Looking for the perfect warm neutral paint color for your home? Let’s talk about Benjamin Moore Barely Beige and if it might be right for your home!
Warm neutrals are back, and I couldn’t be more excited!
If you’re over stark whites and cool grays but worry about going too warm or yellow, I think you’re going to love this.
Barely Beige (also known as Gentle Cream) is the perfect in-between.
It’s not too beige, not too creamy—it’s just the right balance. This color feels warm and inviting while still staying neutral and versatile.
If you’re looking to cozy up your space without losing that clean, classic vibe, Barely Beige might be the one for you. Let me walk you through all the details!
Barely Beige, Benjamin Moore, 1066
Barely Beige is exactly what it sounds like—barely a beige. It’s a warm, creamy shade that adds depth and coziness without overwhelming a space.
Fun fact: Barely Beige (1066) and Gentle Cream (OC-96) are the same color, just with two different names!
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Barely Beige
Color Family
Barely Beige is in the white family.
Light Reflectance Value
71
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.
With an LRV of 71, Barely Beige is a light paint color. However, it is darker than off-whites, which have an LRV of 72 or higher.
Barely Beige is bright enough to lighten up a room, but it still has enough depth to stand out on its own without feeling too washed out.
RGB Colors
R: 233 G: 221 B: 197
RGB describes the amount of each color - red, green, and blue - present in a color. This is on a scale of 0 to 255 for each color. This is basically the color mix to make the color!
Hex Code
#E9DDC5
Undertones
Barely Beige has subtle yellow and orange undertones that make it feel warm and inviting.
- In bright, sunny rooms (like south-facing spaces): It looks warmer and creamier.
- In darker, north-facing rooms: It appears slightly darker and less warm, but still cozy.
It's very important to swatch colors on your wall to make sure they look good – day and night – in your actual space before committing.
Click here to get removable peel & stick paint samples to easily swatch with!
Best uses
Barely Beige is neutral enough to work as a whole house paint color. It works well almost everywhere:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Home exterior
- Interior doors
- Cabinets
- Furniture
Similar Colors
- Benjamin Moore Pale Almond
- Behr Castle Ridge
- Sherwin Williams Antique White
- Benjamin Moore Barbados Sand
- Behr Raffia Cream
- Sherwin Williams Muslin
- Benjamin Moore Palace White
Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Barely Beige
Coordinating Colors
Barely Beige works great with darker, muted colors like greens, blues, and purples. It also pairs well with warm neutrals, such as soft whites, beiges and tans, and dark warm grays.
I'd avoid pairing Gentle Cream with cool grays unless they're very dark. Light and mid-toned cool grays often make Gentle Cream look yellow.
Deep mossy / muted greens:
- Castle Peak Gray
- Army Green
- Trailing Vines
- Forest Floor
- Jade Romanesque
Soft whites:
- Cloud White
- White Dove
- Swiss Coffee
- Steam
- Moonlight White
Mid-toned mauves:
- Wet Concrete
- Mulberry Wine
- Mauve Blush
- Amethyst Sky
- Frozen in Time
Trim Colors
Gentle Cream pairs well with soft whites for trim.
Barely Beige Color Palette
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Click here to get a peel and stick sample of Barely Beige
FAQS
Here are some common frequently asked questions about Barely Beige.
What is the difference: BM Barely Beige vs Gentle Cream?
There’s no difference! They’re the same color with two names.
What are the undertones of BM Gentle Cream?
It has yellow and slight orange undertones, giving it a warm, creamy feel that’s almost beige but not quite.
What is the difference: BM Barely Beige vs Navajo White?
Barely Beige (LRV 71) is darker than Navajo White (LRV 78). Navajo White falls in the off-white category.
Barely Beige is a bit heavier and more saturated, and Navajo White is lighter and more muted.
If you’re deciding between the two, swatch them side by side to see which fits your space better.
What is the difference: BM Barely Beige vs SW Antique White?
Barely Beige and Antique White are very similar warm neutral paint colors.
- Barely Beige (LRV 71): Slightly darker and more saturated.
- Antique White (LRV 72): Slightly lighter and softer.
The differences are subtle, so swatching is key to finding the best fit for your home.
What color trim goes best with BM Gentle Cream (Barely Beige)?
Barely Beige looks great with soft white trims like:
- BM White Dove
- BM Cloud White
- SW Alabaster
- Behr Cameo White
Is Barely Beige the same as Gentle Cream?
Yes, Benjamin Moore Barely Beige and Gentle Cream are the exact same paint color.
What is the difference: BM Barely Beige vs SW Accessible Beige?
Accessible Beige is noticeably darker than Barely Beige, with an LRV of 58 vs 71.
Accessible Beige is one of few beiges with a gray undertone, making it considerably grayer and cooler than Barely Beige, which is a warm, heavy cream.
Additionally, Accessible Beige is a bit more neutral / muted. Barely Beige is warmer and more saturated.
Before you go...
So, you've found the perfect paint color, but here's the thing - there's another big decision you have to make: picking the right paint sheen. Seriously, the level of glossiness can totally change how your color looks on the walls and how long the paint lasts!
Check out our complete guide to understanding paint sheens.
Still unsure which paint color is right for your space?
Choosing paint doesn’t have to be stressful! My free Paint Color Planning Quick Start Guide walks you through the exact steps to confidently choose the perfect color — without the overwhelm, second-guessing, or endless swatch testing.
👉 Click here to download the free guide!
My Paint Color Formula course walks you through the painless process of expertly testing paint swatches to ensure you have the perfect color for your home.
The best way to sample paint? Samplize!
Get peel-and-stick removable and reusable paint samples here!
Thanks for reading!
Meg Hemmelgarn is a freelance writer and home decor + DIY blogger who loves to talk about paint colors. She and her husband are currently renovating their third fixer upper. You can see their projects on her blog, Green With Decor.
