Boulder Creek reads as crisp and architectural — strong in modern spaces, with natural fixed elements (chrome, stone, glass), or as a quiet anchor. At LRV 29 it carries real depth without going dark — a good choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Skip it if you want a cozy, warm room — cool neutrals can feel sterile under warm bulbs or in low light.
Ref. #8C9496 · ECC-34-2
Boulder Creek
29%LRV Value
Boulder Creek Technical Profile
What color is Behr Boulder Creek (ECC-34-2)? It's a deep cool gray — hex #8C9496, LRV 29. The closest cross-brand equivalent to Boulder Creek is PPG Steeple Gray — a near-identical match on the wall, with RAL Silver Grey and Benjamin Moore Tucker Gray also close. Its LRV of 29 gives Boulder Creek depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, Boulder Creek pairs with cool whites for trim, gray-toned or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Black accents and natural greenery add contrast. As a deeper neutral, Boulder Creek reads as a confident anchor — strongest on accent walls, cabinetry, and moody whole rooms that get enough natural light to keep it from going flat. Cool neutrals hold their crisp quality under 4000K+ daylight bulbs. Under 2700K warm light they soften considerably — particularly true for any blue or green undertone. Deeper neutrals can read close to black in low light, so preview Boulder Creek in the room's actual evening lighting, not just at midday.
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Colors Similar to Boulder Creek
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Boulder Creek
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Boulder Creek
#8C9496
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8591AD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Boulder Creek
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Boulder Creek Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar Behr Colors
Other Behr colors close to Boulder Creek.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Boulder Creek — Frequently Asked Questions
What colors match Boulder Creek from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Boulder Creek are Steeple Gray by PPG (a near-identical match), Silver Grey by RAL (a near-identical match), Tucker Gray by Benjamin Moore (a near-identical match). These are ranked with the CIEDE2000 color-difference formula, which scores how similar two colors actually look to the eye rather than matching them by name — so they're the best options for getting Boulder Creek's look in a brand your local store carries. Always confirm with a physical sample, since sheen and lighting shift the final result.
What is the LRV of Boulder Creek?
Boulder Creek has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 29.0, on a scale where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white. That makes it a mid-depth color with real presence — strong on accent walls, libraries, and rooms with good natural light. LRV is the most reliable guide to how light or dark a paint will read in a real room — more dependable than the swatch on your screen, which varies by monitor.
Explore More with Boulder Creek
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Paint Sheen Guide
Flat, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss — the right finish for Boulder Creek depends on the room. Here's how to choose.