Revere Pewter is a popular neutral paint color from Benjamin Moore. With undertones of gray and beige, it can have different appearances depending on the light and surroundings. Determining whether Revere Pewter is gray or beige has been debated by many. Here is a look at the complex nature of this versatile neutral paint color.
The Origins of Revere Pewter
Revere Pewter was first introduced by Benjamin Moore in 1998. It was one of the original Colors of Historic Williamsburg, a collection of paint colors authentically derived from the historic buildings in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.
The name Revere Pewter refers to Paul Revere, the American patriot famous for his midnight ride before the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775 during the American Revolution. Pewter refers to the grayish metal alloy that was commonly used during the colonial era for items like tableware.
So the name connects the paint color to 18th century American history and decor. And indeed, Revere Pewter was intended as a historically-inspired neutral that would work well in both period homes as well as modern, minimalist spaces.
The Undertones of Revere Pewter
According to its official specifications from Benjamin Moore, Revere Pewter has a very light gray base with warm undertones.
| Hue Family | Gray |
| Hue | 10Y |
| Chroma | 1 |
| Value | 7 |
| RGB Values | 207, 200, 196 |
So while it is technically classified as a gray, it does have slight hints of brown and beige in its undertones. The warmness saves it from being a flat, lifeless gray.
This combination of a predominant light gray base with just a touch of warmth is what makes Revere Pewter so versatile. It has just enough personality to not read as stark white, but not so much warmth that it skews toward beige or greige.
How Revere Pewter Looks in Different Lighting
One of the things that makes discerning the undertones of Revere Pewter difficult is that the color can shift slightly based on the lighting conditions.
In natural daylight or bright interior lighting, the light gray base of Revere Pewter becomes more apparent. Some might even describe it as a pale blue-gray, evoking a hazy sky.
Under warm incandescent or LED bulbs, the subtle warmth in Revere Pewter comes forward a bit more. The gray takes on more brown or greige (a mix of gray and beige) undertones.
In a space with mixed lighting, like natural daylight plus lamps in the evening, Revere Pewter can transform throughout the day. Mornings may emphasize the blue-gray coolness, while evenings bring out more beige warmth.
How Surrounding Colors Affect Revere Pewter
The colors that Revere Pewter is combined with also affect whether it appears more gray or beige.
Alongside cooler blues, greens, and grays, Revere Pewter reads as more gray in contrast. The subtle warmth is downplayed next to these colors.
Paired with beiges, taupes, creams, and warmer wood tones, the tinge of beige in Revere Pewter becomes more noticeable. The light gray base fades into the background.
This chameleon-like nature makes Revere Pewter extremely flexible. It can blend in with a variety of color schemes, adapting its personality to match the overall surroundings.
Revere Pewter in Different Rooms
Let’s look at how Revere Pewter can shift between gray and beige depending on the room it is used in.
Kitchen
In a kitchen with marble counters, subway tile, and stainless steel appliances, Revere Pewter will lean more grey to complement the cooler elements.
Against the warmth of oak cabinetry and brass hardware, the subtle beige undertones in Revere Pewter will feel more dominant to balance the space.
An eclectic kitchen with a mix of materials and finishes will allow Revere Pewter to morph between its gray and beige aspects seamlessly.
Bedroom
Revere Pewter is an excellent backdrop for a restful bedroom. With silver-toned linens and bedroom furniture, it maintains a light gray appearance.
In a bedroom with linen upholstery and wood nightstands, Revere Pewter skews more beige and warm beside these elements.
Use cooler accent colors like denim blue to emphasize the gray. Bring out beige undertones by adding accents in creamy ivory, camel, or light walnut wood tones.
Bathroom
Bathrooms often demand a versatile neutral like Revere Pewter. It avoids feeling too cold and clinical while still providing a fresh backdrop.
Against white subway tile, gray quartz counters, and chrome fixtures, Revere Pewter reads as a pale gray.
With marble counters that blend gray and tan, honey-toned wood vanities, and brass lighting, the beige in Revere Pewter stands out.
