Seapearl vs Pale Oak: What’s the Difference?

When selecting a light, warm neutral paint color, it can be difficult to discern subtle differences between similar shades. Two beautiful off-white beiges from Benjamin Moore are Sea Pearl OC-19 and Pale Oak OC-20. But what exactly sets these two apart?

In this article, we’ll thoroughly analyze Sea Pearl and Pale Oak. We’ll compare undertones, light reflectance, real life photos, and best room usages. Read on to determine which neutral paint color is the right fit for your home’s interior design.

Table of Contents

Key Differences Between Sea Pearl and Pale Oak

Before diving into the details, here is an overview of the main differences between Sea Pearl and Pale Oak:

Undertones – Sea Pearl has green-gray, Pale Oak has yellow-brown
Light Reflectance – Sea Pearl has an LRV of 76.43, Pale Oak has an LRV of 68.64
Use – Sea Pearl suits modern coastal spaces, Pale Oak fits traditional homes
Rooms – Sea Pearl shines in airy rooms, Pale Oak excels in cozy spaces
Availability – Pale Oak comes in fewer finishes

Now let’s explore Sea Pearl and Pale Oak more thoroughly.

Benjamin Moore Sea Pearl OC-19

With its pale green-gray appearance, Sea Pearl OC-19 by Benjamin Moore creates a gorgeous soothing backdrop in coastal design. This versatile off-white has broad appeal.

Here are some key details about Sea Pearl:

LRV: 76.43
Undertones: Subtle green-gray
Finish: Available in all paint sheens
Rooms: Whole home color, especially airy rooms
Pairs Well With: Blues, greens, wood tones

Sea Pearl is a light green-gray beige with barely detectable cool undertones. This chameleon-like paint color subtly shifts in appearance based on lighting conditions and surroundings.

In bright spaces, soft gray-green comes forward for an ethereal misty look. In dim lighting, subtle warmth is more noticeable for a light beige effect. The overall impression is a color that gently straddles the line between cool and warm.

With a 76.43 light reflectance value, Sea Pearl provides enough illumination to keep rooms feeling open and breezy. The green-gray influence prevents it from feeling too warm.

The versatility of Sea Pearl is one of its greatest strengths. This tranquil color effortlessly complements both cool and warm accents. Especially popular combinations include:

Benjamin Moore Raindrop
Benjamin Moore October Mist
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

Use Sea Pearl to create serene, livable spaces. This soothing backdrop helps rooms feel refined yet relaxed. It works in any area but excels in these rooms:

Airy living rooms
Bright bedrooms
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Hallways

Benjamin Moore Pale Oak OC-20

Pale Oak OC-20 is a gorgeous, natural-looking light brown paint color by Benjamin Moore. This beautiful beige has broad appeal across styles from modern to traditional.

Here are some key facts about Pale Oak:

LRV: 68.64
Undertones: Yellow-brown
Finish: Flat, eggshell, pearl
Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms
Pairs Well With: Grays, blues, greens, browns

True to its name, Pale Oak has distinct yellow-brown undertones reminiscent of natural oak wood. This gives the paint color a very inviting and warm appearance.

Despite the oak-inspired base color, Pale Oak reads as quite light and refined. With a 68.64 light reflectance value, this soft neutral helps rooms feel bright and cheerful.

The warm oak undertones pair wonderfully with organic textures and natural materials like wood furniture and stone accents. Pale Oak helps spaces feel grounded and cozy. Use it alongside other warm neutrals like:

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
Benjamin Moore Palo Duro Canyon
Benjamin Moore Roasted Chestnut
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy

This versatile beige looks gorgeous across styles from rustic farmhouse to urban loft. While suitable for any room, it really excels in these spaces:

Living rooms
Bedrooms
Dining rooms
Kitchens
Offices

Comparing Sea Pearl vs Pale Oak

Now that we’ve looked at Sea Pearl and Pale Oak independently, let’s compare them directly:

Light Reflectance

Sea Pearl has an LRV of 76.43 compared to Pale Oak’s slightly lower 68.64 LRV. This means Sea Pearl reflects a bit more light. However, they are quite close in illumination abilities.

Undertones

Here is where the main difference lies. Sea Pearl has barely detectable cool green-gray undertones. Pale Oak has very warm yellow-brown oak undertones.

Sea Pearl’s hint of green-gray adds an ethereal coastal sensibility. Pale Oak’s oak-inspired warmth provides a cozy traditional feel.

Rooms

Due to its subtle coolness, Sea Pearl excels alongside airy open concept spaces full of natural light.

Pale Oak’s distinctive warmth makes it ideal for cozier living areas like bedrooms, dining rooms, and lounges.

Availability

Sea Pearl comes in all paint sheens from flat to high-gloss enamel. Pale Oak only comes in flat, eggshell, and pearl finishes.

