Benjamin Moore Linen White 912: Paint Color Review

Are you trying to decide what white paint color would be best for your home without looking too stark? While there are many options for warm and off-white paint colors, Benjamin Moore’s Linen White may be one of the best performers in this category.

It’s not as popular as others you may have on your radar, but there’s a reason we are here. Linen White is an excellent color, and I’m excited to show you how beautiful it is. We’ll explore it to see when it’s ideal to use it and the conditions that bring out its best side. Without further ado, let’s get right to it.

When to Choose Benjamin Moore Linen White

White paint colors are easy to use, but there’s always a better way of doing things. While you can use Linen White in just about any style because of its versatility, let’s look at some ideas to use it maximally.

Decorating an old house?

So, old houses can be a challenge to decorate right because you may want to retain that old-time charm without compromising on style or balance of colors. Linen White gives an old house that feeling of warmth and presents a vintage face while allowing you to add other colors to represent the specific style in your mind.

Have a room with cool lighting conditions?

North-facing rooms or those with cool eastern lighting in the afternoons need warm colors to keep the spark. Linen White gives a soft and warm vibe to such rooms at any time of the day without sacrificing warmth or color.

Not sure of your decor style yet?

If you’re yet unsure of the style you want for your decor, Linen White is one of the best backdrop colors to use. It allows you to switch between styles, whether farmhouse or modern, without looking out of place.

Painting a large room?

Large rooms tend to have a cave-like vibe when you use the wrong paint color. For such rooms, warm colors like Linen White keep them from feeling cavernous and maintain neutrality for any style.

You can do much more with Linen White, and I want to guide you on how to do that. These ideas are only the beginning, so come along with me as we explore further into this paint color.

What Color is Linen White?

Linen is a popular fabric because of how malleable and skin-friendly it is. Natural linen without any dye may look like pale gray, which is called linen gray. However, the color varies depending on how the flax crop, from which the material for the fabric is obtained, is grown and processed.

So, you may find linen material looking ecru, beige, ivory, or oatmeal in color. You may also find some looking gray with a hint of brown or darker in color. But the main color is light and warm off-white, cream, or beige.

Benjamin Moore’s Linen White 912 is an off-white paint color with a soft glow that draws you in with its embrace. It works best in spaces without a lot of warm lighting or large rooms that need warmth.

A Snapshot of the Specifications of Benjamin Moore Linen White

I can explain all about Linen White, but a summary of the key details of the color helps with easy reference. You can quickly pick these details to determine how to proceed with the color. So, here’s a chart to guide you.

	Benjamin Moore Linen White
RGB	242, 235, 218
LRV	80.94
Undertone	Creamy yellow
HEX Code	#F2EBDA

 

The LRV of Benjamin Moore Linen White

If you’re new to researching paint colors, LRV may be a term you’ve come across several times. It is the light reflectance value of color and refers to how dark or light the color is on a scale of 0 to 100. So, the brighter the color is, the higher the LRV and the darker the color is, the lower the LRV.

Paint colors use the same scale but with a slight difference. Because there’s no true black or white paint color, the scale is 2.5 to 94. Every paint color has a bit of red, green, and blue (RGB), which make up colors in general.

Benjamin Moore’s Linen White has an LRV of 80.94, which is a pretty high value. That means the color is bright and reflects a lot of light, although it’s still in the category of off-white colors instead of bright whites.

The Undertones of Benjamin Moore Linen White

As mentioned, every color has a bit of red, green, and blue, and these primary colors determine the undertone based on the percentage of each one. From the chart above, you can see that Linen White has more red than green and blue and more green than blue.

It also has a yellow base, which contributes to its undertone. Linen White has a creamy yellow undertone, although it’s not an overwhelming one. You can clearly see the slight hue that makes the white paint color unique and adds character, making it warm.

So, here is Linen White looking more like a cream paint color than an actual white one.

Now, in contrast to the white door, you can see the creamy yellow undertone of the paint color in this next photo.

Does Linen White Look Yellow?

The paint color has a yellow base, so it may look a little yellow if the lighting and surrounding elements are right.

Most times, Linen White appears creamy or a little like light beige, but at odd times, you may get a hint of deep yellow leaning toward green or warm beige. This is especially true if you pair it with a bright and cool white with blue undertones.

