Ref. #868E82 · 2138-40
Carolina Gull
26%LRV Value
Warm (Golden)Undertone
Carolina Gull Technical Profile
What color is Carolina Gull? It's a deep warm gray with the hex code #868E82. Colors similar to Carolina Gull include Vista Paint Dowager, Hirshfield's Dowager, Farrow & Ball Card Room Green. Carolina Gull has a warm (golden) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 26 gives Carolina Gull depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Carolina Gull pairs with off-whites for trim, white oak or walnut floors, and brass or warm brushed nickel hardware. Deep green, navy, or terra-cotta all read well as accent colors. Warm neutrals come alive under 2700K bulbs, where their underlying yellow or peach undertones add visible warmth. Under 4000K daylight they read cleaner and slightly cooler.
Colors Similar to Carolina Gull
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Carolina Gull
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Carolina Gull
#868E82
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#85AD8B
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Carolina Gull
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Carolina Gull 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 Benjamin Moore Colors
Other Benjamin Moore colors close to Carolina Gull.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Carolina Gull — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Carolina Gull have?
Carolina Gull by Benjamin Moore has a warm (golden) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Carolina Gull from other brands?
The closest matches are Dowager by Vista Paint (#838B7F), Dowager by Hirshfield's (#838C82), Card Room Green by Farrow & Ball (#899081). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Carolina Gull?
Carolina Gull has an LRV of 26.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Carolina Gull
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.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Carolina Gull's warm (golden) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.