Benjamin Moore's Boothbay Gray May Be 50 Years Old – But Designers Say It's Still an Easy, Timeless Color for 2026

Gray might be experiencing a slight hiatus in interior design in recent years, but this certainly doesn't apply to Benjamin Moore's iconic Boothbay Gray HC-165. Woven with powdery blue notes, the silvery gray paint color has proved popular ever since its debut in 1976.

Relied on by interior designers for its sophisticated feel that quietly enhances any setting it's applied to, there's a reason Boothbay Gray is one of the best gray paints on the market. Able to master the balance between light and dark, the sophisticated gray-meets-blue is layered with an array of tones that make it far more than your average one-dimensional gray.

'The most appealing grays go beyond simple blends of black and white,' explains Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore. 'They’re layered with nuanced pigments that create richness and visual interest. Boothbay Gray is a timeless blue-gray known for its quiet versatility and refined character.'

How To Decorate With Boothbay Gray

Boothbay Gray is the ideal gray to be using in 2026 because it's a slightly more neutral take on a powdery blue – a huge color trend right now, but because it leans slightly more gray than blue, it has a more timeless appeal. 'This timeless blue-gray is effortlessly adaptable,' explains Arianna Barone, Color Marketing Manager at Benjamin Moore. 'Neither too blue nor too gray, Boothbay Gray HC-165 finds an easygoing balance between refined and welcoming. It is a great option for a cool gray that doesn’t feel austere or dull, and works beautifully as a color palette staple in interiors or exteriors.'

1. Apply It To Bedroom Walls

There are times when you should never paint a room gray, but in the case of a light-filled bedroom, these rules don't apply. 'Boothbay Gray is a sophisticated blue-gray,' says interior designer Chelsea Kasch, founder of Chelsea K Designs. 'I consider it an elegant and timeless color vs the usual grays that have been trendy.'

While the off-gray paint blends into hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms, its quiet depth complements bedrooms beautifully. 'Bedrooms are my favorite areas to use Boothbay Gray. I love using it on a door in an entryway, too.' In the sleep space pictured above, Chelsea chose it as the main wall color. 'I have paired it with Gray Mist by Benjamin Moore as well as Steam by Benjamin Moore for a more neutral blend. Also, accenting it with dark slate or charcoal can also be unforgettable.'

2. Color Drench a Den

If you're planning on using gray in 2026, Boothbay Gray is a timeless alternative to the cool-toned neutrals that can read a little drab. 'It's a statement blue without being too saturated,' explains interior designer Kelly Sutherland. 'Blues can be challenging if you don't select one that is a bit grayed down. Too pale goes nursery, and if it's too saturated, it loses its sophistication. I used this color in my den (pictured above) at 75% in a high gloss, and it was the perfect, happy color!'

'I've used this color in a primary bedroom and a casual den. I think it is a versatile color. It would also look fabulous in a laundry room. I do prefer this color in a room with at least a few windows for the natural light to highlight its beauty.'

'The easiest part of using this color is that it is complementary to so many other colors,' adds Kelly. 'I used it in my den with Rose Tarlow's Carmen fabric, and the gold popped against the blue backdrop. It also pairs well with greens, yellows, pinks, or any warmer toned colorway.'

3. Make It Your Exterior Color

Muted and gentle, Boothbay Gray is an enduringly classic exterior paint that brings a heritage feel to facades, from colonial-style homes to shingle-style properties.

'I love to use this color on exteriors with crisp white trim in Decorator’s White OC-149, explains Arianna. 'The soft notes of blue bring just the right amount of color while still creating a classic look.'

An exterior paint color to make a house look more expensive, Boothbay Gray uplifts without feeling juvenile or overly bright. It's not just a clever exterior paint choice; it transitions seamlessly inside the home, too. 'For interiors, this color really shines in well-lit rooms bathed in natural sunlight,' explains Arianna. 'I love it on kitchen cabinets with softly shaded walls in Classic Gray OC-23 or Silver Satin OC-26 for just the right amount of contrast.'

4. Use It On Kitchen Cabinetry

'To me, Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray is a soft, coastal gray-blue that feels timeless and calming without reading overly trendy,' says interior designer Jessica Koltun. 'It has enough warmth to feel inviting while still bringing in that subtle, moody sophistication that works beautifully in luxury homes.'

In the kitchen pictured above, the pale gray-blue brings just the right amount of charm without compromising the bright and airy feel of the space. 'I think the color looks best in spaces with good natural light, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, and even cabinetry. It creates a very serene atmosphere and can shift beautifully throughout the day depending on the lighting.'

'Boothbay Gray pairs especially well with warm whites, creamy off-whites, natural wood tones, unlacquered brass, limestone, and soft earthy neutrals,' explains Jessica. 'We also love layering it with textured materials to keep the space feeling warm and elevated rather than too cool.'

Boothbay Gray-Inspired Shopping

A refreshing variation on lackluster grays that ruled the 2000s, Boothbay Gray feels neutral yet noticeable. It's uplifting and cheery, yet still restrained and understated, making it perfect for almost every space. When decorating with the powdery hue, always consider the colors to never pair with gray for a well-balanced scheme.

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