Benjamin Moore Calm: The Quick and Dirty on LRV, Undertones and a Little More

Have you been looking for a CALM and collected off-white paint color with JUST the right subtle undertones? You’ve come to the right place, as today, we’re taking a deep dive into Benjamin Moore Calm.

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I love to show RELATEABLE & REAL homes, so ONLY use photos from my Online Color Consulting clients. This means I don’t always have the quality pics I need (hence the ‘QUICK Review’), but DEFINITELY have some SUPER helpful info to help you on your way!

What type of paint color is Benjamin Moore Calm?

Calm is an off-white paint color that is a soft, warm gray, which means it’s a gray with a bit of brown in it to warm it up. And while it might LOOK gray…it’s not and it has a considerably noticeable undertone which will chat about shortly.

What’s the LRV of Calm?

Calm has an LRV of almost 78, which means it’s planted quite nicely in the off-white range, without getting too close to the white range.

Not sure what LRV is? It could save you paint lovin’ life – read all about it HERE.

What are the undertones of Calm?

Right here is why I don’t recommend Calm as much as I do other neutral paint colors – it has a noticeable purple undertone. So, while it’s base is a soft warm gray one, once its up on your walls, don’t be surprised to see a gorgeous purple rising up. In a north-facing room or afternoon eastern light, it can lean a touch grayer, which can be pretty for a bathroom or bedroom. In south-facing or western afternoon sunshine, it can lean that bit warmer and can sometimes flash a touch purple-pink.

What’s the best way to sample Calm?

Like with every paint color, I highly recommend using SAMPLIZE. Make sure you place white paper around your sample so that your perception isn’t skewed by your existing wall color.

Which white paint colors work with Calm (for trim)?

I lean towards the soft white look of BM Oxford White or the clean approach of SW High Reflective White for a bit more contrast.

Why isn’t Calm as popular?

Calm is a beautiful, subtle, calming approach, but it DOES have that decent purple undertone. The type that is soft and subtle in one room and then JUMPS OUT in another. And while this can happen with many of the popular warm gray paint colors, I find Calm’s undertone to be a touch more obvious.

However, that doesn’t mean Calm won’t work for YOU and your room but might make you think more about whether it really IS the right fit. And if it is…SEND PHOTOS!

Not sure if Calm is right for you? Want a bit more gray, more beige, less undertone? I’ve got more!

BENJAMIN MOORE COLLINGWOOD

BENJAMIN MOORE CLASSIC GRAY

OFF-WHITES

Not sure which paint color is best for YOUR home?

Check out my Online Paint Color Consulting – I’d love to help!

Natalie
November 4, 2022 at 12:19 pm

I painted my whole first floor Calm by Benjamin Moore and it’s perfect paired with darker brown hardwoods. I loved Eider White in my bedroom but was afraid to go all out, so I took your recommendation for Calm. So happy with how versatile it is! Feels crisp, clean yet warm when decorated.

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  KylieMawdsley
  November 5, 2022 at 9:50 am
  
  Thank you for this, Natalie! Comments like yours help others make their own choice :).
  
cathleen Kushnick
April 21, 2023 at 11:38 am

I just discovered this color and I’m absolutely crazy about it! i’m using it in my new kitchen which has very white cabinets, white tile with silvery grout, lots of stainless and a soapstone countertop. Oh, and a greyish “cement” vinyl plank floor. My kitchen is small with large windows so it’s bright in there without dark shadows which lets the color hold it’s silvery look. Personally I love greys that lean into lavender rather than blue or green. That baby blue thing is a total no thanks for me and I don’t really like greenish greys either. The Lavendar/purple cast is crisper. It’s beautiful with all the stainless — not as cold as the stainless but also not too warm for it. Hope this inspires someone else to look at this beautiful color. I’m putting Silver Satin in the adjoining room. They’re very close but the silver satin is slightly warmer. My wish is that they were both a tiny bit lower LRV. The upside is they aren’t into the muddy “greige” territory. I have small traditional rooms and having a lot of griege up close and personal can be muddy and always goes creepy green in my place. Do not fear the lavendar undertone until you really look into it. It looks clean and fresh and sophisticated. It doesn’t look like purple or lavender at all. Hope this helps someone. Kylie you don’t just think you’re cute, you really really are cute. Love your work!

Becca
August 18, 2023 at 11:46 am

I painted our whole house this colour last year, I LOVE it. It does make each room feel a different colour due to where the light hits. Blues in some rooms, subtle pinks in others and full on grey in another. Our only problem is, it made me realize our trim/baseboards are an off white/yellow, so grateful I found your post for suggestions on which colour to pick to paint those.

Jeannie Deschesnes
February 6, 2024 at 11:05 am

What would be a great color as an accent wall if the walls are Calm? Will light French gray work?