Updated April 2026
Choosing a neutral paint color sounds easy — until you're standing in the paint aisle staring at forty shades of "definitely not white." Two names keep coming up in almost every home design conversation: Benjamin Moore Alaskan Skies 972 and Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172. They sit in the same greige family, both look beautiful in photos, and both have armies of devoted fans.
So what's the actual difference? This guide cuts through the noise with real color data, lighting analysis, and room-by-room guidance — so you can walk away with a clear answer instead of another paint chip headache.
What Are These Colors, Exactly?
Benjamin Moore Alaskan Skies (972) is a warm, light greige-taupe sitting in Benjamin Moore's Classic Color Collection. It shares the same formula as Edgecomb Gray HC-173 and Baby Fawn OC-15 — they are the same shade under different names.
Revere Pewter HC-172 is part of Benjamin Moore's Historical Color Collection. Benjamin Moore describes it as "a light gray with warm undertones that creates a unifying look, calming and restoring." It became one of the best-selling neutral paints in North America for nearly a decade.
Both are greiges. But they behave very differently on walls, and that difference matters a lot when you're committing to a whole-room repaint.
Side-by-Side Specs: The Numbers That Matter
| Specification | Alaskan Skies 972 | Revere Pewter HC-172 |
|---|---|---|
| Color Family | Greige / Warm Taupe | Greige / Warm Gray |
| HEX Code | #D9D3C4 | #B5AF9E (approx.) |
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | 63 – 65 | 55 – 56 |
| Primary Undertone | Warm beige / subtle pink-taupe | Warm green / earthy gray |
| Color Temperature | Warm-neutral | Warm, with cool green flashes |
| Collection | Classic Color Collection | Historical Color Collection |
| Also Known As | Edgecomb Gray HC-173, Baby Fawn OC-15 | Ice Formations 973 |
| Best Room Exposure | North, East, low-light rooms | South, West, naturally bright rooms |
Data sources: Benjamin Moore Official, HousePaint AI, The Color Concierge
LRV Explained: Why This Number Matters More Than the Color Chip
LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value. It measures how much light a painted surface bounces back into the room, on a scale from 0 (pitch black) to 100 (pure white). Interior designers rely on it heavily — and for good reason.
Here is why the LRV gap between these two colors is significant:
- Alaskan Skies LRV ≈ 63–65: Reflects a noticeably higher amount of light. Works well in rooms with limited natural light and feels airier overall.
- Revere Pewter LRV ≈ 55–56: Sits in the medium range. Needs a reasonably bright room to perform at its best. In dark or north-facing rooms, it can look flat and murky.
- The 8–10 point LRV difference is significant enough to visually change how "big" or "bright" a room feels.
- Design professionals generally recommend LRVs above 60 for smaller or darker spaces.
Undertones: The Sneaky Part Nobody Talks About Enough
Undertones are the hidden colors lurking beneath the main shade. They only reveal themselves under specific lighting conditions — and both of these colors have some tricks up their sleeve.
Alaskan Skies Undertones
- Primarily warm beige-taupe, giving it a soft, neutral quality.
- Can lean slightly pinkish in warm artificial light (think incandescent bulbs).
- Interior designer Kylie M of KylieMInteriors.ca notes it as "a super warm greige-taupe that can swing closer to beige than gray."
- Its warmth makes it a natural partner for cream trims, wood tones, and earthy textiles.
- It does not pull green — which is a significant advantage if you have warm-toned tile or carpet.
Revere Pewter Undertones
- Primarily warm green — though it can briefly flash as gray-blue under certain light conditions.
- In south or west-facing rooms with plenty of natural light, it reads as a classic warm greige.
- In north or east-facing rooms with cool light, its gray base pulls forward and the green becomes more visible.
- The Color Concierge describes it as having "strong green undertones — it doesn't have the fleshy tones you sometimes see with Agreeable Gray."
- If you have any pink or purple tones in your flooring, tile, or countertops, Revere Pewter's green undertone can clash noticeably.
