Benjamin Moore’s Oxford White is one of their most popular white paint colors. But is it a warm white or a cool white? The answer depends on factors like lighting and what colors it’s paired with. In general, Oxford White leans slightly warm but it’s versatile enough to work in both warm and cool spaces.
Understanding Color Temperature
The terms “warm” and “cool” refer to color temperature. Warm colors have more yellow/red undertones while cool colors have more blue undertones. Warm colors make a space feel cozy and inviting. Cool colors feel crisp and refreshing.
Color temperature is rated on the Kelvin scale. Lower Kelvin temperatures (2700-3000K) are warm. Higher temperatures (5000-6500K) are cool. Neutral whites around 4000K are right in between.
Key Factors That Affect Temperature Perception
Several things influence whether a white reads as warm or cool:
Lighting
The type of lighting in a room impacts color perception. Warm light brings out warm undertones. Cool daylight emphasizes cool undertones. Oxford White will take on different temperatures under different lighting.
Surrounding Colors
Oxford White will pick up on colors around it. If used with warm beiges and woods, it’ll read warmer. If paired with grays and blues, it’ll read cooler.
Sheen
Higher sheens like gloss make colors feel cooler and brighter. Lower sheens like flat or eggshell have a warmer, softer effect. Oxford White in a flat finish will feel warmer than in semi-gloss.
The Undertones of Oxford White
According to Benjamin Moore, Oxford White has both warm and cool undertones. Their site describes it as “versatile neutral with warm undertones and subtle cool overtones.”
This makes it adaptable to both warm and cool color schemes. The warm undertones add a soft, welcoming feel while the subtle coolness keeps it clean and fresh.
LRV Value
Oxford White has an LRV (light reflectance value) of 81. This means it reflects 81% of light. The high light reflectance gives it a bright, airy feel rather than warm and creamy.
RGB and HEX Values
The RGB values for Benjamin Moore Oxford White are R241, G235, B219. This puts it slightly towards the warm end of the spectrum compared to pure white.
The HEX code is #F1EBDB. HEX codes starting with F’s have a hint of warmth compared to neutral E’s.
How Oxford White Compares to Other Popular Whites
Looking at other popular Benjamin Moore whites helps put Oxford White in context:
Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
| LRV | 92 |
| Undertone | Cool |
Chantilly Lace is Benjamin Moore’s whitest white with a very high LRV of 92. It has a crisp, clean, bright white appearance rather than warm.
Simply White (OC-117)
| LRV | 86 |
| Undertone | Slightly warm |
Simply White is a warmer alternative to Chantilly Lace with subtle warm undertones. Oxford White is slightly warmer than Simply White.
White Dove (OC-17)
| LRV | 86 |
| Undertone | Warm |
White Dove is a popular warm white with a distinct creamy yellow undertone. Oxford White is not as warm as White Dove.
Swiss Coffee (OC-45)
| LRV | 76 |
| Undertone | Warm |
Swiss Coffee is one of the warmest whites from Benjamin Moore with definite beige/tan undertones. Oxford White is slightly warmer than Simply White but much cooler than Swiss Coffee.
Oxford White in Warm and Cool Spaces
Oxford White’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for both warm and cool color schemes.
Warm Neutral Rooms
In warm spaces, Oxford White pairs beautifully with:
– Beiges and creams
– Warm woods like oak and cherry
– Earth tones
– Brass and gold accents
It provides clean contrast in a warm room without introducing coolness. Use in lower sheens for maximum warmth.
Cool Transitional Rooms
For cool spaces, Oxford White works well with:
– Grays and blues
– Polished metals like nickel and chrome
– Marble and quartz
– Black and stainless steel
The subtle coolness plays up the crisp feel. Use higher sheens here for an airier look.
Using Oxford White for Trim or Whole Rooms
Oxford White works in any room but is especially popular for:
Trim and Molding
Its warmer lean makes Oxford White an excellent all-over trim color. The hint of ivory softens stark white trim while still providing nice contrast with wall colors.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
For high traffic areas prone to dirt and grime, Oxford White provides a clean, bright look. The subtle warmth prevents an overly stark hospital feel.
Bedrooms and Living Spaces
Oxford White allows bedrooms and living rooms to feel brighter and more spacious. The undertones are warm enough for a soft, welcoming vibe.
Tips for Decorating with Oxford White
To make the most of Oxford White:
– Test it on a large sample board and view in both natural and artificial light at different times of day. This shows how lighting affects the undertones.
– Hold color swatches next to Oxford White to see if they pick up on the subtle warmth or coolness.
– Use bulbs around 2700-3000K to emphasize the warm undertones or 4100-5000K to emphasize the subtle coolness.
– Combine with light to medium wood tones, off-whites, beiges, blues and grays for an airy, sophisticated look.
– Add in metallic finishes like chrome or nickel for some contrast. Brass if you want to introduce more warmth.
Conclusion
While Oxford White skews slightly warm, it has both warm and cool undertones depending on the context. This versatility makes it suitable for everything from cozy bedrooms to sleek bathrooms. Adjusting the lighting, sheen, and surrounding colors allows you to make Oxford White as warm or cool as needed. It’s a reliable neutral that works in diverse spaces and color schemes.