Calm OC-22 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly makes you exhale—a space that feels like a quiet exhale after a long day. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Calm (OC-22). It’s not just a paint color; it’s a mood, a backdrop for relaxation, and a canvas for your personal style. Whether you’re refreshing a bedroom, designing a home office, or giving your living room a subtle makeover, Calm might just be the perfect shade to bring your vision to life.

Calm is a soft, light gray with an LRV of 75.83, meaning it reflects a lot of light, making rooms feel airy and open. But don’t let its simplicity fool you—this color has depth. Its subtle red undertone adds warmth, striking a delicate balance between cozy and cool. In natural light, it glows like a gentle mist, while under artificial lighting, it leans slightly warmer, creating an inviting ambiance. That adaptability is what makes it so versatile. It plays well with modern, minimalist, and even farmhouse decor, blending seamlessly with wood tones, crisp whites, and even bold accent colors.

One of the best things about Calm is how beginner-friendly it is. The coverage is solid—you might need two coats for perfection, but it dries quickly and touches up easily. If you’re painting a high-traffic area, opt for a satin finish for extra durability. In a nursery or bedroom, the matte finish adds a soft, velvety look that enhances the serene vibe. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can breathe easy knowing it’s a safe choice for your home.

Now, let’s talk about pairing. Calm is a team player. It looks stunning with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, letting the walls take center stage while keeping things clean and polished. If you love contrast, try pairing it with deeper shades like Revere Pewter or Gray Owl for an accent wall. For a pop of color, its complementary blue hues (think soft sky blues or muted teals) create a refreshing contrast. And if you’re working with wood finishes, Calm’s warmth harmonizes beautifully with natural oak or walnut tones.

Small spaces? No problem. Calm’s light-reflecting properties make cramped rooms feel more spacious. It’s a favorite for rentals, too, because it’s neutral enough to appeal to almost anyone while still feeling intentional and stylish. But here’s a pro tip: always test it in your space first. Paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day. Lighting can shift its personality—morning sun might highlight its warmth, while evening lamplight could bring out its cozier side.

If you’re worried about commitment, don’t be. Calm is one of those colors that’s hard to get wrong. It’s not too cool, not too warm—just a perfectly balanced neutral that adapts to your life. Whether you’re going for a Scandinavian-inspired retreat or a coastal-chic living room, it sets the stage without overpowering your decor. And if you ever want to change things up, it’s an easy backdrop for bold art, vibrant textiles, or statement furniture.

So, is Calm the right choice for you? If you crave a space that feels tranquil yet alive, understated yet full of depth, then yes. It’s the kind of color that makes a house feel like a home—soft, welcoming, and effortlessly stylish. Grab a sample, brush it on your walls, and see how it transforms your space. You might just find that Calm is exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Real Room Photo of Calm OC-22

Undertones of  Calm ?

The undertones of Calm 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: #E6E4DF

RGB code: 230, 228, 223

Is  Calm Cool or Warm?

Calm strikes a unique balance between warm and cool tones. Its subtle warmth invites comfort, while its cooler aspects ensure it remains fresh and airy—a perfect blend for contemporary spaces.

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 Calm

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 Calm

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Calm is 75.83%, 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  Calm

Calm in the HEX code #E6E4DF is the epitome of subtlety. When you apply this paint, you’ll notice how it transforms your environment into a peaceful sanctuary. Its versatility shines through in various lighting conditions, adapting beautifully from bright daylight to soft evening glow. The matte finish offers a chic look, while the eggshell variant adds a hint of sheen for more reflective spaces. It’s particularly effective in creating an illusion of space, making it excellent for smaller rooms. Whether you’re working from home or winding down for the night, this color sets a perfect backdrop that encourages focus and relaxation. It’s a fantastic choice if you want to refresh your walls without overwhelming the senses.

Pros & Cons of  OC-22 Calm

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Calm

FAQ on OC-22 Calm

Is Calm suitable for small spaces?

Absolutely! Calm is an excellent choice for small spaces. Its light reflectance and soft tones can make a room feel larger and more open. By using Calm, you create an inviting atmosphere that feels both spacious and cozy, perfect for areas like nurseries or small home offices.

How does Calm perform in high-traffic areas?

While Calm is a lovely choice for various rooms, it’s essential to consider durability in high-traffic areas. It’s recommended to opt for a satin finish in these spaces, as it offers better washability and resistance to scuffs and stains. With proper application and care, Calm can maintain its beauty even in bustling environments.

Comparisons Calm with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Calm OC-22