Looking for a soft color that still brings a little lift? Benjamin Moore First Light (2102-70) might be just what your room needs. It’s a gentle pink with a clean tone that feels fresh without being too sweet.
This shade was named Benjamin Moore’s 2020 Color of the Year. It stood out because it offers a calm and hopeful feel—something many people look for in a paint color. It’s not bold, but it still adds light and personality to a space.
In this post, you’ll learn how BM First Light looks in real life, how it behaves in different lighting, and where it works best.
We’ll also share tips on pairing it with trim or other colors and include real home examples. If you’re thinking of using a light pink with a grown-up feel, this guide will help you decide.
What Color Is BM First Light?
BM First Light (2102-70) is a soft, pale pink that gives rooms a light, airy feel. It adds a subtle touch of warmth without dominating the space, making it perfect for creating a calm atmosphere. The color feels fresh and clean, providing a gentle backdrop that works well in various room types.
Its Light Reflection Value (LRV) is 74, meaning it reflects a lot of light, making it ideal for smaller or darker rooms.
The higher LRV helps it look brighter and more spacious, especially in areas with good natural light. Even in rooms with less light, it maintains a soft and welcoming feel without appearing too dark.
BM First Light is slightly warm due to its soft pink hue. It balances warmth and coolness, making it adaptable to a range of design styles. This color pairs easily with both warm and cool tones, allowing it to fit into various decor settings.
Undertones and Lighting Behavior of First Light
BM First Light looks soft and airy, but lighting can change how it feels. Its pink base shifts slightly depending on the time and light source. Testing it in your space helps avoid surprises.
1. Daylight vs Artificial Lighting
In daylight, the color shows a clear soft pink with a fresh feel. It works well in sunny rooms, especially with morning light. The pink stays light without being too bright.
Under artificial lights, the color may warm up or cool down. Warm bulbs bring out peachy tones, while cool bulbs bring a hint of gray. It still looks gentle, but the tone changes slightly.
Try this color with the lights you use most. That way, you’ll see how it truly looks in your room. The light source makes a big difference with soft colors like this.
2. How It Changes by Time of Day
In the morning, BM First Light feels fresh and clear. The soft pink stands out nicely in natural light, giving a clean, light start to the day.
By afternoon, the color gets more even and muted. You may notice the beige or gray undertone. It helps the room feel calm and steady.
At night, it shifts depending on the bulb. Warm light gives it a cozy, peach-like look, while cool light gives it a soft, calm gray-pink finish.
Best Places To Use BM First Light
BM First Light is a soft, gentle color that brings a calm and easygoing feel to a space. Its warm pink base adds a sense of comfort without feeling too bold or strong. It’s a great pick for rooms that need light, softness, and a little warmth.
- Bedrooms: This color is a great match for bedrooms because it helps create a peaceful, restful setting. It pairs well with soft bedding, warm lighting, and neutral accents. First Light makes the room feel easy to unwind in at the end of the day.
- Nurseries: BM First Light also works beautifully in nurseries. Its soft pink tone feels calm and welcoming, perfect for babies and young children. It adds color without being too bright or loud.
- Powder Rooms: This color helps smaller spaces feel brighter and more open. In powder rooms, First Light can add a clean, cheerful feel while still being calm. It reflects light nicely and softens hard edges.
- Reading Nooks or Sitting Areas: It also suits quiet corners like reading spots or morning coffee spaces. When paired with soft furniture or natural textures, First Light helps the room feel inviting and grounded.
This color is a good fit for many home styles and looks best in areas where calm and warmth are important. It’s subtle but still adds personality. If you’re looking for a soft touch that feels warm and clean, BM First Light is a safe and smart choice.
Coordinating Colors and Pairing Ideas
BM First Light is a soft, muted pink with a gentle warmth. To get the best look out of it, pairing it with the right trims, accents, and materials is key. These choices can help balance the space and highlight the color’s calm feel.
- Crisp white trims like BM Simply White or Chantilly Lace make First Light pop without feeling harsh.
- Soft grays such as Classic Gray or Silver Satin add cool contrast that still feels light.
- Neutral tones like Pale Oak or Edgecomb Gray offer a blended look that’s smooth and clean.
- Warm woods like light oak or maple bring natural texture and cozy warmth to the room.
- Muted metals like brushed gold, aged brass, or soft silver create a calm, polished touch.
- Accent walls in blush beige, soft mauve, or dusty olive pair well without feeling bold.
- Pale rugs or white oak flooring keep the room grounded while letting First Light shine.
- Linen or cotton fabrics in ivory, soft pink, or faded green add comfort and texture.
These combinations help bring out the best in BM First Light. With the right balance of color and material, your space will feel calm, cozy, and well-matched from corner to corner.
