Ref. #87999F · AC-23
James
30%LRV Value
Cool (Blue)Undertone
James Technical Profile
What color is James? It's a medium cool gray with the hex code #87999F. Colors similar to James include Colorhouse Water .05, Behr Rainy Season, Hirshfield's Standish Blue. James has a cool (blue) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 30 gives James depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a cool neutral, James 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. 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.
Colors Similar to James
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With James
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
James
#87999F
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#858FAD
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for James
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
James 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 James.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
James — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does James have?
James by Benjamin Moore has a cool (blue) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match James from other brands?
The closest matches are Water .05 by Colorhouse (#82979D), Rainy Season by Behr (#8399A2), Standish Blue by Hirshfield's (#85979A). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of James?
James has an LRV of 30.4, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with James
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 James's cool (blue) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.