Concord Ivory HC-12 by Benjamin Moore

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease? Like the walls themselves were giving you a warm hug? That’s the magic of the right paint color—and if you’re searching for that perfect blend of warmth and sophistication, let’s talk about Benjamin Moore’s Concord Ivory. This isn’t just another off-white or beige. It’s a creamy, golden-hued whisper of elegance that transforms spaces into sanctuaries. Whether you’re refreshing a tired living room or dreaming up a cozy bedroom retreat, Concord Ivory might just be your secret weapon.

Picture this: soft morning light filtering through sheer curtains, bouncing off walls that glow like honey. That’s Concord Ivory in action. With an LRV of 60.04%, it’s light enough to keep a room airy but rich enough to add depth. Its warm undertones—hints of red and a touch of orange—give it a lived-in, welcoming feel. Unlike stark whites that can feel clinical, this shade wraps a room in comfort. It’s the kind of color that makes guests pause and say, “This feels so inviting,” without quite knowing why.

Now, let’s talk versatility. Concord Ivory plays well with almost any decor style. Modern farmhouse? Absolutely. Picture it paired with shiplap and rustic wood accents. Traditional? It’s a classic choice for molding and trim, especially alongside deeper hues like navy or forest green. Even coastal themes shine with this color—imagine it with woven textures and crisp white linens, evoking sandy beaches and sun-bleached driftwood. And because it’s a neutral with warmth, it’s a forgiving backdrop for bold art or vibrant furniture.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. It’s roller-ready and brush-smooth, with good coverage in one to two coats. Eggshell is my go-to finish for walls—it’s velvety and hides imperfections beautifully. But if you’re painting a kitchen or hallway, consider satin for its washability. Semi-gloss? Save that for trim or doors, where you want a bit of shine and durability. And because it’s low-VOC, you won’t have to vacate your home during or after painting—a win for busy households.

Lighting is where Concord Ivory really shines (pun intended). In south-facing rooms flooded with sunlight, it glows like a soft candle. North-facing spaces? It counteracts cool light with its warmth, preventing that chilly, shadowy effect. At night, under warm artificial lighting, it holds its own, never turning dingy or flat. But here’s a pro tip: always test a swatch. Paint it on a poster board and move it around the room at different times of day. You’ll see how it shifts—sometimes buttery, sometimes golden—and how it interacts with your furniture and floors.

Pairing colors with Concord Ivory is where the fun begins. For a timeless look, try it with Benjamin Moore’s White Dove on trim—the contrast is subtle but polished. Love a bit of drama? Deep blues like Hale Navy (HC-154) make it pop. Earthy greens and terracottas enhance its warmth, while brass or gold fixtures add a touch of luxury. And if you’re feeling adventurous, an accent wall in a darker shade, like CW-405, adds depth without overwhelming.

Of course, no color is perfect for every space. Concord Ivory isn’t ideal for rooms with zero natural light—it needs some illumination to truly sing. And while it’s touch-up friendly, darker or heavily textured walls might need that second coat for flawless coverage. But these are small trade-offs for a color that brings so much character to a home.

So, is Concord Ivory right for you? If you crave a color that’s neutral but never boring, warm but not overwhelming, and classic but far from bland, the answer is probably yes. It’s the kind of shade that grows with your style, adapting to new furniture, seasons, and even moods. It’s not just paint; it’s the foundation of a space that feels like home. Grab a sample, brush it on, and see how it transforms your walls—and maybe even your day.

Real Room Photo of Concord Ivory HC-12

Undertones of  Concord Ivory ?

The undertones of Concord Ivory 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: #E7CD8D

RGB code: 231, 205, 141

Is  Concord Ivory Cool or Warm?

This color leans towards warm, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance in any room. It’s perfect for spaces where you want to feel relaxed and at 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 Concord Ivory

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 Concord Ivory

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Concord Ivory is 60.04%, 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  Concord Ivory

Concord Ivory stands out as an exceptional choice for those looking to infuse their home with a soft, creamy hue. It’s incredibly versatile, working beautifully in a range of rooms from the cozy living room to the tranquil bedroom. The warm undertones create a harmonious balance, making it easy to pair with various decor styles, from modern farmhouse to rustic chic. When applied, it offers a smooth finish that enhances its inviting nature. You’ll love how it brightens up a space without overwhelming it, providing a soothing backdrop for your furnishings and decor. Just be mindful that it may require two coats for perfect coverage, but the result is well worth the effort.

Pros & Cons of  HC-12 Concord Ivory

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Concord Ivory

FAQ on HC-12 Concord Ivory

What types of finishes are available for Concord Ivory?

Concord Ivory is available in several finishes, including eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss. Each finish offers a unique look and level of sheen, allowing you to choose what best suits your space. Eggshell provides a soft, velvety look, while satin adds a bit more sheen and is easier to clean. Semi-gloss, on the other hand, is perfect for high-traffic areas and trim, offering durability and washability.

How does Concord Ivory perform in different lighting conditions?

Concord Ivory is wonderfully adaptable across different lighting conditions. In natural daylight, it showcases its warm undertones, creating an airy feel. However, in artificial lighting, it maintains its creamy appearance, ensuring that the room remains inviting. It’s always a good idea to test a small area in your specific lighting to see how it interacts with your decor and furnishings before committing to a full application.

Comparisons Concord Ivory with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Concord Ivory HC-12