Heather Gray and Carolina Gull: the documented difference
Heather Gray has an LRV of 34.77; Benjamin Moore Carolina Gull 2138-40 is 27.41. The difference is 7.36 points, with Heather Gray returning more light under the reference measurement. Choose by the material relationship as well as the number. Heather Gray's sage undertone gives the gray a green role that should be welcomed rather than concealed. Carolina Gull is a gray with warm green undertones.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Heather Gray | Benjamin Moore 2139-40 | 34.77 |
| Carolina Gull | Benjamin Moore 2138-40 | 27.41 |
The choice beside cream stone and dark oak
Cream stone provides a lighter boundary while dark oak brings weight; the wall must be considered between those two values.
Set up both candidates with cream stone and dark oak. Use equal-sized boards with the intended finishes and place them in the same orientation. Do not put one directly beside a window and leave the other in shadow. A difference that follows the position rather than the board is a lighting observation, not evidence that the formula changed.
What the comparison can—and cannot—settle
The alternative Intrigue has an LRV of 24.43.
Compare it to a less green gray; retain Heather Gray only if the sage contribution helps the materials. Assess Heather Gray and Carolina Gull alone as well as side by side. The unchosen board will not remain in the finished room, and a preference created only by that neighbor may not survive its removal. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Benjamin Moore Heather Gray 2139-40. The recorded LRV is 34.77. 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.