How Each Color Performs by Room Type
| Room | Alaskan Skies 972 | Revere Pewter HC-172 |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room (bright) | ✅ Excellent — light and welcoming | ✅ Excellent — rich depth |
| Living Room (low light) | ✅ Good — LRV keeps it bright | ⚠️ Can feel flat or dingy |
| Bedroom | ✅ Calm and airy | ✅ Cozy and grounded |
| Kitchen | ✅ Versatile with white or wood cabinets | ✅ Great with granite, darker counters |
| Bathroom (small) | ✅ Makes space feel larger | ⚠️ Can make a small bath feel tighter |
| Hallway / Corridor | ✅ Better — higher LRV helps narrow spaces | ⚠️ Riskier without good lighting |
| Open Floor Plan (whole home) | ✅ Flows seamlessly room to room | ✅ Great — if lighting is consistent |
| Exterior | ✅ Soft and fresh | ✅ Classic and sophisticated |
Lighting Conditions: Where Each Color Truly Shines
Lighting is the single biggest factor in how either of these colors will behave. Both colors can look dramatically different depending on your room's orientation, light source, and time of day.
North-Facing Rooms
- North-facing rooms receive cool, indirect light all day.
- Alaskan Skies handles this better. Its higher LRV keeps the room from feeling gloomy.
- Revere Pewter can look flat and slightly muddy in low, cool light. Colour expert Kylie M warns it can appear "flat and murky" in dark north-facing spaces.
South and West-Facing Rooms
- These rooms get the most and warmest natural light throughout the day.
- Revere Pewter is at its absolute best here — it rewards bright light with richness and depth.
- Alaskan Skies still looks lovely, though it may appear lighter and more washed out in very strong afternoon sun.
Artificial / Interior Lighting
- Warm incandescent or LED bulbs (2700–3000K) amplify the beige warmth in Alaskan Skies.
- Cool white bulbs (4000K+) can bring out green and gray tones in Revere Pewter unexpectedly.
- Designers recommend staying below 3000K for both colors to avoid unflattering shifts.
Coordinating Colors and What Pairs Well
Best Trim Colors for Alaskan Skies
- Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 — soft, warm white that doesn't fight the taupe warmth
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65 — crisper contrast without looking stark
- Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 — popular all-rounder that works beautifully
Best Trim Colors for Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 — warm whites complement the earthy warmth best
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65 — clean, sharp contrast
- Avoid stark, cool whites — they clash with Revere Pewter's green undertones
Flooring and Finishes
- Both colors pair beautifully with medium oak and walnut floors.
- Alaskan Skies is safer with warm-toned or pink-beige tile.
- Revere Pewter suits cool-gray tile and granite countertops with dark veining.
- Neither color works well if your flooring has strong purple or lavender undertones.
The Relationship Between These Two Colors
Here's something genuinely useful to know: Alaskan Skies is often described as a lighter version of Revere Pewter. The Houzz design community has noted that if you find Revere Pewter too dark for your space, Alaskan Skies (or Edgecomb Gray, which shares the same formula) is a natural lighter step.
They share the same family warmth, but Alaskan Skies sits about 8–10 LRV points higher. That makes it the smarter choice when natural light is limited and you still want that warm neutral look.
Which Color Is Better for Resale Value?
If you're painting before selling your home, neutrals are always the safest bet. Both of these colors have been popular with real estate agents and stagers for years. However, there are some important distinctions:
- Revere Pewter had a long run as the go-to staging neutral, but its popularity has peaked. Some design critics now call it overused in flip properties.
- Alaskan Skies (Edgecomb Gray) is considered a fresher, more current choice for 2024–2026 market conditions.
- For dark or smaller homes listed for sale, Alaskan Skies' higher LRV creates a brighter, more open feel in listing photos — which matter enormously online.
- Revere Pewter still performs excellently in well-lit, larger homes with architectural character.
The Verdict: Which One Wins?
There is no single "better" color — but there is a right color for your specific situation. Here is a clear breakdown to help you decide fast:
🏆 Choose Alaskan Skies If…
- Your room gets limited natural light
- You have a smaller space or low ceilings
- You want a whole-home, flowing neutral
- You have warm-toned or pink tile/flooring
- You're painting a hallway or bathroom
- You're prepping a home for sale in 2025–2026
🏆 Choose Revere Pewter If…
- Your room is bright and south or west-facing
- You want more depth and richness on the walls
- You have cool-toned granite or gray tile
- You love a classic, sophisticated look
- You're decorating a large, well-lit living room
- You prefer slightly more contrast with white trim
💬 Our Honest Take
For most homes — especially those with mixed lighting, open plans, or smaller rooms — Alaskan Skies 972 edges ahead as the more forgiving and versatile choice. Its higher LRV and softer taupe warmth give it a wider comfort zone. Revere Pewter is stunning, but it demands the right conditions to perform. Give it a dark hallway and it sulks. Give it a sun-drenched living room and it's absolutely magnificent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alaskan Skies the same as Edgecomb Gray?
