How often are you in the search for that perfect shade of gray that doesn’t necessarily reflect any undertones?
Believe it or not – that’s one tough situation when working with grays!
After painting a fresh coat from the can – you suddenly realize there’s a ‘weird’ pink, blue, purple, or green undertone, and you’re disappointed to say the least.
Yes, my friend – I hear that a lot from home owners who come to me for help.
So it goes without saying that it’s important to thoroughly understand what a paint color has to say!
In this case, Behr White Metal is a true gray paint color that doesn’t necessarily flaunt any hidden undertone.
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So, if you’re looking for that perfect neutral gray – it’s time to have an eye on this paint color.
Trust me, there’s a lot to love about this one.
In this color review I’ll make sure to give you the full scoop so you know exactly what you’re getting into with this gray.
I’ll speak to a few helpful, inspirational images, do’s and don’ts of the paint color, and the best possible color combinations and similar color choices.
So, sit back, relax, and let’s get started!
Behr White Metal N520-1 Details and Specifications
As I said, every gray is not similar. Some are cool and some are warm whereas some might have an undertone and some don’t.
For example, the silvery Behr Galactic Tint is cool with deep blue undertones – but can sometimes appear very similar to other grays that are different.
And the details and specifications are the way to know it!
So, you must always remember to read through the color’s details and specifications to analyze what it’s truly composed of.
Believe it or not, most homeowners tend to ignore this aspect – and then tend to repent it later!
And you don’t want to do that either, right?
So, first and foremost, let’s look at Light Reflectance Values or the LRVs that determine how light or dark the paint color is.
You can easily find that value on the Behr website.
Here, in this case, the LRV of the Behr White Metal is 63.
And that means it falls on the medium to the lighter end of the scale.
(Remember, the lesser the value, the darker the paint – on a scale of 1-100)
Also, just in case if you wonder where to find the Behr decks – well, simply visit your nearest Home Depot store!
Secondly, other important associated terms are the RGB and the HEX Values.
Red = 209
Green = 209
Blue = 207
HEX Value = #D2D2D2
Now, let’s get started with the practical aspects of this true gray Behr paint.
How Does This Color Feel in a Space?
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Behr White Metal will definitely exhibit a crisp, calm, sophisticated, and modern vibe to the room.
This is the ultimate gray paint color if you want to create a Bachelor’s Den or a design for the men’s bedroom.
Plus, this gray is associated with a cool palette – hence, great enough to create a cool and crisp atmosphere indoors.
Yes, with just a fresh coat of paint would you see the difference!
Especially in the warmer climates of Florida and Arizona, you’d see how beautiful this color plays on the walls.
How Does Light Affect the Color?
Light has a role to play on the grays – and even the true grays.
Even though ample incoming light wouldn’t alter or reflect the undertones of this color, at the same time, it will make the space feel lighter and airier!
So, if you have a room with little or no natural light – this color may feel quite dull and dingy.
And I recommend you avoid that!
Moreover, this color might slightly appear differently in different lighting conditions and compass directions.
For instance, in the north-facing rooms, the gray paint color will appear slightly bluish-gray at certain times of the day.
And secondly, in the south or west-facing rooms, the walls might have a golden glow at certain times of the day.
What are the Best Coordinating Colors?
Choosing a well-balanced and well complementary color scheme is necessary.
You simply can’t pair any random hue with the other.
And, if you have a great command of the color wheel, it’s like a cherry on the top.
So, here are a few complementary tones you can pair with.
With Behr White Metal, you can best pair shades of cool whites, dark steely blues, a touch of rose or pink, lavender, and tinges of black.
However, you must remember to be very careful when pairing them – so as to avoid making a mess!
Also, if you are planning to introduce material and metallic accents through floating shelves, chandelier, artwork frames, and furniture frames – remember to add tinges of gold, satin chrome, or matte black.
Discussing further, you have the option to choose from either a monochromatic or contrasting color palette!
Here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a monochromatic color palette!
- N520-2 Silver Bullet
- N520-3 Flannel Gray
- N520-4 Cool Ashes
Here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a contrasting color palette!
- MQ3-21 Breezeway
- S220-2 Artisan Tea
- 75 Polar Bear – see my review here!
For your ceilings, trims, and moldings – you can use Behr Ultra Pure White or Behr Frost as it is a true white paint and will further protrude the original adjacent hue.
Behr White Metal Vs Similar Colors
This true gray is common and comparatively has a ton of similar alternatives.
The alternatives could either differ in the undertones or the reflectivity values.
So, to name a few, the two closely related colors are SW 6253 Olympus White and BM 1611 Graytint.
Let’s see how all of them differ.
White Metal Vs Graytint
Benjamin Moore Graytint is another neutral and true gray paint color with a notable silver look to it.
You can best use the color as a neutral or even a base – i.e., paint all the walls of your room in this color.
With an LRV of 68.56 – this color falls on the lighter end of the scale.
White Metal Vs Olympus White
Sherwin Williams Olympus White that I review here, is a cool-toned icy gray paint that works phenomenally in the south and west-facing rooms.
This color is a great neutral and base – hence, can be painted on all the walls of a room.
It has an LRV of 68 – thus, the lightest of them all.
Where to Use White Metal?
Behr White Metal makes a great color choice for your kitchen cabinets, bedroom walls, kids’ play area, exterior walls, and furniture frames.
This medium-toned gray makes a great neutral and base in the Scandinavian, modern, modern farmhouse, contemporary, transitional, and industrial interior design styles.
So, let’s see where and how to incorporate this color into your home.
White Metal in Living and Dining Rooms
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In the living and dining rooms, this paint is recommended for all the walls of your space.
It can perfectly blend with the hardwood floors and make your common space feel cool, crisp, and calm.
To create a striking interest, add tones of satin brass or matte black on the furniture frames, artwork frames, and lighting fixtures.
This will exhibit your desired vibe for the room.
Secondly, in the case of a fireplace, you can either choose white plaster moldings or even black marble surround!
Lastly, to neutralize too much of the cool vibe, you can add fur or shag rugs in white or dark gray!
Using in Bedrooms
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It’s never a bad idea to paint the bedroom walls in gray paint color.
Yes, and to ultimately have a good night’s sleep – you can consider this paint on all the walls of your bedroom.
Since this paint is generally easier to work with – you can consider adding shades of black and steely blues to the artwork, rug, and throw pillows.
Your furniture could be either black metal or wooden white (depending upon the vibe).
Lastly, don’t hold back from a shag rug, white sheer curtains, and ample macrame planters and wall hangings!
White Metal in Kitchens
All gray kitchens will always prove to be timeless and versatile.
And they will never feel old-school and monotonous. (If you have the style and vibe)
Hence, you can consider adding a fresh coat of this paint on the upper as well as lower cabinets – in amalgamation with white on the backsplash tiles and white or black marble countertop.
For pull handles and knobs, try playing with brushed brass or matte black.
Using on Exteriors
This color can be used in Ranch, Mid-Century Modern, Modern, Transitional, Craftsman, and Ranch-style homes.
You can choose to pair it with an all-white theme where you add that tone to the porch columns, wainscoting, and roof.
In contrast, you can splash a contrasting hue on the entryway door (cherry red, mustard, or steely blue).
In the case of columns on the patio and porch – you can use natural stone wainscotting to add an authentic detailed character to this facade!
Lastly, if you have a deck – pick a mahogany or cherry red color that will play smoothly and seamlessly.
So, how do you plan to use this color in your home?
Kitchen cabinets or focal console tables? Living room or bedrooms? Maybe home offices?
Well, trust me! You won’t egret using this color in your home.
Should there be any questions or thoughts, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!