Lancaster Whitewash HC-174 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room where the walls wrap you in warmth, where the light feels soft and inviting, and the space instantly puts you at ease. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Lancaster Whitewash (HC-174). It’s not just another off-white—it’s a creamy, luminous hue that brings depth and character to any room without overwhelming it. If you’ve ever struggled to find a white that doesn’t feel sterile or cold, this might be the answer you’ve been searching for.

Lancaster Whitewash is a light, warm yellow with an LRV of 72.61, meaning it reflects plenty of light while still maintaining a cozy, lived-in feel. It’s the kind of color that plays well with natural sunlight, bouncing it around the room to create an airy yet intimate atmosphere. Whether your home leans modern farmhouse, coastal, or transitional, this shade adapts effortlessly, making it one of the most versatile neutrals in Benjamin Moore’s lineup.

One of the standout qualities of Lancaster Whitewash is its undertones. While it reads as a soft white at first glance, its subtle yellow base adds warmth and richness. This makes it particularly flattering in rooms with wood finishes, brass accents, or earthy textiles. Unlike cooler whites that can clash with warm-toned decor, Lancaster Whitewash harmonizes beautifully, creating a seamless flow between walls and furnishings.

Application is a breeze, even for beginners. With good coverage in just one or two coats and a smooth, brush-friendly consistency, you won’t find yourself frustrated with streaks or uneven patches. It’s also touch-up friendly, which is a lifesaver in high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens. The finish options—matte or eggshell—give you flexibility depending on the room’s needs. Eggshell offers a slight sheen for easier cleaning, while matte delivers a velvety, sophisticated look.

Now, let’s talk about where this color shines. Living rooms and bedrooms are natural fits—Lancaster Whitewash creates a restful backdrop that lets your furniture and art take center stage. In kitchens, it pairs beautifully with white cabinetry or warm wood tones, and in dining rooms, it sets an inviting scene for gatherings. Even home offices benefit from its calming presence, making it easier to focus without the starkness of a pure white.

Of course, no color is perfect for every situation. Lancaster Whitewash’s warmth means it can shift slightly depending on the light. In north-facing rooms, it might lean a touch creamier, while in south-facing spaces, it can appear brighter and more radiant. That’s why testing is key. Paint a large swatch on your wall and observe it at different times of day to see how it behaves in your specific environment.

If you’re worried about maintenance, don’t be. This paint is highly washable, so it holds up well in busy households. Just keep in mind that matte finishes, while gorgeous, aren’t as durable as satin or semi-gloss in high-impact areas. For trim, consider pairing it with a crisp white like White Dove to keep things fresh and balanced.

For those who love to play with color, Lancaster Whitewash pairs beautifully with blues (its complementary hue), soft greens, and even muted pinks. Try it with deep navy accents for a classic look, or layer it with natural linens and rattan for a breezy, coastal vibe. If you’re feeling bold, an accent wall in a darker shade like CW-440 adds contrast without overwhelming the space.

At the end of the day, Lancaster Whitewash is more than just paint—it’s a mood. It’s the feeling of sunlight streaming through sheer curtains, the comfort of a well-loved book nook, the elegance of a space that doesn’t try too hard. If you’re looking for a color that’s equal parts versatile and soulful, this might just be your new go-to. So grab a sample, brush it on your walls, and see how it transforms your home into a place that feels effortlessly inviting.

Real Room Photo of Lancaster Whitewash HC-174

Undertones of  Lancaster Whitewash ?

The undertones of Lancaster Whitewash 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: #E6E1CB

RGB code: 230, 225, 203

Is  Lancaster Whitewash Cool or Warm?

This color leans towards the warm side of the spectrum, offering a cozy feel that invites comfort and relaxation. Its warmth allows it to harmonize beautifully with earthy tones and natural materials.

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 Lancaster Whitewash

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 Lancaster Whitewash

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Lancaster Whitewash is 72.61%, 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  Lancaster Whitewash

Lancaster Whitewash stands out with its versatile charm. The soft, creamy color adds warmth to both modern and traditional spaces, making it a favored choice for homeowners. It’s perfect for larger rooms where you want a light, airy feel, but it also works wonderfully in smaller nooks to create a cozy vibe. Application is smooth, and the paint adheres well to surfaces, leaving a beautiful finish that enhances your decor. Whether you’re refreshing a room or starting a new project, this shade is sure to impress with its ability to complement various furnishings and styles. The subtle undertones ensure it never feels flat, making your space feel vibrant and inviting.

Pros & Cons of  HC-174 Lancaster Whitewash

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Lancaster Whitewash

FAQ on HC-174 Lancaster Whitewash

Is Lancaster Whitewash suitable for all types of rooms?

Absolutely! Lancaster Whitewash is incredibly versatile and can enhance any room in your home. Whether it’s the living room, a cozy bedroom, or a bustling kitchen, this color brings warmth and charm. Its light reflectance makes it particularly effective in smaller spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere without feeling crowded. Plus, it pairs well with various decor styles, so you can’t go wrong.

How does Lancaster Whitewash compare to other whites?

Lancaster Whitewash distinguishes itself from other whites by its unique warmth and creamy undertones. Unlike stark whites that can feel cold and uninviting, this shade radiates a softer, more welcoming vibe. It’s perfect for creating a cozy yet modern aesthetic, making it a favorite among homeowners looking to add character to their spaces. If you’re seeking a white that feels alive and enhances your decor without overpowering it, Lancaster Whitewash is an excellent choice.

Comparisons Lancaster Whitewash with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Lancaster Whitewash HC-174