Maritime White OC-5 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly makes you exhale—soft, warm, and effortlessly inviting. The walls wrap around you like a gentle hug, and the light seems to dance across them, making the space feel open yet intimate. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Maritime White (OC-5). It’s not just another off-white; it’s a carefully balanced hue that brings tranquility and versatility to any home. If you’ve been searching for a paint color that feels fresh but never sterile, cozy but never heavy, this might be your answer.

Maritime White is a chameleon in the best way. At first glance, it reads as a clean, light neutral, but look closer, and you’ll notice its subtle warmth. With an LRV of 71.60%, it reflects plenty of light, making it ideal for smaller rooms or spaces that lack natural sunlight. But unlike cooler whites that can feel clinical, this one has a creamy, almost whisper of red undertone that keeps it grounded. It’s the kind of color that plays well with others—whether you’re pairing it with crisp white trim like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or layering it with richer tones like deep blues or warm woods.

One of the biggest strengths of Maritime White is its adaptability. It’s right at home in a coastal-inspired living room, where it mimics the softness of sun-bleached driftwood. But it’s just as stunning in a modern farmhouse kitchen, where it lets your open shelving and brass fixtures take center stage. In a Scandinavian-style bedroom, it creates that coveted airy, minimalist vibe, while in a traditional dining room, it adds a touch of elegance without overwhelming ornate moldings or dark furniture. The key is in its neutrality—it’s warm enough to feel inviting but neutral enough to avoid clashing with your existing decor.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. The paint goes on smoothly, whether you’re using a brush or roller, and it dries quickly, so you won’t be waiting around forever to add a second coat. Speaking of which—plan on two coats for full, even coverage, especially if you’re painting over a darker color. The finish options are flexible, too. Eggshell is a crowd-pleaser for walls, offering a slight sheen that’s easy to clean, while satin works wonders on trim or cabinets. If you prefer a more muted look, matte or flat finishes are great for ceilings or low-traffic areas where durability isn’t a top concern.

Now, let’s talk lighting. In a sun-drenched room, Maritime White will feel luminous and fresh, with its warm undertones keeping it from feeling too stark. But in a dimmer space, those same undertones ensure it won’t fade into the background or turn chilly. If your room has limited natural light, consider pairing it with warm artificial lighting (think soft white bulbs or brass fixtures) to enhance its coziness. And don’t forget to test it on your walls before committing—paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day to see how it shifts with the light.

As for pairings, Maritime White is surprisingly versatile. For a serene, monochromatic look, layer it with other soft neutrals like linen or taupe. If you want to add contrast, try deeper shades like navy or charcoal—it holds its own without feeling overwhelmed. And if you’re aiming for a bit of drama, it looks stunning alongside black accents or moody greens. For trim, White Dove is a classic choice, but don’t be afraid to experiment with warmer wood tones or even a high-gloss finish for a touch of sophistication.

Is it perfect? Well, no color is. If your space is very dark, Maritime White might read a little too light, losing some of its depth. And while its coverage is good, you’ll likely need two coats for a flawless finish. But these are small trade-offs for a color that brings so much versatility and charm.

So, is Maritime White right for you? If you’re after a color that feels timeless but not boring, warm but not yellow, and light but not cold, then yes. It’s the kind of hue that makes a house feel like a home—quietly beautiful, endlessly adaptable, and always inviting. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or reimagining your entire home, this is a shade you won’t regret welcoming into your space.

Real Room Photo of Maritime White OC-5

Undertones of  Maritime White ?

The undertones of Maritime White 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: #E5DECE

RGB code: 229, 222, 206

Is  Maritime White Cool or Warm?

This color leans towards the warm side of the spectrum, making it feel inviting and friendly, perfect for spaces where you want to foster connection and comfort.

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 Maritime 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 Maritime White

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Maritime White is 71.60%, 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  Maritime White

Maritime White is a delightful choice for those looking to infuse their home with a sense of calm and freshness. It works beautifully in spaces that require a light touch, such as bedrooms and bathrooms, where a peaceful ambiance is key. When applied, it offers a smooth finish that enhances the natural light in a room, making spaces feel larger and more open. The paint’s consistency allows for easy application, whether you’re using a brush or roller, and it dries relatively quickly, minimizing downtime. However, for best results, two coats are recommended to achieve an even tone. Overall, Maritime White stands out as a stellar option for anyone aiming to create a serene oasis within their home.

Pros & Cons of  OC-5 Maritime White

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Maritime White

FAQ on OC-5 Maritime White

What types of finishes are available for Maritime White?

Maritime White is available in several finishes, including Flat, Matte, Eggshell, and Satin. Each finish offers a different sheen level, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your design vision. For example, a Satin finish will give a slight sheen that is ideal for high-traffic areas, while a Flat finish may be preferred for ceilings or spaces where you want a more muted look.

Is Maritime White suitable for outdoor use?

While Maritime White is primarily designed for interior use, it can be used for some outdoor applications as long as it’s paired with a suitable exterior primer and topcoat. However, for the best durability against the elements, consider choosing a paint specifically formulated for exterior use.

Comparisons Maritime White with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Maritime White OC-5