I once had a paint color consultation client who wanted some help with the whites and off-whites in her space.
She definitely knew she wanted whites but was constantly confused between some very famous white paints!
Yes, and it totally makes sense considering a wide array of options available.
And, do you know what the result was? Well, she chose and loved the feel of Benjamin Moore China White.
So, what makes this paint color top the list?
Well, BM China White is a pure off-white paint with deep grey-beige (greige) undertones!
Being an off-white paint, this color offers depth and character to your walls with a sense of beige and yellow undertones!
Yes, and it feels totally fabulous!
Having this color in your home would feel like a fresh piece of linen that is crisp and at the same time, cozy and calm!
Moreover, defining utmost versatility, this color plays one solution for all.
Regardless of your style and scheme, this paint color has the potential to seamlessly fit in all the backdrops.
So, in case you’re wondering about choosing this color in your home – well, I would suggest you keep reading this color review!
I will be sharing some insights about what makes CW so phenomenal!
Benjamin Moore China White OC-141 Details and Specifications
Color theory and specifications are quite distinctive from color to color and category to the category!
After all, there is something that differs this particular off-white from all of the other notable ones, right?
So, when choosing a paint color – you must understand the underlying theories and facts that are related to each one of them.
And that will truly help you understand what that specific color is composed of.
So, first and foremost, let me introduce you to the concept of Light Reflectance Values or the LRV’s that determine how light or dark the paint color is.
You can easily find that value at the end of your Benjamin Moore paint swatch or even the website!
Here, in this case, the LRV of Benjamin Moore China White is 77.95.
And that means it falls on the lighter end of the scale – hence, can be used as bases!
(Remember, Greater the value, lighter the paint – on a scale of 1-100)
Oh, if you want to just try China White so you’ll know just how it’ll look, you can easily with a peel-and-stick sample from Samplize. Order some samples now!
Secondly, other important associated terms are the RGB and the HEX Values.
Red = 231
Green = 228
Blue = 217
HEX Value = #e7e4d9
Since we have discussed the technical and scientific information, let’s get started with the practical aspects of this greige Benjamin Moore paint.
How Does This Color Feel in a Space?
Benjamin Moore China White has some sense of uniqueness to it!
With deep gray and beige undertones, this color feels quite refined, crisp, and sophisticated!
However, the undertones may feel quite tricky at times, depending upon the compass directions of the space.
On the other hand, if you have a medium to smaller-sized space in your home, this color will offer a delightful experience.
Yes, apart from making your space look smaller, this color will also exhibit identity and character to the walls.
And trust me, this color wouldn’t even look too washed off when exposed to natural daylight!
How Does Light Affect the Color?
Natural and artificial light can play tricky with this greige-base paint color.
In the north-facing rooms, this color may appear more grayish and crisp whereas, in the south-facing rooms, it will feel warm and beige!
Yes, but don’t worry since it is not quite prominent!
But you can coat a brush of China White at most of the places in your home.
Other than that, you always have the opportunity to play with artificial lighting!
You can mix and match the warm white and cool white lighting based on the task activities and ambiance.
To truly see what your home’s environment and lighting will do here, try out a real paint sample. It takes out the guess work!
What are the Best Coordinating Colors?
It’s important that you pair Benjamin Moore China White cohesively to truly feel the beauty of this color.
And that is why you have to be careful when choosing complementary color schemes!
After all, who doesn’t like the feel of a well complementary palette, right?
So, analyze this color scheme and the whole idea of pairing colors!
You can best pair this off-white hue with true whites (in the case of trims etc), blues, mauves, black, grays, taupes, and greiges for a monochromatic touch!
You can also incorporate any of the metallic tints as accents here – like nickel, gold, or chrome!
Furthermore, you can either choose from a monochromatic or a contrasting color palette – depending upon the interior design style and your preference.
So, here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a monochromatic palette!
- HC-83 Grant Beige (see my full review on this here!)
- 1523 Embassy Green
- HC-94 Old Salem Gray
On the other hand, here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a contrasting color palette!
