Carolina Gull and Heather Gray: the documented difference
Carolina Gull has an LRV of 27.41; Benjamin Moore Heather Gray 2139-40 is 34.77. 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. Carolina Gull's warm green undertones within gray give it a grounded mid-depth character rather than a light sage effect. Heather Gray carries sage undertones within a gray.
| Color | Brand / code | LRV |
|---|---|---|
| Carolina Gull | Benjamin Moore 2138-40 | 27.41 |
| Heather Gray | Benjamin Moore 2139-40 | 34.77 |
The choice beside cream linen and dark oak
Dark oak and cream linen supply opposite value references, helping establish whether the wall has enough separation in the evening.
Set up both candidates with cream linen 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.
Keep the wall and wood distinguishable in the evening; compare a lighter green-gray if both become too heavy. Assess Carolina Gull and Heather Gray 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 Carolina Gull 2138-40. The recorded LRV is 27.41. 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.