With hundreds of gorgeous off-whites and neutrals to choose from, picking that perfect shade for your home can be challenging. Two of Benjamin Moore’s most popular are Natural Cream OC-14 and Edgecomb Gray HC-173. But what really distinguishes these beautiful, muted paint colors?
In this guide, we’ll analyze Natural Cream and Edgecomb Gray in depth, comparing undertones, finishes, light reflectance, real photos, and ideal room uses. Read on to determine if Natural Cream or Edgecomb Gray is the best soft neutral for your interior design.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between Natural Cream and Edgecomb Gray
Before diving into details, here is an overview of the main differences between Natural Cream and Edgecomb Gray:
- Undertones – Natural Cream has beige, Edgecomb Gray has gray
- Light Reflectance – Natural Cream has an LRV of 64.78, Edgecomb Gray has an LRV of 63.09
- Look – Natural Cream is lighter and brighter, Edgecomb Gray is darker and moody
- Use – Natural Cream suits airy spaces, Edgecomb Gray better for cozy rooms
- Rooms – Natural Cream recommended for kitchens, baths; Edgecomb Gray ideal for living areas
Now let’s explore Natural Cream and Edgecomb Gray Benjamin Moore paint colors more closely.
Benjamin Moore Natural Cream OC-14
With its soft cream appearance, Natural Cream OC-14 creates a gentle, welcoming backdrop in any home. This versatile neutral has broad appeal.
Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore’s Natural Cream paint color:
- LRV: 64.78
- Undertones: Warm beige
- Sheen: Flat, eggshell
- Rooms: Whole home, especially kitchens and baths
- Pairings: Grays, blues, greens, browns
Natural Cream is a pale beige with warm yellow undertones. In certain lights it can shift between a creamy off-white to a very light tan. This adaptability allows it to suit any style.
With a 64.78 light reflectance value, Natural Cream provides ample brightness to keep rooms feeling open and airy. The noticeable warmth gives it a gentle, inviting vibe.
This tranquil neutral layers effortlessly with wood tones, terra cotta, and natural fibers. Especially popular combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Horizon
- Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain
- Benjamin Moore Essex Green
Use Natural Cream to create welcoming, livable spaces with comfort and flexibility. This relaxed backdrop helps rooms feel casually elegant and unpretentious. It works in any area but really excels in these:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173
A perennial favorite, Edgecomb Gray HC-173 is the quintessential warm gray. This adaptable neutral provides a comforting, gentle backdrop.
Here are some key details about Edgecomb Gray:
- LRV: 63.09
- Undertones: Warm taupe gray
- Sheen: Flat, eggshell, satin
- Rooms: Whole home, especially living areas
- Pairings: Grays, blues, greens, browns
Edgecomb Gray is a hazy gray-beige with warm brown-gray undertones. In certain lights it can shift between a pale taupe to a dusty clay. This adaptability allows use across styles.
With a 63.09 light reflectance value, Edgecomb Gray provides enough brightness for cozy spaces without seeming too somber. The noticeable warmth gives it a welcoming vibe.
This refined neutral effortlessly layers with wood tones, olive greens, and natural fabrics. Especially popular combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Benjamin Moore Essex Green
- Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
- Benjamin Moore Midsummer Night
Use Edgecomb Gray to create comfortable, livable spaces with traditional character and charm. This cozy backdrop helps rooms feel intimate and relaxed. It works in any area but really excels in these:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Dining rooms
Comparing Natural Cream and Edgecomb Gray
Now that we’ve looked at Natural Cream and Edgecomb Gray individually, let’s directly compare the two Benjamin Moore paint colors:
Light Reflectance
With LRVs of 64.78 and 63.09 respectively, Natural Cream reflects noticeably more light than the much darker Edgecomb Gray. However, both offer sufficient brightness for their typical use cases.
Undertones
Here is where the main difference lies. Natural Cream has warm yellow-beige undertones. Edgecomb Gray has distinct gray-brown undertones.
Natural Cream’s yellow tint gives it a cheerful, inviting look. Edgecomb Gray’s bold grayness provides a moody, intimate feel.
Uses
Thanks to its far higher reflectance, Natural Cream works well throughout homes to create a cohesive brightness.
Edgecomb Gray’s enveloping warmth makes it ideal for cozy living areas where a restful vibe is preferred. Its rich tone suits smaller spaces beautifully.
Aesthetic
Natural Cream’s faint yellowness gives it a casual, approachable look perfect for family-friendly cottage styles.
Edgecomb Gray’s saturated gray warmth has an organic, traditional charm ideal for cozy farmhouse or craftsman spaces.
Natural Cream vs Edgecomb Gray Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of some key differences between Natural Cream and Edgecomb Gray:
| Paint Color | Natural Cream OC-14 | Edgecomb Gray HC-173 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 64.78 | 63.09 |
| Undertones | Yellow beige | Taupe gray |
| Use | Kitchens, baths, bedrooms | Living rooms, bedrooms |
| Aesthetic | Cottage, casual | Traditional, farmhouse |
| Sheen | Flat, eggshell | Flat, eggshell, satin |
Real Room Photos – Natural Cream vs Edgecomb Gray
To better visualize the differences between Natural Cream and Edgecomb Gray, let’s look at real room photos showcasing the Benjamin Moore paint colors:
Natural Cream
With its soft cream appearance, Natural Cream OC-14 creates a gentle, welcoming backdrop in any home. This versatile neutral has broad appeal.
