your paint-lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

With an LRV of 12, Anchor Gray isn’t so dark that it will look BLACK in a dark room (unless you literally have no light). Its slightly higher LRV (compared to other navy blues) helps it hold up to low light areas quite nicely, while still holding on to its color.

How to Make a Dark Room Look Brighter – and it ain’t with paint! 

Does Anchor Gray have undertones?

It’s important to find out which TYPE of blue you’re dealing with. Anchor Gray is a solid-looking blue, but rather than tipping its hat towards green, like other popular shades, it leans a wink into violet.

What’s the best way to sample Anchor Gray?

Undoubtedly, you’ll be heading out soon to grab paint samples – stop right there! I want you to check out SAMPLIZE. Samplize offers peel and stick paint samples that are more AFFORDABLE, EASIER and more ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY than traditional paint pots. Here are just a FEW reasons why I recommend Samplize to my clients…

• samples arrive ON YOUR DOORSTEP in 1 DAY, depending on location

• they’re more affordable than the samples pots/rollers/foam boards that are needed for traditional paint sampling

• if you keep the samples on their white paper, you can move them around the room

Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE

If I’m painting my walls Anchor Gray, what’s the best white paint color for my trim?

Anchor Gray loves MANY white paint colors, including Benjamin Moore White Dove, Chantilly Lace and Simply White.

The ULTIMATE GUIDE to White Paint Colors

3 Steps to Picking the Best White Paint Color

Is Anchor Gray a good exterior paint color for my siding, stucco or brick?

Anchor Gray could be a beautiful exterior paint color, as long as you want to lean into BLUE, not gray (expect the blue to pop up that bit more).

5 Tips for Choosing an Exterior Paint Color

Does Your Exposure REALLY MATTER When Choosing EXTERIOR Paint Colors?

Is Anchor Gray a popular color for kitchen cabinets?

While Anchor Gray could work on kitchen cabinets, islands and bathroom vanities, most of my clients prefer DARKER blues like Benjamin Moore Hale Navy and Sherwin Williams Cyberspace.

Similar to Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

The Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Island & Bathroom Vanities

Anchor Gray vs other popular paint colors

Comparison is the KEY to choosing the best paint color for your home. Don’t be afraid to explore other colors to see how undertones, temperatures and LRVs shift…

• Benjamin Moore Trout Gray – lighter and with less undertone than Anchor Gray
• Benjamin Moore Charcoal Slate – similar depth, less color

By the way, if you’re thinking of getting one brand to match another’s paint color, I DON’T recommend it. Read why HERE.

Which paint colors go with Anchor Gray?

There are MANY colors that work well with Anchor Gray, including:

• grays with subtle violet, blue or green undertones
• a wide range of white paint colors; from cool to warm
• many soft and subtle off-white paint colors

Anchor Gray with Sherwin Williams Colonnade Gray (25% lighter)

READ MORE

The 12 Best Navy Blue Paint Colors

Where Should I Do a Feature Wall & What Color Should it BE?

The Best Paint Colors for Kitchen Islands & Bathroom Vanities

Not sure which paint color is best for YOUR home?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!

Chat soon,