Gardenia AF-10 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly makes you exhale—soft, warm, and effortlessly inviting. The walls seem to glow, not with stark brightness, but with a gentle radiance that feels like sunlight filtering through sheer curtains. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Gardenia (AF-10). It’s not just a paint color; it’s a mood. Whether you’re refreshing a tired bedroom, designing a cozy living room, or giving your kitchen a subtle facelift, Gardenia has a way of making spaces feel both elegant and lived-in. But is it the right choice for your home? Let’s dive in.

Gardenia is one of those colors that defies easy categorization. Officially tagged as a light gray, it leans into creamy warmth with a whisper of red undertone, giving it a richness that pure whites or cool grays can’t match. Its hex code (#F3F0E9) and RGB values (243, 240, 233) place it firmly in the realm of soft neutrals, but don’t let that fool you—this color has personality. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 85.03%, it reflects almost all light, making it a fantastic choice for rooms that need a brightness boost without feeling sterile.

What makes Gardenia so special is its versatility. It plays well with farmhouse charm, Scandinavian minimalism, and even bohemian flair. Picture it in a bedroom with crisp white linens and rustic wood furniture—suddenly, the space feels like a retreat. Or imagine it in a modern kitchen paired with brass fixtures and sleek cabinetry, where it adds warmth without overpowering the design. It’s also a dream for open-concept homes, where a cohesive flow matters. Because it’s neutral but not boring, it anchors a room without stealing the show.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. Gardenia’s formula is roller-ready, brush-smooth, and fast-drying, with good coverage in one to two coats. It’s low-VOC, so you won’t be overwhelmed by fumes, and it’s highly washable, which is a lifesaver in kitchens or kids’ spaces. That said, it’s not the toughest paint on the block. High-traffic areas like hallways might need a protective topcoat to keep it looking fresh, but for most interiors, it holds up beautifully.

Lighting can be tricky with any paint color, and Gardenia is no exception. In north-facing rooms, it might pull slightly cooler, while south-facing light will highlight its warmth. Artificial lighting can amplify its creamy undertones, so if you’re after a crisp white, this isn’t it. But if you want a color that feels like a hug at the end of a long day, Gardenia delivers. Test it on your walls at different times to see how it shifts—you might be surprised by how dynamic it is.

Pairing Gardenia with other colors is where the fun begins. For trim, White Dove or Pure White keeps things classic, while brass fixtures add a touch of luxury. If you’re feeling bold, try accent walls in deeper tones like AF-95 or HC-81 for contrast. Complimentary shades like blues (2129-40) or soft greens (1622) bring out its warmth without clashing. And if you’re layering textures—think linen curtains, a jute rug, or a weathered wood table—Gardenia provides the perfect backdrop to let those elements shine.

So, who is Gardenia for? If you love the idea of a neutral that’s anything but bland, this is your color. It’s for the homeowner who wants a space that feels curated, not cookie-cutter. It’s for the renter looking to add personality without a major commitment. And it’s for anyone who believes a home should feel like a sanctuary. Gardenia isn’t just paint—it’s the first step toward a home that welcomes you, every single day.

Real Room Photo of Gardenia AF-10

Undertones of  Gardenia ?

The undertones of Gardenia 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: #F3F0E9

RGB code: 243, 240, 233

Is  Gardenia Cool or Warm?

While Gardenia is primarily a warm color, its delicate balance ensures it maintains a neutral feel, making it suitable for both warm and cool color palettes.

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 Gardenia

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 Gardenia

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Gardenia is 85.03%, which places it in the White colors category. This means it reflect all 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  Gardenia

Using Gardenia in your home can transform your spaces into serene retreats. This paint offers a smooth finish that glides on effortlessly, making application a breeze. It’s versatile enough to suit various decor styles, from a cozy farmhouse to a sleek modern space. Gardenia tends to reflect light beautifully, making rooms feel larger and more open. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or planning a whole house makeover, this color adapts seamlessly, providing a calm backdrop for your personal style. Its soft warmth can create an inviting environment, perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

Pros & Cons of  AF-10 Gardenia

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Gardenia

FAQ on AF-10 Gardenia

How does Gardenia compare to other similar colors?

Gardenia stands out with its unique blend of warmth and neutrality. Unlike some shades that may lean too yellow or beige, Gardenia strikes a balance that makes it adaptable to both warm and cool palettes. When compared to other soft creams, it offers a bit more depth and richness, which can make it a more sophisticated choice for various settings. It’s ideal for homeowners who want a color that feels timeless yet fresh.

Is Gardenia suitable for high-traffic areas?

While Gardenia is a beautiful choice, it’s not the most durable option for high-traffic areas on its own. It’s best used in spaces like bedrooms or living rooms where wear and tear are minimal. For high-traffic areas, consider applying a protective topcoat to enhance its durability. It’s always a good idea to assess the specific needs of your space before making a final decision.

Comparisons Gardenia with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Gardenia AF-10