Benjamin Moore’s Cloud Cover is a popular neutral paint color that can work well in many rooms throughout a home. With a light gray base, Cloud Cover has subtle undertones that give it added depth while still remaining light and airy. Determining the exact undertone of Cloud Cover can help homeowners decide if it will coordinate well with their existing decor. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the undertones present in Cloud Cover and how they interact with different color palettes.
The Subtle Blue-Green Undertone
Upon first glance, Cloud Cover appears to be a simple light gray. However, upon closer inspection, very subtle hints of blue and green are visible within the base color. These undertones are faint, but they provide added visual interest to this seemingly straightforward neutral shade. The blue-green undertones are likely more noticeable on larger surfaces and in natural lighting conditions. On small swatches or in artificial lighting, Cloud Cover may read as a true greige color. But when painted on walls, its soft aqua and sage undertones emerge.
How the Undertone Impacts the Look of Cloud Cover
The barely perceptible blue-green undertone pushes Cloud Cover toward a cooler end of the gray spectrum. Without these hints of color, Cloud Cover would be a flat, warmer gray. The undertones give it a bit more liveliness and sophistication. The blue aspect also connections Cloud Cover to classic colors like navy, denim, and periwinkle. The muted green relates it to natural elements like sage, moss, sea glass, and weathered wood. These associations make Cloud Cover feel tranquil and organic. The blue-green undertone allows this color to bridge warm and cool palettes seamlessly.
Coordinating with Cloud Cover’s Undertone
When decorating with Cloud Cover, homeowners will want to keep its subtle aqua and green influences in mind. Cooler paint colors, textiles, and accessories will highlight the blue-green undertone, while warmer shades may downplay it. Here are some ideas for showcasing Cloud Cover’s unique undertone:
- Pair with similar gray blues like Harbor Haze by Benjamin Moore for a monochromatic look.
- Use white, beiges, and soft greens as accent colors for a relaxed vibe.
- Incorporate blue-green glass bottles, ceramic pieces, or artwork.
- Choose furnishings and area rugs with blue, gray, or sage to connect the palette.
- Natural fiber rugs like jute and sisal emphasize the muted green tone.
- Whitewashed wood brings out the color’s organic nature.
Homeowners looking to mute Cloud Cover’s undertone can do so by opting for:
- Creamy whites and warm wood finishes to gently counteract the blue-green.
- Blush pinks, terra cotta, or mustard yellow as accent colors.
- Natural materials like linen or cotton for a grounded feel.
- Metallic finishes like brass, bronze, and copper to add some warmth.
Overall, Cloud Cover’s chameleon-like abilities allow it to shift between warmer or cooler depending on the colors and textures it’s paired with. Thoughtfully coordinating these elements will enable homeowners to tailor Cloud Cover’s undertone to suit their needs.
Using Cloud Cover in Different Rooms
Another benefit of Cloud Cover’s adaptable undertone is that it functions beautifully in just about any room. Here are some tips for using Cloud Cover effectively throughout the home:
Living Rooms
Cloud Cover is an elegant and inviting shade for living room walls. To emphasize the subtle aqua undertone, pair it with medium-tone wood furnishings and a printed area rug that incorporates blues and grays. Crisp white molding along with glass vases and mirrors will also bring out Cloud Cover’s cool hints.
Bedrooms
In bedrooms, Cloud Cover creates a soothing retreat-like feel. Accent walls in deep Denim Daze by Benjamin Moore contrast nicely with Cloud Cover while enhancing the blue undertones. Soft bedding in sage green linen connects to the color’s more earthy side.
Kitchens
For contemporary kitchens, Cloud Cover provides an on-trend, yet classic, backdrop. Travertine tile flooring and quartz countertops in a blue-gray marble pattern tie in beautifully with Cloud Cover on the walls. Stainless steel appliances and fixtures keep the look sleek.
Bathrooms
In bathrooms, Cloud Cover can lend an upscale spa ambiance. Pairing the walls with marble subway tile, driftwood-toned vanities, and chrome fixtures plays up the aqua and gray. Robust green plants also complement the muted green undertones.
Offices
Cloud Cover supplies offices with subtle color without distracting from work. For a more vibrant accent wall, go for Benjamin Moore’s Perennial Sage to contrast with Cloud Cover while picking up on its green hints. White built-in bookshelves and desk furniture keep the office light and functional.
Outdoor Spaces
For exterior touches like front doors, shutters, or fences, Cloud Cover provides a classic look with universal appeal. White trim makes the blue undertones pop. For outdoor furniture and planters, seaglass colors connect back to the aqua while natural wicker and rattan emphasize the green.
Conclusion
Cloud Cover’s adaptable nature and barely-there blue-green undertone enable it to work in nearly any space while adding subtle sophistication. By understanding these undertones and planning colors and textures accordingly, homeowners can capitalize on Cloud Cover’s versatility. Whether aiming to accentuate or downplay its aqua and sage influences, Cloud Cover’s chameleon-like abilities allow it to transform through thoughtful coordination. When thoughtfully implemented, Benjamin Moore’s Cloud Cover serves as a light, livable neutral that works with both warm and cool palettes.
Color Pairings to Try with Cloud Cover
| Color 1 | Color 2 | Color 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Cover | Crisp Linen | Weathered Teak |
| Cloud Cover | Coastal Fog | White Heron |
| Cloud Cover | Hale Navy | Silver Marlin |
| Cloud Cover | Gray Cashmere | Classic Bordeaux |
