Stardust 2108-40 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly balances warmth and sophistication, Benjamin Moore’s Stardust (2108-40) might just be your perfect match. This soft, muted taupe is a designer favorite for a reason—it brings a sense of tranquility to any space while remaining incredibly versatile. Whether you’re refreshing a living room, creating a cozy bedroom retreat, or designing a serene home office, Stardust has the unique ability to adapt to your vision. Its delicate blend of warm and cool undertones makes it a chameleon, working beautifully with modern, transitional, rustic, or minimalist decor. Let’s dive into what makes this color so special and how you can make it work in your home.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Stardust is its rich depth. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 24.11%, it sits comfortably in the medium color range, meaning it reflects a good amount of light without feeling too heavy. This makes it ideal for rooms where you want a cozy yet airy feel—think living rooms bathed in natural light or bedrooms with soft, layered lighting. The color’s warm undertones, leaning slightly red, give it an earthy, inviting quality, while its cooler notes keep it from feeling too rustic. It’s this balance that allows Stardust to play well with both warm wood tones and crisp white trim, offering endless styling possibilities.

When it comes to application, Stardust is a dream to work with. Whether you’re a DIY beginner or a seasoned painter, you’ll appreciate its smooth, brush-friendly consistency and roller-ready formula. Coverage is solid, typically requiring just one or two coats, though darker base colors might need an extra layer for full opacity. The finish options—matte, eggshell, or satin—give you flexibility depending on the room’s function. Eggshell is a great all-around choice for living spaces, offering a subtle sheen and easy wipeability, while matte works beautifully in low-traffic areas like bedrooms where a softer look is desired. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can breathe easy knowing you’re making a healthier choice for your home.

Now, let’s talk about pairing. Stardust’s versatility shines when it comes to complementary colors and materials. For trim, classic whites like White Dove or Simply White create a crisp, clean contrast that lets the taupe tones pop. If you’re after a more organic feel, natural wood trim or warm neutrals enhance its earthy vibe. For accents, consider deeper hues like navy or charcoal—they add striking contrast and elevate the color’s sophistication. Brass fixtures are another winning combination, as their warm metallic glow plays off Stardust’s red undertones beautifully. And don’t shy away from textiles in complementary shades of blue or soft greens; they’ll bring out the color’s balanced personality.

Lighting plays a huge role in how Stardust performs. In sunlit rooms, it reflects a soft, glowing warmth that feels inviting and fresh. In lower light, it takes on a deeper, more intimate tone, making it perfect for creating cozy nooks or moody accent walls. If you’re using it in a small space, just be mindful that it can feel a bit darker, so balance it with lighter furnishings or ample lighting. And while it’s not the most vibrant choice for dim rooms, its muted elegance ensures it never feels dull—just understated and refined.

Practicality is another strong suit. Stardust is washable, scrubbable, and scuff-resistant, making it a smart pick for high-traffic areas like hallways or family rooms. Touch-ups are a breeze, so you won’t stress over the occasional scuff or mark. And because it’s touch-up friendly, you can easily refresh spots without worrying about uneven patches. It’s the kind of color that grows with your space, adapting to new decor or furniture swaps without missing a beat.

So, is Stardust right for your project? If you’re drawn to colors that feel timeless yet current, warm but not overwhelming, and versatile enough to suit multiple styles, the answer is likely yes. It’s a color that invites you to slow down and savor your space, whether that’s a serene bedroom, a stylish home office, or a welcoming living room. Test it on your walls, observe it at different times of day, and see how it interacts with your existing decor. You might just find that Stardust is the missing piece to creating the calm, collected home you’ve been dreaming of.

At the end of the day, paint is more than just color—it’s about how it makes you feel. And Stardust? It feels like a quiet moment of beauty, a subtle nod to elegance, and a warm embrace all at once. Whether you’re painting an entire room or just an accent piece, this shade has the power to transform your space into something truly special. So grab a sample, trust your instincts, and get ready to fall in love with one of Benjamin Moore’s most enchanting hues.

Real Room Photo of Stardust 2108-40

Undertones of  Stardust ?

The undertones of Stardust are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards 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: #918578

RGB code: 145, 133, 120

Is  Stardust Cool or Warm?

This color leans more towards the warm side, but its cool undertones help it maintain a balanced appearance. This unique characteristic allows it to adapt to various decor themes, enhancing the overall aesthetic without clashing.

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 Stardust

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 Stardust

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Stardust is 24.11%, which places it in the Medium colors category. This means it reflect a lot of 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  Stardust

Stardust stands out with its unique blend of muted taupe that feels both stylish and timeless. When applied, it offers a surprisingly rich depth without overwhelming a room. Its versatility allows it to shine in various lighting conditions; whether under natural sunlight or soft artificial light, it maintains a beautiful, cohesive look. The application is smooth and forgiving, making it a great choice for DIY enthusiasts and professional painters alike. Whether you’re looking to refresh a room or create an accent wall, Stardust delivers a sophisticated touch that elevates any space. Just be mindful that darker accents can enhance its beauty, so consider pairing it with deeper hues for added contrast.

Pros & Cons of  2108-40 Stardust

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Stardust

FAQ on 2108-40 Stardust

Can Stardust be used in high-traffic areas?

Absolutely! Stardust’s washable and scrubbable finish makes it a great choice for high-traffic areas. Just ensure you apply a good primer if you’re painting over darker colors to enhance its coverage. It’s a practical option for hallways and living rooms, where durability and easy maintenance are key.

What trim colors pair well with Stardust?

Stardust pairs beautifully with white trim, especially shades like White Dove or Simply White, which create a crisp contrast. For a more earthy feel, consider wood trim or warmer neutrals that enhance its cozy vibe. Feel free to experiment with darker accents as well, like deep navy or charcoal, for a striking look.

Comparisons Stardust with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Stardust 2108-40