Benjamin Moore Paint Stores in Brooklyn, Queens & The Bronx

Sherwin-Williams City Loft vs. Benjamin Moore Classic Gray

city loft classic gray colors

Soft neutrals continue to dominate interior design because they offer flexibility without feeling stark or cold. Two frequently compared options are City Loft and Classic Gray. Both are light, subtle neutrals, but their undertones can create different moods in your home.

Here’s how they compare.

Overall Color Tone

Sherwin-Williams City Loft (SW 7631)

  • Soft greige
  • Noticeable warmth
  • Slight beige-pink undertone in certain lighting
  • City Loft feels a bit deeper and warmer

Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (OC-23)

  • Very light greige
  • Subtle warm undertone
  • Often reads off-white in bright spaces
  • Classic Gray feels lighter and more airy

Undertones: Where They Differ

City Loft Undertones

  • Beige base
  • Soft gray influence
  • Faint peach or pink undertone in warm lighting
  • In some rooms, especially south-facing spaces, City Loft can appear warmer than expected

Classic Gray Undertones

  • Light greige base
  • Soft warmth without strong yellow
  • Very subtle violet-gray influence in certain light
  • Classic Gray is typically more restrained and neutral overall

If you want more visible warmth → City Loft.
If you want a lighter, barely-there neutral → Classic Gray

LRV (Light Reflectance Value)

  • Sherwin-Williams City Loft LRV: 70
  • Benjamin Moore Classic Gray LRV: 74.8

In smaller or darker rooms:

  • Classic Gray reflects noticeably more light and it will feel brighter
  • City Loft may feel slightly more grounded

The difference in LRV can significantly impact how open a space feels.

How They Look in Different Lighting

North-Facing Rooms:

  • City Loft may feel more beige
  • Classic Gray may show subtle gray-violet undertones

South-Facing Rooms:

  • City Loft warms up considerably
  • Classic Gray remains soft and balanced

Artificial Lighting: As with all soft neutrals, lighting makes a major difference. Warm bulbs can:

  • Bring out peach tones in City Loft
  • Add gentle warmth to Classic Gray

Best Uses for City Loft

Sherwin-Williams City Loft works well in:

  • Open-concept living areas
  • Homes with warm flooring
  • Transitional interiors
  • Spaces with creamy trim

It pairs beautifully with:

Best Uses for Classic Gray

Benjamin Moore Classic Gray shines in:

  • Bedrooms
  • Hallways
  • Light-filled living rooms
  • Homes with cooler finishes

It pairs nicely with:

Because of its higher LRV, it works especially well when you want a light, airy feel.

Which One is More Versatile?

Classic Gray is often easier to use throughout an entire home because of its brightness and subtle undertones. City Loft has more warmth and personality, which can be ideal — but requires slightly more attention to surrounding finishes.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose City Loft if:

  • You prefer warmer neutrals
  • You have warm wood tones
  • You want a slightly richer greige

Choose Classic Gray if:

  • You want a light, airy neutral
  • You prefer subtle undertones
  • You’re aiming for a brighter overall look

What This Means for Homeowners

City Loft and Classic Gray are both safe, sophisticated neutrals. Before committing:

  1. Sample both on multiple walls.
  2. View them morning and evening.
  3. Compare against other aspects of the room like trim, flooring, and cabinets.
  4. Visit one of our paint stores near you and get guidance from trained team members that love to help!