Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream (Barely Beige): Paint Color Review
One of Kylie’s Favorite Shades of Cream
Gentle Cream. Its name suggests a muted, feather-light approach to cream, right? THINK AGAIN – Gentle Cream comes in kickin’! But is it the LRV or undertones that suggest a ‘not so gentle’ approach…or is it something else entirely?
Let’s find out.
By the way, if you’ve been looking at Gentle Cream and Barely Beige and wondering why they look so darned similar, they’re the same color. I have no idea why they have the same color with two different names #thanksforconfusingeveryonebenjaminmoore.
In previous years, gray and greige called the shots. Not anymore. Warm colors are back, baby, and I’m always excited when one of my Online Color clients asks for cream.
Cream is classic. While it may ebb and flow in popularity, it never goes completely out of style.
Now, I find it funny when my clients request ‘cream’ but specifically say they ‘don’t like yellow or yellow undertones.’ (Insert awkward silence here…) Cream is yellow – yellow with a neutral added to calm it down. You can’t make cream without yellow; they are as intrinsically tied together as wine and me – you can’t find one without the other (and yes, that was a big word for me, and I had to spell-check it).
However, I’ve found that the key to getting the right cream lies in HOW MUCH YELLOW you want to see. So, without further ado, let’s dive in…
WHAT TYPE OF COLOR IS GENTLE CREAM (BARELY BEIGE)?
Gentle Cream is what I call ‘heavy cream.’ It’s not soft, light, and fresh like many of the popular cream paint colors—it has a bit more meat on its bones. In fact, Gentle Cream is so skookum that it borders on the ‘beige’ world. I was alluding to this earlier when I suggested it isn’t as gentle as it might seem. Who knows, maybe the ‘gentle’ part refers to its muted undertones.
However, there ain’t nothin’ dainty about this cream – she’s dark.
Some might even call it a ‘gentle beige’, rather than Gentle Cream.
WHAT’S THE LRV OF GENTLE CREAM?
Gentle Cream has an LRV of 71. While 71.32 is relatively light, it’s one of the reasons why I call Gentle Cream a heavy cream.
Are you not sure what LRV is? I highly recommend you read this; it might just save your paint-pickin’ life.
Many cream paint colors fall in the off-white range, with LRVs in the mid-70s to low ’80s. Gentle Cream is the kind of cream you put in your coffee when you’re on your period, bloated, and need something rich and yummy. It’s not a wimpy cream or a fresh cream. It’s a cream that warms and softens a room at the same time—a cream that calls you in for a visit and maybe even a good time.
The Ultimate Guide to LRV and Paint Color
When a paint color has an LRV similar to Gentle Cream (71), you can expect it to wash out when hit with a lot of natural light. However, its natural tendency is to settle down, as it does in the hallway (on the left side of the above photo).
If you like ‘light and fresh’ creams, Gentle Cream might not be the color for you.
Gentle Cream is a dense, heavy cream, whereas typical cream paint colors are often considerably lighter and fresher-looking.
Click HERE or on the above image to see available color consulting packages
WHAT ARE GENTLE CREAM’S UNDERTONES?
This is where we separate the cream lovers from the yellow haters. If you absolutely hate yellow, then Gentle Cream might be too yellow for you—not by much, but by a little bit.
For a color to be warm (like cream is), it must have yellow, orange, or red undertones. Gentle Cream has a nice mix of yellow and orange undertones (leaning more yellow than orange) with an earthy-beige base, which prevents it from being intense and bright.
The above photo shows how Gentle Cream has a neutral, calming base that cuts back on the warm undertones. If Gentle Cream were any darker, it would be more of a golden beige paint color.
My next client hired me to pick a new color for her family room as Gentle Cream was too warm for her new gray sofa (I agree)…
It’s not always easy to mix warm and cool colors!
This is because Gentle Cream is very fussy with grays that are the same depth or lighter than it. If a color is cooler than Gentle Cream, it should also be darker than it.
Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Gentle Cream…
GENTLE CREAM IN NORTH & SOUTH-FACING ROOMS
South-facing light is a warm, yellow light that can enhance warm colors—except at midday, when the sun can wash things out. Generally, though, south-facing light will improve the warmth of Gentle Cream, but nothing over-the-top, as long as you’re cool with a warm color! This warm light is similar to west-facing afternoon light.
