If you’ve read through my latest Behr color reviews, you may have observed that I’ve added this paint color to almost all of the palettes.
And do you know why?
Well, that’s because this is the ultimate true white paint color for the trims, moldings, and ceilings.
So, whenever in doubt, choose Behr Polar Bear for door and window frames, special architectural features, and motifs as it’s a true white paint color.
Competing with Sherwin Williams High Reflective White and Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (see more here), this Behr true white paint is all set to exhibit crispness to a space.
This is the ultimate white paint color that doesn’t incline to any specific undertone, so it always feels true to its hue.
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So, are you excited to paint a fresh coat of Behr Polar Bear into your home?
Well, this color review will help guide you where, how, and when to have this color in your home.
Along with that, I’m going to specify a couple of do’s and don’ts, tips and tricks, and ample inspirations to take inspiration from!
So, let’s get on board the journey to Behr Polar Bear.
Behr Polar Bear 75 Details and Specifications
Before you choose any white paint color for your ceilings and trims, I must tell you to dive deeper into what the color is truly composed of.
Not every white paint color is alike!
See, some have various dominant undertones and some are chameleons.
Generally, some whites have warm undertones (like our color here or Behr Swiss Coffee) and some have cool (like Ultra Pure White from Behr). Some reflect blue or gray and some reflect red or yellow.
And you truly need to figure that out!
So, do you know what’s going to help you?
Well, it’s the details and specifications associated with a paint color.
Before you choose a paint color for your home, you must analyze the underlying theories and facts.
And that is what will help you make informed decisions.
So, let’s dive into the Light Reflectance Values or the LRVs that determine how light or dark the paint color is.
You can easily find that value on the Behr website.
Here, in this case, the LRV of the Behr Polar Bear is 90.
And that means it falls on the lighter end of the scale. Yes, very light that it’s almost a true white!
(Remember, the greater the value, the lighter the paint – on a scale of 0-100)
Also, just in case you wonder where to find the Behr decks – well, simply visit your nearest Home Depot store!
Secondly, other important associated terms are the RGB and the HEX Values.
Red = 245
Green = 244
Blue = 236
HEX Value = #F7F4EE
Since we have discussed the technical and scientific information, let’s get started with the practical aspects of this true white Behr paint.
How Does This Color Feel in a Space?
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Behr Polar Bear is going to exhibit a sense of crispness, warmth, and a refreshing vibe into your home.
This clean white paint color is bound to make your room look larger, airier, and brighter. So, if you’re dealing with small square footage, this color could be your ultimate solution.
Secondly, this white paint will tend to reflect most of the incoming light to further push the walls away.
And regardless of the climatic conditions, this color is going to satisfy you everywhere – whether it’s the colder regions of the north or humid regions of the south!
You see – it truly offers the best of both worlds.
How Does Light Affect the Color?
Light doesn’t have a lot of roles to play here.
Since the paint color is already too white, it doesn’t require too much light to alter the undertones or make the color feel brighter.
However, whether or not your room receives ample natural light – this color will always play a safe option.
The undertones are easily going to wash away when hit directly against natural light – thus, making it further lighter.
In the north-facing rooms, this color will appear cooler and slightly grayish. (Not too dominant though)
On the other hand, in the south or west-facing rooms, this color will feel slightly warmer (not yellow, if you want to know)!
What are the Best Coordinating Colors?
This is not a very easy color to work with! And that’s all because of the true white feel of the color.
So, this color will pair beautifully with blues, greens, browns, blush, burnt oranges, and darker grays. Well, you name it and can have it!
You can also add wooden touches as an accent on the shelves and furniture.
Also, if you are planning to introduce material and metallic accents through floating shelves, chandelier, artwork frames, and furniture frames – remember to add tinges of rustic wood, matte black, and brushed brass.
Discussing further, you have the option to choose from either a monochromatic or contrasting color palette!
Here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a monochromatic color palette!
- HDC-NT-21 Weathered White
- HDC-NT-20 Cotton Gray
- MQ2-55 Park Avenue
Here are a few of the colors I would recommend for a contrasting color palette!
- N220-2 Ashen Tan
- S320-3 Final Straw
- N470-3 Half Sea Fog
For your ceilings, trims, and moldings – this white paint color in itself plays a great role.
Behr Polar Bear Vs Similar Colors
Picking similar colors isn’t challenging as far as you know what exactly you want!
They won’t be exactly the same – however, will differ in the undertones or reflectivity.
So, the two closely related colors are BM OC-65 Chantilly Lace and SW 7006 Extra White.
Let’s see how all of them differ.
Polar Bear Vs Chantilly Lace
BM Chantilly Lace is equally a great paint color for the ceilings, trims, and moldings.
It has an LRV of 90.4 – which is equally lighter and brighter as compared to Behr Polar Bear.
However, when observed closely, the former paint color will undeniably look whiter and brighter.
Polar Bear Vs High Reflective White
This is the whitest of them all! Yes, believe me.
With an LRV of 93, this color is quite bright, true white, and lighter than the former paint colors.
When observing the two swatches closely, you’re quite likely to detect a warm undertone in our star Behr paint color.
Where to Use Polar Bear?
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Definitely the ceilings, moldings, trims, door and window frames, and special architectural features of the room.
This color is versatile and can fit one for all.
Whether you want to paint a bedroom clean white or the kitchen cabinets in pure white – this color is going to work everywhere.
Especially for interior design styles like Scandinavian, Transitional, Modern, French Country, and Contemporary – this color is quite good to go.
So, let’s see where and how to incorporate this color into your home.
Polar Bear in Living and Dining Rooms
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This is my personal opinion but all white living rooms may feel boring in the long run (unless you embrace a Scandinavian style).
So, try to amalgamate this paint color with a medium or darker-toned hue on the accent wall. This way, you get the best of both worlds.
Choose whatever finish or color you like for the furniture – tan or camel leather, emerald green velvet, black linen, or beige polyester – yes, the choice is yours.
To make the walls interesting, you can choose brighter artwork pieces, colorful rugs, curtains, and ample indoor plants to go!
Even if you’re stuck with an all-white living and dining space – you can still create a beautiful panorama for the space using contrasting hues.
Using in Bedrooms
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There’s no harm in painting the walls of your bedroom in white.
This paint color will definitely make it look larger, airier, and brighter.
Although you can consider choosing a brighter hue for the accent wall or further pairing the accessories with a contrasting color.
In terms of metallic accents, choose matte black, brushed brass, or even copper to go!
Polar Bear in Kitchens
There are two ways to use this color in your kitchen!
First and foremost, you could either choose to paint the backdrop wall in this color and further add a pop of hue on the cabinets.
Else, go vice versa and paint the cabinets in this clean white paint color.
The latter sounds better if you’re looking to make your space feel airier and larger.
You can further add satin brass pull handles, patterned tiles for backsplash, and a colorful runner!
Using on Exteriors
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This versatile white color can be used extensively without worrying much about the style.
You can choose a blend of blues, greens, grays, and blacks on the roof and special architectural features.
Generally, this color works the best on the facade walls.
For the exterior doors, windows, and shutters – you can pick any color you feel like.
Else, for a pop of contrast, don’t hold back from bold blue, sage green, burnt umber, or mauve.
In the case of columns on the patio and porch – you can use natural stone wainscotting to add an authentic detailed character to this facade!
So, how do you plan to use this color in your home?
Kitchen cabinets or focal console tables? Living room or bedrooms?
Well, trust me! You won’t regret using this off-white in your home. It’s timeless and versatile!
Should there be any questions or thoughts, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!