Varying the toilet, tub, cabinetry, and metals used allows you to manipulate whether Revere Pewter appears more gray or beige.
Living Room
In formal living rooms, Revere Pewter creates an inviting, sophisticated look.
For a living room with cool grays and blues, use Revere Pewter to soften the palette slightly while keeping things crisp.
Warming up a living room is also no problem. Revere Pewter can pick up on tones of camel leather sofas or oak bookshelves to feel more beige.
And paired with creams, taupes and navy, Revere Pewter finds a perfect in-between balance of gray and beige.
Using Multiple Layers and Tones
One creative way to work with Revere Pewter’s adaptable nature is to use several tones and layers of it in one space.
You might have Revere Pewter in a lighter value on the walls, and then use it in a deeper tone on cabinets or furniture. The lighter application will read as a cooler, more ethereal gray, while the deeper version will emphasize the warmth and feel more like a beige.
Or pair the original Revere Pewter with one of Benjamin Moore’s companion colors like Revere Pewter to give more dimension. Revere Pewter HC-172 is lighter, while Salem Gray 2166-60 is darker.
Blending these coordinated hues of Revere Pewter together results in a room with visual depth and nuance. The paint color almost becomes like a neutral chameleon.
Should You Choose Gray or Beige?
When trying to determine whether Revere Pewter is fundamentally a gray or beige, the truth is it exists somewhere in between.
While technically classified as a gray by Benjamin Moore, it has enough warmth to also work as a soft beige in many settings.
Rather than committing to gray or beige, embrace Revere Pewter’s adaptability. Choose accompanying colors and materials that allow it to become either a gray or beige depending on your needs.
Decorate the space based on the ambiance you hope to achieve. Cool, soothing gray moods or welcoming, cozy beige atmospheres are equally possible with Revere Pewter.
Tips for Decorating with Revere Pewter
Here are some tips to make the most of the versatile Revere Pewter paint color:
– Test it on walls in both natural and artificial light at different times of day. Pay attention to how the undertones present themselves.
– Collect fabric swatches, wood samples, and paint colors to coordinate. Decide whether you want to emphasize the gray or beige side more.
– Add interest by including a range of materials – glossy tile, matte upholstery, nubby rugs, warm metals, cool marble, etc.
– Incorporate multiple tones of Revere Pewter through lighter and darker companion colors.
– Use color washing or sponging techniques to apply Revere Pewter. The varied tints will underscore the complex gray-beige-tan mixture.
– Change light bulbs to warmer or cooler temperatures to manipulate Revere Pewter effects.
– Paint interior and exterior elements to extend Revere Pewter throughout an open floor plan for a soothing, cohesive effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Revere Pewter:
Does Revere Pewter have blue or green undertones?
Revere Pewter does not have distinct blue or green undertones. It has very subtle warmth from tan/brown undertones. In some lighting, it can read as having blue-gray undertones, but no overt coolness.
What colors go well with Revere Pewter?
Revere Pewter is extremely versatile and pairs well with a wide range of colors on the warm and cool side. Popular combinations include navy, cream, white, gray, camel, black, marine blue, and olive green.
Is Revere Pewter light or dark?
Revere Pewter is a light-medium neutral, especially compared to deeper grays. Different tones can make it appear lighter or darker. Revere Pewter HC-172 is a lighter version.
What sheen should I use Revere Pewter in?
A matte or eggshell sheen is recommended to allow the subtle color nuances to show. Glossier sheens may make Revere Pewter appear lighter and less warm.
Conclusion
Revere Pewter is a beloved neutral paint color from Benjamin Moore because it straddles the line between gray and beige so beautifully. With light gray as its base and hints of tan providing a touch of warmth, Revere Pewter adapts seamlessly to any style and decor. Thoughtful pairings with other colors, finishes, and lighting allow you to make Revere Pewter read cooler and grayer or warmer and more beige depending on your preference. This versatility and barely-there personality is what makes Revere Pewter a foolproof choice for any room.
