Benjamin Moore Storm Cloud Gray (2140-40) is a paint color that often sparks curiosity and a little bit of confusion. Is it truly gray, or does it lean more towards green? As someone who recently transformed my home office with this enigmatic shade, I can tell you firsthand – prepare to be pleasantly surprised. While the name suggests a stormy gray, the reality on your walls is a sophisticated, soothing grayish green that brings a touch of nature indoors. If you’re searching for a paint color that’s both calming and stylish, Storm Cloud Gray might just be your perfect storm.
Decoding Benjamin Moore Storm Cloud Gray: Gray or Green Undertones?
Benjamin Moore officially classifies Storm Cloud Gray as a dark gray with hazy green undertones. However, stepping into a room painted in this color reveals a different story. The “hazy green undertones” are more pronounced than you might expect, often presenting as a soft sage green hue. This is especially evident when you compare it to true grays or even other greens. It’s this chameleon-like quality that makes Storm Cloud Gray so captivating.
Initially, I was looking for a green paint color for my office. Imagine my surprise when the “gray” I selected turned out to be the perfect green I was envisioning! Storm Cloud Gray delivers that sought-after grayish-green aesthetic, offering a calm and sophisticated ambiance that’s far from ordinary. Don’t let the name mislead you; if you’re considering a serene green shade, keep Storm Cloud Gray firmly on your radar.
The Dance of Light: How Lighting Conditions Transform Storm Cloud Gray
One of the most fascinating aspects of choosing paint colors is observing how they shift throughout the day. Light, both natural and artificial, plays a crucial role in how we perceive color, and Storm Cloud Gray is no exception. Morning light, typically cooler in tone, can emphasize the gray aspects of Storm Cloud Gray, while warmer afternoon light will bring out its green undertones. This also means that the same paint color will appear differently in rooms facing east versus west. Remember my experience with Sherwin-Williams Agreeable Gray? The color variations were dramatic!
While online images on platforms like Pinterest can offer glimpses of Storm Cloud Gray in various settings, it’s crucial to take them with a grain of salt. Lighting conditions and photo editing can significantly alter the perceived color. Ambient light, or its absence, is a powerful factor in how paint appears.
My northeast-facing office benefits from bright morning light, creating an energizing start to my workday. Even on overcast days, ample ambient light fills the space, though it subtly influences the wall color’s appearance. When designing a room with a sage green palette like Storm Cloud Gray, always consider the impact of natural light.
Cozy corner of a room featuring walls painted in Benjamin Moore Storm Cloud Gray, illuminated by warm artificial light.
In terms of artificial lighting, I prefer warm tones in my home. Warm light creates a more relaxing and inviting atmosphere. The color temperature of your light bulbs is a personal choice, but it’s important to consider how it will interact with a paint color that has green undertones like Storm Cloud Gray. For further insights, explore my guide on home lighting design tips.
Finding the Right Green: Why Sage Green Shades Like Storm Cloud Gray Are So Desirable
The quest for the perfect paint color often begins in the overwhelming aisles of home improvement stores, surrounded by countless swatches. It’s challenging to envision an entire room based on a small square, especially under artificial store lighting.
Sage green aesthetics are trending for good reason. Unlike bolder, more vibrant greens, sage green, with its warm and earthy nature, draws inspiration from the natural world, fostering a sense of serenity. It’s a highly sought-after color, particularly for bedrooms and spaces intended for relaxation and tranquility.
In today’s busy world, creating a peaceful home environment is more important than ever. Storm Cloud Gray was the ideal choice for transforming my office into a calming sanctuary. As design trends shift away from cooler, unsaturated tones, warmer shades are taking center stage, as highlighted in my review of SW Accessible Beige. When choosing a warm green or gray for your home, comparing undertones is key to achieving the desired look. Remember, the world of paint offers far more than just 50 shades of gray!
Storm Cloud Gray vs. Similar Shades: Exploring the Color Landscape
Before committing to any paint color, I always recommend bringing samples home and testing them directly on your walls. Apply swatches to different walls within the room to observe how the color behaves in varying lighting conditions throughout the day. Live with the samples for a few days to truly appreciate their nuances.
During my office renovation, I tested swatches directly on the built-in cabinet construction. For a less messy approach, peel-and-stick paint samples are a fantastic alternative.
Here are some Benjamin Moore colors that share similarities with Storm Cloud Gray:
- Desert Twilight 2137-40
- Creekside Green 2141-40
- Sage Mountain 1488
- Arctic Shadows 1559
And from Sherwin-Williams:
- Cornwall Slate SW-9131
- Evergreen Fog SW-9130
These colors offer variations within the grayish-green spectrum, each with its own subtle character. Comparing them side-by-side can help you pinpoint your perfect shade.
The Science of Color Codes: RGB, HEX, and LRV for Storm Cloud Gray
Paint color codes might seem like a jumble of numbers and letters, but they are essential for understanding a color’s properties and achieving color accuracy across different mediums. These codes define a color’s unique characteristics.
Notice in the images below how dramatically morning versus afternoon light affects Storm Cloud Gray. In warmer light, the green is more prominent, while cooler afternoon light reveals more gray. This room has eastern exposure.
Let’s break down the color codes for Storm Cloud Gray:
RGB Number
RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values indicate the intensity of these primary colors in a specific shade. Each number ranges from 0 to 255, with 0 being the darkest and 255 the lightest. With millions of possible combinations, it’s no wonder there’s such a vast array of paint colors! Storm Cloud Gray’s RGB value is 146/145/131. For comparison, Desert Twilight is 143/138/126 – remarkably close!
HEX Number
The HEX code is a six-character combination of letters and numbers derived from the RGB values. It’s widely used in digital design. For precise color matching on computer screens, simply enter the HEX code, and the exact color will appear. The HEX number for Storm Cloud Gray is #929183.
LRV Number
LRV (Light Reflectance Value) measures how much light a paint color reflects. It ranges from 0 (absolute black, absorbs all light) to 100 (pure white, reflects maximum light). A higher LRV indicates a lighter, airier color, while a lower LRV signifies a darker, moodier shade. Sherwin-Williams Black Magic has an LRV of 3.0, while SW Pure White boasts an LRV of 84.0. Storm Cloud Gray’s LRV is 28.88, placing it on the darker end of the light-reflecting spectrum.
Decorating with Benjamin Moore Storm Cloud Gray: Style and Versatility
Grayish-green paint colors like Benjamin Moore Storm Cloud Gray are trending in home interiors as homeowners become more adventurous with color. Storm Cloud Gray is incredibly versatile, complementing a wide range of design styles and color palettes. It pairs beautifully with neutral wallpaper and other natural elements.
This chameleon-like color seamlessly adapts to various design aesthetics. Sage green cabinets, for example, look equally stunning in a country cottage or a breezy California-style home. To create a touch of drama in my office, I painted both the walls and my DIY built-in cabinets and desk in Storm Cloud Gray, achieving a cohesive and impactful look.
Combined with brass cabinet hardware, my home office now exudes a serene yet sophisticated atmosphere, making it a truly enjoyable workspace.
For more paint color inspiration and ideas, be sure to explore all the PAINT COLORS IN MY HOME!
