The floor finish is the reference
Judge Classic Gray against your actual wood finish, not a generic wood species label. The starting material direction here is white trim and pale limestone. Classic Gray's lightness makes subtle separation its useful role; demanding a strongly outlined gray wall would suggest a different brief.
Pale limestone and white trim can leave little value contrast, so the decision may be about whether a second neutral is needed at all.
Test the dominant wood color, not one grain line
Use Classic Gray and Pale Oak to clarify the wood-floor choice against white trim and pale limestone. Keep the sample edges touching the fixed material, and cover one color before judging the other. Near-neutrals can look noticeably different side by side; the final choice still needs to work on its own. Record the specific relationship you prefer, such as a clearer trim outline or a quieter connection to the floor.
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.
The condition for keeping Classic Gray
Retain it for a gentle wall-to-trim difference, not a pronounced gray outline. The undertones and neighboring colors covers that related choice.
Keep the Classic Gray board vertical at the floor edge. A match to one pale grain line can misrepresent the dominant color across the installed floor. Judge the broad timber background from standing height. If the floor will be refinished, repeat the comparison with the approved new stain sample before ordering the wall paint. The coordinating color options 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.