Nimbus 1465 by Benjamin Moore

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Ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease? Like the walls themselves were giving you a quiet, comforting hug? That’s the magic of the right paint color—and Benjamin Moore’s Nimbus (1465) is one of those shades that effortlessly creates that feeling. It’s not just gray; it’s a soft, whisper-light gray with a warmth that makes it far from sterile or cold. If you’re searching for a color that balances sophistication with approachability, Nimbus might just be your perfect match.

Let’s talk about what makes Nimbus special. At first glance, it’s a light gray, but look closer, and you’ll notice those subtle undertones of yellow and red peeking through. These warm hints are what keep it from feeling flat or industrial. Instead, it has a lived-in, organic quality—like the color of weathered linen or a sunlit cloud. That’s why it works so well in spaces where you want to unwind, like bedrooms or home offices, but it’s equally at home in a living room or nursery.

One of the best things about Nimbus is how it plays with light. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 59.40%, it reflects most of the light that hits it, making rooms feel brighter and more open. But here’s the catch: in dimly lit spaces, those warm undertones can deepen, giving it a slightly richer appearance. That’s not a bad thing—it just means you’ll want to test it in your space before committing. Paint a large swatch on the wall and observe it at different times of day. You’ll see how it shifts from a soft, airy gray in daylight to a cozier, more enveloping shade at night.

When it comes to application, Nimbus is a dream. It’s beginner-friendly, with good coverage that often only needs one or two coats. Whether you’re rolling it on or brushing it, the finish stays smooth and even. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes lingering in your home. Choose a matte finish for a velvety, modern look, or go with eggshell or satin for a bit more durability—especially handy in high-traffic areas like hallways or kids’ rooms.

Now, let’s talk pairings. Nimbus is incredibly versatile, but to make it sing, you’ll want to play up its warm undertones. Think creamy whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for trim—it keeps things crisp without clashing. Brass fixtures add a touch of elegance, while navy or slate blue accents (its complementary hue) create a striking contrast. If you’re leaning into Scandinavian or minimalist styles, pair it with light wood tones and textured linens. For a more transitional vibe, layer in deeper neutrals like charcoal or taupe.

Worried about small rooms? Don’t be. Nimbus can actually make tight spaces feel larger thanks to its light-reflecting properties. Just keep the rest of the decor airy—avoid heavy, dark furniture that might weigh the room down. And if you’re using it in an open-concept space, it’s a fantastic unifying color that flows seamlessly from one area to another.

As for drawbacks, the only real consideration is lighting. In rooms with little natural light, Nimbus can lose some of its brightness and lean into its warmer undertones. If that’s not the effect you’re after, you might want to bump up to one of its lighter siblings, like Gray Owl. But for most spaces, especially those with decent light, Nimbus strikes a beautiful balance between serene and inviting.

So, is Nimbus right for you? If you’re craving a color that feels calm but not cold, sophisticated but not stuffy, it’s absolutely worth a try. It’s the kind of shade that adapts to your life—whether you’re curling up with a book in a cozy bedroom or hosting friends in a sunlit living room. Paint is more than just pigment; it’s the backdrop to your everyday moments. And with Nimbus, those moments just got a little softer, a little warmer, and a lot more beautiful.

Real Room Photo of Nimbus 1465

Undertones of  Nimbus ?

The undertones of Nimbus are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Yellow and Red. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #CFCCC4

RGB code: 207, 204, 196

Is  Nimbus Cool or Warm?

Despite being a gray, Nimbus leans slightly warm, making it an inviting choice for various rooms. Its warm undertones help to soften stark spaces and create a cozy atmosphere.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Nimbus

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Nimbus

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Nimbus is 59.40%, which places it in the Light colors category. This means it reflect most of the incident light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Nimbus

Nimbus is more than just a paint color; it’s an experience. The subtle complexities in its gray tone allow it to shift beautifully with changing light throughout the day. It’s a versatile choice for those who want a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere. Whether paired with vibrant decor or muted furnishings, Nimbus enhances the beauty of its surroundings. The application process is smooth, offering good coverage that reduces the need for multiple coats. It’s particularly effective in spaces where you want to foster relaxation, like bedrooms or home offices. If you’re looking to create a serene environment, Nimbus won’t disappoint.

Pros & Cons of  1465 Nimbus

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Nimbus

FAQ on 1465 Nimbus

Can Nimbus work in a small room?

Absolutely! Nimbus can make small rooms feel larger and more inviting due to its light-reflective quality. Just be mindful of how natural and artificial light interacts with the color; it can appear darker in low light conditions. Pair it with lighter decor to keep the space airy.

Is Nimbus suitable for high-traffic areas?

Yes, Nimbus is a great choice for high-traffic areas, especially since it’s washable and highly durable. Just ensure to choose a finish that can withstand wear, like eggshell or satin, to maintain its fresh look over time.

Comparisons Nimbus with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Nimbus 1465