Putnam Ivory HC-39 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that wraps you in warmth and comfort, a space that feels like a gentle hug every time you step through the door. This is the magic of color, and when it comes to creating that inviting atmosphere, Putnam Ivory from Benjamin Moore is a standout choice. If you’ve been toying with the idea of refreshing your home, this warm beige hue might just be the perfect solution.

Putnam Ivory (HC-39) isn’t just another neutral; it’s a soft, creamy beige that adds a touch of elegance to any space. Its warm undertones lean slightly towards red, which enhances its cozy vibe and makes it feel particularly welcoming. As an interior designer with a passion for color and creating personalized spaces, I can confidently say that this color is versatile enough to complement a range of decor styles—from modern farmhouse to traditional, coastal to contemporary, and rustic.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Putnam Ivory is its brightness. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 58.49%, it reflects a significant amount of light, helping to create an airy and open feel. This quality makes it an excellent option for various rooms, including the living room, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, and even a home office. In natural light, Putnam Ivory appears bright and uplifting, while in lower lighting conditions, it takes on a richer, more sophisticated tone. This ability to adapt to different lighting situations is what makes it a dynamic choice for your walls.

If you’re considering how to incorporate Putnam Ivory into your space, think about its relationship with furniture and decor. The beauty of this hue is that it pairs beautifully with both light and dark furnishings. Whether you have a plush, white couch or a deep, mahogany dining table, Putnam Ivory can serve as a stunning backdrop that enhances the overall aesthetic. Imagine how warm brass fixtures would pop against this creamy canvas, or how white trim would create a crisp contrast that draws the eye.

When it comes to application, you’ll find that Putnam Ivory is quite beginner-friendly. It’s easy to apply with a roller and brushes smoothly, making it perfect for those weekend DIY projects. You can expect good coverage with just one to two coats, which means less time painting and more time enjoying your beautifully transformed space. Plus, its touch-up friendly nature allows for easy maintenance down the road—always a bonus if you’re planning to refresh your home over time.

As an eco-conscious choice, Putnam Ivory has low VOC levels and is eco-certified, ensuring that you’re not only beautifying your home but also doing your part for the environment. It’s washable, too, making it an ideal option for spaces that may see a bit more wear and tear—just remember that for high-traffic areas, it’s wise to consider a protective finish to keep it looking pristine.

Now, you might wonder how Putnam Ivory stacks up against other neutral colors. Unlike many grays and cooler beiges that can feel stark and uninviting, Putnam Ivory offers a warm embrace that makes any room feel more like home. It’s perfect for those who want a neutral backdrop that doesn’t compromise on warmth and character.

For smaller spaces, Putnam Ivory shines as well. Its light-reflective properties help make areas feel more open, especially when paired with lighter furnishings and decor. Just be mindful of how the lighting interacts with the color to ensure it doesn’t feel too heavy—when chosen thoughtfully, this color can make even the coziest nooks feel inviting.

If you’re still on the fence about using Putnam Ivory, consider how its undertones can influence the mood of your chosen space. With its creamy base, this paint creates an atmosphere that feels both fresh and classic. It invites you to relax, unwind, and truly enjoy your surroundings.

As you decide on your palette, think about complementary shades that work well with Putnam Ivory. Colors like soft blues or muted greens can create a beautiful contrast without overwhelming the senses. You might even consider a darker shade for an accent wall or furniture pieces to add a touch of drama while still keeping the overall feel warm and inviting.

Now, while there are countless positives to using Putnam Ivory, it’s important to acknowledge a few potential drawbacks. In lower light, this hue can appear darker, which might not be ideal if you’re seeking a consistently bright space. Additionally, you’ll want to carefully select your trim colors to achieve the desired effect. The right trim can elevate the look, while a misstep might detract from its elegance.

Overall, Putnam Ivory stands out as a color that seamlessly infuses warmth and character into any room. It’s an option that resonates with those seeking a cozy, inviting atmosphere while still providing the versatility needed for various decor styles. With its ease of application, beautiful light reflection, and eco-friendly attributes, it’s a color worth considering for your next home project.

In the end, choosing the right paint color can transform not just your walls but also how you feel in your space. If you’re ready to create a home that feels warm, inviting, and uniquely you, Putnam Ivory could be the perfect shade to start your journey. So grab that paintbrush, and let this beautiful color bring your vision to life. Your home deserves a touch of elegance, and Putnam Ivory is here to deliver just that.

Real Room Photo of Putnam Ivory HC-39

Undertones of  Putnam Ivory ?

Putnam Ivory has subtle warm undertones that lean towards creamy beige. This gives it a soft, inviting feel that enhances natural light beautifully. If you’re after a color that feels both fresh and classic, this is it.

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HEX value: #DAC9AB

RGB code: 218, 201, 171

Is  Putnam Ivory Cool or Warm?

This paint leans decidedly warm. Its creamy undertones create a cozy environment, making it perfect for spaces where you want to feel relaxed and at ease.

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 Putnam 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 Putnam Ivory

With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 65, Putnam Ivory reflects a significant amount of light, helping to brighten up rooms while still offering warmth.

Detailed Review of  Putnam Ivory

Putnam Ivory stands out as an exceptional choice for homeowners looking to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Its soft hue complements both light and dark furnishings, making it a versatile backdrop for any decor. When applied, it maintains a beautiful balance between creamy and beige, providing depth without overwhelming the senses. Expect good coverage in just one to two coats, which is a bonus for those eager to finish their painting projects swiftly. Overall, it’s a lovely option that adds warmth and character to spaces, making them feel more like home.

Pros & Cons of  HC-39 Putnam Ivory

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Putnam Ivory

FAQ on HC-39 Putnam Ivory

How does Putnam Ivory compare to other neutral colors?

Putnam Ivory offers a unique warmth compared to cooler neutrals. While many grays and beiges can feel stark or cold, this color embraces a soft, creamy undertone that enhances the coziness of a room. It’s ideal for those who want a neutral that feels more inviting without being too bold.

Can I use Putnam Ivory in smaller spaces?

Absolutely! Putnam Ivory can work well in smaller spaces, especially when paired with lighter furnishings and decor. Its LRV helps reflect light, making the area feel more open and airy. Just be mindful of how the lighting interacts with the color to ensure it doesn’t feel too heavy.

Comparisons Putnam Ivory with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Putnam Ivory HC-39