The photo above shows a south-facing room with Gentle Cream. Notice how the yellow rises, but it isn’t shocking. This next image is also south-facing…
See how pretty Gentle Cream can be with cooler gray tones and natural woods? Awesome possum.
North-facing light is cool and slightly gray, similar to east-facing afternoon light, and can help tone down Gentle Cream slightly while still leaving some of the original warmth…
See how Gentle Cream looks soft and subtle in a north-facing light? It’s pretty cool (or infuriating, depending on who you ask) how colors can change on a wall-to-wall basis!
North, East, South, West – Which Paint Color is the Best?
WHAT’S THE BEST WHITE TRIM COLOR FOR BENJAMIN MOORE GENTLE CREAM?
With its pretty warmth, Gentle Cream is a fan of warm whites, such as…
- Benjamin Moore Cloud White, a classic shade of white
- Benjamin Moore Simply White offers a brighter, cleaner contrast, but still has a wink o’ warmth
DOES GENTLE CREAM GO WITH WOOD TRIMS & CABINETS?
Whether you have wood trims, cabinets, flooring, or furniture, Gentle Cream can be GORGEOUS with a wide range of wood stains.
99.5% of the photos in my blog are from my Online Color Consulting clients, readers, talented photographers, & friends— because real homes deserve to be celebrated (dirty laundry & all!) While not magazine-perfect, they’re packed with timeless (and some trendy) home update ideas & the best, proven paint color choices to help you create a home you’ll love.
While I’d sample it with most, I’d be cautious with woods that have a pink (light-stained wood) or red (darker) undertone. While it can work, there are usually better options.
Gentle Cream often does better with woods with a brownish or yellowish hue.
WHAT COLORS ARE SIMILAR TO GENTLE CREAM?
As you know, I’m a big believer in sampling and comparing similar shades before slapping any paint on my walls.
When it comes to Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream, there’s a lovely handful (which is what Tim calls me) of cream paint colors that are great alternatives…
GENTLE CREAM VS. BENJAMIN MOORE NAVAJO WHITE
While I love Gentle Cream, Navajo White is often the winner thanks to its softer, subtler approach.
When it comes to depth, Navajo White’s LRV of 78.26 makes it a good dose lighter than Gentle Cream and not anywhere near the beige world.
As for its intentions, Navajo White is more typically what people think of when it comes to soft, subtle cream. This is not just because of its depth, but because of its degree of yellow (compared to orange).
Benjamin Moore Navajo White Color Review
GENTLE CREAM (BARELY BEIGE) VS. BENJAMIN MOORE MUSLIN
If you love the look of Gentle Cream but are worried it might be a bit too creamy for your finishes, check out Muslin.
Here’s your Peel & Stick sample of Muslin…
Whereas Gentle Cream dabbles in the creamy beige world, Muslin is most definitely a beige. This means the tables have turned re: undertones, as Musin focuses on an orange undertone, not a yellow one.
As for depth, Muslin’s LRV of 66.54 makes it a great ‘light depth’ beige with more meat on its bones than Gentle Cream.
Benjamin Moore Muslin Color Review
DOES SHERWIN WILLIAMS HAVE ANY ALTERNATIVES?
While you’ll never find an exact match, Sherwin has some great options…
SW Antique White | SW Chopsticks | SW Rice Grain | SW Wool Skein
- Sherwin Williams Casa Blanca is a great comparison
- Sherwin Williams Lotus Pod
WHAT COLORS GO WITH GENTLE CREAM?
Gentle Cream has many friends in the color world, including…
- lighter creams with similar undertone profiles.
- blue-gray-greens with a smokey look like Benjamin Moore Puritan Gray, and many others.
- a wide range of greens, especially green-grays and lighter, earthy green paint colors (as long as they’re not lighter than Gentle Cream).
- navy blue can be beautiful with Gentle Cream, as long as it’s not a super colorful one
- some shades of beige and tan that are darker than Gentle Cream and not too orange-pink.
READ MORE
The Best Warm Neutrals That AREN’T BEIGE!
Paint Color Review of Benjamin Moore Linen White
The Best WHOLE HOME Warm Neutral Paint Colors
Get the best paint color advice
Check out my Online Color Consulting
Updated with fresh content and images for 2026
First, I want to thank you Kylie for the work you do and this blog! It is interesting AND informative. Many other color blogs I’ve looked at seem to just comment with pictures or tell you what can go wrong in an attempt to scare you into buying their services. I’ve actually learned from following your blog, and hope to hire you for a project someday!
