Cedar Key OC-16 by Benjamin Moore

Ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease? Like the walls were giving you a quiet, warm hug? That’s the magic of the right paint color—and if you’re searching for a shade that effortlessly balances warmth and sophistication, let’s talk about Benjamin Moore’s Cedar Key.

Cedar Key (OC-16) is one of those rare neutrals that doesn’t just fade into the background. It’s a soft, muted beige with subtle gray undertones, but here’s the twist—it leans ever so slightly into red, giving it a warmth that feels inviting without being overwhelming. Picture the soft, sun-bleached sands of a coastal beach or the weathered wood of a rustic farmhouse. That’s the vibe this color brings to your walls.

What makes Cedar Key so special is its versatility. Whether your style leans coastal, modern farmhouse, or transitional, this shade adapts beautifully. It’s light enough to brighten a space (with an LRV of 61.05%, it reflects plenty of light) but has enough depth to avoid feeling sterile. In natural daylight, those warm undertones shine, making rooms feel airy and open. As evening falls, it softens into a more muted, restful hue—perfect for bedrooms or living areas where you want to unwind.

Now, let’s talk application. If you’re a DIY beginner, Cedar Key is a dream to work with. It’s roller-ready, brush-smooth, and dries quickly. Coverage is solid—you might need two coats for perfection, but it’s self-priming, so you can skip that extra step. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes lingering in your home.

Worried about durability? Don’t be. Cedar Key is washable and stain-resistant, making it a smart pick for high-traffic spots like hallways or kitchens. Pair it with a satin or eggshell finish for added resilience, especially in spaces that see a lot of action. Just keep in mind that in rooms with very little natural light, it can appear slightly darker, so test a swatch first.

When it comes to pairing, Cedar Key plays well with others. For trim, Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a classic choice—clean and crisp without clashing. If you’re feeling bold, brass fixtures add a touch of warmth and elegance. And if you’re layering colors, lean into its complementary blue hues (think soft seafoam or deep navy) for a balanced, harmonious look.

Not sure how it stacks up against other beiges? Cedar Key stands out because it avoids the yellow or pink undertones that can plague some neutrals. It’s more nuanced than your average beige, thanks to those gray and red undertones, which keep it from feeling flat or dated. If you’ve tried other beiges and found them too warm or too bland, this might be the happy medium you’ve been searching for.

So, where does Cedar Key shine brightest? Imagine it in a sun-drenched living room with linen sofas and woven textures—effortlessly chic. Or in a bedroom with layered neutrals and organic materials, creating a serene retreat. It’s also a fantastic choice for open-concept spaces, where its adaptability ensures a seamless flow from room to room.

But here’s the real secret: Cedar Key isn’t just a color; it’s a mood. It’s calm, grounding, and quietly elegant. It doesn’t shout for attention but instead creates a backdrop that lets your furniture, art, and personality take center stage. And isn’t that what great design is all about?

Before you commit, grab a sample and observe it in your space at different times of day. Notice how it shifts with the light, how it interacts with your flooring or furniture. Paint is the foundation of your room’s story, and Cedar Key tells a beautiful one. So, if you’re ready for a color that feels like a deep breath of fresh air, this might just be your perfect match.

Real Room Photo of Cedar Key OC-16

Undertones of  Cedar Key ?

The undertones of Cedar Key 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: #D7CEBF

RGB code: 215, 206, 191

Is  Cedar Key Cool or Warm?

Cedar Key leans towards a warm neutral, making it perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere. It can brighten up darker spaces while still maintaining a calm feel, which is essential for restful areas like bedrooms and living rooms.

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 Cedar Key

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 Cedar Key

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Cedar Key is 61.05%, 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  Cedar Key

Cedar Key is the perfect paint choice for anyone looking to create a serene and welcoming environment. Its soft beige tone is not overly aggressive, making it a great backdrop for both colorful and neutral furnishings. The gray undertones subtly shift depending on the light, enhancing its versatility across different rooms. Whether you’re painting an accent wall or refreshing an entire living area, Cedar Key delivers a sophisticated look that’s easy on the eyes. Application is smooth, and the paint consistency allows for great coverage with minimal effort. On the whole, it’s an excellent option for anyone wanting to evoke a coastal vibe in their home while maintaining a polished aesthetic.

Pros & Cons of  OC-16 Cedar Key

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Cedar Key

FAQ on OC-16 Cedar Key

How does Cedar Key compare to other beige paints?

Cedar Key stands out due to its unique blend of soft beige and gray undertones, making it more versatile than many traditional beige paints. While some beiges can lean too warm or yellow, Cedar Key maintains a balanced tone that works well in various lighting and decor settings. This makes it ideal for homeowners looking for a neutral that won’t overpower a room but still offers character.

Is Cedar Key suitable for high-traffic areas?

Absolutely! Cedar Key is washable and stain-resistant, which makes it a solid choice for high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens. Its durability ensures that it can withstand the occasional scuff or smudge while maintaining its elegant appearance. Just be sure to apply a good quality topcoat for the best results in these areas.

Comparisons Cedar Key with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Cedar Key OC-16