Comparing BM First Light to Similar Shades
Benjamin Moore’s First Light is a gentle pink that sits comfortably between blush and soft rose. To help you decide if it’s the right fit for your space, it helps to compare it with other similar tones. Below, we look at how First Light stacks up against Pink Bliss, Melted Ice Cream, and Touch of Pink.
1. First Light vs Pink Bliss
First Light and Pink Bliss are both soft pinks, but they give off slightly different moods. First Light leans more muted and grounded, while Pink Bliss feels a touch brighter and more playful. Both work in similar spaces, but the final look will depend on the light and your design style.
| Feature | First Light (2102-70) | Pink Bliss (2093-70) |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 75.86 | 87.11 |
| Undertone | Subtle rosy-beige | Light pastel pink |
| Feel in a room | Soft, relaxed | Airy, sweet |
| Best setting | Bedrooms, living rooms | Nurseries, craft spaces |
If you’re choosing between the two, First Light gives a bit more weight and calmness, while Pink Bliss adds a playful energy. It comes down to whether you want a color that feels quiet or one that feels cheerful.
2. First Light vs Melted Ice Cream
Melted Ice Cream shares the same pink family but has a warmer base. Compared to First Light, it’s creamier and slightly deeper, leaning toward a peach-pink finish. This makes it feel a bit richer in low light.
| Feature | First Light (2102-70) | Melted Ice Cream (2095-70) |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 75.86 | 72.29 |
| Undertone | Soft pink with beige | Warm blush/peach |
| Feel in a room | Calm and fresh | Warm and cozy |
| Best setting | Light-filled rooms | Dining rooms, powder rooms |
Choose Melted Ice Cream if your space needs more warmth. Go with First Light for a cooler, airier touch that still feels gentle.
3. First Light vs Touch of Pink
Touch of Pink is a very pale shade that barely hints at pink. When placed next to First Light, it almost looks like an off-white. It’s ideal for those who want just a whisper of color.
| Feature | First Light (2102-70) | Touch of Pink (2008-70) |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 75.86 | 87.15 |
| Undertone | Rosy beige | Barely-there pink |
| Feel in a room | Soft and noticeable | Subtle and airy |
| Best setting | Bedrooms, living rooms | Ceilings, trim, nurseries |
Touch of Pink is a safer choice if you’re unsure about using color. But if you want a more visible pink that still stays soft, First Light offers that perfect in-between.
Tips Before You Paint
Before committing to BM First Light for a full room, it is important to sample the color first to ensure it fits your space’s lighting and style. Testing it allows you to see how the color shifts at different times of the day and in various light conditions.
- Importance of Sampling: Since lighting can affect how a color appears, testing a sample allows you to confirm that the shade complements your space and lighting before making a decision.
- Best Way to Test It in Your Home: Paint small sections of the wall in different areas, especially near windows and furniture, to get an accurate sense of how the color behaves throughout the day.
Testing the color first gives you confidence in your decision before painting the entire room.
Conclusion
Benjamin Moore’s First Light stands out for its soft, clean tone, which brings a gentle lift to any room. It doesn’t try too hard, but it still leaves an impression. That makes it a solid pick for someone looking to bring light and ease into their space.
This color works well in bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms. It shines in rooms with good light and looks soft and calm next to white, wood, or light gray. First Light also fits in both new builds and older homes with simple details.
If you’re thinking about using BM First Light, start small. Try a sample and see how it feels throughout the day. Light pinks can shift, so testing is the best way to feel sure before painting the whole room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BM First Light a Good Choice for Cabinets?
BM First Light is not commonly used on cabinets, but it can work well in light-filled kitchens or bathrooms. It brings a soft touch to upper cabinets or islands when paired with white or wood tones.
Can BM First Light Be Used on Ceilings?
Yes, but only if you’re aiming for a soft, non-white look. It works best in rooms where you want to create a gentle, all-over color effect. Make sure the walls and trim complement the tone to keep the space from feeling too pink.
Does BM First Light Work in Hallways?
BM First Light can add warmth to hallways that feel dull or narrow. Since it reflects a fair amount of light, it helps brighten up transitional areas. Pair it with a white trim to keep the look open and clean.
How Does BM First Light Look with Wallpaper?
This color pairs well with light, minimal wallpaper patterns that use soft blush, cream, or gray. It acts as a calm base and doesn’t compete with subtle prints. Avoid pairing it with busy or dark designs, which may clash with its softness.
Is BM First Light Suitable for Rental Properties?
Yes, especially if you’re looking for a soft color that still feels neutral. It offers something different from plain beige or white without being too bold. It works well in bedrooms or accent walls to bring warmth into the space.