I’m glad to see this updated post about Gentle Cream – it is one of the main colors in my home and I like it. I know grey floors and walls are so popular right now, and I admire them in other people’s home, but they’re not for me. Living in the Pacific NW with so many days with grey skies – I don’t want to look at grey on the walls as well. So it’s nice to see attention given on your blog to warm colors, which I love. In my home, certain rooms and times of day bring out that slight yellow undertone in Gentle Cream that you mentioned, and it is a color that makes me feel happy and calm. In north-facing rooms it looks a bit peach to me, which I’m not fond of, but overall it is a good color for me.
BTW, 4 of the 6 paint colors in my home I think I’ve seen on your site, and they are all winners! Thanks again.
I enjoy your information..I have been using your advice on paint colors (I only use BEN Moore)..we lost our home in the Houston Harvey flood and have been living in a hotel while a mid-rise condo we bought is being TOTALLY renovated…they just put the cabinets in after 5mos of waiting…I am the ONE doing the design and I am NOT a designer…the hardest part has been picking a paint color for living/dining /kitchen area which is altogether and will be the same color as well as the entryway and my husband’s office ..all the same color…so after buying about $250 worth of paint samples…I think I am going with GENTLE CREAM…..my style is French Country ..my couch is off white.one chair is blue (chair we saved from flood)..one chair is being re-covered in a print that has the blue/red/green/yellow ..ETHAN ALLEN peacock print.. (also, red dining chairs saved in flood)….the print pulls the perfect blue/red from the couple of items we carried upstairs (right before water came in)..and one chair is soft creamy yellow..ALSO, Mary, at Ethan allen chose a print (cream/red) for our dining drapes (10ft ceilings)….ALSO…this whole area is a SOUTH facing (one big) room…so because you said GENTLE CREAM is good for south facing…and I do want a WHISPER of yellow …and you said gentle cream does what you tell it to do..that’s why I was thinking of GENTLE CREAM…we have bought primer and put on wall under the sample of gentle cream to see a truer version of how it will look and we put some in each room…my question is…Will the gentle cream look more khaki or will it have the whisper of yellow I want for the French country look? We have a contractor (long time friend of husband’s) he normally only does million dollar homes but is doing ours because of our situation…however, with the paint job alone running $11,000 I want to make darn sure I choose the RIGHT color …as Should I do eggshell or flat? We have NO children and NO pets and I AM clean freak..we went thru 3 contractors that ripped us off…so whatever he charges AT LEAST HE IS GETTING THE JOB DONE CORRECTLY! I appreciate your time Kylie! I am hoping Gentle Cream will work ..I am using White Dove throughout because you also said “it does what you want”…I am truly going on your advice..????..
Hi Trish, good for you for taking charge of things and doing some research! Now without seeing photos, I’m going to say that Gentle Cream should be less khaki, more French Country. Benjamin Moore Navajo White is a nice one too, a touch fresher. As for finish, I lean more toward eggshell if you’re super clean freak as it just is more washable/wipeable. There are some higher-end matte finishes that can be ‘okay’, but I dn’t know, I trust eggshell. I know BM has a new one that is supposed to be PRACTICALLY bullet-proof – and washable…I just can’t remember the name off the top of my head…
Kylie, you rock. I’ve been following you for the past 4 years. Unfortunately, after thousands of dollars spent i am actually paying attention. In our northwest facing kitchen we are finally going to go with gentle cream. We live in a southcoast/cape town in Massachusetts. We love the ocean and the country. We still like the relaxed vibe of boho. It is hard to settle when you are eclectic. We will keep our setting plaster accent wall in the Kichen. What color tri m goes with gentle Cream? Would you paint knotty pine bead board? (Bottom 4 Feet Of walls) I know so many are doing it. Nervous about the Swinging Back. is Is Expensive.
Thank you????
Correction real bead board is pricey, which we have. My inlaws don’t think it would be wise to paint them.
