Soft Chamois OC-13 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room bathed in soft, golden light—walls that feel like a warm embrace, a space that’s both serene and effortlessly stylish. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Soft Chamois (OC-13). It’s not just another neutral; it’s a whisper of warmth, a creamy canvas that lets your decor shine while wrapping your home in comfort. If you’ve been searching for a color that’s versatile yet distinctive, cozy but sophisticated, let’s talk about why this might be the perfect choice for your next project.

Soft Chamois sits in that sweet spot between white and beige, with a hint of gray to keep it modern. Its yellow undertones give it a gentle warmth, making it feel inviting without leaning too traditional. Think of it as the color equivalent of your favorite cashmere throw—soft, elegant, and impossibly comforting. With a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 77.40%, it’s firmly in the off-white category, meaning it reflects plenty of light. That makes it ideal for smaller rooms or spaces with limited natural light, where you want brightness without the starkness of pure white.

One of the standout qualities of Soft Chamois is its adaptability. It plays well with almost any decor style, from modern farmhouse to Scandinavian minimalism. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a classic look, or let it mingle with rich wood tones and brass fixtures for a touch of organic elegance. In a nursery, it creates a soothing backdrop for playful accents; in a home office, it fosters focus without feeling sterile. And because it’s a chameleon in different lighting, it can shift from a soft, buttery hue in morning light to a more neutral taupe by evening.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. It’s roller-ready and brush-smooth, with good coverage in one to two coats (though darker walls might need an extra layer). The finish options—matte, eggshell, or satin—let you tailor the look to your space. Prefer a velvety, low-sheen finish for walls? Go matte. Need something more durable for a kid’s room or kitchen? Eggshell or satin will stand up to wiping and washing. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can breathe easy knowing it’s a healthier choice for your home.

Now, let’s address the quirks. Soft Chamois is subtle, which is part of its charm, but that means it won’t make a bold statement in large, open spaces. If you’re craving drama, consider using it on walls and pairing it with a darker accent color or textured furnishings. Lighting also plays a big role—north-facing rooms might emphasize its gray undertones, while south-facing light will bring out the warmth. Always test a swatch in your space and observe it at different times of day.

For those who love to layer neutrals, Soft Chamois is a dream. It harmonizes with deeper tones like HC-96 (a moody gray) or lighter shades like OC-17 for a monochromatic scheme. If you want to add contrast, try a complementary blue hue—think muted navy or soft sky blue—to make the warmth pop. And don’t overlook its potential beyond walls: painted furniture or cabinetry in this shade feels fresh and timeless.

So, is Soft Chamois right for you? If you’re after a color that’s warm but not overwhelming, flexible but far from boring, it’s a winner. It’s the kind of hue that makes a house feel like a home—calm, collected, and full of quiet charm. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or reimagining your entire space, this is a color that will stand the test of trends while feeling uniquely yours. Grab a sample, brush it on, and see how it transforms your walls—and maybe even your mood. After all, the best colors don’t just decorate a room; they elevate the way you live in it.

Real Room Photo of Soft Chamois OC-13

Undertones of  Soft Chamois ?

The undertones of Soft Chamois 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: #E8E5D8

RGB code: 232, 229, 216

Is  Soft Chamois Cool or Warm?

This color is predominantly warm, which enhances its cozy feel. If you’re aiming for a cheerful and inviting atmosphere, Soft Chamois is your go-to option.

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 Soft Chamois

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 Soft Chamois

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Soft Chamois is 77.40%, 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  Soft Chamois

Soft Chamois is truly a versatile color that can transform any room into a warm and inviting sanctuary. Its creamy undertones allow it to pair beautifully with a variety of accent colors, whether you’re going for soft pastels or bold hues. One of the standout features of this paint is its ability to reflect light, making your space feel open and airy. Additionally, it offers a smooth finish that feels luxurious to the touch, which can elevate the overall aesthetic of your home. Whether you’re painting an accent wall, trim, or even furniture, Soft Chamois can adapt to suit your needs. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance to their interiors.

Pros & Cons of  OC-13 Soft Chamois

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Soft Chamois

FAQ on OC-13 Soft Chamois

Can Soft Chamois be used in high humidity areas?

Absolutely! Soft Chamois is a washable paint, making it suitable for areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Just make sure to keep the surface well-prepped to ensure durability. Its low VOC level also contributes to a healthier indoor environment, making it a great choice for humid conditions.

How does Soft Chamois compare with other neutral colors?

Soft Chamois stands out among neutrals due to its warm undertones that create a cozy feel. Unlike cooler grays or stark whites, this color adds warmth to your space, making it feel inviting and homey. It also pairs well with both warm and cool colors, giving you flexibility in your decor choices.

Comparisons Soft Chamois with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Soft Chamois OC-13