Tea Light 471 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly makes you exhale—a space that feels like a warm embrace, soft and soothing, yet effortlessly stylish. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Tea Light (471), a paint color that strikes the perfect balance between warmth and sophistication. Whether you’re refreshing a tired living room, designing a serene bedroom, or creating a cozy home office, this muted beige with delicate green undertones might just be the secret weapon your space needs.

Tea Light is one of those rare colors that adapts to its surroundings. In natural light, it feels airy and fresh, reflecting just enough brightness to make a room feel open without sacrificing warmth. As the sun sets and artificial lighting takes over, it shifts into a deeper, more intimate hue, wrapping the space in a quiet comfort. With an LRV of 60.09%, it sits comfortably in the “light” category, meaning it bounces light around beautifully—ideal for smaller rooms or spaces that lack ample windows. But don’t mistake its lightness for blandness; the subtle green undertone adds just enough depth to keep it interesting.

One of the biggest strengths of Tea Light is its versatility. It plays well with a range of decor styles, from modern minimalist to rustic farmhouse. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a clean, timeless look, or let it mingle with brass fixtures and warm wood tones to enhance its earthy charm. If you’re feeling bold, layer in complementary blues—think navy throw pillows or a cerulean accent chair—to create a dynamic yet harmonious contrast. For a more monochromatic scheme, lean into its lighter siblings (like Benjamin Moore’s 1569 or 1408) or deeper cousins (such as HC-139) to build a layered, nuanced palette.

Application is a breeze, even for DIY beginners. Tea Light covers well in one to two coats, and its low-VOC formula means you won’t be overwhelmed by fumes. Opt for an eggshell or satin finish if you want a subtle sheen that enhances light reflection, or go matte for a velvety, understated elegance—especially effective in bedrooms or dining rooms where ambiance is key. And because it’s highly washable and scuff-resistant, it’s a practical choice for high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets.

Now, let’s talk about where Tea Light shines brightest. In a living room, it creates a neutral backdrop that lets your furniture and art take center stage. In a bedroom, it fosters a restful retreat—pair it with linen bedding and soft lighting for a hotel-worthy vibe. Home offices benefit from its calming energy, helping to reduce distractions while keeping the space inviting. And in a nursery, it’s a gender-neutral pick that grows with your child, offering a gentle alternative to stark whites or pastels.

Of course, no color is perfect for every scenario. If your room is flooded with intense sunlight, Tea Light’s warmth might feel amplified, so balance it with cooler accents or sheer window treatments. And while its undertones are generally adaptable, they can shift slightly depending on your existing decor. Always test a swatch on your walls (at different times of day) to see how it interacts with your flooring, furniture, and lighting.

At its core, Tea Light is about creating a feeling. It’s not just a paint color; it’s a mood—a way to infuse your home with tranquility and understated elegance. Whether you’re staging a house to sell, crafting a rental-friendly refresh, or designing your forever home, this shade delivers. So grab a sample, imagine it in your space, and get ready to fall in love with how effortlessly it transforms four walls into a sanctuary.

Real Room Photo of Tea Light 471

Undertones of  Tea Light ?

The undertones of Tea Light are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Green. 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: #C9D0BF

RGB code: 201, 208, 191

Is  Tea Light Cool or Warm?

This color leans warm, providing a comforting atmosphere that feels inviting and homey. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to create a relaxing vibe in their living areas.

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 Tea Light

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 Tea Light

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Tea Light is 60.09%, 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  Tea Light

When it comes to creating a serene environment, Tea Light stands out as a top choice. Its soft hue is perfect for spaces that aim for calmness, such as bedrooms or nurseries. The color adapts beautifully to varying lighting conditions, appearing lighter during the day and cozier at night. One of the paint’s standout features is its versatility; it pairs well with both bright accents for a pop of color and muted tones for a more understated look. You’ll find it works especially well in open-concept spaces, ensuring a flow that feels cohesive rather than jarring. If you’re looking to refresh your home with a shade that embodies tranquility, Tea Light is a worthy contender.

Pros & Cons of  471 Tea Light

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Tea Light

FAQ on 471 Tea Light

Can Tea Light be used in a small room?

Absolutely! Tea Light’s light-reflective quality makes it a fantastic choice for small rooms. It helps create an illusion of space while maintaining a warm and inviting atmosphere. Pair it with lighter furniture or accents to enhance this effect.

What finishes work best with Tea Light?

Tea Light works well in eggshell or satin finishes, as these provide a subtle sheen that reflects light beautifully. If you aim for a more relaxed, matte look, the matte finish can also create a soft, cozy feel, perfect for bedrooms or living areas.

Comparisons Tea Light with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Tea Light 471