- 2133-30 Day’s End
- 2132-60 Metallic Silver
- CC-490 Stone Hearth
For your ceilings, trims, and moldings – you can use BM Chantilly Lace as it is a true white paint and will further protrude the original adjacent hue.
BM China White Vs Similar Colors
Looking for similar colors can be equally challenging!
However, there might be a slight alteration in the undertones or the reflectivity in the similar colors.
So, what is it that makes you want to replace BM China White?
Is it the undertones or the reflectivity?
Well, in either of the cases, let me tell you – it’s difficult to find something exactly the same.
So, here are the two colors closely related to China White are OC-19 SeaPearl and 960 Dove Wing.
Let’s see how they differ.
China White Vs SeaPearl
Sharing quite a few similarities, Benjamin Moore Seapearl has deep beige undertones.
With an LRV of 77.95 – this color feels quite airy, light, and homely!
However, you must use this color for the base or even neutrals! It’s best to pair this color with blues and taupes.
Order a wall-stick sample of SeaPearl here to help you compare colors in your own space.
China White Vs Dove Wing
Another similar color from BM whites, this one feels more light and soothing.
With an LRV of 79.2, this is the lightest of them all! Check out my guide on BM Dove Wing!
It doesn’t feel too greige – so in case you prefer that, this color makes a great option!
Do yourself a favor and grab some stick-on sample squares of these two colors and see what looks best in your home.
Where to Use China White?
Benjamin Moore China White is a must-use base or neutral in the home!
Whether you have a traditional style or transitional, modern, contemporary, farmhouse, and bohemian – this color is quite good to go!
Let’s see where and how to incorporate it in your home.
China White in Living and Dining Rooms
Why not?
This color makes a great statement in the living and dining rooms – and especially if you want to create a warm and welcoming experience.
It is best to pair with blues and mauves on either the accent wall or the wall paneling!
Furthermore, you can even add some interesting patterns on the throw pillows, blankets, rugs, and curtains!
Lastly, wooden textures are a must – especially when it comes to floating shelves, exposed beams, and flooring!
Using in Bedrooms
Since this color offers two great advantages – a sense of spaciousness and utter warmth, you can definitely use it as an addition to an accent wall.
You can either choose to paint all the walls in this color or simply use a bold shade on the accent wall!
Furthermore, you can always add white sheer curtains and brown/blue room darkening curtains with this palette.
Lastly, in the case of accent metals, whether on the chandelier or furniture frames, brass or chrome should be good to go!
Other than that, try pairing it with some dark gray accents, brighter rugs, and curtains to create an airier living experience.
China White in Kitchens
All-white kitchens are timeless.
Undoubtedly, it will offer a great experience and make your kitchen look light, welcoming, and bright.
You can choose wooden textured floating shelves, hexagonal glossy white or bold teal or green backsplash tiles, and golden or bronze pull handles for drawers.
You can also infuse color by splashing some hues like greens and blues on the lower cabinets (blue is a great option)!
This paint color will make a great transitional-styled kitchen!
Using on Exteriors
Whether you have a Craftsman, Ranch-style, Mid-Century Modern, Contemporary, or Modern style, this off-white paint will never disappoint you!
I often take a look at BM Calm as another good alternative to CW. I review it here!
You can either add blacks and darker grays or even a tinge of wooden-themed textures as an accent or go vice versa for the trims, moldings, and door and window frames.
In the case of columns on the patio and porch – you can use natural stone siding to add an authentic detailed character to this facade!
Great Paint Sample Tip!
Here’s my favorite tip when it comes to testing out a color like China White – go and order a peel-and-stick sample from Samplize.
These guys figured out a great way to sample colors much more easily. Simply stick it up instead of having to get a small can of actual wet paint.
For a few bucks you get a nice sized square to throw up temporarily anywhere you want to “try” on a paint color and any possible coordinating hues you like. Too cool!
So, how do you want to use this color in your homes? Inside or outside?
With all your newfound knowledge – are you ready to start painting your home in China White?
Should there be any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below!