Pale Almond OC-2 by Benjamin Moore

Ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease? That’s the magic of the right paint color—it wraps you in warmth without saying a word. Benjamin Moore’s Pale Almond (OC-2) is one of those hues. It’s like a soft hug for your walls, a creamy, understated beige with just enough warmth to make any space feel inviting. Whether you’re refreshing a tired living room or dreaming up a cozy bedroom retreat, this color might be the perfect starting point for your next project.

Pale Almond is a chameleon in the best way. Its light reflectance value (LRV) of 69.46% means it bounces plenty of light around, making rooms feel airy and open. But don’t let its lightness fool you—it’s got depth. Those subtle red undertones give it a richness that keeps it from feeling flat or sterile. In natural light, it glows with a gentle warmth. In dimmer spaces, it holds its own, creating a serene, almost cocoon-like vibe. That’s why it works so well in living rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens where you want a touch of elegance without sacrificing comfort.

One of the biggest wins with Pale Almond is its versatility. It plays nicely with a range of decor styles, from modern farmhouse to coastal chic. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a classic look, or let it cozy up to brass fixtures and warm wood tones for a more organic feel. If you’re into contrast, try it alongside deeper blues or greens—the complementary hues will make Pale Almond pop without stealing the show. And if you’re painting furniture or trim, it’s a dream. The finish options are forgiving, especially eggshell or satin, which strike a balance between durability and that soft, velvety look.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY newbie. It rolls on smoothly, dries fast, and covers well—usually in just one or two coats. That said, if your walls have seen better days or you’re painting over a darker color, a second coat will ensure full opacity. Touch-ups are easy, too, thanks to its wipeable finish. Just keep in mind that while it’s tough enough for most interiors, high-traffic areas might need an extra layer of protection to keep it looking fresh.

Now, let’s talk mood. Pale Almond is inherently restful. It’s not stark or clinical; it’s warm and earthy, like the inside of a seashell. That makes it ideal for bedrooms where you want to unwind or home offices where a little calm goes a long way. In a dining room, it sets a welcoming stage for gatherings, and in a hallway, it feels like a soft transition between spaces. Even small rooms benefit—its light-reflecting qualities can make tight spaces feel more expansive.

Of course, no color is perfect for every scenario. Pale Almond’s warmth means it can lean slightly darker in rooms with minimal natural light, so if you’re working with a cave-like space, you might want to test a swatch first. And while its red undertones add depth, they can clash with certain cool-toned woods or grays, so always sample alongside your existing finishes.

If you’re on the fence, here’s a pro tip: Paint a large poster board and move it around the room at different times of day. See how it changes with the light. Notice how it interacts with your furniture and flooring. That’s the best way to know if it’s the right fit. And if you love the vibe but want something a tad lighter or darker, Benjamin Moore’s got you covered with shades like Almond Milk or Sand Dune.

At the end of the day, Pale Almond is more than just paint—it’s a backdrop for your life. It’s the kind of color that lets your furniture shine, your art pop, and your personality take center stage. It doesn’t demand attention; it quietly elevates everything around it. So if you’re craving a space that feels both polished and personal, this might just be your hue. Grab a brush and see where it takes you.

Real Room Photo of Pale Almond OC-2

Undertones of  Pale Almond ?

The undertones of Pale Almond 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: #E7DBC3

RGB code: 231, 219, 195

Is  Pale Almond Cool or Warm?

Pale Almond leans towards the warm side of the spectrum, offering a soft glow that can enhance the coziness of any room. Its warm undertones make it an excellent choice for spaces where relaxation and comfort are key.

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 Pale Almond

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 Pale Almond

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Pale Almond is 69.46%, 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  Pale Almond

Pale Almond is a delightful choice for anyone looking to add a touch of warmth to their home. Its creamy texture and soft hue make it versatile enough to fit into various design aesthetics, from traditional to modern farmhouse. When applied, it provides a cozy yet sophisticated vibe, enhancing the natural light in a room. It’s particularly effective in living areas and bedrooms, where a calming atmosphere is desired. The paint goes on smoothly and is easy to apply, making it beginner-friendly. However, to achieve the best results, two coats are recommended for full opacity, especially in brighter spaces. Overall, Pale Almond is a fantastic option for those wanting a neutral color that still feels warm and welcoming.

Pros & Cons of  OC-2 Pale Almond

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Pale Almond

FAQ on OC-2 Pale Almond

Can I use Pale Almond in small spaces?

Absolutely! Pale Almond is a fantastic choice for small spaces. Its warm and inviting hue can make a room feel larger and more open, especially when complemented with good lighting. Just remember to apply two coats for the best coverage, which will enhance the lightness of the room even further.

How does Pale Almond work with different lighting?

Pale Almond adapts beautifully to various lighting conditions. During the day, it reflects natural light, creating a bright and airy feel. In the evening or in dimmer spaces, it maintains a cozy warmth, making it perfect for areas where relaxation is key. Pair it with adequate light fixtures to maximize its inviting qualities.

Comparisons Pale Almond with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Pale Almond OC-2