Yes. Benjamin Moore Alaskan Skies 972, Edgecomb Gray HC-173, and Baby Fawn OC-15 share the same paint formula. The name difference comes from which collection they appear in, but the color on your wall will be identical.
Is Revere Pewter still popular in 2025–2026?
Yes, though its cultural dominance has faded. It was arguably overused in the mid-2010s staging era, but it remains a genuinely excellent color when used in the right conditions — particularly bright, larger rooms with warm finishes.
Can I use both colors in the same home?
Absolutely. A common designer approach uses Alaskan Skies in hallways and low-light rooms while applying Revere Pewter in brighter living areas. Since they share a similar warm family, they flow naturally without clashing.
What sheen should I use for walls?
For walls, eggshell or matte finish is recommended for both colors. Eggshell offers a touch of washability. Flat/matte finishes minimize imperfections but are harder to clean — useful in low-traffic rooms.
Do these colors work on exteriors?
Both work on exteriors. Alaskan Skies gives a lighter, fresher cottage or Craftsman look. Revere Pewter reads as a more grounded, classic neutral on exterior walls — great with dark wood accents or stone detailing.
Explore More From Big Write Hook
If you enjoyed this colour comparison, you might also find value in our other general knowledge and lifestyle guides on the Big Write Hook General Knowledge Blog. We cover everything from practical how-tos to fascinating facts — all written to the same standard of clarity you've found here.
Final Thoughts
Paint color decisions feel small until you're living with a wrong choice on every wall for two years. Alaskan Skies 972 and Revere Pewter HC-172 are both genuinely excellent colors — the kind that hold up over time, photograph beautifully, and make designers sleep well at night.
The key is to stop relying on tiny paint chips and start testing real samples on your actual walls. Buy a sample pot of each. Paint two large swatches side by side. Live with them for 48 hours across morning light, afternoon light, and evening lamps. The right answer will make itself obvious.
Neither of these colors will let you down — as long as you respect what they need to look their best.
Updated April 2026
Choosing a neutral paint color sounds easy — until you're standing in the paint aisle staring at forty shades of "definitely not white." Two names keep coming up in almost every home design conversation: Benjamin Moore Alaskan Skies 972 and Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172. They sit in the same greige family, both look beautiful in photos, and both have armies of devoted fans.
So what's the actual difference? This guide cuts through the noise with real color data, lighting analysis, and room-by-room guidance — so you can walk away with a clear answer instead of another paint chip headache.
What Are These Colors, Exactly?
Benjamin Moore Alaskan Skies (972) is a warm, light greige-taupe sitting in Benjamin Moore's Classic Color Collection. It shares the same formula as Edgecomb Gray HC-173 and Baby Fawn OC-15 — they are the same shade under different names.
Revere Pewter HC-172 is part of Benjamin Moore's Historical Color Collection. Benjamin Moore describes it as "a light gray with warm undertones that creates a unifying look, calming and restoring." It became one of the best-selling neutral paints in North America for nearly a decade.
Both are greiges. But they behave very differently on walls, and that difference matters a lot when you're committing to a whole-room repaint.
Side-by-Side Specs: The Numbers That Matter
| Specification | Alaskan Skies 972 | Revere Pewter HC-172 |
|---|---|---|
| Color Family | Greige / Warm Taupe | Greige / Warm Gray |
| HEX Code | #D9D3C4 | #B5AF9E (approx.) |
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | 63 – 65 | 55 – 56 |
| Primary Undertone | Warm beige / subtle pink-taupe | Warm green / earthy gray |
| Color Temperature | Warm-neutral | Warm, with cool green flashes |
| Collection | Classic Color Collection | Historical Color Collection |
| Also Known As | Edgecomb Gray HC-173, Baby Fawn OC-15 | Ice Formations 973 |
| Best Room Exposure | North, East, low-light rooms | South, West, naturally bright rooms |
Data sources: Benjamin Moore Official, HousePaint AI, The Color Concierge
LRV Explained: Why This Number Matters More Than the Color Chip
LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value. It measures how much light a painted surface bounces back into the room, on a scale from 0 (pitch black) to 100 (pure white). Interior designers rely on it heavily — and for good reason.
