Halo OC-46 by Benjamin Moore

Ever walked into a room and immediately felt a sense of calm wash over you? That’s the magic of the right paint color—it doesn’t just cover walls; it sets the tone for your entire space. Today, let’s talk about Benjamin Moore’s Halo (OC-46), a shade that’s been quietly winning over designers and homeowners alike. If you’re searching for a color that’s soft, sophisticated, and effortlessly versatile, this might just be your answer.

Halo is a light, ethereal gray with a whisper of warmth, thanks to its subtle yellow undertones. It’s the kind of color that feels like a gentle embrace—neutral enough to play well with others but warm enough to avoid feeling sterile. With an LRV of 71.74%, it reflects plenty of light, making it ideal for rooms that could use a little brightness. Think of it as the perfect backdrop for a living room that needs to feel airy, a bedroom that craves serenity, or a home office where focus is key.

One of the best things about Halo is its adaptability. Whether your style leans modern, Scandinavian, or transitional, this color slides right in. Pair it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove for a classic look, or let it mingle with brass fixtures and rich wood tones to bring out its warmth. It’s also a fantastic choice for nurseries and hallways, where a soothing atmosphere matters. Just keep in mind that in dimly lit spaces, it might read a touch lighter than expected, so test a swatch first.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. Halo covers well in one to two coats, and its smooth consistency means fewer brush marks or streaks. Opt for an eggshell or matte finish depending on your room’s needs—eggshell offers a slight sheen and easier wipeability, while matte gives a velvety, modern look. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can breathe easy knowing it’s a healthier choice for your home.

Now, let’s talk undertones. Halo’s yellow base gives it that warm, inviting glow, but it’s subtle enough not to clash with cool-toned furniture or flooring. Natural light brings out its soft radiance, while evening lamps cast a cozy, golden hue. If you’re worried about it feeling too beige, don’t be—the gray balance keeps it fresh and timeless.

For those who love contrast, try pairing Halo with deeper shades like HC-154 or AF-580 for an accent wall that pops. Or keep things monochromatic with lighter cousins like OC-25 or CSP-725. And if you’re renting? Halo is a landlord-friendly favorite that’s easy to touch up and universally appealing.

So, is Halo right for you? If you want a color that’s calm but not cold, elegant but not fussy, and versatile enough to grow with your style, the answer is probably yes. Grab a sample, paint a test patch, and see how it transforms your space. After all, the best colors don’t just look good—they make you feel good, too.

Real Room Photo of Halo OC-46

Undertones of  Halo ?

The undertones of Halo 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.

R

G

B

HEX

HEX value: #E0DED1

RGB code: 224, 222, 209

Is  Halo Cool or Warm?

This shade leans slightly warm, offering a welcoming feel while still being neutral enough to adapt to different decor.

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 Halo

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.

4800K

2000K

3000K

4000K

5000K

6000K

7000K

LRV of Halo

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Halo is 71.74%, 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  Halo

When it comes to creating a soothing environment, Halo stands out as an exceptional choice. This light, warm beige with subtle gray undertones complements a variety of design styles, from modern to traditional. It’s particularly effective in spaces where you want to evoke calmness, like a bedroom or a cozy reading nook. Application is straightforward, providing a smooth finish that doesn’t streak or show brush marks easily. Whether you’re looking to refresh a room or create a new atmosphere, Halo offers versatility and charm, making it a go-to color for many homeowners.

Pros & Cons of  OC-46 Halo

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Halo

FAQ on OC-46 Halo

Can Halo be used in high-traffic areas?

Yes, Halo can be used in high-traffic areas, but it’s advisable to apply a durable topcoat for increased durability. This will help maintain its fresh appearance, particularly in spaces like hallways or children’s rooms where scuffs and marks are more likely.

Is Halo suitable for exterior use?

While Halo is primarily designed for interior applications, it can be used on exterior walls if you choose a weatherproof formula. Just ensure proper priming and sealing to withstand the elements and maintain its beautiful finish.

Comparisons Halo with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Halo OC-46