Bracken Cream CW-105 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly makes you feel at ease—soft, warm, and effortlessly inviting. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Bracken Cream (CW-105). It’s not just another beige; it’s a whisper of sunlight on a quiet morning, a backdrop that lets your furniture and decor shine while wrapping the space in comfort. If you’ve been searching for a paint color that balances warmth and versatility, this might be your answer.

Bracken Cream is a light, warm beige with subtle yellow and red undertones, giving it a richness that keeps it from feeling flat or sterile. With an LRV of 72.77, it reflects plenty of light, making it ideal for rooms where you want brightness without the starkness of pure white. It’s part of Benjamin Moore’s Off-White collection, but don’t let that fool you—this shade has depth. In natural light, it glows like sunlit linen, while under artificial lighting, it softens into a cozy, enveloping hue.

One of the biggest strengths of Bracken Cream is its adaptability. It plays well with modern farmhouse, rustic, coastal, and even traditional styles. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a classic look, or let it mingle with brass fixtures and natural wood tones for a touch of understated elegance. It’s also a fantastic companion to blues—think navy throw pillows or a cerulean accent wall—since blue sits opposite orange on the color wheel, creating a harmonious contrast.

Wondering where to use it? Almost anywhere. In living rooms, it creates a serene backdrop for bold artwork or textured textiles. Bedrooms benefit from its calming warmth, especially when layered with soft linens and muted earth tones. Kitchens feel fresh yet inviting with Bracken Cream on the walls or cabinets (opt for an eggshell or satin finish here for durability). Even home offices and dining rooms thrive under its gentle influence, fostering focus or conversation without distraction.

Application is a breeze, thanks to its beginner-friendly formula. It covers well in one to two coats, dries quickly, and is touch-up friendly—perfect for DIYers. The low VOC and eco-certified options mean you can feel good about using it in your home, too. Just keep in mind that lighting can shift its appearance. North-facing rooms might pull out its cooler undertones, while south-facing spaces will amplify its warmth. Always test a swatch on your walls and observe it at different times of day.

If you’re worried it might be too subtle, don’t. Bracken Cream is anything but bland. It’s a chameleon, adapting to your style while adding a layer of sophistication. For a bolder look, try it on an accent wall with darker complementary shades like HC-154 or AF-580. For a lighter, airier vibe, pair it with sandy neutrals or crisp whites. And if you love the idea of Farrow & Ball’s ‘Skimming Stone’ or Sherwin-Williams’ ‘Sandy Ridge’ but want something with a touch more warmth, Bracken Cream is a stellar alternative.

The only real drawback? It might not satisfy those craving drama or moody depths. If your aesthetic leans toward dark, saturated colors, this soft beige could feel too gentle. But for most homes, especially those aiming for a balance of comfort and style, Bracken Cream is a winner. It’s the kind of color that makes a house feel like a home—subtle, warm, and endlessly welcoming. So go ahead, grab a sample, and see how it transforms your space. You might just fall in love with the way it makes every room feel like a quiet exhale.

Real Room Photo of Bracken Cream CW-105

Undertones of  Bracken Cream ?

The undertones of Bracken Cream are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Yellow and 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: #EAE0C4

RGB code: 234, 224, 196

Is  Bracken Cream Cool or Warm?

Bracken Cream leans warm, making it ideal for creating cozy environments. Its soothing beige tone is inviting and works well in areas meant for relaxation and comfort.

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 Bracken Cream

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 Bracken Cream

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Bracken Cream is 72.77%, which places it in the Off‑White colors category. This means it reflect a lot of 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  Bracken Cream

Bracken Cream stands out for its ability to harmonize with both bold and muted colors, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to create a balanced aesthetic. Its warm undertones give it a welcoming vibe, perfect for spaces where relaxation is key. Whether you’re painting an accent wall or an entire room, this shade provides good coverage, typically requiring only one or two coats. The finish options available enhance its adaptability, allowing you to choose a look that fits your specific decor style. Plus, it pairs beautifully with wood accents, white trims, and even metallics for a touch of sophistication. Overall, Bracken Cream is a practical yet stylish choice that can elevate any space.

Pros & Cons of  CW-105 Bracken Cream

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Bracken Cream

FAQ on CW-105 Bracken Cream

Can I use Bracken Cream in a small room?

Absolutely! Bracken Cream’s light and warm tones can make a small room feel larger and more inviting. It reflects light well, helping to create a sense of openness. Just be mindful of the furnishings and decor to ensure they complement this soft hue.

What finish should I choose for my kitchen?

For kitchens, an eggshell or satin finish is often recommended. These finishes provide a nice balance between durability and aesthetic appeal, making them easy to clean while still offering a soft look. Bracken Cream in these finishes can brighten your kitchen while standing up to the daily wear and tear.

Comparisons Bracken Cream with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Bracken Cream CW-105