Here is why the LRV gap between these two colors is significant:
- Alaskan Skies LRV ≈ 63–65: Reflects a noticeably higher amount of light. Works well in rooms with limited natural light and feels airier overall.
- Revere Pewter LRV ≈ 55–56: Sits in the medium range. Needs a reasonably bright room to perform at its best. In dark or north-facing rooms, it can look flat and murky.
- The 8–10 point LRV difference is significant enough to visually change how "big" or "bright" a room feels.
- Design professionals generally recommend LRVs above 60 for smaller or darker spaces.
Undertones: The Sneaky Part Nobody Talks About Enough
Undertones are the hidden colors lurking beneath the main shade. They only reveal themselves under specific lighting conditions — and both of these colors have some tricks up their sleeve.
Alaskan Skies Undertones
- Primarily warm beige-taupe, giving it a soft, neutral quality.
- Can lean slightly pinkish in warm artificial light (think incandescent bulbs).
- Interior designer Kylie M of KylieMInteriors.ca notes it as "a super warm greige-taupe that can swing closer to beige than gray."
- Its warmth makes it a natural partner for cream trims, wood tones, and earthy textiles.
- It does not pull green — which is a significant advantage if you have warm-toned tile or carpet.
Revere Pewter Undertones
- Primarily warm green — though it can briefly flash as gray-blue under certain light conditions.
- In south or west-facing rooms with plenty of natural light, it reads as a classic warm greige.
- In north or east-facing rooms with cool light, its gray base pulls forward and the green becomes more visible.
- The Color Concierge describes it as having "strong green undertones — it doesn't have the fleshy tones you sometimes see with Agreeable Gray."
- If you have any pink or purple tones in your flooring, tile, or countertops, Revere Pewter's green undertone can clash noticeably.
How Each Color Performs by Room Type
| Room | Alaskan Skies 972 | Revere Pewter HC-172 |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room (bright) | ✅ Excellent — light and welcoming | ✅ Excellent — rich depth |
| Living Room (low light) | ✅ Good — LRV keeps it bright | ⚠️ Can feel flat or dingy |
| Bedroom | ✅ Calm and airy | ✅ Cozy and grounded |
| Kitchen | ✅ Versatile with white or wood cabinets | ✅ Great with granite, darker counters |
| Bathroom (small) | ✅ Makes space feel larger | ⚠️ Can make a small bath feel tighter |
| Hallway / Corridor | ✅ Better — higher LRV helps narrow spaces | ⚠️ Riskier without good lighting |
| Open Floor Plan (whole home) | ✅ Flows seamlessly room to room | ✅ Great — if lighting is consistent |
| Exterior | ✅ Soft and fresh | ✅ Classic and sophisticated |
Lighting Conditions: Where Each Color Truly Shines
Lighting is the single biggest factor in how either of these colors will behave. Both colors can look dramatically different depending on your room's orientation, light source, and time of day.
North-Facing Rooms
- North-facing rooms receive cool, indirect light all day.
- Alaskan Skies handles this better. Its higher LRV keeps the room from feeling gloomy.
- Revere Pewter can look flat and slightly muddy in low, cool light. Colour expert Kylie M warns it can appear "flat and murky" in dark north-facing spaces.
South and West-Facing Rooms
- These rooms get the most and warmest natural light throughout the day.
- Revere Pewter is at its absolute best here — it rewards bright light with richness and depth.
- Alaskan Skies still looks lovely, though it may appear lighter and more washed out in very strong afternoon sun.
Artificial / Interior Lighting
- Warm incandescent or LED bulbs (2700–3000K) amplify the beige warmth in Alaskan Skies.
- Cool white bulbs (4000K+) can bring out green and gray tones in Revere Pewter unexpectedly.
- Designers recommend staying below 3000K for both colors to avoid unflattering shifts.
Coordinating Colors and What Pairs Well
Best Trim Colors for Alaskan Skies
- Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 — soft, warm white that doesn't fight the taupe warmth
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65 — crisper contrast without looking stark
- Benjamin Moore Simply White OC-117 — popular all-rounder that works beautifully
Best Trim Colors for Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 — warm whites complement the earthy warmth best
- Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65 — clean, sharp contrast
- Avoid stark, cool whites — they clash with Revere Pewter's green undertones
Flooring and Finishes
- Both colors pair beautifully with medium oak and walnut floors.
- Alaskan Skies is safer with warm-toned or pink-beige tile.