Hi Shirley! So knotty pine beadboard isn’t so expensive. Don’t get me wrong, it’s LOVELY, but it’s definitely one of the more affordable wood options – I wouldn’t be adverse to painting it at all! I do find that my clients who are 60+ are often a bit more adverse to painting wood as ‘it’s wood’, but I always go back to my favourite saying ‘just because it’s wood, doesn’t mean it’s good!’. And yours MIGHT be good, but if you want a change, I say do it! Generally speaking with walls like that, most people go to a white/off-white, with the thought that it would tie into trimwork that is painted a white/off-white. I think Gentle Cream would be too heavy looking. The key with knotty pine is that you have to seal those knots with a shellac/finish that is designed for knots, otherwise they WILL bleed through the paint, even if you just use regular primer! I believe Zinsser (H.Depot) has a great product.
So long story short, painting it will freshen it up and it will still look fab. Will it ever be able to go back to knotty pine? NO, not without a lot of work (so never), but that wouldn’t sway me as generally, I think knotty pine looks better painted 🙂
I hope that helps!
~Kylie
Hey again Shirley! Check out BM Cloud White, that would be a warm, but not ‘stark’ white look 🙂 Check out your other comment that I replied to as well…
Hi Kylie! Trish here (in Houston) I was so excited when I got home today and saw your response…my husband had spent all day putting primer on the walls trying more colors…so when I began reading your “gentle cream” site to him and saw you responded..YEAH????..thank you…this room is not only “south” but it is the “south” facing type (you specified on another one of your sites) that is EXTREMELY hot in Houston weather….so, not being able to use a gray (to cool it down) AND wanting the French country look…Gentle Cream we are hoping will balance and calm the room…do you think Gentle Cream can calm and balance the heat? Also, my husband said he would go buy Navajo White tomorrow but we are hoping it won’t be too yellow….plus, we like depth of color on the wall to make crown molding pop.. I want a whisper of yellow (yellow has never been my favorite color but it has the French country look unlike gray does)…also, gray owl is our choice for our two bathrooms…but they are dark (no windows) but we love that color..,..thank you Kylie you have no idea what a BIG help you are…and we are RELYING on it as to NOT make a mistake..I would rather be safe with Gentle Cream than sorry with some wrong color we picked with too much yellow…thank you SOOO MUCH!!
Hello Kylie…..it’s me again, Trish..we are trying more BM colors today…the Gentle Cream is coming off perfect on one wall but Khaki on the largest wall and I don’t want khaki so we are back to drawing board…I really want CREAM without screaming yellow because area I am covering is SO large I am REALLY having a difficult time finding a cream with depth so I am changing gears towards a SOFT CREAM (no tans or grays) so today (after us researching net till 1am) Jim is going to get BM FEATHERBED AND MAYONNAISE…he and I are both so stressed about this color…can you think of a BM color that is great for HOT south facing large room that says “French country” with cream (I like cream for my backdrop) …it can be soft but pronounced to show off crown molding…ANY IDEAS ON ANOTHER COLOR..also, I will be keeping black out curtains closed during daytime in Houston heat..(10 ft ceilings)….again..colors in furniture are cream couch..blue wingback chair…peacock material (blue, red, yellow, green) and dining drapes are autumn red and cream French print…I am using a blue/gray backsplash in kitchen next to drapes…thank you Kylie…you are my ONLY go to…and I trust your opinion after reading all your sites many times..????????
Hi Trish! Have you looked at BM Navajo White or Mannequin Cream? Really, I’m totally just guessing for your room in particular, as ideally I’d see photos of your home to see the light coming in, furnishings, etc… if those don’t work, maybe it’s time for my E-design? I do try to give as much complimentary info on my blog posts, but if that doesn’t work – you might need me to take a closer look and then you can stop pulling your hair out! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Thank you Kylie…It is Trish…I don’t have pics of furniture they are being upholstered at the moment and the place is still totally gutted..yes, we tried manniquin cream (too yellow) however, good news, we found our color! We are going with BM Linen White …not the depth I originally had in mind, but just the whisper of yellow I wanted…it looks more creamy than yellow…..now to find the white trim…I think either BM white cloud…or BM cotton balls though cotton balls might have too much yellow..thank you Kylie for your kind responses….we NEVER wanted to move from our beautiful townhouse in the wooded area of Houston..but hurricane Harvey made us…take care.
Well we decided to use Gentle cream as our main “throughout the house color” . Thank you for this post. We are in a home that was painted all ONE COLOR..WALLS AND CEILINGS ..lol. Do you have any recommendations on a white ceiling and trim paint that would pair well with this???
