Natural Cream OC-14 by Benjamin Moore

You know that feeling when you walk into a room and instantly feel at ease? The walls seem to wrap around you like a warm hug, the light is soft but bright enough to keep things airy, and everything just feels… right. That’s the magic of a well-chosen paint color, and Benjamin Moore’s Natural Cream (OC-14) is one of those shades that delivers that effortless comfort every time.

Natural Cream is a chameleon of sorts—it’s not just cream, not just beige, but a perfect blend of both with a whisper of warmth from its yellow undertones. It’s the kind of color that makes a room feel inviting without being overly bold, elegant without being stuffy, and versatile enough to work in almost any space. Whether you’re refreshing a cozy bedroom, a sunlit kitchen, or a home office that needs a little serenity, this shade has your back.

One of the things I love most about Natural Cream is how it plays with light. With an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 64.78%, it reflects most of the light that hits it, making rooms feel brighter and more open. But unlike stark whites, it doesn’t feel cold or clinical. Instead, it adds a gentle warmth that’s especially flattering in spaces with natural light. If your room gets a mix of sun and shade throughout the day, this color will adapt beautifully, shifting subtly to keep the space feeling balanced.

Now, let’s talk about undertones—because they matter more than you might think. Natural Cream leans warm, thanks to that soft yellow base. This makes it incredibly forgiving in rooms with wood floors, brass fixtures, or earthy textiles. It won’t clash with your favorite oak furniture or make your leather sofa look out of place. Instead, it harmonizes, creating a cohesive look that feels intentional and polished. But here’s a pro tip: always test it in your space before committing. Paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day to see how the undertones interact with your lighting and decor.

Application is a breeze with this one. It’s beginner-friendly, dries quickly, and usually only needs one or two coats for full coverage. If you’re rolling it on, you’ll notice how smoothly it goes up, and touch-ups are hassle-free—a major plus if you have kids or pets. For finishes, I’d recommend eggshell or satin in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms (yes, it’s totally suitable for those spaces too!). Matte works beautifully in bedrooms or living rooms where you want a softer, more velvety look.

Wondering what colors to pair with it? Natural Cream is a team player. For trim, you can’t go wrong with classic whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Simply White for a crisp, clean contrast. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try pairing it with deeper, muted blues or greens for a sophisticated vibe. And if you love the warmth of wood, natural wood trim or brass accents will elevate the creamy tones beautifully.

As for decor styles, this color is a dream for modern farmhouse, Scandinavian, or transitional spaces. It’s neutral enough to let your furniture and artwork shine but has enough personality to keep things interesting. In a minimalist setting, it adds warmth without clutter. In a rustic space, it grounds the room with its earthy charm. And in a small room? It’s a hero—making tight spaces feel larger and more open.

Of course, no color is perfect for every scenario. If your room is very dark with little natural light, Natural Cream might not be the best fit—it needs some light to really sing. And while it covers well, darker walls or bold previous colors might require an extra coat or primer to ensure full opacity. But for most spaces, it’s a reliable, gorgeous choice that won’t let you down.

So, is Natural Cream the right color for your next project? If you’re after a shade that’s warm but not overwhelming, versatile but not bland, and easy to live with day after day, then yes—it just might be your perfect match. Grab a sample, see how it looks in your space, and get ready to fall in love with how it transforms your home. After all, the best paint colors don’t just cover walls—they create a feeling. And Natural Cream? It feels like home.

Real Room Photo of Natural Cream OC-14

Undertones of  Natural Cream ?

The undertones of Natural Cream 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: #DAD5C6

RGB code: 218, 213, 198

Is  Natural Cream Cool or Warm?

This color leans warm, making it particularly inviting. It brings a sense of comfort to rooms, perfect for creating a nurturing environment, especially in living areas and bedrooms.

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 Natural Cream

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 Natural Cream

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Natural Cream is 64.78%, 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  Natural Cream

Natural Cream is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to create a tranquil and inviting space. The color strikes a perfect balance between warm and cool undertones, ensuring it harmonizes beautifully with a variety of decor styles. Whether you’re aiming for a bright, airy feel or a more intimate setting, this shade won’t disappoint. Its versatility means it works well in both large and small spaces, helping to make rooms feel open and welcoming.

Application-wise, Natural Cream goes on smoothly and covers well, typically requiring just one to two coats for full coverage. This makes it a practical option for DIY enthusiasts and those new to painting. It also pairs wonderfully with a wide range of trim colors, enhancing its appeal. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and beautiful paint that enhances your home’s aesthetic, Natural Cream is worth considering.

Pros & Cons of  OC-14 Natural Cream

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Natural Cream

FAQ on OC-14 Natural Cream

Can Natural Cream be used in kitchens and bathrooms?

Absolutely! Natural Cream is a great choice for kitchens and bathrooms thanks to its washable finish. It can handle the humidity and occasional splashes, making it practical for these spaces. Just ensure you choose a finish that enhances its washability, like satin or eggshell.

What trim colors pair well with Natural Cream?

Natural Cream pairs beautifully with various trim colors. For a classic look, consider white trims like White Dove or Simply White. If you want to add a touch of warmth, wood trim works wonderfully too. It also complements brass fixtures, enhancing its inviting aesthetic.

Comparisons Natural Cream with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Natural Cream OC-14