Ocean Air 2123-50 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine stepping into a room that instantly makes you exhale—a space where the walls seem to breathe with you, soft and soothing, like the gentle whisper of ocean waves. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Ocean Air (2123-50). It’s not just a paint color; it’s a mood, a feeling, a way to transform your home into a tranquil retreat. Whether you’re dreaming of a coastal-inspired bedroom or a minimalist living room that feels effortlessly fresh, this shade might be the perfect fit. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Ocean Air, from its undertones to the best ways to use it in your home.

Ocean Air is a light, airy blue with an LRV of 71.84%, meaning it reflects plenty of light, making rooms feel brighter and more spacious. It’s the kind of color that works hard without demanding attention—subtle enough to serve as a neutral but distinctive enough to add character. The undertones lean cool, with a hint of blue that keeps it feeling modern and crisp. In natural light, it’s vibrant and refreshing; under artificial lighting, it softens into a serene backdrop that never feels stark.

One of the best things about Ocean Air is its versatility. It plays well with a range of decor styles, from coastal and Scandinavian to modern and transitional. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a classic look, or add warmth with brass fixtures and natural wood tones. If you’re aiming for contrast, try deeper shades like Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy (HC-150) or soft greens like CSP-415. The color’s muted quality means it won’t clash with bold accents, making it a great choice if you love to switch up your decor seasonally.

Where does Ocean Air shine brightest? Pretty much anywhere you want a calming vibe. In bedrooms, it creates a restful sanctuary—pair it with linen bedding and woven textures for a cozy yet refined feel. Bathrooms become spa-like with this hue, especially when paired with marble or matte black finishes. Kitchens feel fresh and inviting, and home offices benefit from its ability to foster focus without feeling sterile. Even small rooms benefit; the high LRV helps spaces feel more open, while the cool undertones keep things from feeling too cramped.

Application is a breeze, thanks to its beginner-friendly formula. It’s roller-ready, brushes on smoothly, and dries quickly, so you won’t be waiting around forever to add a second coat if needed. Speaking of coats, plan for two if you’re covering a darker wall, but the coverage is reliable, and touch-ups are easy. The low VOC content is another win, especially if you’re eco-conscious or sensitive to strong paint odors.

Now, let’s talk about the quirks. Like any color, Ocean Air has its nuances. Depending on your lighting, it can shift slightly—cooler in north-facing rooms, softer in warm evening light. Always test a swatch on your walls and observe it at different times of day. And while it’s a forgiving color, it’s worth noting that it might not be the best choice if you’re craving something with warmth. This is a cool, serene shade, so if your space already leans chilly, you might want to balance it with plenty of warm textiles or lighting.

If you’re torn between Ocean Air and similar colors like Sherwin-Williams’ Sea Salt, here’s the difference: Ocean Air has a clearer, more balanced tone. It’s neither too gray nor too green, just a soft, refreshing blue that feels timeless. It’s the kind of color you won’t tire of, whether you’re styling a rental or settling into your forever home.

So, is Ocean Air right for you? If you love spaces that feel open, calm, and effortlessly stylish, the answer is probably yes. It’s a color that adapts to your life, whether you’re creating a peaceful bedroom, a bright kitchen, or a cohesive open-concept living area. Grab a sample, paint a test patch, and see how it makes you feel. After all, the best colors don’t just look good—they make you feel something. And Ocean Air? It feels like a deep breath of fresh air.

Real Room Photo of Ocean Air 2123-50

Undertones of  Ocean Air ?

The undertones of Ocean Air 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: #D3E1E1

RGB code: 211, 225, 225

Is  Ocean Air Cool or Warm?

Ocean Air leans towards the cool spectrum, creating a refreshing ambiance in any room. Its coolness makes it especially effective in brightening up spaces that lack natural light, giving them an airy feel.

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 Ocean Air

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 Ocean Air

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Ocean Air is 71.84%, 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  Ocean Air

When it comes to Ocean Air, the first thing you’ll notice is its ability to transform a room into a serene oasis. This color isn’t just pretty; it has a remarkable versatility that suits various decor styles, from coastal retreats to modern minimalist spaces. One of the standout features of Ocean Air is its soft, muted tone, which can brighten a room without overwhelming it. It’s excellent for spaces where you want a calm atmosphere, like a bedroom or a home office. Plus, it pairs beautifully with both warm and cool accents, allowing you to easily switch up your decor as trends change. However, be mindful that it might require two coats for full coverage on darker surfaces, but the end result is well worth the effort.

Pros & Cons of  2123-50 Ocean Air

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Ocean Air

FAQ on 2123-50 Ocean Air

Is Ocean Air suitable for small rooms?

Absolutely! Ocean Air is perfect for small spaces as it reflects light beautifully, making the area feel larger and more open. Its calming hue can create an inviting atmosphere, which is essential in compact areas. Just keep in mind that its cool undertone works best with warm lighting to maintain that cozy feel.

How does Ocean Air compare to other similar colors?

Ocean Air stands out among similar colors for its unique blend of softness and vibrancy. Unlike some more muted blues or greens, it carries a refreshing quality that can brighten up any space. When compared to colors like Sea Salt or Ocean Breeze, Ocean Air offers a more balanced approach, making it adaptable to various styles and settings without feeling too bold or overpowering.

Comparisons Ocean Air with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Ocean Air 2123-50