Clay Beige OC-11 by Benjamin Moore

Ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease? Like the walls were giving you a warm hug? That’s the magic of the right paint color—and if you’re searching for that perfect balance of warmth and sophistication, let’s talk about Benjamin Moore’s Clay Beige (OC-11). This isn’t just another neutral; it’s a chameleon of a shade that adapts to your space, your light, and your style, all while making everything around it look effortlessly polished.

Clay Beige is what I’d call a “quiet superstar.” It’s soft, earthy, and undeniably inviting, with a subtle red undertone that adds just enough warmth to keep things cozy without veering into “too much.” Think of it as the color equivalent of your favorite linen shirt—relaxed but refined, easy to live with, and always in style. With an LRV of 61.61%, it sits comfortably in the light-reflective range, meaning it bounces plenty of light around a room, making it feel airy even in smaller spaces. But here’s the thing: in low light, it deepens slightly, turning into this rich, almost caramel-like hue that’s perfect for creating intimate nooks.

One of the biggest wins with Clay Beige is its versatility. Whether your home leans modern farmhouse, rustic, or traditional, this color plays well with others. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a fresh, clean look, or let it cozy up to dark wood finishes and brass fixtures for a more layered, organic vibe. If you’re feeling bold, try it alongside deep navy or forest green—the contrast is stunning. And because it’s a greige (that perfect marriage of gray and beige), it won’t clash with your existing furniture or art. Instead, it acts as a neutral backdrop that lets your decor shine.

Now, let’s talk application. If you’re a DIY newbie, Clay Beige is a dream. It’s beginner-friendly, with good coverage in just one or two coats, and it goes on smoothly whether you’re using a roller or a brush. The finish options are flexible, too—matte for a velvety, modern look, or eggshell if you want a touch of sheen that’s easy to wipe down (great for busy households). And since it’s low-VOC, you won’t have to deal with that overwhelming paint smell lingering for days.

Of course, no color is perfect for every scenario. In rooms with very little natural light, Clay Beige can feel a bit heavier, so I’d recommend balancing it with plenty of lamps or lighter-colored furniture. And while it’s durable and scuff-resistant, like any light paint, it might need occasional touch-ups in high-traffic areas. But honestly, those are small trade-offs for a color that brings this much warmth and adaptability to a space.

So, where does Clay Beige work best? Imagine it in a sun-drenched living room, where it glows like a soft sunset. Picture it in a bedroom, creating a restful retreat that’s anything but boring. It’s even a winner in home offices, where its calming vibe helps keep distractions at bay. And if you’re renting? This is a landlord-approved shade that feels personal without being polarizing.

Still on the fence? Grab a sample. Paint a swatch near your furniture, your floors, and your favorite artwork. Watch how it changes from morning to night. You’ll see what I mean—it’s not just a color, it’s a mood. Cozy, inviting, and quietly confident, Clay Beige is the kind of shade that makes a house feel like a home. And isn’t that what we all want?

Real Room Photo of Clay Beige OC-11

Undertones of  Clay Beige ?

The undertones of Clay Beige 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: #D9CFBB

RGB code: 217, 207, 187

Is  Clay Beige Cool or Warm?

This shade leans warm, making it perfect for creating a welcoming environment. It pairs beautifully with warm woods and brass accents, enhancing its inviting nature.

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 Clay Beige

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 Clay Beige

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Clay Beige is 61.61%, 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  Clay Beige

Clay Beige is not just any neutral; it’s a warm, inviting shade that transforms spaces into serene retreats. Its balanced tone makes it an excellent backdrop for artwork and furnishings, allowing them to shine without overwhelming the room. Whether you’re painting an entire room or just an accent wall, Clay Beige adds a touch of sophistication and comfort. It pairs effortlessly with a variety of colors, making it a favorite among homeowners and designers alike. The paint glides on smoothly, providing good coverage and a beautiful finish that enhances the overall aesthetic of your space. If you’re looking for a versatile color to refresh your home, Clay Beige is a fantastic choice.

Pros & Cons of  OC-11 Clay Beige

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Clay Beige

FAQ on OC-11 Clay Beige

Can I use Clay Beige in a small room?

Absolutely! Clay Beige is a fantastic choice for small spaces. Its warm undertones can make a room feel more spacious and inviting. The key is to balance it with adequate lighting and complementary decor to maintain an airy feel. It works wonderfully in bedrooms, bathrooms, or cozy reading nooks.

What colors pair well with Clay Beige?

Clay Beige pairs beautifully with a range of colors. For a fresh look, consider soft whites like White Dove or creams. If you want a bolder contrast, deep navy or forest green can create a stunning combination. Additionally, warm metallics like gold or brass accents enhance its inviting nature, making it a great choice for any decor.

Comparisons Clay Beige with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Clay Beige OC-11