- Revere Pewter suits cool-gray tile and granite countertops with dark veining.
- Neither color works well if your flooring has strong purple or lavender undertones.
The Relationship Between These Two Colors
Here's something genuinely useful to know: Alaskan Skies is often described as a lighter version of Revere Pewter. The Houzz design community has noted that if you find Revere Pewter too dark for your space, Alaskan Skies (or Edgecomb Gray, which shares the same formula) is a natural lighter step.
They share the same family warmth, but Alaskan Skies sits about 8–10 LRV points higher. That makes it the smarter choice when natural light is limited and you still want that warm neutral look.
Which Color Is Better for Resale Value?
If you're painting before selling your home, neutrals are always the safest bet. Both of these colors have been popular with real estate agents and stagers for years. However, there are some important distinctions:
- Revere Pewter had a long run as the go-to staging neutral, but its popularity has peaked. Some design critics now call it overused in flip properties.
- Alaskan Skies (Edgecomb Gray) is considered a fresher, more current choice for 2024–2026 market conditions.
- For dark or smaller homes listed for sale, Alaskan Skies' higher LRV creates a brighter, more open feel in listing photos — which matter enormously online.
- Revere Pewter still performs excellently in well-lit, larger homes with architectural character.
The Verdict: Which One Wins?
There is no single "better" color — but there is a right color for your specific situation. Here is a clear breakdown to help you decide fast:
🏆 Choose Alaskan Skies If…
- Your room gets limited natural light
- You have a smaller space or low ceilings
- You want a whole-home, flowing neutral
- You have warm-toned or pink tile/flooring
- You're painting a hallway or bathroom
- You're prepping a home for sale in 2025–2026
🏆 Choose Revere Pewter If…
- Your room is bright and south or west-facing
- You want more depth and richness on the walls
- You have cool-toned granite or gray tile
- You love a classic, sophisticated look
- You're decorating a large, well-lit living room
- You prefer slightly more contrast with white trim
💬 Our Honest Take
For most homes — especially those with mixed lighting, open plans, or smaller rooms — Alaskan Skies 972 edges ahead as the more forgiving and versatile choice. Its higher LRV and softer taupe warmth give it a wider comfort zone. Revere Pewter is stunning, but it demands the right conditions to perform. Give it a dark hallway and it sulks. Give it a sun-drenched living room and it's absolutely magnificent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alaskan Skies the same as Edgecomb Gray?
Yes. Benjamin Moore Alaskan Skies 972, Edgecomb Gray HC-173, and Baby Fawn OC-15 share the same paint formula. The name difference comes from which collection they appear in, but the color on your wall will be identical.
Is Revere Pewter still popular in 2025–2026?
Yes, though its cultural dominance has faded. It was arguably overused in the mid-2010s staging era, but it remains a genuinely excellent color when used in the right conditions — particularly bright, larger rooms with warm finishes.
Can I use both colors in the same home?
Absolutely. A common designer approach uses Alaskan Skies in hallways and low-light rooms while applying Revere Pewter in brighter living areas. Since they share a similar warm family, they flow naturally without clashing.
What sheen should I use for walls?
For walls, eggshell or matte finish is recommended for both colors. Eggshell offers a touch of washability. Flat/matte finishes minimize imperfections but are harder to clean — useful in low-traffic rooms.
Do these colors work on exteriors?
Both work on exteriors. Alaskan Skies gives a lighter, fresher cottage or Craftsman look. Revere Pewter reads as a more grounded, classic neutral on exterior walls — great with dark wood accents or stone detailing.
Explore More From Big Write Hook
If you enjoyed this colour comparison, you might also find value in our other general knowledge and lifestyle guides on the Big Write Hook General Knowledge Blog. We cover everything from practical how-tos to fascinating facts — all written to the same standard of clarity you've found here.
Final Thoughts
Paint color decisions feel small until you're living with a wrong choice on every wall for two years. Alaskan Skies 972 and Revere Pewter HC-172 are both genuinely excellent colors — the kind that hold up over time, photograph beautifully, and make designers sleep well at night.
The key is to stop relying on tiny paint chips and start testing real samples on your actual walls. Buy a sample pot of each. Paint two large swatches side by side. Live with them for 48 hours across morning light, afternoon light, and evening lamps. The right answer will make itself obvious.
Neither of these colors will let you down — as long as you respect what they need to look their best.
