Mayonnaise OC-85 by Benjamin Moore

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt at ease? Like the walls themselves were giving you a gentle, welcoming hug? That’s the magic of the right paint color—and Benjamin Moore’s Mayonnaise (OC-85) might just be the secret ingredient your home has been missing. This creamy, soft hue isn’t just another off-white; it’s a warm, versatile shade that effortlessly bridges the gap between modern and traditional, cozy and crisp. Whether you’re refreshing a tired living room or dreaming up a kitchen that feels like a sunlit haven, Mayonnaise deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Let’s talk about what makes this color special. With an LRV of 88.07%, Mayonnaise sits firmly in the “white colors” category, meaning it reflects nearly all the light that hits it. This makes it a fantastic choice for smaller spaces or rooms with limited natural light—think basements, hallways, or north-facing bedrooms. But unlike stark whites that can feel clinical, Mayonnaise has a subtle yellow undertone that adds just enough warmth to keep things inviting. It’s the kind of color that plays well with others, too. Pair it with soft blues or greens for a fresh, airy vibe, or lean into its warmth with rich browns and brass accents for a more traditional feel.

One of the biggest wins with Mayonnaise is its versatility. It’s equally at home in a modern farmhouse kitchen as it is in a minimalist bedroom or a cozy cottage living room. The finish options—matte, eggshell, or satin—give you flexibility depending on the room’s function. For low-traffic areas like bedrooms, a matte finish can enhance that soft, dreamy quality. In a kitchen or hallway, eggshell or satin will offer a bit more durability and washability. And speaking of application, this paint is beginner-friendly. It rolls on smoothly, covers well in one to two coats, and is touch-up friendly, which is a lifesaver if you’ve got kids, pets, or just a habit of rearranging furniture.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the name. Yes, “Mayonnaise” might conjure up images of sandwich spreads, but don’t let that distract you. This color is far from bland. Its creamy richness adds depth to walls without overwhelming the space. In natural light, it feels soft and buttery, while under artificial lighting, it takes on a cozy, golden glow. That said, if your room gets a lot of warm-toned artificial light (think incandescent bulbs), test a swatch first—the yellow undertones can intensify, which might not be the look you’re going for.

As for pairings, Mayonnaise is a team player. Trim in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17) creates a classic, clean contrast, while brass or gold fixtures add a touch of elegance. For a bolder approach, try an accent wall in a deeper shade like Hale Navy (HC-154) or Chelsea Gray (HC-168). And if you’re working with wood tones, you’re in luck—Mayonnaise complements everything from light oak to dark walnut, making it a great choice for spaces with hardwood floors or exposed beams.

Of course, no color is perfect for every scenario. Mayonnaise’s softer finishes (matte and eggshell) aren’t as durable as high-gloss options, so if you’re painting a high-traffic area like a kid’s playroom, you might want to opt for a tougher finish or a different color altogether. And while it’s touch-up friendly, keep in mind that it may show scuffs or marks more easily than a darker or glossier paint.

So, who is Mayonnaise best for? If you’re after a color that feels timeless but not boring, warm but not overwhelming, and versatile enough to adapt to your evolving style, this is it. It’s a designer favorite for a reason—it works. Whether you’re painting a rental to make it feel like home or giving your forever house a refresh, Mayonnaise delivers that “just right” balance of comfort and sophistication. Grab a sample, slap it on your walls, and see how it transforms your space. You might just fall in love with the way it makes every room feel like a gentle exhale.

Real Room Photo of Mayonnaise OC-85

Undertones of  Mayonnaise ?

The undertones of Mayonnaise 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: #F9F5E5

RGB code: 249, 245, 229

Is  Mayonnaise Cool or Warm?

Mayonnaise is predominantly a warm color, radiating comfort and inviting ambiance. Its warm undertones help to create a nurturing atmosphere, perfect for gathering 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 Mayonnaise

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 Mayonnaise

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Mayonnaise is 88.07%, 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  Mayonnaise

When it comes to versatility, Mayonnaise shines. This light, creamy hue pairs beautifully with a variety of decor styles, making it a top contender for any room. Its soft tone is neither too yellow nor too white, striking a perfect balance that can brighten up a space without feeling stark. The paint glides on effortlessly, providing good coverage with just one or two coats, and it’s also touch-up friendly, which is a huge plus for busy households. It works well in areas where you want to create a warm, inviting feel, whether that’s in a lively kitchen or a relaxing bedroom. Overall, Mayonnaise is a delightful choice for anyone looking to add a touch of warmth to their home.

Pros & Cons of  OC-85 Mayonnaise

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Mayonnaise

FAQ on OC-85 Mayonnaise

Is Mayonnaise suitable for high-traffic areas?

Mayonnaise can work in high-traffic areas, but it’s important to note that its finish may not be as durable as semi-gloss or gloss paints. While it is washable, you might want to consider a more robust finish if you’re looking for something that stands up to heavy wear and tear. For areas like hallways or kitchens, using a higher sheen can provide added durability and ease of cleaning.

What colors pair well with Mayonnaise?

Mayonnaise pairs beautifully with a variety of colors. For a fresh look, consider pairing it with soft greens or muted blues. If you’re aiming for a more classic feel, rich browns or deep navy can create a stunning contrast. Additionally, it complements natural wood tones and can be accented with brighter colors for a playful twist. The versatility of Mayonnaise allows it to blend harmoniously with many palettes.

Comparisons Mayonnaise with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Mayonnaise OC-85