When selecting a warm, versatile neutral paint color, two top choices from Benjamin Moore are White Sand OC-10 and Muslin OC-12. At first glance, these two off-whites may appear very similar. But looking closer, there are noticeable differences that impact the overall look, feel, and application of the colors.
In this in-depth comparison article, we’ll examine White Sand vs Muslin undertones, LRV, real-world photos, and best room uses. By the end, you’ll understand how these off-whites differ and which Benjamin Moore paint color is the better option for your space.
Table of Contents
Key Differences Between White Sand and Muslin
Before diving into the details, here is a brief overview of how White Sand and Muslin differ:
- Undertones: White Sand is a warm beige. Muslin is a cooler tan.
- LRV: White Sand has a lower LRV of 66.95. Muslin is brighter at 66.54 LRV.
- Use: White Sand creates a cozy feel. Muslin has more versatility.
- Rooms: White Sand excels in bedrooms. Muslin suits any room.
Now let’s explore White Sand vs Muslin more closely!
Benjamin Moore White Sand OC-10
White Sand OC-10 is a soft, inviting off-white paint color with beige undertones. It provides a warm, welcoming backdrop.
Here are some details about White Sand:
- LRV: 66.95
- Undertones: Beige
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms
- Pairs Well With: Browns, greens, blues
White Sand reads as an off-white but has distinct creamy beige undertones rather than being a true white. The warm beige gives it a gentle cozy feel.
With an LRV of 66.95, White Sand reflects decent light but less than brighter whites. The warmth keeps it from feeling too dark or dingy.
Some pleasing color combinations with White Sand include:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Coventry Gray
- Benjamin Moore October Mist
- Benjamin Moore Sutton Green
While suitable anywhere, the welcoming warmth of White Sand makes it perfectly suited to bedrooms, living spaces, and dining rooms.
Benjamin Moore Muslin OC-12
Muslin OC-12 is a versatile off-white paint color with subtle cool undertones. It works well in any style home.
Here are some key details about Muslin:
- LRV: 66.54
- Undertones: Cool off-white
- Sheen: Available in all finishes
- Rooms: Bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, trim
- Pairs Well With: Grays, greens, blues, tans
Muslin appears as a true off-white but has the slightest hint of cool grayish undertones. The barely perceptible coolness keeps it fresh and bright.
With an LRV of 66.54, Muslin reflects a great amount of light, keeping it from feeling dingy or dark. The subtle coolness maintains sufficient contrast.
Some pleasing color combinations with Muslin include:
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
- Benjamin Moore Copley Gray
- Benjamin Moore Glacier White
While suitable everywhere, the flexible neutrality of Muslin allows it to excel as an interior wall color and as trim/ceiling color in any room.
Comparing White Sand vs Muslin
Now that we’ve looked at White Sand and Muslin separately, let’s directly compare the two off-whites:
Light Reflectance
With LRVs of 66.95 and 66.54 respectively, Muslin reflects noticeably more light than White Sand. Muslin reads as a brighter, crisper white.
Undertones
Here’s a main difference. White Sand is a warm beige off-white, while Muslin is a subtle cool off-white.
White Sand’s warmth feels cozy and inviting. Muslin’s coolness feels bright and neutral.
Rooms
The cozy warmth of White Sand excels in bedrooms, living rooms, etc. Muslin’s neutrality suits any room.
Paint Finishes
Both White Sand and Muslin come in any sheen from matte to high-gloss. They give clean, versatile off-white finishes.
White Sand vs Muslin Comparison Chart
Here is an overview of their major differences:
| Paint Color | White Sand OC-10 | Muslin OC-12 |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 66.95 | 66.54 |
| Undertones | Warm beige | Subtle cool |
| Use | Cozy feel | Flexible neutral |
| Sheens | All finishes | All finishes |
Real Rooms Painted in White Sand and Muslin
To better visualize White Sand vs Muslin, let’s look at real rooms painted in the two off-white colors:
White Sand OC-10
Muslin OC-12
The images showcase the difference between White Sand’s distinct warmth and Muslin’s subtle neutrality. While easy to confuse at first glance, their undertones create distinct moods.
