Benjamin Moore Barely Beige (Gentle Cream) vs Windsor Cream

Looking for the perfect warm, creamy neutral paint color for your home? Let's compare Barely Beige vs Windsor Cream to see if one might be perfect for your space!

There are so many beautiful warm neutral paint colors to choose from—soft white, off-white, cream, taupe, beige, tan, and even warm grays.

Warm neutrals are perfect for creating that cozy, inviting feel while still giving you a clean, versatile backdrop. They’re the best of both worlds!

If you’re stuck deciding between white and off-white, taupe and cream, or any combination of these lovely shades, this post is for you.

Today, I’m comparing two super popular warm neutrals: Barely Beige and Windsor Cream.

(Quick note: Barely Beige and Gentle Cream are actually the same Benjamin Moore color—just two different names!)

Let’s break down the differences between these two gorgeous shades so you can find the one that’s right for your space!

Read my full review of Barely Beige (Gentle Cream)

Read my full review of Windsor Cream

Barely Beige (Gentle Cream) vs Windsor Cream

When it comes to warm neutral paint colors, Barely Beige and Windsor Cream are two fantastic options.

I’ve used both in different spaces, and they each bring their own unique charm. Here’s what I’ve learned about how they compare.

What is similar about Barely Beige (Gentle Cream) vs Windsor Cream?

Both Barely Beige and Windsor Cream are warm neutrals that work beautifully in almost any room.

They pair perfectly with soft white trim, which adds a clean, polished contrast.

What is different about Barely Beige (Gentle Cream) vs Windsor Cream?

Windsor Cream is lighter and brighter, so it’s considered an off-white. It leans warmer and has more yellow undertones, which can give a space a fresh, sunny vibe.

Meanwhile, Barely Beige is a bit darker and richer. It’s not quite an off-white—it’s more of a creamy, cozy neutral that brings just the right amount of depth.

While both are warm tones, Barely Beige is more muted and neutral, while Windsor Cream feels a bit more saturated and vibrant.

	Barely Beige (Gentle Cream)	Windsor Cream
LRV	71	81
RBG	R: 233 G: 221 B: 197	R: 246 G: 231 B: 209
Undertones	heavy cream / barely beige paint color with yellow and slight orange undertones	off-white paint color with warm yellow-cream undertones

Light Reflectance Value

Light Reflective Value is the measurement of how much light a color bounces around. This is on a scale of 0 to 100 with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white.

Barely Beige is noticeably darker than Windsor Cream, with an LRV of 71 vs 81.

Due to their LRV numbers, Windsor Cream is in the off-white category. Barely Beige is a bit darker, too dark to be considered an off-white.

Undertones

Barely Beige and Windsor Cream both feature warm undertones.

Barely Beige has yellow and slight orange undertones, and Windsor Cream features warm yellow / cream undertones.

In south-facing rooms with lots of natural light, both colors look warmer and creamier. Windsor Cream is a bit warmer and can even lean a bit like a soft, warm yellow.

In north-facing rooms that lack natural light, both appear a bit darker and more neutral / less warm.

How do I decide between these two colors?

Go with Barely Beige if you:

• Want a slightly darker, cozier neutral.
• Like warmth that doesn’t lean too yellow.
• Are stuck between a taupe and a cream—it’s the perfect middle ground.

Choose Windsor Cream if you:

• Want something lighter and brighter in the off-white range.
• Love a warm neutral that feels sunny and welcoming.
• Are debating between a cream and an off-white.

Thanks for reading!