How Does Lighting Affect Linen White?

I’ve already talked about how the paint color is an excellent choice for a north-facing room because of the lack of direct sunlight. In such a room, Linen White may look a little darker than its LRV says, but it never looks too dark or drab.

In warm sunlight, Linen White takes on a creamy note and looks heavier than ordinary white.

But in bright light, Linen White looks its best. It’s not too warm, and you can see its true brightness. You can understand why it’s a beautiful and well-liked color.

How Does Linen White Feel in a Room?

As a warm color, Linen White brings a soft and inviting glow that you can’t deny. This vibe is useful in rooms that don’t have much in the way of accessories or warm light. It also works in large rooms to keep them from feeling overwhelming.

Benjamin Moore Linen White: Warm or Cool?

You may have guessed by now that Linen White is a warm white paint color. Yellow or cream is typically warm, which is why the paint color is warm. Therefore, avoid pairing it with crisp or cool colors because of clashing undertones, but you can pair it with neutral or other warm colors.

Benjamin Moore Linen White Color Strip: Lighter to Darker Exploration

There’s a chance that Linen White is not the shade you want or you’re searching for a slightly lighter or darker option. You have nothing to worry about because I’ve picked a few alternatives from the same color strip, arranging them from light to dark.

• Benjamin Moore Paradise Beach 911
• Benjamin Moore Devon Cream 914
• Benjamin Moore Linen White 912
• Benjamin Moore Windsor Cream 913
• Benjamin Moore Cameo White 915

Benjamin Moore Linen White Complementary Color

You can find complementary colors by locating them on the color wheel; they are opposite each other on the wheel. For example, green is opposite red on the wheel, so they are complementary colors. The same is true of blue and orange or purple and yellow.

White, being a neutral color, is technically not on the color wheel. But Linen White is not the usual pure white, so you can find it on the wheel and consequently, its complementary color.

The complementary color for Linen White is a lavender-gray shade that looks a little like blue-gray. Benjamin Moore’s Lavender Secret 1415 bears a close resemblance to this complementary color. You can also try Sherwin Williams’ Wishful Blue SW 6813 if you want to compare brands.

Benjamin Moore Linen White Coordinating Colors

These colors match each other in a color scheme or decor because of the similarities they bear. These similarities may not be readily obvious but only reveal themselves when the colors are paired. Coordinating colors for Linen White include Masada, Clay Beige, and Night Train.

• Benjamin Moore Masada AF-220: A deep orange paint color that looks like terracotta because of its brown undertone but complements the warm yellow and cream in Linen White.
• Benjamin Moore Clay Beige OC-11: Reminiscent of the sands on the seashore, Clay Beige is a versatile neutral that brings out the brightness in Linen White when paired with it.
• Benjamin Moore Night Train 1567: A dark gray paint color whose cool green undertones lend depth and mystery to it for elegant decor.

Benjamin Moore Linen White Color Palettes

There are many ways to use Linen White, so you can get creative with the color palettes. But remember it’s a warm color, so you must carefully pair it with others.

Contrasting Color Palette

• Vapor Trails 1556: Although a cool color, Vapor Trails can blend with Linen White because of its silvery cast that lends it a neutral air.
• Quarry Rock 1568: A deep green paint color grounded by its gray undertone that brings character to the decor when paired with Linen White.
• Copper Kettle 1218: A medium orange paint color with a hint of red and brown that deepen it even further but make it perfect to pair with Linen White.

Monochromatic Color Palette

• Golden Bark 2153-10: A much darker shade of Linen White, Golden Bark is earthy and rich with its golden undertone that fits the yellow and cream in Linen White.
• Lichen Green 2150-20: Like lichen, this paint color takes yellow-green to another level but enhances the creamy yellow tone of Linen White.
• Henderson Buff HC-15: A mixture of green and yellow that works on accents or accessories when the backdrop is Linen White.

Coordinating Color Palette

• Night Train 1567: A dark gray paint color whose cool green undertones lend depth and mystery to it for elegant decor.
• Clay Beige OC-11: Reminiscent of the sands on the seashore, Clay Beige is a versatile neutral that brings out the brightness in Linen White when paired with it.
• Masada AF-220: A deep orange paint color that looks like terracotta because of its brown undertone but complements the warm yellow and cream in Linen White.

