Behr Smoky White: Complete Color Review

Thinking about using an off-white paint in your home? Let’s take a closer look at Behr Smoky White to see if it might be the right fit for your space.

I love off-whites because they’re soft, clean, and easy to live with. They brighten up a room without feeling cold or stark.

They also give you a fresh starting point. You can keep things cozy and simple, or build in bold accents. Either way, off-whites make everything feel calm and pulled together.

That said, not all off-whites are the same. Some lean warm, some lean cool, and lighting plays a huge role in how they look.

Today, I’ll walk you through one of my favorite soft whites from Behr: Smoky White. Let’s see what makes it stand out.

Smoky White, Behr, BWC-13

Smoky White is a versatile, warm off-white balancing yellow / orange with gray undertones. It's a great neutral paint option!

Color Family

Smoky White is in the yellow family.

Light Reflectance Value

78

Smoky White has an LRV of 78, which means it reflects a good amount of light — just not so much that it feels flat or sterile.

If you’re not familiar with LRV, it’s just a scale from 0 to 100 that tells you how light or dark a color is. Zero is pure black. One hundred is bright white.

At 78, Smoky White sits in that sweet spot. It’s light enough to brighten up a room, but still has a little body to it. It won’t feel too harsh in full sun, and it won’t disappear in low light either.

RGB Colors

R: 233 G: 228 B: 218

RGB just breaks down how much red, green, and blue make up a paint color. Each value runs from 0 to 255, and together they create the final shade you see.

For Smoky White, you’ve got a high amount of red and green, and slightly less blue. That mix is what gives this color its soft, creamy warmth.

Hex Code

#E9E4DA

Undertones

Smoky White has soft yellow-orange undertones with a subtle hint of gray. That mix keeps it feeling warm but not too creamy or overly bright.

The light in your room will really affect how this color shows up. In a sunny, south-facing space, it leans warmer and cozier. It brings a gentle glow that makes the room feel calm and inviting.

In a north-facing room, where natural light is cooler, Smoky White shifts slightly. You might notice more of the gray coming through, which gives it a fresher and more modern feel.

I always suggest testing paint on your own walls before you decide. Lighting changes everything, and a color that looks perfect in one home might look totally different in yours.

Click here to get removable peel & stick paint samples to easily swatch with!

Best Uses

Smoky White is one of those flexible colors that works just about anywhere. It’s soft, easy on the eyes, and pairs well with a wide range of styles. You can even use it as a whole-house paint color if you want everything to flow together.

Here are a few great spots where Smoky White really shines:

• Living rooms
• Bedrooms
• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Home exterior
• Interior doors
• Cabinets
• Furniture

Similar Colors

• Behr Weathered White
• Sherwin Williams White Heron
• Benjamin Moore Seapearl
• Behr Shoelace
• Sherwin Williams Heron Plume
• Benjamin Moore Dove Wing
• Behr Painter's White

Coordinating Colors

Smoky White is super easy to work with. It pairs beautifully with earthy tones and soft neutrals, so you have lots of options depending on the look you’re going for.

I love how it looks next to subtle blues, warm grays, and dusty greens. It also plays nicely with tans, soft beiges, and even muted yellows or blush pinks if you want a little color.

Here are some great colors to consider pairing with it:

Neutrals / subtle greens:

• Biking Trail
• Arid Plains
• Light Year
• Dune Grass
• Coliseum Marble

Coastal blues:

• Beach Foam
• Ethereal Mood 
• Basin Blue 
• Wind Speed
• Balboa

Pale greens:

• Sounds of Nature
• Glisten Green
• Cabbage Leaf
• Cavan
• Calcium

Trim Colors

You’ve got two solid options for trim. If you want contrast, go with a clean, bright white. It makes Smoky White look even warmer and richer.

Bright white trim colors:

• Benjamin Moore Simply White
• Sherwin Williams Extra White
• Behr Ultra Pure White

If you prefer a softer, more seamless look, you can actually use Smoky White for both the walls and the trim. Just change the finish. I’d go with eggshell on the walls and semi-gloss on the trim for a subtle shift that still feels cohesive.

FAQs

Here are some common frequently asked questions about Smoky White.

Is Smoky White warm or cool?

Smoky White is definitely a warm off-white. It has soft yellow and orange undertones that give it a cozy, welcoming feel.

If you're trying to avoid anything cold or sterile, this is a great choice. It adds warmth without feeling too creamy.

What are the undertones of BM Smoky White?

Benjamin Moore Smoky White has a really nice mix of warm yellow and orange, with a little bit of gray underneath. That gray helps soften it just enough so it doesn't look too buttery.

In my experience, it shifts depending on the light in your room. It might feel warmer during the day and a little more muted in the evening.

What colors go with Behr Smoky White?

Smoky White works with so many other colors, which is why I recommend it so often. I love it with earthy tones like soft blues, muted greens, and warm grays.

It also looks really pretty with warm colors like dusty pinks or buttery yellows. If you want to stay neutral, it pairs beautifully with beige, tan, or crisp white.

Here are a few combos I’ve liked:

• Biking Trail - a sage-toned neutral
• Beach Foam - a breezy blue
• Sounds of Nature - pale green
• Funhouse - a soft, playful pink

Test a few of those together and see what feels right. A quick swatch will give you a better idea than staring at the paint chip.

What decor styles go with Behr Smoky White?

Smoky White fits in with so many styles. I’ve seen it work in traditional homes, cozy cottage rooms, coastal spaces, and even modern farmhouse looks.

It plays nicely with wood, rattan, black metal, or soft fabrics like linen and cotton. Whether you love layered neutrals or want a little color, Smoky White is a solid backdrop.

What's the difference: BM Swiss Coffee vs Behr Smoky White?

Swiss Coffee is noticeably warmer than Smoky White and has a higher LRV of 82, meaning it reflects more light and appears brighter.

Smoky White is slightly more muted, and some people find it easier to live with long-term.

If you’re deciding between the two, I suggest putting them side by side and watching how they change throughout the day. A swatch test will really help you choose.

Is Smoky White a good living room color?

Absolutely. I think Smoky White is one of the best paint colors for living rooms, especially if you want something soft and light without going too white.

It feels calm, cozy, and timeless. I’ve used it in a family room before and loved how it worked with everything from natural wood to soft gray furniture.

Thanks for reading!