Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream vs Navajo White: What’s the Difference?

Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream OC-96 vs Navajo White OC-95

When searching for the perfect off-white paint color, it’s easy to get stuck comparing two similar versatile shades from Benjamin Moore. Popular choices Gentle Cream OC-96 and Navajo White OC-95 appear very alike at first glance. But what really differentiates these two beautiful, warm off-whites?

In this guide, we’ll analyze Gentle Cream vs Navajo White in-depth to help you determine the ideal off-white paint for your home. We’ll look at undertones, light reflectance, real-life photos, room pairings and more.

Let’s dive in!

Key Differences Between Gentle Cream and Navajo White

Before getting into the nitty gritty, here is an overview of the main differences between Benjamin Moore’s Gentle Cream and Navajo White:

Undertones – Gentle Cream is a beige off-white, Navajo White is more yellow-based
Light Reflectance – Gentle Cream has an LRV of 71.32, Navajo White has an LRV of 78.26
Use – Gentle Cream suits traditional styles, Navajo White works across varied decor
Rooms – Gentle Cream excels in living rooms, Navajo White shines in kitchens
Availability – Both come in all sheens

Now let’s explore Gentle Cream and Navajo White more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream OC-96

With its warm beige undertone, Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream OC-96 provides a welcoming off-white backdrop well-suited for traditional decor. This versatile neutral works in both formal and casual spaces.

Here are some details about Gentle Cream:

LRV: 71.32
Undertones: Warm beige off-white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, offices
Pairs Well With: Blues, blacks, wood tones

Gentle Cream is a relaxed, creamy off-white with faint gray-beige undertones. In certain lights it can read as a weathered ivory. The welcoming neutral has traditional appeal.

The 71.32 light reflectance value prevents the shade from feeling too dingy or dull. Gentle Cream strikes a soft, warm balance suitable for most rooms.

This versatile off-white complements both cool and warm accents nicely. Popular Gentle Cream color pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Early Dawn
Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
Maple wood finishes
Brass hardware accents
White trim and mouldings

While suitable anywhere at home, Gentle Cream truly excels in these spaces:

Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Gentle Cream’s subtle warmth helps create an inviting, cozy feel perfect as an all-over home color. Let it enhance bolder colors.

Benjamin Moore Navajo White OC-95

Real Benjamin Moore Navajo White — Image Credit:@ pink_pinecone

With its clean yellow undertone, Benjamin Moore Navajo White OC-95 provides a cheerful off-white backdrop well-suited for varied decor. This versatile neutral works in both modern and traditional spaces.

Here are some details about Navajo White:

LRV: 78.26
Undertones: Yellow off-white
Finish: Available in all sheens
Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, bedrooms
Pairs Well With: All colors

Navajo White is a bright, vibrant off-white with faint yellow undertones. In all lighting it maintains its cheerful neutral appearance.

The 78.26 light reflectance value makes this shade brightly illuminating. Navajo White strikes an uplifting, fresh balance for interior rooms.

This versatile off-white complements any color scheme. Popular Navajo White pairings include:

Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Black accent pieces
Medium wood stains
White and gray marble

While suitable anywhere at home, Navajo White truly excels in these spaces:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Hallways

Navajo White’s hint of yellow helps create an uplifting, versatile feel perfect as an all-over home color. Let it brighten up any decor.

Comparing Gentle Cream vs Navajo White

Now that we’ve examined Gentle Cream and Navajo White independently, let’s directly compare them:

Light Reflectance

Gentle Cream and Navajo White have very similar LRVs of 71.32 and 78.26 respectively. They offer nearly identical illumination.

Undertones

Here’s where the main difference lies. Gentle Cream is a beige off-white, while Navajo White has a faint yellow undertone.

Use & Rooms

Gentle Cream’s warmth excels in cozy living rooms and bedrooms. Navajo White’s vibrance shines in kitchens and baths.

Availability

Both Gentle Cream and Navajo White come in any sheen from matte to high gloss.

Gentle Cream vs Navajo White Comparison Chart

Paint Color	Gentle Cream OC-96	Navajo White OC-95
LRV	71.32	78.26
Undertones	Warm beige off-white	Yellow off-white
Use	Traditional rooms	Kitchens, baths
Finishes	All sheens	All sheens
Style	Traditional	Modern, contemporary

Real-Life Photos: Gentle Cream vs Navajo White

Let’s look at real-life photos to better visualize the subtle differences between Gentle Cream and Navajo White:

Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream

Benjamin Moore Navajo White

While they are very similar, Gentle Cream is a warmer beige off-white, while Navajo White has a hint of yellow. But lighting affects their look.

Should I Choose Gentle Cream or Navajo White?

So how do you decide between Benjamin Moore’s Gentle Cream or Navajo White for your home? Here are a few tips:

Choose Gentle Cream OC-96 if you want:

A warm beige off-white
A cozy feel for traditional living rooms and bedrooms
A versatile neutral that fits varied styles
A soft backdrop for bold colors

Choose Navajo White OC-95 if you want:

A bright yellow-based off-white
An uplifting feel for kitchens and bathrooms
A cheerful look for contemporary spaces
To brighten up any space

Get samples of both Gentle Cream and Navajo White. Paint large sections on your walls viewing during different times of day. This gives you the best sense of how the undertones read in your environment.

You can also pair them with decor you already have to visualize the look. Both offer beautiful off-white tones.

Ideal Room Pairings

Here are some rooms that are especially well-suited to Gentle Cream and Navajo White paint colors:

Benjamin Moore Gentle Cream

Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Dining Rooms
Offices
Hallways

Benjamin Moore Navajo White

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Bedrooms
Hallways

While both off-whites work well throughout the home, the above applications make optimal use of their unique strengths.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Gentle Cream and Navajo White create warm backdrops. Complement them with colors and materials for gorgeous spaces:

Gentle Cream OC-96 Pairings

Benjamin Moore Early Dawn
Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
Maple wood finishes
Brass hardware accents
White trim and mouldings

Navajo White OC-95 Pairings

Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
Black accent pieces
Medium wood stains
White and gray marble

Gentle Cream vs Navajo White – Which is Better?

So which off-white paint color is better for your home – Gentle Cream or Navajo White?

Consider Gentle Cream OC-96 if you want:

A warm beige off-white
A cozy feel for traditional living rooms and bedrooms
A versatile neutral that fits varied styles
A soft backdrop for bold colors

Consider Navajo White OC-95 if you want:

A bright yellow-based off-white
An uplifting feel for kitchens and bathrooms
A cheerful look for contemporary spaces
To brighten up any space

While Gentle Cream is warm and cozy, Navajo White has cheerful vibrance. Get samples before deciding. Either beautiful Benjamin Moore off-white you choose will suit your home perfectly.