Benjamin Moore Linen White vs Similar Colors

The following are some colors that are similar to Linen White and may be ideal alternatives if you want to compare options.

BM White Dove vs BM Linen White

White Dove is brighter with an LRV of 83.16 and has an undertone of yellow and gray. Therefore, it’s slightly cooler than Linen White.

BM Swiss Coffee vs BM Linen White

Swiss Coffee has an LRV of 81.91, which makes it brighter than Linen White. But both colors have similar yellow undertones that can lean a little green, although Swiss Coffee may show some gray.

BM Stoneware vs BM Linen White

Stoneware is slightly brighter because of its higher LRV. But the two colors share almost the same undertones and are interchangeable.

BM Acadia White vs BM Linen White

Acadia White is brighter than Linen White, with an LRV of 83.32. But its undertone of cream is similar to that of Linen White.

BM Navajo White vs BM Linen White

Navajo White is slightly darker than Linen White, with an LRV of 78.26. Plus, it is more muted because of the gray in it.

BM Lily of the Valley vs BM Linen White

Lily of the Valley is the brighter of the two colors and has slightly more warmth than Linen White because of its creamy peach undertones.

BM Timid White vs BM Linen White

Similar to Linen White, Timid White is a little brighter with an LRV of 82.45. Its cream undertones are similar to those of Linen White.

BM Marble White vs BM Linen White

Marble White has a slightly lower LRV of 80.24 but contains the same cream undertone as Linen White.

Sherwin Williams Paint Color Equivalent to Benjamin Moore Linen White

No paint color is the equivalent of any other color. The simple reason is that each color is unique in its design. However, you’ll find pretty similar colors between brands. Sherwin Williams’ Dover White SW 6385 is pretty close in shade and design to Linen White. You can also compare Linen White to Alabaster SW 7008, although it is less similar to it than Dover White.

Where Can You Use Benjamin Moore Linen White?

Are you wondering where Linen White works best? Let’s find out with the following decor ideas.

Benjamin Moore Linen White in a Dining Room

With the lighting in this dining area, Linen White doesn’t look so bright but more creamy.

Benjamin Moore Linen White in a Foyer

Linen White looks great in a room without bright or warm light, as you can see in this foyer.

Benjamin Moore Linen White on Kitchen Cabinets

The color is truly gorgeous on the cabinets, and the lighting makes all the difference.

Benjamin Moore Linen White in Warm Yellow Lighting

It’s crucial to know how the paint color appears in different lighting conditions, like warm yellow lighting.

Benjamin Moore Linen White in a Bathroom

Although there’s not a lot of natural light in this bathroom, Linen White still performs well. It looks creamy and slightly muted but pretty.

Benjamin Moore Linen White on Trim

This wall has Linen White on the wall and trim, and Sherwin Williams Thunderous on the inner wall.

Best Trim Color for Benjamin Moore Linen White Walls

You can use a warm white with a brighter appearance on the trim. But this room uses a slightly darker color on the trim to accentuate the Linen White walls.

Best Ceiling Color for Benjamin Moore Linen White Walls

Choose a neutral white like BM Chantilly Lace or a warm white like Timid White for the ceiling to avoid clashing undertones.

Benjamin Moore Linen White in a Living Room

Linen White looks bright in this living but doesn’t appear stark because of its warm vibe.

Benjamin Moore Linen White in a Bedroom

This is a beautiful bedroom done in a blend of Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White and Linen White.

Benjamin Moore Linen White on Exterior Walls

Here, Linen White is combined with BM Buxtn Blue, and the result is excellent. Check out how warm and bright Linen White looks outside the house.

Conclusion

Benjamin Moore’s Linen White is a warm off-white paint color with a creamy yellow undertone. With an LRV of 80.94, it sits in the category of bright off-whites but not white paint colors, although they are all of the same color family.

You can pair it with different wood tones, yellow, brown, green, and other warm colors. While it’s warm, Linen White may surprise you with how well it performs with colors that have a slightly cool cast. However, don’t overdo it because warm and cool colors tend to clash.

As a bright color, use it in rooms with low light. And as a warm color, use Linen White in a north-facing room. It’s a truly gorgeous color you won’t regret using in your decor.

Remember to test the color with samples before making up your mind because it may look different on your walls and in different lighting conditions than it does on your screen.