Philadelphia Cream HC-30 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine stepping into a room bathed in soft, golden light—walls glowing with a warmth that feels like a gentle embrace. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Philadelphia Cream (HC-30). It’s not just a paint color; it’s an experience, a backdrop that turns everyday moments into something special. Whether you’re curling up with a book, hosting friends for dinner, or simply savoring your morning coffee, this hue has a way of making spaces feel effortlessly inviting.

Philadelphia Cream is a light, creamy yellow with a subtle red undertone, giving it that perfect balance of warmth and sophistication. With an LRV of 69.12%, it reflects plenty of light, making rooms feel airy and bright without sacrificing coziness. It’s the kind of color that adapts—morning sunlight brings out its golden glow, while evening lamplight softens it into a buttery neutral. And because it’s part of Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection, you know it’s a shade with staying power, one that’s stood the test of time in homes just like yours.

So where does this color shine? Pretty much everywhere. Living rooms wrapped in Philadelphia Cream feel like a hug—pair it with deep navy blues or rich greens for a touch of contrast, or keep things serene with linen whites and natural wood tones. In bedrooms, it creates a restful retreat, especially when layered with textured throws and brass accents. Kitchens and dining rooms? It’s a no-brainer. The warmth makes meals feel more intimate, and the washable finish (hello, eggshell or satin options) means it can handle splatters and spills with ease. Even hallways, often overlooked, become welcoming passages with this hue guiding the way.

One of the best things about Philadelphia Cream is how forgiving it is. If you’re new to painting, you’ll love how smoothly it applies—brush or roller, it doesn’t fuss. Two coats usually do the trick, and touch-ups blend seamlessly. But fair warning: light colors like this can show dirt over time, especially in high-traffic areas. The good news? A quick wipe-down is all it takes to keep things looking fresh. And since it’s low-VOC, you won’t have to deal with harsh fumes while you’re transforming your space.

Now, let’s talk pairings. This color plays well with others. For a classic look, try it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. Want something bolder? Navy or forest green accents add depth without overwhelming. If you’re into metallics, brass fixtures and warm wood tones elevate the creamy base beautifully. And if you’re drawn to monochromatic schemes, layering it with lighter creams and taupes creates a soothing, cohesive vibe.

A few pro tips: always test this color in your space before committing. Paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day. Those red undertones might shift slightly under your lighting, and you’ll want to make sure it harmonizes with your furniture and floors. Also, consider your finish carefully. Matte is great for low-traffic areas where you want a velvety look, while eggshell or satin will stand up better to daily wear and tear.

At the end of the day, Philadelphia Cream is more than just paint—it’s a feeling. It’s the quiet confidence of a color that knows how to make a room feel like home. Whether you’re refreshing a single wall or giving your entire house a makeover, this hue delivers warmth, versatility, and timeless appeal. 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 day feel a little sunnier.

Real Room Photo of Philadelphia Cream HC-30

Undertones of  Philadelphia Cream ?

The undertones of Philadelphia Cream 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: #EDDDB7

RGB code: 237, 221, 183

Is  Philadelphia Cream Cool or Warm?

With its warm undertones, Philadelphia Cream is undeniably inviting. It brings a cozy feel to any room, making it ideal for spaces where you want to create a sense of warmth and comfort, like living rooms and bedrooms.

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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia Cream

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Philadelphia Cream is 69.12%, 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  Philadelphia Cream

Philadelphia Cream is more than just a color; it’s a feeling. When you walk into a room painted this hue, you instantly feel welcomed and relaxed. The creamy undertones work beautifully with both natural and artificial light, allowing it to adapt to different times of the day. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this paint creates an inviting atmosphere that brings people together. It pairs well with both dark and light furnishings, making it versatile enough for various styles. Plus, it’s easy to maintain, making it a smart choice for busy households.

Pros & Cons of  HC-30 Philadelphia Cream

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Philadelphia Cream

FAQ on HC-30 Philadelphia Cream

Is Philadelphia Cream suitable for high-traffic areas?

Absolutely! Philadelphia Cream’s washability means it can handle the occasional scuff or mark with ease. Just keep in mind that while it’s great for high-traffic areas, you may need to touch up the paint occasionally to keep it looking its best. It’s perfect for hallways or living rooms where kids and pets are present.

How does Philadelphia Cream work with other colors?

Philadelphia Cream is incredibly versatile and works well with a wide range of colors. It pairs beautifully with both bold and muted shades, allowing you to create a stunning palette. For a cohesive look, consider combining it with deep blues or earthy greens for contrast, or go for a monochromatic scheme with whites and creams for a serene atmosphere.

Comparisons Philadelphia Cream with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Philadelphia Cream HC-30