Capitol White CW-10 by Benjamin Moore

You walk into your living room, coffee in hand, and pause. Something feels off. The walls are fine—neutral, inoffensive—but they lack personality. They don’t make you stop and think, *This feels like home.* Maybe it’s time for a change, but where do you even start? If you’re craving warmth without sacrificing brightness, a color that feels both fresh and timeless, let’s talk about Benjamin Moore’s Capitol White (CW-10).

This isn’t your basic white. Capitol White is a soft, creamy off-white with a whisper of yellow undertone, giving it a warmth that pure whites just can’t match. Imagine sunlight filtering through linen curtains—subtle, golden, and impossibly inviting. With an LRV of 86.93%, it reflects light beautifully, making rooms feel airy without veering into sterile territory. It’s the kind of color that adapts to your life, whether you’re going for modern farmhouse charm, Scandinavian simplicity, or classic traditional elegance.

One of the best things about Capitol White is its versatility. It plays well with almost any decor style. Pair it with crisp white trim for a clean, tailored look, or let it cozy up to rich wood tones for a more organic feel. Brass fixtures? Perfect. They’ll pick up the warmth in the paint and add a touch of understated luxury. And if you love contrast, try it alongside deeper hues like navy (CSP-600) or sage green (AF-580)—the balance is magic.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. The paint glides on smoothly, whether you’re using a brush or roller, and dries quickly. Coverage is solid—one coat might do the trick on lighter walls, but if you’re covering something darker, plan for two. The finish options (matte, eggshell, satin) let you tailor the look to your space. Eggshell is a safe bet for most walls—durable enough for high-traffic areas but still soft to the eye.

Now, let’s talk rooms. Capitol White shines in living spaces where you want warmth and light to coexist. In a north-facing room, it counteracts cool shadows. In a sun-drenched kitchen, it glows. Bedrooms? Ideal. The creamy undertones create a serene retreat, especially when layered with textured linens and natural materials. Even home offices benefit—it’s calming without being sleepy, helping you focus without feeling like you’re working in a blank box.

A few pro tips: Always test the color in your space before committing. Paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day. Artificial lighting can pull out more yellow, while natural light keeps it balanced. If you’re worried about it feeling too warm, pair it with cooler accents (think gray-blue throws or sleek stainless steel). And don’t forget the ceiling—painting it the same color can make a room feel taller and more cohesive.

Is Capitol White perfect? Well, no color is. If you’re after a stark, crisp white, this isn’t it. The yellow undertones won’t suit every taste, especially if your space has cool-toned flooring or furniture. And while it’s highly washable, high-traffic areas might show wear faster in a matte finish—opt for satin if durability is a priority.

But for most homes, Capitol White is a winner. It’s a chameleon that adapts to your style, a backdrop that lets your furniture and art take center stage while quietly elevating everything around it. It’s the kind of color you won’t tire of—a timeless choice that feels fresh year after year. So, grab a sample, imagine it in your space, and see if it’s the missing piece your home has been waiting for.

Real Room Photo of Capitol White CW-10

Undertones of  Capitol White ?

The undertones of Capitol White 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: #F5F2E5

RGB code: 245, 242, 229

Is  Capitol White Cool or Warm?

This paint is decidedly warm, providing that cozy feel many homeowners seek. Its warmth enhances the natural light in a room, creating an inviting and comfortable environment for family and guests.

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 Capitol White

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 Capitol White

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Capitol White is 86.93%, 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  Capitol White

Capitol White stands out for its gentle sophistication. The color is incredibly versatile, working beautifully in various settings – from a sunlit kitchen to a serene bedroom retreat. When applied, it reflects light with a soft glow, enhancing the overall ambiance of your space. The paint flows smoothly, making it a pleasure to work with, whether you’re using a brush or roller. While it provides good coverage, a second coat might be necessary for optimal depth, especially on darker walls or surfaces. Its warm undertones prevent it from feeling stark or cold, providing a welcoming feel that complements both vibrant and muted decor. Overall, Capitol White is a reliable choice for those looking to brighten their interiors while creating a calm, inviting atmosphere.

Pros & Cons of  CW-10 Capitol White

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Capitol White

FAQ on CW-10 Capitol White

Can Capitol White be used in a small room?

Absolutely! Capitol White is perfect for small rooms. Its light reflectance helps to make the space feel larger and more open. The warm undertones also create a cozy vibe that can make smaller areas feel more inviting. Just be sure to complement it with adequate lighting to maximize its potential.

Is Capitol White suitable for exterior use?

While Capitol White is primarily designed for interior spaces, it can be used on exterior walls if properly prepared and primed. However, consider the paint’s finish and durability for outdoor conditions. A semi-gloss or satin finish might be more resilient against weather elements if you choose to use it outside.

Comparisons Capitol White with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Capitol White CW-10