Harwood Putty CW-5 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly makes you exhale—soft, soothing walls that wrap around you like a gentle embrace. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Harwood Putty (CW-5). It’s not just another neutral; it’s a chameleon of calm, a backdrop that lets your furniture, art, and personality shine while quietly elevating the entire space. If you’ve been searching for a paint color that feels fresh yet timeless, modern but not sterile, this might be your perfect match.

Harwood Putty is a light, green-hued neutral with an LRV of 83.19%, meaning it reflects nearly all the light that hits it. This makes it ideal for rooms that crave brightness without the starkness of pure white. Its undertones lean green, but don’t let that fool you—it’s subtle. Think of it as the whisper of a freshly cut stem in a vase of cream-colored blooms. Depending on the light, it can swing between warm and cool, making it incredibly adaptable. In a sun-drenched living room, it feels like a soft glow; in a north-facing bedroom, it retains its elegance without turning icy.

One of the biggest wins with Harwood Putty is its versatility. It plays well with almost every decor style, from minimalist to rustic. Pair it with crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a dream combo) for a clean, modern look, or let it cozy up to warm wood tones and brass fixtures for a more organic vibe. It’s also a superstar in open-concept spaces, where it creates flow without monotony. Picture it in a kitchen with sage-green cabinetry or a dining room with a moody navy accent wall—it’s the glue that ties everything together.

Application is a breeze, even for DIY beginners. It rolls on smoothly, and while you might need two coats for full coverage (especially over darker walls), the finish is worth it. Opt for an eggshell or satin finish in high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens—they’re scrubbable and stand up to daily wear. Matte is gorgeous for bedrooms where you want that velvety, serene feel. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can breathe easy during and after painting.

Now, let’s talk lighting. Harwood Putty is a shape-shifter. In the morning, it might look like a warm, creamy plaster; by evening, under soft lamps, it leans into its cooler undertones. This dynamism keeps it from feeling flat. To test it in your space, grab a sample and paint a large swatch near a window and another in a shadowy corner. Live with it for a day or two. Notice how it changes with the light—and how it interacts with your rug, your sofa, even your flooring. That’s the secret to falling in love with a color: seeing it in *your* context.

If you’re worried about commitment, don’t be. Harwood Putty is famously touch-up friendly, so accidental scuffs or nail holes won’t haunt you. And if you ever want to go darker or lighter, its sibling shades (like OC-57 for a lighter option or AF-465 for deeper moodiness) make transitioning effortless. Complimentary colors? Try pairing it with soft blues (CSP-535) or earthy taupes (2070-20) for a harmonious palette.

So, is Harwood Putty right for you? If you crave a neutral that’s anything but boring, a color that brings quiet sophistication without demanding attention, then yes. It’s the kind of shade that makes your grandmother’s heirloom sideboard and your sleek new sectional feel like they were always meant to be in the same room. It’s a backdrop for life—subtle, sturdy, and endlessly stylish. Grab a brush and see how it transforms your space, one calming wall at a time.

Real Room Photo of Harwood Putty CW-5

Undertones of  Harwood Putty ?

The undertones of Harwood Putty 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: #EDEFE7

RGB code: 237, 239, 231

Is  Harwood Putty Cool or Warm?

Harwood Putty strikes a balance between warm and cool tones, making it incredibly versatile. It can harmonize with warmer wood tones while still complementing cooler decor elements, allowing for seamless transitions throughout your home.

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 Harwood Putty

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 Harwood Putty

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Harwood Putty is 83.19%, 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  Harwood Putty

Harwood Putty is more than just a color; it’s a versatile canvas that enhances the beauty of your home. Its soft, muted tone provides a serene atmosphere, making it perfect for areas where you want to relax and unwind, like bedrooms or living rooms. The paint goes on smoothly, and while it may require a second coat for full coverage, the result is a beautifully finished surface that feels both fresh and inviting.

One of the standout features of Harwood Putty is its ability to adapt to varying lighting conditions. In natural light, it takes on a warm, creamy vibe, while under artificial lighting, it leans cooler, adding depth and dimension to the walls. Whether you’re looking to refresh your space or create a cozy nook, this paint delivers a sophisticated look that’s easy to live with.

Pros & Cons of  CW-5 Harwood Putty

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Harwood Putty

FAQ on CW-5 Harwood Putty

How many coats of Harwood Putty do I need?

Most users find that Harwood Putty provides good coverage with just one to two coats. If you’re painting over a darker color, you might need an additional coat for optimal results. Always allow adequate drying time between layers for the best finish.

Is Harwood Putty suitable for high-traffic areas?

Yes, Harwood Putty can work well in high-traffic areas, especially when paired with a durable finish like eggshell or satin. Its washability makes it easy to clean, helping maintain its fresh appearance even in busy spaces.

Comparisons Harwood Putty with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Harwood Putty CW-5