Acadia White OC-38 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly makes you exhale—soft, warm, and effortlessly inviting. That’s the magic of Acadia White by Benjamin Moore. This isn’t just another off-white; it’s a chameleon of calm, a shade that adapts to your space while quietly elevating it. Whether you’re refreshing a tired living room or dreaming up a cozy bedroom retreat, this color might just be your secret weapon.

Acadia White (OC-38) is a light, airy hue with a subtle yellow undertone that gives it a creamy, almost golden glow. It’s the kind of white that feels alive, not sterile. With an LRV of 83.32%, it reflects light beautifully, making rooms feel brighter and more open without the harshness of a pure white. Think of it as a warm hug for your walls—gentle, comforting, and endlessly versatile.

One of the best things about this color? It plays well with others. Pair it with crisp white trim like White Dove for a classic, clean look, or let it cozy up to rich wood tones and brass fixtures for a touch of elegance. In a modern farmhouse setting, it’s the perfect backdrop for shiplap and rustic textures. In a minimalist space, it adds just enough warmth to keep things from feeling cold. And in a coastal-inspired room, it mimics the soft glow of sunlight on sand.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY newbie. With good coverage in just one or two coats, it’s roller-ready and dries quickly, so you can enjoy your refreshed space sooner. The finish options—matte, eggshell, or satin—let you tailor the look to your needs. Prefer a velvety, low-sheen finish? Go matte. Need something more durable for a kitchen or bathroom? Satin’s got you covered. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can feel good about using it in your home.

But let’s talk about lighting, because that’s where Acadia White truly shines. In natural light, it’s soft and luminous, almost like it’s glowing from within. Under artificial light, it holds onto its warmth, creating a cozy ambiance that’s perfect for evenings spent curled up with a book. Just be mindful of its yellow undertones—they’re subtle, but they can shift slightly depending on the light. If your room gets a lot of cool northern light, Acadia White will balance it out beautifully. In a south-facing room flooded with warm light, it might lean a touch creamier.

Now, is it right for every space? Almost—but there are a few things to consider. In high-traffic areas, its light hue might show dirt more easily, so a satin finish (which is scrubbable) could be a smarter choice. And while it’s fantastic for small rooms, if you’re working with a particularly tight space, you might want to balance its warmth with cooler accents to keep things feeling airy.

As for pairings, the possibilities are endless. Try it with deep blues like Hale Navy (HC-154) for a timeless contrast, or soft greens like October Mist (1495) for a serene, nature-inspired vibe. For a monochromatic look, layer it with lighter shades like Swiss Coffee or Alabaster. And don’t forget the power of texture—linen curtains, a jute rug, or a weathered wood table will make Acadia White sing.

So, is Acadia White the right choice for your home? If you’re after a color that’s warm but not overwhelming, versatile but not bland, and easy to live with day after day, the answer is probably yes. It’s a shade that doesn’t just sit on your walls—it works with them, adapting to your style and your light. Test a swatch, see how it changes throughout the day, and imagine the possibilities. Your perfect space might just be a coat away.

Real Room Photo of Acadia White OC-38

Undertones of  Acadia White ?

The undertones of Acadia White 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: #F2EFDF

RGB code: 242, 239, 223

Is  Acadia White Cool or Warm?

This color leans towards warm, giving off a cozy vibe that invites relaxation. It balances nicely with cooler tones or rich woods, highlighting its versatility.

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 Acadia 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 Acadia White

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Acadia White is 83.32%, which places it in the White colors category. This means it reflect all 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  Acadia White

Acadia White is more than just a paint color; it’s an experience that transforms your space into a serene retreat. With its soft, creamy undertone, it brings a sense of calmness, making it ideal for bedrooms and living areas. The finish options of matte, eggshell, and satin provide flexibility depending on your desired look. When applied, it covers well, typically requiring only one to two coats, which is a bonus for those looking to refresh their walls quickly. Whether paired with darker accents or used in an all-white scheme, Acadia White shines in its adaptability, enhancing both light and shadow in a room beautifully. It’s a color that speaks to a modern sensibility while still feeling timeless.

Pros & Cons of  OC-38 Acadia White

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Acadia White

FAQ on OC-38 Acadia White

Can Acadia White be used in a small space?

Absolutely! Acadia White is an excellent choice for small spaces. Its light-reflective qualities help to make confined areas feel larger and more open. Pair it with strategic lighting and mirrors for an even more expansive feel. Just be mindful of its warm undertones, as they can sometimes make a small room feel cozier, so balance it with brighter accents if needed.

Is Acadia White suitable for kitchens and bathrooms?

Yes, Acadia White works beautifully in kitchens and bathrooms. Its washable finish makes it easy to maintain, while its warm tone creates an inviting atmosphere. Just ensure proper ventilation in these areas to keep the paint looking fresh and clean. It pairs well with both modern and traditional cabinetry, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space.

Comparisons Acadia White with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Acadia White OC-38