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Paint Home Decorating Design Dilemma

BM Classic Gray vs Pale Oak?

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Trying to decide between these two light neutrals for my interior of my new build. I will have medium-dark hickory floors in common areas and light gray carpet in bedrooms. House faces east but most living areas will be on the west. I see a lot of discussion on Pale Oak but when I look at pics I see a pinky beige when I'm wanting a bit more gray. Anyone used Classic Gray? I like the look, but do wish it were a wee bit darker. I'm not messing with having them mix it higher or lower as I'll be paint matching with PPG anyway. I have samples that I will try when we get drywall up, but just wondered if anyone has decided between these two before. I looked at Agreeable Gray as well but it seems a bit muddy.

Also, if you have used Classic Gray - what color white for trim did you use? I'll be doing my kitchen cabinets in my trim color as well. I thought it'd be fun to pick out paint but it looks like it will be difficult!

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Comments (2)

Rory (Zone 6b)
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago

I have Classic Gray in my entry and hallway. My trim is SW High Reflective White. Classic Gray looks different depending on the time of day and the angle of the light, which I suppose is true of all colors. It is light and neutral. Here are some pictures from different angles and different times of day.

Hallway is Classic Gray. Other wall is SW Magnetic Gray.
Abby Mac thanked Rory (Zone 6b)
Abby Mac
Original Author
4 years ago
I really like that look, thank you for sharing!
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White Trim/cabinet color to go with BM Pale Oak that is NOT White Dove
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Comments (11)
Interesting suggestions, all! I have the Samplize of Simply White and many times i have seen people say they see "yellow" so I'm a bit leery of that. Mountain Peak White - yes, need to check that out. And White Opulence isn't one I would have looked at but now I'm thinking maybe? But I see bit of pink - and I have seen a wee bit of pink in Pale Oak at times - would White Opulence bring it out even more (which I don't want). What color white would have the opposite effect (keeping it the greige that I see in "normal" light)? That is one thing that is keeping me away from the White Dove, I read somewhere that the grayish tone was bringing out the pink in Pale oak. And thank you to Beth H for that pic on lighting. I have to check into what we have selected and whether I need to adjust that.
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Sure. Very pretty. White Dove and Pale Oak are fine together. Low contrast. Barely enough difference in chroma to work together - but, again, it's fine. And I can see how the low contrast, continuity between the two would be appealing to a certain aesthetic. I personally like more contrast and a brighter, cleaner white on trim. Like OC-151 White or SW's Extra White. That's just my personal preference.
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I agree with info. in the Kylie M link Sloyder posted. We are using Pale Oak in our daughter's west-facing bedroom. It's lovely, but has definite pink/purple undertones that show up in shadows or less then bright light. If you are determined to use it, make sure you get a large sample (like via Samplize, or painted on a white board) and test it in various spaces, including the more poorly lit shadowed areas. Not knowing what else is in your home, the suggestion of BM Classic Gray is good. It's a color that works with both cool and warm tones. I have it in my kitchen. You might also consider SW White Heron. You have to get samples though. Paint color in my home will not be the same as paint color in your home!
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I am in the same colour dilemma situation. With the lighter cabinets my vote would be agreeable grey. I see the date of the post now. Probably painted already :) I read and I read a lot about colours it is mentioned the you should paint a colour with a pink purple or blue undertone with warm oak cabinets. I would love to know what you went with!
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