Pale Celery OC-116 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly makes you exhale—soft, soothing, and just the right amount of fresh. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Pale Celery (OC-116). It’s not just a paint color; it’s a mood. Whether you’re dreaming of a serene bedroom, a light-filled kitchen, or a cozy living room, this muted green with its whisper of yellow undertones might be the perfect backdrop for your next project. Let’s dive into why this color works so well and how you can make it shine in your home.

Pale Celery is one of those rare shades that feels both timeless and current. It’s light enough to brighten a space without feeling stark, and its subtle warmth keeps it from feeling cold or sterile. With an LRV of 80.65%, it reflects a ton of light, making it ideal for rooms that need a little lift. Think of it as a soft glow on your walls—perfect for north-facing spaces that crave warmth or small rooms you want to feel airy and open.

Now, let’s talk undertones. Pale Celery leans gently into yellow, giving it that balanced, inviting quality. In natural light, it feels fresh and uplifting, almost like sunlight filtering through leaves. As the day winds down, it softens into a more muted, restful tone. This adaptability makes it a fantastic choice for rooms where you spend a lot of time, like living areas or bedrooms. But here’s the key: always test it in your space. Paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day. You’ll see how it interacts with your lighting and furnishings—sometimes it might pull slightly more green, other times more creamy.

When it comes to finishes, you’ve got options. Eggshell is a crowd-pleaser for most walls—it’s durable, wipeable, and has just enough sheen to resist fingerprints. Satin kicks it up a notch with a smoother, more polished look, great for kitchens or bathrooms where moisture might be a concern. If you’re after a more matte, sophisticated vibe (maybe for a low-traffic bedroom), matte or flat finishes will give you that velvety depth. Just remember: higher sheen equals easier cleaning, so choose based on how the room will be used.

Pairing Pale Celery with other colors is where the fun begins. It plays beautifully with crisp whites like White Dove for trim—clean but not clinical. For a bit of contrast, try deeper greens or muted blues (think sage or slate) in textiles or accent furniture. If you want to lean into its warmth, brass or gold fixtures add a touch of elegance. And if you’re feeling bold? A navy or charcoal accent wall can make Pale Celery pop in the best way.

As for rooms, this color is a chameleon. In a kitchen, it feels fresh and modern, especially with open shelving and natural wood tones. A bedroom? Instant tranquility—pair it with linen bedding and a few woven textures for a spa-like retreat. Even a nursery benefits from its gentle, gender-neutral charm. The only places to tread carefully? Very dark or tiny rooms with little natural light. Without enough brightness, it can feel a bit flat or overly pastel.

Practical perks? Pale Celery covers like a dream—one or two coats usually do the trick, and it’s touch-up friendly. It’s low-VOC, so it’s a solid pick if you’re eco-conscious or sensitive to fumes. And because it’s so light-reflective, it helps smaller spaces feel more expansive. Just keep in mind that in high-traffic areas (like hallways or kids’ rooms), you might want to opt for a tougher finish or be prepared for occasional touch-ups.

So, is Pale Celery right for you? If you’re after a color that’s soft but not boring, warm but not overwhelming, and versatile enough to work with a range of styles (from modern farmhouse to coastal cottage), it’s absolutely worth considering. It’s the kind of shade that makes a room feel intentional—like you put thought into the vibe without trying too hard. Grab a sample, see how it sings in your space, and get ready to fall in love with your walls all over again.

Real Room Photo of Pale Celery OC-116

Undertones of  Pale Celery ?

The undertones of Pale Celery 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: #F2EBCD

RGB code: 242, 235, 205

Is  Pale Celery Cool or Warm?

This color sits comfortably in the balanced zone, showcasing both warm and cool aspects. It can adapt to your room’s lighting, appearing more vibrant during the day and softer in the evening, making it a versatile choice.

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 Pale Celery

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 Pale Celery

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Pale Celery is 80.65%, 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  Pale Celery

Pale Celery is truly a breath of fresh air. Its subtle green hue can brighten any room without overwhelming the senses. Ideal for spaces where you want to relax, it pairs well with natural light, enhancing the room’s openness. Whether you’re painting an accent wall or an entire room, this color offers excellent coverage with just one to two coats, making your painting project less daunting. Users have noted how easily it transforms a space into a serene retreat. It’s also a great choice for those looking to incorporate a hint of color without going too bold. Overall, Pale Celery can elevate your home’s aesthetic effortlessly, providing a backdrop that feels both inviting and sophisticated.

Pros & Cons of  OC-116 Pale Celery

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Pale Celery

FAQ on OC-116 Pale Celery

What types of finishes can I choose for Pale Celery?

Pale Celery is available in a variety of finishes including Flat, Matte, Eggshell, and Satin. Each finish offers a different look and feel. For example, a flat finish can provide a more muted and sophisticated appearance, while a satin finish adds a touch of elegance and durability. Depending on your room’s needs and the mood you want to create, you can choose the finish that best complements your decor.

Is Pale Celery suitable for high-traffic areas?

While Pale Celery is a lovely choice for many spaces, it’s best used in areas where wear and tear is minimal, like bedrooms or living rooms. For high-traffic areas, consider opting for a satin or eggshell finish that offers more durability and washability. Also, be mindful of maintaining the color; regular touch-ups may be needed to keep it looking fresh.

Comparisons Pale Celery with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Pale Celery OC-116