Benjamin Moore Abalone: Complete Color Review

Hunting for the perfect light gray paint color? Here's my review of Benjamin Moore Abalone to help you figure out if it’s the right fit for your space.

Light gray paint colors are the ultimate versatile choice. They're neutral, they pair well with other colors and they provide a nice backdrop no matter what your decor style.

That said, the options can be a little overwhelming. Some lean warm, others cool. Some have blue or green undertones, while others sneak in a bit of mauve or even purple.

Personally, I’ve found warm light grays to be especially comforting. They bring a gentle, lived-in feel while still keeping things fresh and airy.

If that’s what you’re after, then let’s take a closer look at one lovely option: Benjamin Moore Abalone.

Abalone, Benjamin Moore, 2108-60

Abalone is a soft, light gray that feels calm and easygoing. It’s light enough to keep a room bright but still has enough depth to give the walls a little personality.

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Abalone

Color Family

Abalone falls in the neutral color family.

Light Reflectance Value

62

LRV tells you how much light a paint color reflects. It’s measured on a scale from 0 to 100, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.

With an LRV of 62, Abalone is between a light and mid-toned gray paint color. It reflects a decent amount of light, so it helps a space feel open without looking too stark or sterile.

RGB Colors

R: 211 G: 207 B: 199

RGB values show how much red, green, and blue are in a color. It’s all based on a scale of 0 to 255. Think of this as the recipe that makes up the final paint color.

I’ve seen Abalone shift slightly depending on the light, so even though it’s neutral, that soft balance of red, green, and blue keeps it interesting.

Hex Code

#D3CFC7

Undertones

Abalone has a soft mauve undertone, but it’s very subtle. It’s not the kind of color that screams “purple,” but you might notice a hint of it depending on the light.

In south-facing rooms with lots of natural light, Abalone will appear warmer and lighter. You may catch a glimpse of that mauve undertone.

In north-facing rooms that lack natural light, Abalone will lean more neutral or slightly cooler.

Best Uses

Abalone is a great whole house paint color, but I think it also works well in these spaces:

• Interior doors, cabinets, and furniture – A subtle contrast to white walls.
• Living rooms – A soft, inviting backdrop.
• Bedrooms – Light and calming without feeling too cold.
• Kitchens & bathrooms – A fresh alternative to white.

Similar Colors

• Benjamin Moore Barren Plain
• Sherwin Williams Grey Heron
• Benjamin Moore Nimbus
• Behr Cotton Grey
• Sherwin Williams On The Rocks
• Benjamin Moore Wish
• Behr Chic Gray

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Abalone

Coordinating Colors

Since Abalone is a soft neutral, it plays well with a wide range of colors. You can pair it with bright whites for a clean and airy look, or lean into coastal vibes with soft blues, muted greens, or gentle gray-blues.

I’ve also seen it look beautiful next to dusty pinks or blush tones.

If you like warmer tones, try layering it with beige, tan, warm brown, or even black accents. It holds its own without clashing.

Dusty pinks:

• Titanic Rose
• Rosy Tan
• Bouquet Rose
• Cherry Malt
• Amaryllis

Blue / green / gray combos:

• Beach Glass
• Iced Marble
• Imperial Gray
• Wales Gray
• Tranquility

Deep blues:

• Andes Summit
• Blue Gaspe
• Kensington Blue
• Newburyport Blue
• Van Deusen Blue

Trim Colors

For trim, I like using a crisp, bright white with Abalone. It creates a clean contrast that helps the gray stand out just a bit more. Simple, timeless, and really polished.

Bright white trim colors:

• Benjamin Moore Simply White
• Sherwin Williams Extra White
• Behr Ultra Pure White

Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Abalone

FAQs

Here are some common frequently asked questions about Abalone.

Is BM Abalone warm or cool?

Benjamin Moore Abalone is a soft, warm gray. It has a gentle mauve undertone that gives it a touch of warmth without being too pink or purple.

In most rooms, it feels cozy but still fresh.

What's the difference: BM Abalone vs SW Agreeable Gray?

Benjamin Moore Abalone and Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray are both warm gray paint colors.

Agreeable Gray has an LRV of 60, which makes it slightly darker than Abalone’s LRV of 62. You might not notice it right away, but it shows up more in low light.

Abalone has that soft mauve undertone, while Agreeable Gray leans more beige. Abalone feels more like a true gray. Agreeable Gray is warmer and often reads more greige.

Agreeable Gray is a very popular paint color. However, that doesn't mean it's perfect for everyone's space. Always swatch colors in your space and see which paint color you like best!

What is the undertone of Benjamin Moore Abalone?

Benjamin Moore Abalone has a soft mauve undertone that warms it up a bit.

What color is Abalone gray?

Benjamin Moore Abalone is a soft gray with a slight mauve undertone. This adds some subtle warmth to the color.

What color trim goes with Abalone?

Abalone looks great with crisp, bright white trim. It keeps the overall look clean and adds a little contrast.

Some good options are Benjamin Moore Simply White, Sherwin Williams Extra White, or Behr Ultra Pure White.

Try a few white swatches next to Abalone to see what looks best in your light.

What's the difference: SW Grey Heron vs BM Abalone?

Sherwin Williams Grey Heron and Benjamin Moore Abalone are close in tone, but there are a few key differences.

Abalone, LRV 62, is slightly darker than Grey Heron, which has an LRV of 65.

Abalone has slight mauve undertones and Grey Heron has subtle violet undertones.

Thanks for reading!