Follow the room through its ordinary day
Judge Classic Gray under the light you actually use, rather than expecting one constant screen appearance. Its LRV is 73.67; the key concern is enough contrast to justify a second neutral . Classic Gray's lightness makes subtle separation its useful role; demanding a strongly outlined gray wall would suggest a different brief.
Why the white trim and pale limestone relationship matters
Pale limestone and white trim can leave little value contrast, so the decision may be about whether a second neutral is needed at all.
Classic Gray has an LRV of 73.67; Benjamin Moore Pale Oak OC-20 is 68.64. The difference is 5.03 points, with Classic Gray returning more light under the reference measurement.
Keep the surroundings in the test
Begin with Classic Gray beside white trim and pale limestone in indirect daylight. Check again at the time direct sun enters, if it does, and finally with only the evening lamps. Record which relationship changes: the trim edge, the floor connection or the paint's apparent hue. Automatic phone exposure can hide a meaningful difference, so make the final observation in the room.
A lighting result needs a practical decision
Retain it for a gentle wall-to-trim difference, not a pronounced gray outline. The undertones and neighboring colors covers that related choice. The physical-sample checklist covers that related choice.
Record the condition that made Classic Gray least convincing as well as its best view. If only a short period of daylight works, change the color or the room plan rather than ignoring the hours when the space is occupied. The north-facing room assessment covers that related choice. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Benjamin Moore Classic Gray OC-23. The recorded LRV is 73.67. Named comparison values come from the respective manufacturers; material schemes are editorial suggestions.
This guide reviews published color information and proposes practical sample checks. It does not claim first-hand paint testing or customer-review scores. Benjamin Moore does not sponsor or endorse this site. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Confirm the color in a physical sample and select the coating for the actual surface and finish.