Chic Lime 396 by Benjamin Moore

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Picture this: You walk into your kitchen on a sunny morning, and instead of the same old neutral walls, you’re greeted by a soft, refreshing hue that feels like a gentle wake-up call. It’s not too bold, not too bland—just the perfect balance of energy and calm. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s *Chic Lime* (396). If you’ve been searching for a color that adds personality without overpowering your space, this might just be your answer.

Chic Lime is a light, muted green with a subtle yellow undertone, giving it a warm, earthy vibe. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 65.34%, it reflects plenty of light, making rooms feel airy and bright. But here’s the thing—it’s not your typical lime green. It’s softer, more sophisticated, like the pale green of fresh spring leaves with a touch of golden sunlight. That’s what makes it so versatile. Whether you’re going for modern, eclectic, or even a touch of farmhouse charm, this color adapts beautifully.

Let’s talk about where it shines. Kitchens and dining rooms are a natural fit. Imagine your cabinets or an accent wall in Chic Lime—suddenly, your morning coffee feels a little more vibrant. In a living room, it creates an inviting backdrop that pairs effortlessly with neutral furniture or bold artwork. Even a home office benefits from its energizing yet calming presence. Just avoid using it in very dark or small rooms without ample light, as it can lose its freshness and lean a bit too muted.

One of the best things about Chic Lime is how easy it is to work with. It’s beginner-friendly, dries quickly, and usually only needs one or two coats for full coverage. The finish options—matte, eggshell, or satin—give you flexibility depending on the room’s traffic and your desired look. Eggshell is my go-to for kitchens (wipeable and durable), while matte adds a velvety depth to living spaces. And because it’s low-VOC, you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes during or after painting.

Now, the undertones. That yellow base is what keeps Chic Lime feeling warm and cozy, but it also means lighting plays a big role. In natural light, it’s bright and zesty. Under warm artificial light, it softens into a buttery pastel. Always test a swatch on your wall and observe it at different times of day. Pair it with crisp white trim (like Benjamin Moore’s *White Dove*) for a clean, modern look, or let it play off brass fixtures for a touch of elegance.

If you’re worried about commitment, start small. A single accent wall or even a piece of furniture in Chic Lime can introduce just enough color without overwhelming the room. For a cohesive palette, pair it with deeper greens, warm neutrals, or even a soft blue (its complementary hue) for contrast. And if you love the vibe but want something lighter or darker, explore shades like *Lime Sorbet* or *Soft Olive* from the same family.

So, is Chic Lime right for you? If you’re craving a color that feels fresh but not flashy, warm but not heavy, and versatile enough to work in multiple spaces, it’s absolutely worth considering. It’s the kind of shade that makes a room feel intentional—like you’ve curated the perfect mood without trying too hard. And isn’t that what great design is all about? Grab a sample, brush a little on your wall, and see how it transforms your space. You might just fall in love with the way it makes your home feel alive.

Real Room Photo of Chic Lime 396

Undertones of  Chic Lime ?

The undertones of Chic Lime are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Yellow. 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: #D8DE7B

RGB code: 216, 222, 123

Is  Chic Lime Cool or Warm?

While Chic Lime has a lively essence, it leans more towards the warm side of the spectrum. Its yellow undertones create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for spaces needing a touch of warmth.

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 Chic Lime

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 Chic Lime

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Chic Lime is 65.34%, 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  Chic Lime

Chic Lime stands out as a versatile color that effortlessly breathes life into any room. Its soft yellow-green hue brings a refreshing vibe, making it ideal for spaces where you want to feel energized yet relaxed. Whether you’re using it on an accent wall or throughout an entire room, this paint provides a smooth application and even coverage. It’s particularly great in kitchens or dining areas where you gather with family and friends, fostering a warm and inviting environment. Many users praise its ability to transform spaces without being too intense, making it suitable for both modern and traditional decor. Just remember, this color shines best with ample natural light, so consider your room’s orientation before diving in!

Pros & Cons of  396 Chic Lime

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Chic Lime

FAQ on 396 Chic Lime

Is Chic Lime suitable for outdoor use?

Chic Lime is primarily designed for interior applications, where its color can shine without the weather affecting it. If you’re looking for a similar color for outdoor use, check for exterior-specific formulations that match this hue while ensuring durability against the elements.

What primer should I use with Chic Lime?

For optimal results, a quality latex primer is recommended when applying Chic Lime, especially if you are covering a darker color. This will enhance adhesion and ensure the true color comes through with fewer coats, providing a smoother finish.

Comparisons Chic Lime with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Chic Lime 396