Finding your website was a blessing!! THank you sooo much.
I commented on your post about Cyberspace for my son’s room a few days ago. He really wants black, so I’m going with an accent wall. I’m pretty sure Gentle Cream will be the main color—he wants white, but I just don’t like white walls—especially in a kids room. What is the black in the next to last photo? That looks like it would be perfect, and I love the way it looks in that photo!
Thanks!
Cathy
I’ve been reading your posts for the last 6 months as if I’m studying for the bar. You have given me so much insight, direction, and confirmation of some paint choices I had picked out. GENTLE CREAM! We just painted our 80s brown orange tv room to this color and it is fabulous! Our Georgian home doesn’t get much direct light, and I was,working with south west light and rich honey oak trim and doors. It has a clean yet warm feel, brings out positive tones in the wood and is the hands,down perfect cream I was in search for, a refreshing break from grays and grieves. LOVE it!????
Oh Emily, I’ve just been sitting down for HOURS replying to comments (questions really) and what a JOY to see your email with such positive feedback – THANK YOU! And you know, I would LOOOOVE to see photos (if you’re so inclined). If not, it’s all good 🙂 kylie@kylieminteriors.ca
Thank you for making my night!
~Kylie
I love the gentle cream colored nursery!!! Absolutely beautiful, very peaceful looking. I LOVE the gold dots too – can you tell me where did you get them, or where can I buy them? Thank you!!!
I am wondering why you switched to Sherwin Williams Creamy and still have BM Gentle Cream as one of the best? Why did you transition your home and docyiu have a review or recommendation for Creamy??? Thanks! Victoria
Hi Victoria, I DO love my Gentle Cream, it has its place in many homes! I switched to Creamy as I wanted to keep the soft warmth, but get a bit more of a fresh feeling out of it! And yes, I do have a review for Creamy – here you go! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/colour-review-sherwin-williams-creamy-sw-7012/
~Kylie
What gray paint color do you think goes best with Gentle Cream?
Hi Carmen, I’ve always loved Revere Pewter with Gentle Cream 🙂
Hi Kylie!
We chose BM Gentle Cream as the “all over” color for our home. BM Chantilly Lace was suggested for our trim color. We are remodeling our kitchen and looking at white cabinets. Can you speak into the trim color and possibly recommend counter top colors that would work for us? Our floors are Pergo Haley Oak (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Pergo-XP-Haley-Oak-8-mm-T-x-7-48-in-W-x-47-24-in-L-Laminate-Flooring-19-63-sq-ft-case-LF000772/205661732).
Thank you so much!
Hi Sarah! Chantilly Lace is okay, but I just might do a warmer colour instead, along the lines of BM Cloud White or White Dove as Gentle Cream IS so warm and pretty, whereas Chantilly comes up more clean and crisp looking. As for countertops, I try to stick with paint colours, to keep my sanity when it comes to questions 😉
Hi Kylie. Have you ever tried to lighten Gentle Cream by 25%? If so, how did it look? Thanks!
Hi Jessica, I haven’t, but the idea of it makes me happy!
Hello Kylie,
After a long search for a creamy neutral for my north facing LR and hallway you’ve help me decide to go with BM gentle cream. It’s really going to transform the current dungeon I have now. I’m wondering if you think BM Powell Buff would look good with the Gentle Cream for the entry way and stairwell area next to the LR and on the North side also? Or would BM Desert Tan look okay with the Gentle Cream? I’ve been looking at that one too walk into something a bit brighter.
Thank you so much for your help.
Hi Kylie,
I love your articles and feedback. I decided on Gentle Cream throughout my home. It looks nice although more yellow than I originally envisioned. I’ve decided to do an accent wall, preferably blue as I have art in two shades of blue. My floor is a light brown Natural color. What do you think would be the perfect accent color?
Well, I’ve ALWAYS loved BM Hale Navy – if you’re okay with a lovely dark navy!
I follow your posts and LOVE all the helpful information! Typically your color reviews recommended trip color. But I’m not seeing that in the Gentle Cream review. Which paint do you recommend for trim?
Thanks so much!
Hey Julie, I DO, I’m sorry I missed that! I’d HAVE to go for Cloud White or maybe Simply White!