Should You Choose White Sand or Muslin?
So which off-white paint color is the better choice for your space – cozy White Sand or neutral Muslin? Here are some tips to help decide:
Choose White Sand OC-10 if you want:
- A warm off-white with beige undertones
- An inviting, relaxed feel for bedrooms
- A soft backdrop for craftsman or farmhouse styles
- Understated coziness and approachability
Pick Muslin OC-12 if you want:
- An off-white with barely cool undertones
- A flexible neutral suitable for any room
- Crisp brightness rather than distinct warmth
- Clean versatility across styles
If still uncertain between the two off-whites, get samples and paint large swatches on your walls. View throughout different lighting before deciding.
Either versatile off-white you select will provide beauty. But their unique undertones make one likely better suit your space and style vision.
Ideal Room Applications
Here are some rooms that tend to suit White Sand and Muslin best:
White Sand OC-10
- Bedrooms
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Entryways
Muslin OC-12
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Trim/Molding
- Any room!
Both off-whites can work well throughout any home. But the above applications maximize their individual strengths.
Design Ideas and Color Pairings
On their own, White Sand and Muslin create subtle backdrops. Paired with other colors and materials, they make stunning spaces:
White Sand Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray walls
- Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green accent
- Medium wood flooring
- Brushed nickel lighting
Muslin Color Pairings
- Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter walls
- Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal trim
- Benjamin Moore White Dove cabinets
- Marble counters
White Sand vs Muslin – Which is Best for You?
When choosing between Benjamin Moore’s White Sand and Muslin paint colors, keep your goals and style in mind:
Pick White Sand OC-10 if you want:
- A warm off-white with creamy beige undertones
- An inviting cozy feel for bedrooms and living rooms
- A laidback farmhouse or craftsman vibe
- Subtle warmth without starkness
Choose Muslin OC-12 if you want:
- An off-white with barely cool undertones
- Crisp neutrality suitable for any space
- Clean brightness rather than distinct warmth
- Versatile sophistication across styles
While very similar off-whites, their undertone differences mean one likely better suits your space. Get color samples before deciding between cozy White Sand and versatile Muslin!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still trying to choose between White Sand vs Muslin? Here are answers to some common questions:
Which off-white paint color is warmer?
White Sand OC-10 has distinct warm beige undertones, while Muslin OC-12 only has faint coolness. So White Sand reads as the warmer off-white paint color.
Does Muslin work well in living rooms?
Definitely! Muslin is neutral enough to work in any space. Its barely cool undertone gives living rooms a soft, sophisticated feel without warmth or yellowness.
What colors go with White Sand?
White Sand pairs nicely with other warm neutrals like tans, browns, and soft greens. Colors like Revere Pewter, Black Forest Green, and Edgecomb Gray complement it well.
Can you use Muslin in a bedroom?
Yes, Muslin works beautifully in bedrooms. Its subtle coolness keeps bedrooms feeling bright, crisp, and restful without too much warmth or distraction.
What about exterior siding – White Sand or Muslin?
Muslin’s neutrality makes it a flexible exterior siding color. White Sand’s beige undertones may feel too warm or distinct outside.
Conclusion
When comparing Benjamin Moore’s White Sand and Muslin paint colors, the main differences come down to undertones and aesthetics:
- White Sand OC-10 is a warm beige-toned off-white fitting for cozy, inviting spaces.
- Muslin OC-12 is a subtly cool off-white with crisp versatility for any room.
While easy to mix up, their undertones set them apart in distinct ways. Consider your goals in choosing between welcoming White Sand and neutral Muslin. Testing swatches on walls can ensure you pick the perfect off-white!
