LRV (Light Reflectance Value) indicates how much light a shade reflects (0 = pure black, 100 = pure white). The OC, HC, and AF prefixes signal which Benjamin Moore collection a shade belongs to.
- White Dove OC-17 (LRV ~85): soft warm off-white, ideal for whole-house use and trim.
- Swiss Coffee OC-45 (LRV ~82): warm cream off-white, ideal for trim, ceilings, and cabinetry.
- Navajo White OC-95 (LRV ~78): creamy warm off-white, ideal for traditional walls.
- Classic Gray OC-23 (LRV ~74): soft light greige, ideal for open-plan spaces and hallways.
- Pale Oak OC-20 (LRV ~69): light warm greige, ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Balboa Mist OC-27 (LRV ~65): soft light greige, ideal for bedrooms and primary suites.
- Edgecomb Gray HC-173 (LRV ~63): balanced warm greige, ideal for whole-house use and exteriors.
- Manchester Tan HC-81 (LRV ~63): warm taupe-beige, ideal for traditional homes.
- Revere Pewter HC-172 (LRV ~55): deeper warm greige, ideal for living rooms and accents.
- Shaker Beige HC-45 (LRV ~53): classic warm beige, ideal for traditional homes.
- Pashmina AF-100 (LRV ~30): mushroom-taupe, ideal for bedrooms and libraries.
- Litchfield Gray HC-78 (LRV ~30): deep putty, ideal for dining rooms and libraries.
How to Choose the Right Undertone
Every neutral has an undertone, and choosing well means matching to the undertones already in your room. Hold a paint sample against a piece of plain white paper to reveal the undertone by contrast.
- Red/honey oak floors: warm beige with a yellow undertone, such as Manchester Tan HC-81 or Lenox Tan HC-44.
- White oak (clear matte): balanced greige with a taupe pull, such as Edgecomb Gray HC-173 or Pale Oak OC-20.
- Gray-washed floors: cool light greige, such as Classic Gray OC-23 or Stonington Gray HC-170.
- Marble (warm veining): warm off-white or cream, such as White Dove OC-17 or Swiss Coffee OC-45.
- Brass/bronze fixtures: warm greige or beige, such as Revere Pewter HC-172 or Manchester Tan HC-81.
- Polished nickel/chrome: cooler greige or true neutral, such as Classic Gray OC-23 or Balboa Mist OC-27.
Beige vs Greige vs Taupe
Beige leans yellow and warm. Greige blends gray and beige for a more modern, balanced read. Taupe is deeper and more brown-leaning. All three live in the neutral family, and many Benjamin Moore shades fall in the overlap.
Off-White Neutrals for Whole-House Palettes
Off-whites function as the connective tissue of a whole-house palette: light enough to read as white, but with enough undertone to feel intentional. All of these belong to Benjamin Moore's Off-White Collection of more than 150 carefully balanced shades. White Dove OC-17, Swiss Coffee OC-45, Navajo White OC-95, Muslin OC-12, Natural Cream OC-14, and Feather Down OC-6 are the most-requested picks.
Pairing Neutrals
- Trim (warm greiges): White Dove OC-17, Simply White OC-117
- Trim (cool neutrals): Chantilly Lace OC-65, Decorator's White OC-149
- Accent walls: Hale Navy HC-154, Bittersweet Chocolate 2114-10
- Adjoining soft colors: First Light 2102-70, Saybrook Sage HC-114
Color Desk Tip
Neutrals look deceptively simple on a chip, but their undertones reveal themselves only on the wall. A beige that looks balanced in store can pull pink, green, or yellow once it is up next to your floors and lighting. Order at least two samples in different undertones, place them next to your floor and any fixed elements, and view in morning, afternoon, and evening light. Call our color desk at 248.598.0311 for help.
Finish Recommendations
Neutrals look best in flat to mid-sheen finishes. Use eggshell for most rooms, low sheen for kitchens and bathrooms, and satin or semi-gloss in ADVANCE waterborne alkyd for trim, doors, and cabinetry. Use Aura for deeper neutrals where richness matters most. Regal Select is the everyday workhorse.
About Paint Outlets
Paint Outlets is a Benjamin Moore authorized dealer with three Michigan locations in Shelby Township, Rochester Hills, and Macomb. We stock the full Benjamin Moore color library across Aura, Regal Select, ADVANCE, ben, Eco Spec, Aura Bath & Spa, and SCUFF-X. Our color desk staff are trained on Benjamin Moore's Gennex Color Technology and the Color Preview, Historical, Classics, Affinity, and Off-White Collections. We ship samples nationwide via UPS and offer same-day pickup at all three stores.
Shop Benjamin Moore Neutral Paint at Paint Outlets
Paint Outlets stocks the full Benjamin Moore neutral palette across Aura, Regal Select, ADVANCE, ben, and Eco Spec. Order samples online for shipping anywhere, or visit our Shelby Township, Rochester Hills, or Macomb stores for same-day pickup. Call our color desk at 248.598.0311 for help shortlisting neutrals, or browse the homepage to explore the full range.
Neutral Paint Color Frequently Asked Questions
