Metropolitan BM AF-690

Metropolitan LRV and undertone

Benjamin Moore Metropolitan (AF-690) has an LRV of 49.96, placing it in the mid-tone range. Light reflectance value indicates how much visible light a painted surface reflects. With an LRV close to 50, this color sits between light and dark options, so it may provide a more noticeable wall presence than a light neutral. Its calculated color family is gray, with a subtle green undertone. The supplied hex value is #BABDB8. The green component is subtle, so evaluate the color alongside nearby surfaces rather than judging its undertone from its name alone.

Lighting direction can affect the balance of gray and green. Cooler daylight in a north-facing room may emphasize cooler characteristics, while warmer southern light can change the perceived balance. In rooms with limited natural light, test the color at several times of day before painting every wall. A lighter trim color can define edges against a mid-tone wall, while darker trim can reduce that contrast. The chosen sheen also influences how light reflects from the finished surface.

Metropolitan in other brands

Valspar Granite Dust (5006-1C) is the closest listed match, with an LRV of 48.11 and a ΔE of 1.6. This falls in the very-close range, meaning the colors should remain similar while still allowing small differences to show side by side. Sherwin-Williams Comfort Gray (SW 6205) has an LRV of 54.0 and a ΔE of 2.3, making it a close but visibly different alternative. Behr Natural Gray (PPU18-10), with an LRV of 53.0 and a ΔE of 3.8, also falls within the close-match range.

Sherwin-Williams Oyster Bay (SW 6206) has an LRV of 44.0 and a ΔE of 4.0. This is near the boundary between a close match and a more noticeable difference. PPG Whirlwind (PPG1013-3) has an LRV of 53.0 and a ΔE of 4.1, so it is better treated as a similar option than a direct match. Compare samples against the same background to assess the practical differences.

Lighter and darker Benjamin Moore alternatives

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray (HC-170) has an LRV of 59.36, making it lighter than Metropolitan. Its ΔE of 3.8 indicates a close but visible difference. It may suit a space where greater light reflectance is the priority. Benjamin Moore Thunder (AF-685) has an LRV of 47.58, making it slightly darker, although its ΔE of 4.5 indicates a more noticeable color difference.

Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray (HC-169) has an LRV of 48.18, so it is darker by a small margin. Its ΔE of 1.1 places it among the very-close alternatives, despite the slight difference in reflectance. Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray (HC-165), with an LRV of 43.26 and a ΔE of 4.1, offers a deeper option. Use sample boards to compare the amount of contrast each creates with the room’s existing trim, cabinetry, and flooring.

Before you buy, compare a physical sample with the swatch on Benjamin Moore’s page for Metropolitan.