Linen White OC-146 by Benjamin Moore

You know that feeling when you walk into a room and instantly feel at ease? Like the space wraps you in warmth without being overwhelming—just soft, inviting, and effortlessly elegant. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Linen White (OC-146). It’s not just another off-white; it’s a whisper of warmth, a backdrop that makes everything in your home feel intentional and harmonious.

Linen White is the kind of color that plays well with others. With an LRV of 80.94%, it reflects plenty of light, making even smaller rooms feel airy and open. But here’s what sets it apart: those subtle red undertones. Unlike cooler whites that can feel sterile, Linen White has a creamy, almost linen-like softness that adds depth without leaning too yellow. It’s the perfect balance—warm enough to cozy up a bedroom, neutral enough to anchor a modern kitchen.

Let’s talk about where this color shines. Picture it in a sunlit living room with oversized windows—the walls glow like they’re kissed by morning light. In a bedroom, it creates a serene retreat, especially paired with crisp white linens and warm wood tones. And in a kitchen? It’s a dream alongside brass fixtures and open shelving, giving off that modern farmhouse vibe without trying too hard. Even home offices benefit from its calming presence, making it easier to focus without the starkness of pure white.

One of the best things about Linen White is its versatility. It’s a chameleon. Pair it with deep navy or sage green for a classic, timeless look. Add black accents for contrast, or keep things airy with lighter complementary shades like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. And if you’re worried about commitment, don’t be—this color is beginner-friendly. With good coverage (often just one or two coats) and easy touch-ups, it’s as practical as it is beautiful.

But here’s a pro tip: always test it in your space first. Lighting can shift how those undertones show up. In rooms with less natural light, it might feel softer than expected, so consider supplementing with warm artificial lighting to keep it from falling flat. And while it’s low-VOC and eco-friendly, be mindful of potential yellowing over time in high-humidity areas—though that’s rare with today’s formulas.

At the end of the day, Linen White is more than just paint. It’s a feeling. It’s the quiet confidence of a well-designed room, the kind of color that makes your home feel like *yours*. Whether you’re refreshing a rental or crafting your forever home, this shade delivers warmth, flexibility, and timeless appeal. So grab a sample, see how it plays with your light, and get ready to fall in love with your walls all over again.

Real Room Photo of Linen White OC-146

Undertones of  Linen White ?

The undertones of Linen White 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: #F2EBDA

RGB code: 242, 235, 218

Is  Linen White Cool or Warm?

This color leans warm, making it feel cozy and inviting. It works well in spaces where you want a touch of softness without straying too far from a classic white.

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 Linen White

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 Linen White

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Linen White is 80.94%, 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  Linen White

Linen White is an exquisite choice for homeowners looking to create a serene atmosphere. With its soft, creamy undertones, it beautifully enhances natural light, making rooms feel airy and spacious. Whether you’re refreshing a cozy nook or updating your entire home, this color adapts seamlessly to various decor styles, from modern farmhouse to coastal chic. It’s not just about the look; Linen White also offers solid coverage, requiring only one to two coats for a flawless finish. Plus, it’s easy to match with bold accent colors or complementary neutrals, giving you the flexibility to personalize your space effortlessly. Overall, this paint combines beauty with practicality, making it a must-have for any interior.

Pros & Cons of  OC-146 Linen White

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Linen White

FAQ on OC-146 Linen White

Can Linen White be used in small spaces?

Absolutely! Linen White is ideal for small spaces as its light reflectance helps to make them feel larger and more open. Its warm undertones also create an inviting atmosphere, making any room feel cozy rather than cramped. Just ensure that the space receives some natural light to fully appreciate the color’s charm.

How does Linen White compare to pure white?

Linen White differs from pure white by offering a softer, warmer tone. While pure white can sometimes feel stark or clinical, Linen White brings a touch of warmth and comfort, making it a more versatile option for creating inviting spaces. It pairs well with a variety of accent colors and textures, providing a balanced backdrop for your decor.

Comparisons Linen White with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Linen White OC-146