Benjamin Moore's Intense White OC-51 presents a subtle and sophisticated shade that resonates with a soft, off-white allure. With its RGB composition of 224, 223, 215, this color adds a nuance of warmth that perfectly complements both modern and traditional interior aesthetics. Its understated elegance makes it an ideal choice for creating a tranquil and inviting ambiance in any living space.
Benjamin Moore Intense White (OC-51)
Color Description
Benjamin Moore Intense White (OC-51) is a dark white paint color, characterized by its subtle and organic appearance. It is not a pure white but rather a softer, darker white that works well with various decor and finishes.
Undertones
Intense White has subtle violet undertones, which can sometimes appear as a light violet-gray. Although the Benjamin Moore website mentions cool, blue-gray undertones, the color is generally described as having warm, earthy undertones rather than blue ones.
Color Values
The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Intense White is approximately 73.36, indicating it is on the lighter side but still darker than many other white paint colors. The RGB values are 225, 222, 213, and the HEX code is #E1DED5.
Usage
Intense White is highly versatile and can be used in various spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and open-concept areas. It works well as a whole house color and can also be used for exterior painting, especially in areas with high sun exposure. However, it is not recommended for use as interior trim color due to its lack of contrast with most wall colors.
Atmosphere
Intense White creates a soft, calming atmosphere, making it ideal for bedrooms and nurseries. It provides a lovely foundation for art and other decor and works well with wood floors, plants, and other earthy finishes. The color can look cool or warm depending on the colors it is paired with, but it generally maintains a crisp and fresh feel without appearing too blue or too warm.
Benjamin Moore Intense White OC-51 Color Alternative
Benjamin Moore Intense White OC-51 is a renowned color distinguished by its clean and timeless appeal. Designers seeking variations of this hue now have alternatives such as Tikkurila Talcum G484, Tikkurila Merino Y458, and Tikkurila Y486 to consider for achieving similar brightness and sophistication. These Tikkurila options provide versatile choices that allow creative expression while maintaining the integrity of the original color's character.
Bathroom
For bathrooms, Benjamin Moore Intense White creates a clean and inviting atmosphere in various lighting conditions. It works especially well when paired with a cleaner, slightly off-white trim—such as a crisp Chantilly Lace or Oxford White—that contrasts with its deeper tone to keep the space from feeling dull, particularly in low-light settings.
The color also harmonizes beautifully with earthy finishes like wood cabinets and can be enhanced by incorporating accents in green, blue, or blue-gray tones, resulting in a balanced and appealing bathroom aesthetic.
Bedroom
Benjamin Moore Intense White OC-51 makes an excellent bedroom color that creates a calming and inviting atmosphere. It pairs beautifully with earthy finishes like wood floors and harmonizes with complementary shades such as green, blue, and blue-gray, resulting in a serene setting ideal for relaxation.
For a crisp contrast, it is advised to use a clean or slightly off-white trim color to brighten the space and prevent any dullness in low-light areas. This color choice adapts seamlessly to evolving decor, ensuring a timeless and enduring appeal in the bedroom.
Kitchen
Benjamin Moore Intense White OC-51 delivers a fresh, contemporary ambiance to a kitchen when paired effectively with cool quartz surfaces and classic white tile elements. Its clean appearance harmonizes with cabinetry in grey or similarly cool tones to create a cohesive and calming environment, though care should be taken when using it around warmer tones.
For added impact, enhance the look by contrasting it with trim colors in clean or slightly off-white shades to bring crisp definition to the space. Considering that the appearance of this hue can shift under various lighting conditions, testing a sample in situ is recommended to ensure it meets your design goals.
Living Room
The living room color Benjamin Moore Intense White OC-51 creates a serene and inviting atmosphere with a foundation that works beautifully in main living areas and open-concept spaces. It harmonizes with earthy finishes such as wood floors and cabinets while providing a stylish backdrop for cool quartz countertops and classic white subway tile backsplashes. A clean or slightly off-white trim and ceiling color enhances its crisp contrast for a fresh, contemporary look.
Ideal for bedrooms, nurseries, and even exterior applications, this shade adapts effectively to different lighting conditions, ensuring each space feels naturally bright and welcoming. Its ability to complement a wide range of colors, including green, blue, and blue-gray hues, makes it a superb choice for those seeking a clean and timeless setting throughout the home.
Outdoor
Benjamin Moore Intense White OC-51 is an excellent choice for home outdoor color, delivering a bright and clean appeal in sun-drenched areas while subtly shifting to a light gray tone in locales with less natural light. This quality creates a balanced and inviting exterior look that stands out against the backdrop of various settings.
The hue pairs seamlessly with an array of exterior finishes and complements cool quartz countertops, classic subway tile backsplashes, and other natural elements for a cohesive design. For trim and ceiling, choosing a clean or slightly off-white tone enhances the crisp contrast, ensuring a fresh and well-defined appearance in all lighting conditions.
