Ashley Gray → Behr
The closest Behr matches for Benjamin Moore Ashley Gray (HC-87), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Ashley Gray
If you love Benjamin Moore Ashley Gray but need a Behr alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Behr, your local store does not carry Benjamin Moore, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Ashley Gray (HC-87) is a medium-dark gray with warm green-gray undertones. A medium gray with warm green-taupe undertones. Richer than Chelsea Gray, warmer than Coventry Gray. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 34.64) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Ashley Gray and every Behr color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest Behr option is Pewter Mug (PPU18-16) with a Delta E of 4.4, which is a "good match" level match. Pewter Mug is close. Similar depth and warmth. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Behr Matches for Ashley Gray
Pewter Mug is close. Similar depth and warmth.
| Ashley Gray | Pewter Mug | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 34.64 | 26 |
| Hex | #ABA8A0 | #9C9892 |
| Undertone | Warm Green-Gray | Warm Gray |
| Family | Gray | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Ashley Gray has warm green-gray undertones. A medium gray with warm green-taupe undertones. Richer than Chelsea Gray, warmer than Coventry Gray.
Pewter Mug has warm gray undertones. A medium-dark warm gray. Substantial enough for accent walls, warm enough to feel inviting. Behr's answer to Chelsea Gray.
The undertone difference is worth paying attention to. While they are close in overall appearance, the different undertones mean they may diverge in certain lighting. Ashley Gray's warm green-gray quality may read differently than Pewter Mug's warm gray character, especially in rooms with strong directional light or colored accents that could pull out one undertone more than the other. Test a sample in your specific room before committing.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Ashley Gray in Your Room
In bright light, the green lean shows. In dim rooms, reads as a warm, substantial mid-tone gray.
Pewter Mug in Your Room
Reads as a warm, grounding gray in most rooms. The beige warmth keeps it from feeling cold or institutional.
LRV and Brightness
Ashley Gray has an LRV of 34.64, while Pewter Mug has an LRV of 26. That means Ashley Gray reflects noticeably more light. In the same room, Ashley Gray will make the space feel brighter and more open than Pewter Mug. If you are switching to the Behr option, expect the room to feel slightly more intimate and cozy.
Best Rooms for Ashley Gray
Benjamin Moore recommends Ashley Gray for: accent wall, exterior, office, living room, bedroom. With an LRV of 34.64, this is a medium-dark color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.
Pewter Mug is recommended for: accent wall, cabinets, exterior, office, bathroom vanity. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Pewter Mug in the same rooms you planned for Ashley Gray.
Ashley Gray in Other Brands
Looking for Ashley Gray equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Ashley Gray (HC-87) is Pewter Mug (PPU18-16) with a Delta E of 4.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Pewter Mug is close. Similar depth and warmth. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Ashley Gray is a Benjamin Moore color with warm green-gray undertones and an LRV of 34.64. Pewter Mug is a Behr color with warm gray undertones and an LRV of 26. With a Delta E of 4.4, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 4.4, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Behr equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Behr. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Behr work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.