Paint Colour Review: Cloud White OC-130 by Benjamin Moore

Choosing the right white paint can feel surprisingly tricky—there are so many options, and they all look just a little bit different depending on the light, the room, and even the time of day. One white that stands out for its soft, welcoming feel is Cloud White OC-130 by Benjamin Moore. It’s a longtime favourite for good reason: it’s warm without being too creamy, crisp without being cold, and incredibly versatile.

In this post, I’m diving into everything you need to know about Cloud White—its undertones, LRV, how it shifts in different lighting, and the best colours to pair it with. I’ll also share where it works best in the home and which white trim colours complement it beautifully. If you’re considering Cloud White for your next project, you’ll find all the info you need right here.

What colour is Cloud White?

At first glance, Cloud White looks like a soft, classic white, but if you take a closer look, you’ll notice it has a subtle warmth that sets it apart from cooler, crisper whites. That gentle warmth comes from its creamy undertones, which lean ever so slightly yellow, without tipping into a buttery or overly golden look. This delicate balance is what makes Cloud White so versatile. It’s warm enough to feel cosy and inviting, but still light and fresh. It doesn’t have any stark or icy blue undertones, which means it won’t feel cold or sterile—something that can happen with cooler whites in the wrong space.

Because of its soft warmth, Cloud White pairs especially well with warm neutrals, earthy tones, and traditional interiors. But it can also work beautifully in modern homes when you're after a more approachable and lived-in white, rather than a gallery-white finish.

Cloud White’s LRV

LRV (or Light Reflectance Value) helps determine how much light is absorbed or reflected by a paint colour. It is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, 0 being absolute black and absorbing all light, and 100 being pure white and reflecting all light. The higher the LRV, the lighter and brighter the paint colour. The LRV of a paint colour is an important factor to consider, especially if you're concerned about brightness or creating a specific ambience. Colours with higher LRVs tend to make a room feel brighter and more spacious, while colours with lower LRVs can create a more intimate or cosy atmosphere.

Cloud White has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 85.05, which means it reflects a lot of light, making it a great choice if you want to brighten up a space. While it's not the brightest white out there, it’s still on the higher end of the scale. Because of its soft, warm undertones and high LRV, Cloud White tends to look light and airy without feeling stark. It's worth testing it in your space before committing, especially if you're pairing it with other whites or cooler tones. Lighting, flooring, and nearby colours can all shift how it reads, but its flexibility is part of what makes it so beloved.

How does Cloud White look in different lighting conditions?

Lighting greatly impacts how a paint colour is perceived within a space, whether it be natural or artificial light. Natural light varies throughout the day making colours look slightly different in the morning and the evening, which is why it’s essential to use samples before fully committing to a paint colour so you can see how colours look at various times of the day and you can decide if a paint colour is the right one for your space.

In north-facing rooms, which tend to have cooler, bluish light, Cloud White can appear a little more muted and less creamy. The cool light tones down its warm undertones, giving it a more neutral look. Still soft, but not as warm or golden. In south-facing rooms, where the light is warmer and more direct throughout the day, Cloud White really shines. Its creamy warmth is more noticeable, and it gives the room a sunny, welcoming feel without ever looking too yellow. East-facing rooms get softer, warm light in the morning and cooler light in the afternoon so Cloud White may look warmer and creamier in the early hours, then settle into a more neutral tone later in the day. In west-facing rooms, the opposite happens—the light is cooler in the morning and becomes richer and warmer as the day goes on. Cloud White will gradually warm up with the shifting light, creating a cosy, golden glow in the late afternoon and evening.

Because it has enough softness and warmth to adapt, Cloud White tends to look beautiful in a variety of lighting situations—but it’s always a good idea to test a sample in your own space before making a final decision, ensuring it creates the vibe and feel you are looking for.

Where can you use Cloud White in your home?

Thanks to its soft warmth and versatility, Cloud White is one of those rare whites that can work beautifully in just about any room of the house. Whether you're going for a cosy, traditional feel or a clean and calm backdrop, it adapts effortlessly. It’s a fantastic choice for walls if you want a white that feels warm and inviting, especially in living rooms, bedrooms, or hallways. Unlike cooler whites that can feel stark or sterile, Cloud White creates a softer, more lived-in atmosphere—perfect if you’re after that timeless, comfortable look.

It’s also a great option for kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities, particularly in homes with warm-toned countertops, brass or gold hardware, or wood flooring. Its subtle warmth pairs really well with natural finishes and creates a gentle contrast without feeling too bold.

You can even use it as a trim colour—especially if your wall colour is another warm neutral. It gives a fresh, clean look without the icy sharpness of a cooler white, and it helps tie the space together in a really cohesive way. In short, Cloud White is a go-to if you’re looking for a soft, classic white that can bring comfort and light to almost any space.

What about white trim colour?

Choosing the right white trim colour can really pull the whole look together. The good news? Cloud White is flexible—it can work with both matching and contrasting trim, depending on the style you’re after. If you’re using it on your walls, to best is to use Cloud White on the trim as well for a seamless, soft look. Just switch up the sheen—use a matte or eggshell finish on the walls and a satin or semi-gloss on the trim and doors. This creates a subtle contrast in texture while keeping the overall look warm, cohesive, and understated. If you want a contrasting trim colour, you could consider a warm neutral such as Revere Pewter HC-172 or Edgecomb Gray to create a warm, earthy, natural look.

Best coordinating colours

One of the reasons Cloud White is so well-loved is because it plays nicely with other colours. Its soft, warm undertones make it incredibly versatile—you can pair it with everything from earthy neutrals to rich, moody tones or even soft pastels, depending on the look you're after.

If you want to keep things neutral and cosy, try pairing Cloud White with warm beiges, soft tans, or gentle greiges. These combos feel calm, timeless, and easy to live with. A few beautiful options include Edgecomb Gray (HC-173) or Muslin (OC-12).

If you’re after something a little more dramatic or modern, try Cloud White with deep greens, navy blues, or muted charcoal tones. These combinations create contrast while still feeling balanced and welcoming. A few ideas to consider are Hale Navy (HC-154), Vintage Vogue (462), Kendall Charcoal (HC-166).

And if you’re a fan of soft, serene palettes, Cloud White also looks lovely with blush tones, muted greens, and dusty blues for a relaxed, fresh look that still feels warm.

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If you're looking for a white that's soft, timeless, and easy to live with, Cloud White OC-130 is a beautiful choice. Its gentle warmth makes it feel welcoming and timeless in any room. Whether you’re painting an entire room, updating cabinetry, or freshening up trim, Cloud White is a go-to that won’t let you down.

Still feeling unsure about how to pull your colour scheme together? I’ve created a range of digital whole house colour palettes designed to take the guesswork out of choosing paint colours—perfect if you want a beautifully coordinated home without the stress. And if you’d like a more personalised approach, I also offer custom colour consultations to help you find the perfect palette for your space, lighting, and style.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help you create a home you truly love.

Thank you for reading and happy decorating,

Manon xx