Ancient Ivory OC-133 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly makes you feel at ease—soft, warm, and effortlessly elegant. The walls seem to glow, not with stark brightness but with a gentle radiance that wraps the space in comfort. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Ancient Ivory (OC-133). It’s not just another off-white; it’s a color that brings depth, warmth, and versatility to your home, whether you’re refreshing a single room or reimagining your entire interior.

Ancient Ivory is a light, creamy hue with a subtle yellow undertone that gives it a timeless appeal. Unlike cooler neutrals that can feel sterile, this shade adds a touch of sophistication without overwhelming your space. With an LRV of 80.45%, it reflects plenty of light, making it ideal for rooms that need a little extra brightness. But here’s the best part—it doesn’t sacrifice coziness for luminosity. Even in low light, Ancient Ivory retains its inviting warmth, so your room never feels cold or flat.

One of the standout qualities of this paint is its versatility. It plays well with a range of decor styles, from modern and transitional to farmhouse and coastal. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a classic look, or let it soften bold accent colors like deep blues or rich greens. The creamy undertones also make it a natural companion for wood finishes and brass fixtures, adding a layer of warmth that feels intentional, not accidental.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re new to painting. Ancient Ivory offers excellent coverage—most walls will only need one or two coats, and it’s touch-up friendly, which is a lifesaver in high-traffic areas. The finish options (matte, eggshell, or satin) give you flexibility depending on the room’s needs. Eggshell is perfect for living rooms and bedrooms, offering a slight sheen that’s easy to clean, while satin works beautifully in kitchens and bathrooms where durability matters.

Now, let’s talk about the practical side. This paint is low-VOC and eco-certified, so you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes during or after application. It’s also washable and stain-resistant, making it a smart choice for busy households. Just keep in mind that lighter shades like this can highlight wall imperfections, so a little prep work—sanding, patching, or priming—can go a long way toward a flawless finish.

If you’re wondering how Ancient Ivory compares to other light neutrals, think of it as the Goldilocks of beige—not too cool, not too warm, just right. It’s softer than stark whites, warmer than grays, and more sophisticated than typical creams. It’s the kind of color that adapts to your style rather than dictating it.

For smaller spaces, Ancient Ivory is a game-changer. Its light-reflecting properties make rooms feel larger, while the warmth keeps them from feeling sterile. In a nursery, it creates a soothing backdrop; in a home office, it fosters focus without feeling clinical. And in a dining room, it sets the stage for everything from formal dinners to casual brunches.

The undertones are worth paying attention to, especially if your space has specific lighting conditions. North-facing rooms can amplify the yellow undertones, making the color feel creamier, while south-facing light will highlight its brightness. Always test a swatch in your space and observe it at different times of day to see how it behaves.

If you’re pairing it with other colors, lean into its complementary hues. Soft blues, muted greens, and even warm taupes will harmonize beautifully. For a monochromatic look, layer it with darker shades from the same family, like CW-440 or OC-136. And don’t forget texture—linen curtains, a woven rug, or a wooden coffee table will enhance the richness of Ancient Ivory without competing with it.

At the end of the day, Ancient Ivory is more than just a paint color—it’s a design tool. It creates a backdrop that lets your furniture, art, and personality shine while adding its own quiet elegance. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy retreat or a polished, airy space, this shade delivers. So grab a sample, brush a little on your walls, and see how it transforms your home. You might just fall in love with the way it makes every room feel like a gentle, welcoming hug.

Real Room Photo of Ancient Ivory OC-133

Undertones of  Ancient Ivory ?

The undertones of Ancient Ivory 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: #EEECDB

RGB code: 238, 236, 219

Is  Ancient Ivory Cool or Warm?

This shade leans warm, thanks to its creamy base. It offers a welcoming ambiance, perfect for creating cozy spaces. The warmth in Ancient Ivory ensures it can soften sharper colors while maintaining a bright and cheerful atmosphere.

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 Ancient 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 Ancient Ivory

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Ancient Ivory is 80.45%, 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  Ancient Ivory

Ancient Ivory is a dream to work with, providing excellent coverage with just one or two coats, depending on the surface. Its creamy finish enhances light and adds a sense of spaciousness, making it ideal for smaller rooms or areas that need a touch of warmth. The paint glides on smoothly, whether you’re using a roller or a brush, which makes application a breeze. This versatile color pairs beautifully with both bold and muted tones, allowing you to create a dynamic space with minimal effort. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for anyone looking to refresh their home with a classic yet contemporary vibe.

Pros & Cons of  OC-133 Ancient Ivory

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Ancient Ivory

FAQ on OC-133 Ancient Ivory

Can Ancient Ivory be used in high-traffic areas?

Absolutely! Ancient Ivory is not only stylish but also practical. Its washable and stain-resistant properties make it a great choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens. Just be sure to keep a touch-up kit handy for any scuffs or marks that may occur.

How does Ancient Ivory compare to other light neutrals?

Ancient Ivory stands out among light neutrals due to its warmth and softness. While some light neutrals can appear stark or clinical, Ancient Ivory adds a cozy touch that makes spaces feel more inviting. It works harmoniously with a wider range of accent colors, making it a versatile option for various design schemes.

Comparisons Ancient Ivory with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Ancient Ivory OC-133