Opaline OC-33 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly makes you exhale—a space that feels like a quiet exhale at the end of a long day. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Opaline (OC-33). This soft, delicate gray with a whisper of warmth isn’t just another paint color; it’s a mood. Whether you’re refreshing a bedroom, designing a nursery, or giving your home office a serene upgrade, Opaline has a way of making walls feel like they’re gently hugging the room.

Let’s talk about why this color works so well. With an LRV of 77.89%, Opaline sits comfortably in the off-white category, meaning it reflects a ton of light. That makes it perfect for smaller spaces or rooms with limited natural light—it’ll brighten things up without feeling stark or clinical. But here’s the kicker: it’s not a cold, sterile gray. Thanks to its subtle yellow undertones, Opaline has a warmth that keeps it from feeling impersonal. It’s like the difference between a chilly morning and one where the sun just starts to peek through the clouds.

If you’re pairing Opaline with other colors, think soft blues, warm woods, or even brass accents. These combinations play up its versatility, letting it slide effortlessly into Scandinavian minimalism, modern farmhouse charm, or even a bohemian vibe. And don’t overlook trim—pairing it with Benjamin Moore’s White Dove creates a seamless, elegant look, while wood trim adds a touch of organic contrast.

Now, let’s get practical. Opaline is beginner-friendly. It rolls on smoothly, dries fast, and covers well (though you might need two coats for perfect opacity). It’s also low-VOC and eco-certified, so you can breathe easy in more ways than one. But a word of caution: while it’s highly washable, lighter colors like this can show dirt more easily, so save it for lower-traffic areas like bedrooms or home offices. Hallways? Maybe not the best fit unless you’re up for frequent touch-ups.

One of the best things about Opaline is how it shifts with the light. In daylight, it feels airy and expansive, almost like the walls recede. At night, under warm artificial light, those yellow undertones come forward, creating a cozy, cocoon-like effect. It’s this chameleon quality that makes it so special—it doesn’t just sit on your walls; it interacts with them.

If you’re on the fence, test it. Paint a large swatch and live with it for a few days. Notice how it changes from morning to evening, how it plays with your furniture, your floors, your art. Because here’s the truth: Opaline isn’t just a color. It’s a feeling. And if what you’re after is calm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish, this might just be your perfect match.

So go ahead—give your space the softness it deserves. Opaline isn’t just paint; it’s the start of a room that feels like home.

Real Room Photo of Opaline OC-33

Undertones of  Opaline ?

The undertones of Opaline 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: #EDE8D5

RGB code: 237, 232, 213

Is  Opaline Cool or Warm?

Overall, Opaline leans warm, but its subtlety allows it to adapt to various lighting conditions, making it feel balanced and inviting regardless of the time of day.

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 Opaline

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 Opaline

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Opaline is 77.89%, 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  Opaline

Opaline’s charm lies in its versatility. This paint color can seamlessly blend with various decor styles, from Scandinavian minimalism to cozy modern farmhouse aesthetics. When applied, it brings a fresh and airy feel, making rooms appear more spacious and inviting. The finish is smooth, and it lays beautifully on walls without any streaks, making it a joy to work with. It’s particularly stunning in natural light, where its warm undertones come to life, creating a peaceful ambiance. Whether you’re refreshing a bedroom or setting the mood in a nursery, Opaline delivers a soft touch that enhances the overall feel of your space.

Pros & Cons of  OC-33 Opaline

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Opaline

FAQ on OC-33 Opaline

Can Opaline be used in high-traffic areas?

While Opaline is a beautiful choice for many rooms, it may not be the best option for extremely high-traffic areas due to its lighter shade. It’s more suitable for spaces like bedrooms and living rooms where wear and tear is less pronounced. If you’re looking to use it in a hallway or other busy area, consider adding an extra coat for durability and easier maintenance.

How does Opaline compare to other light colors?

Opaline stands out among other light colors due to its unique blend of warmth and tranquility. Unlike stark whites or cooler blues, Opaline creates a more inviting atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who want a light color that doesn’t feel sterile or overly bright, making it a top contender for creating a soothing environment while still reflecting light effectively.

Comparisons Opaline with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Opaline OC-33