Sea Pearl vs Pale Oak Comparison Chart

Here is an overview of how Sea Pearl and Pale Oak compare:

Paint Color	Sea Pearl OC-19	Pale Oak OC-20
LRV	76.43	68.64
Undertones	Subtle green-gray	Yellow brown
Use	Bright airy rooms	Cozy living spaces
Sheens	All sheens	3 sheens
Style	Coastal, modern	Traditional, transitional

Real Life Photos – Sea Pearl vs Pale Oak

Let’s look at real life spaces painted in Sea Pearl and Pale Oak to better see how they compare in actual environments.

Sea Pearl OC-19

Pale Oak OC-20

The photos demonstrate how Sea Pearl typically appears to be a cooler and more gray-toned neutral compared to the warmer, more oak-beige Pale Oak. However, depending on lighting they can look quite similar.

Should I Choose Sea Pearl or Pale Oak?

So how do you decide between Sea Pearl vs Pale Oak for your home? Here are some factors that can guide your decision:

Consider Sea Pearl OC-19 if you want:

A light off-white with subtle hints of green-gray
A versatile color suitable for coastal styles
A soothing but airy neutral
A comfortable backdrop for brighter rooms

Consider Pale Oak OC-20 if you want:

A light beige-brown with distinct oak undertones
A welcoming traditional paint color
A cozy feel for living spaces
To complement wood furnishings and finishes

Always get paint samples before committing to a full paint job. View large swatches on your walls in different lighting at different times of day. This will give you the best sense of which neutral you prefer before finalizing a choice.

While Sea Pearl suits laidback coastal interiors, Pale Oak’s cozy warmth gives it an advantage in traditionally styled homes seeking a soft welcoming backdrop.

Ideal Room Pairings

While Sea Pearl and Pale Oak work well throughout homes, here are some rooms that their specific characteristics are ideally suited to:

Sea Pearl OC-19

This soothing off-white excels in brighter, sunlit rooms. Perfect Sea Pearl spaces include:

Airy living rooms with natural light
Bright bedrooms and nurseries
Kitchens and breakfast nooks
Bathrooms and laundry rooms
Hallways and staircases

Pale Oak OC-20

This welcoming neutral excels in cozier living spaces. Ideal Pale Oak rooms:

Living rooms, dens, family rooms
Bedrooms and nurseries
Dining rooms
Offices, libraries, studies
Foyers, entryways

Use Sea Pearl to enhance bright open interior spaces. Let Pale Oak provide a soft welcoming feel in more enclosed living areas.

Decorating Ideas and Color Pairings

On their own, Sea Pearl and Pale Oak create peaceful backdrops. Paired with other colors and textures, you can design truly stunning living spaces:

Sea Pearl OC-19 Ideas

Light green-gray kitchen with weathered wood island
Off-white shiplap accent wall in a sunroom
Airy neutral bedroom with woven jute rug
White open shelves and trim against gray-blue walls

Pale Oak OC-20 Ideas

Warm beige dining room with antique wood table
Cozy living room with oak-white walls and brick fireplace
Rustic kitchen with exposed wood beams on ceiling
Neutral paneled doors in an entryway against navy walls

Color Pairings for Both

Light blues, grays, greens, antique wood
Natural materials like jute, linen, wood
Black and white photography prints
Metallic finishes like aged bronze

Keep walls in a neutral off-white like Sea Pearl or Pale Oak to let accent colors shine. Easily change accents seasonally for a fresh updated look.

Sea Pearl vs Pale Oak – Which is Best For You?

So what’s better for your home – airy Benjamin Moore Sea Pearl or cozy Pale Oak? The right choice depends on your goals:

Pick Sea Pearl OC-19 if you want:

A light off-white with hints of soothing gray-green
A versatile paint color suitable for coastal styles
A comforting but bright neutral for well-lit rooms
An adaptable backdrop that feels laidback

Choose Pale Oak OC-20 if you want:

A light beige-brown with distinctive oak undertones
A softly welcoming paint color for traditional spaces
A cozy feel for more enclosed living areas
A neutral that pairs beautifully with wood tones

Get large in-home samples before deciding. While Pale Oak excels in traditionally styled homes, breezy Sea Pearl provides a gorgeous neutral for coastal casual interiors.

Choose the light neutral paint color that best complements your existing lighting, furnishings, and interior design aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still trying to choose between Sea Pearl and Pale Oak? Here are some commonly asked questions:

Does Sea Pearl have warm or cool undertones?

Sea Pearl OC-19 is a subtle cool-toned off-white with barely detectable hints of green-gray that give it a misty coastal sensibility.

What undertone does Pale Oak have?

Pale Oak OC-20 is a warm paint color with distinctive yellow-brown undertones reminiscent of natural oak wood. This lends a welcoming traditional feel.