Smoke 2122-40 by Benjamin Moore

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt a sense of calm wash over you? That’s the magic of the right paint color—it doesn’t just cover walls; it sets the tone for how a space feels. And if you’re searching for a shade that brings serenity without sacrificing style, let me introduce you to Benjamin Moore’s *Smoke* (2122-40). This soft, gray-blue hue is like a breath of fresh air, effortlessly blending tranquility with sophistication. Whether you’re refreshing a bedroom, revamping a home office, or giving your living room a makeover, *Smoke* might just be the perfect backdrop for your next project.

What makes *Smoke* so special? It’s all in the balance. With an LRV of 55.74%, it sits comfortably in the light color category, reflecting plenty of light to keep rooms feeling open and airy. But don’t let its lightness fool you—this color has depth. The subtle blue undertone gives it a modern, cool vibe, while the gray keeps it grounded and versatile. It’s the kind of shade that plays well with others, whether you’re pairing it with crisp whites, warm woods, or even bold accents. And because it’s part of Benjamin Moore’s lineup, you know you’re getting quality—excellent coverage, easy application, and a finish that holds up beautifully over time.

Let’s talk about where *Smoke* shines. Bedrooms are a no-brainer. This color practically whispers “relax,” making it ideal for creating a restful retreat. Imagine it on your walls as the sun sets, casting a soft, muted glow that melts away the day’s stress. But it’s not just for sleep spaces. In a home office, *Smoke* fosters focus without feeling sterile. In a bathroom, it evokes a spa-like tranquility. And in a living room? It’s the ultimate chameleon, adapting to everything from Scandinavian minimalism to coastal charm. Just keep an eye on your lighting—north-facing rooms will emphasize its cool undertones, while south-facing light might soften it further.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. *Smoke* covers well in one to two coats, and its touch-up-friendly formula means minor mishaps won’t turn into major headaches. Choose your finish based on the room’s needs: eggshell or satin for durability in high-traffic areas, or matte for a velvety, sophisticated look in low-traffic spaces like bedrooms. And because it’s low-VOC, you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes during or after painting.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: color matching. *Smoke* is stunning, but its subtlety means it can shift slightly depending on what’s around it. That blue undertone might peek out more next to warm woods or creamy neutrals, while cool-toned furniture could emphasize its gray side. Always test a swatch in your space—paint a large poster board and move it around the room at different times of day. You’ll quickly see how it interacts with your lighting and decor.

If you’re worried about *Smoke* feeling too cool, don’t be. Balance is key. Pair it with warm accents like caramel leather, brass fixtures, or terracotta textiles to add warmth. For a monochromatic look, layer it with lighter shades like *Quiet Moments* or deeper tones like *Hale Navy*. And if you want to make a statement, try it on an accent wall with crisp white trim—*White Dove* is a perfect match.

One of the best things about *Smoke*? It’s incredibly forgiving. Unlike bolder colors that demand commitment, this shade is easy to live with. It won’t overwhelm small rooms—in fact, it can make them feel larger—and it holds its own in low-light spaces without turning gloomy. Plus, its high washability means it’s practical for busy households.

So, is *Smoke* right for you? If you love colors that feel timeless yet fresh, if you crave a space that’s calming but not boring, and if you want a paint that’s as easy to use as it is beautiful, then yes. This is a color that doesn’t just fill a room—it transforms it. Whether you’re painting a single wall or an entire home, *Smoke* delivers a quiet sophistication that’s hard to resist. Grab a sample, see how it looks in your light, and get ready to fall in love with your walls all over again.

Real Room Photo of Smoke 2122-40

Undertones of  Smoke ?

The undertones of Smoke are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Blue. 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.

R

G

B

HEX

HEX value: #BBC9CA

RGB code: 187, 201, 202

Is  Smoke Cool or Warm?

This hue is predominantly cool, making it perfect for spaces that benefit from a refreshing and calming palette. It pairs well with warmer accents for balance.

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 Smoke

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.

4800K

2000K

3000K

4000K

5000K

6000K

7000K

LRV of Smoke

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Smoke is 55.74%, 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  Smoke

Smoke is a stunning choice for anyone looking to create a serene atmosphere in their home. Its unique blend of gray and blue not only adds depth but also complements natural light beautifully, making spaces feel airy and open. Ideal for bedrooms and living rooms, this color can transform a dull area into a calming retreat. When applying, it glides on smoothly, and you’ll find it covers well with just one or two coats, depending on your surface. The finish options, which include matte, eggshell, and satin, allow you to customize the look, whether you want a soft, velvety finish or a subtle sheen. Overall, Smoke is a color that invites warmth and tranquility, making it a top pick for those looking to refresh their interiors.

Pros & Cons of  2122-40 Smoke

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Smoke

FAQ on 2122-40 Smoke

Can Smoke be used in small rooms?

Absolutely! Smoke is a fantastic choice for small rooms. Its light and airy quality can help create a sense of space, making even the coziest areas feel more open. Just be mindful of the lighting in your room, as it can slightly alter the color’s appearance.

What finishes work best with Smoke?

Smoke looks great in various finishes, but it shines particularly well in eggshell or satin. These finishes enhance its soft hue while providing durability, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms. Matte finishes can also work beautifully, offering a more subdued, velvety look.

Comparisons Smoke with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40