Here are some key details about Benjamin Moore’s Natural Cream paint color:
- LRV: 64.78
- Undertones: Warm beige
- Sheen: Flat, eggshell
- Rooms: Whole home, especially kitchens and baths
- Pairings: Grays, blues, greens, browns
Natural Cream is a pale beige with warm yellow undertones. In certain lights it can shift between a creamy off-white to a very light tan. This adaptability allows it to suit any style.
With a 64.78 light reflectance value, Natural Cream provides ample brightness to keep rooms feeling open and airy. The noticeable warmth gives it a gentle, inviting vibe.
This tranquil neutral layers effortlessly with wood tones, terra cotta, and natural fibers. Especially popular combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Horizon
- Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain
- Benjamin Moore Essex Green
Use Natural Cream to create welcoming, livable spaces with comfort and flexibility. This relaxed backdrop helps rooms feel casually elegant and unpretentious. It works in any area but really excels in these:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
Edgecomb Gray
A perennial favorite, Edgecomb Gray HC-173 is the quintessential warm gray. This adaptable neutral provides a comforting, gentle backdrop.
Here are some key details about Edgecomb Gray:
- LRV: 63.09
- Undertones: Warm taupe gray
- Sheen: Flat, eggshell, satin
- Rooms: Whole home, especially living areas
- Pairings: Grays, blues, greens, browns
Edgecomb Gray is a hazy gray-beige with warm brown-gray undertones. In certain lights it can shift between a pale taupe to a dusty clay. This adaptability allows use across styles.
With a 63.09 light reflectance value, Edgecomb Gray provides enough brightness for cozy spaces without seeming too somber. The noticeable warmth gives it a welcoming vibe.
This refined neutral effortlessly layers with wood tones, olive greens, and natural fabrics. Especially popular combinations include:
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Benjamin Moore Essex Green
- Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal
- Benjamin Moore Midsummer Night
Use Edgecomb Gray to create comfortable, livable spaces with traditional character and charm. This cozy backdrop helps rooms feel intimate and relaxed. It works in any area but really excels in these:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Offices
- Dining rooms
In the photos, Natural Cream appears lighter and brighter, while Edgecomb Gray looks richer and moodier. But lighting affects their look – they can seem more similar in some conditions.
Should I Choose Natural Cream or Edgecomb Gray?
So how do you decide between Natural Cream vs Edgecomb Gray for your home? Here are a few tips:
Choose Natural Cream if you want:
- A light beige neutral with yellow undertones
- An airy, relaxed look for most spaces
- A versatile foundational color
- A casual cottage style
Choose Edgecomb Gray if you want:
- A moody gray-beige with bold undertones
- An intimate, enveloping feel for living areas
- To add depth and contrast to lighter walls
- A cozy farmhouse or craftsman vibe
It’s best to get samples of both paint colors. Paint large sections on your walls and view at different times of day. This will give you the clearest sense of which hue you prefer in your unique lighting environment.
While quite different, both Natural Cream and Edgecomb Gray are beautiful classic Benjamin Moore paint colors. Choose the one that best matches your goals and style vision.
Ideal Room Combinations
Here are some rooms that are particularly well-suited to Natural Cream and Edgecomb Gray:
Natural Cream OC-14
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
- Entryways
- Offices
Edgecomb Gray HC-173
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Dining rooms
- Libraries
- Studies
- Foyers
With their muted hues, Natural Cream and Edgecomb Gray work well throughout homes. But the above applications tend to perfectly complement each shade’s strengths.
Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, Natural Cream and Edgecomb Gray create elegant backdrops. Complement them with colors and textures for beautifully designed rooms:
Natural Cream Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Wisp
- Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Oak furniture, linen, terra cotta
Edgecomb Gray Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Gray Owl
- Benjamin Moore Essex Green
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green
- Benjamin Moore Midsummer Night
- Raw wood, wool, velvet
Natural Cream vs Edgecomb Gray: Which is Best for Your Home?
So which Benjamin Moore neutral is better, Natural Cream or Edgecomb Gray? Consider your goals and style:
Choose Natural Cream if you want:
- A light beige with yellow undertones
- An airy, relaxed look for most spaces
- A versatile, flexible neutral
- A laidback cottage or craftsman feel
Choose Edgecomb Gray if you want:
- A moody gray-beige with bold undertones
- An enveloping, intimate backdrop for living areas
- To add depth and contrast to lighter walls
- Traditional farmhouse or craftsman charm
Natural Cream offers a flexible, cheerful foundation. Edgecomb Gray envelops with cozy, restful elegance.
Test them in your environment before finalizing a decision. Either neutral you choose will create a beautiful, welcoming backdrop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to decide between Natural Cream and Edgecomb Gray? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Which color reflects more light, Natural Cream or Edgecomb Gray?
Natural Cream has a significantly higher LRV of 64.78 than the much darker Edgecomb Gray at 63.09 light reflectance.
What undertone does Natural Cream have?
Natural Cream has warm yellow-beige undertones reminiscent of natural cream. Its warmth is noticeable but not overpowering.
Is Edgecomb Gray warm or cool?
Edgecomb Gray is a warm paint color, with distinct taupe-brown gray undertones. It has a hazy, weathered look.
Can you use Natural Cream on ceilings?
Yes, Natural Cream’s 64.78 LRV makes it suitable for ceilings. It provides enough brightness without feeling too warm.
What colors go well with Edgecomb Gray?
Edgecomb Gray pairs beautifully with colors like Revere Pewter, Gray Owl, Essex Green, black, and deep blues.
