Benjamin Moore Cloud Cover (OC-25) represents what many seek in an off-white paint color – a gentle, reliable shade for modern homes.
As a sought-after choice among homeowners and designers, this paint color brings a clean look without feeling stark or cold.
At first glance, Cloud Cover might seem like just another white paint. But its subtle gray-blue hints and a trace of violet undertones set it apart.
These qualities help create fresh and bright spaces while staying comfortable and lived in.
Cloud Cover adapts to various rooms and lighting conditions, from sunny kitchens to cozy bedrooms.
Its balanced nature makes it work well with modern and classic styles, making it a go-to color for whole-house color schemes.
What Makes Benjamin Moore Cloud Cover Unique?
Color Characteristics
Benjamin Moore Cloud Cover (OC-25) is a gentle off-white paint color with subtle gray-blue hints.
Its soft nature makes it perfect for creating bright yet welcoming spaces.
The paint shows traces of violet tones that only appear in specific lighting conditions.
These hints add depth without making the color feel too cold or stark, giving walls a refined look that works in many settings.
Light Reflectance Value and Space Impact
Cloud Cover has an LRV of 80.28, firmly in the light-toned category.
This high value means the color sends back most of the light that hits it, making rooms feel open and clear.
The reflection rate helps small spaces feel bigger and brings life to dim corners.
This quality prevents the color from feeling flat or dull in large rooms, maintaining its soft presence across wide wall spans.
Warm or Cool? Decoding the Undertones
Cloud Cover sits in a sweet spot between warm and cool tones, leaning slightly toward the cool side.
The color shifts throughout the day, responding subtly to natural and artificial light.
Morning sunlight brings out its warmer side, while evening light emphasizes its cooler tones.
This flexibility helps the color stay balanced in any room, regardless of its direction or light source.
The paint works well with warm woods and cool metals, showing its true range. Its ability to blend with various materials makes it a reliable choice for whole-house color plans.
Cloud Cover in Real Spaces
Interior Applications
1. Living Spaces
- Living Rooms: Creates an open feel while staying soft and welcoming
- Family Rooms: Maintains color balance from morning to evening
2. Private Areas
- Bedrooms: Offers a calm, restful backdrop
- Bathrooms: Stays crisp against white fixtures and tile
3. Work Areas
- Kitchen: Pairs well with both light and dark cabinets
- Home Office: Reduces glare while keeping the space bright
Exterior Applications
1. Main Surfaces
- Siding: Creates a clean, bright look
- Stucco: Shows texture while staying subtle
2. Accent Areas
- Trim: Makes architectural details pop
- Doors: Provides a fresh, clean entrance
Lighting Effects
1. Natural Light Impact
- North-Facing: Color stays true, leans cooler
- South-Facing: Brightens significantly
- East/West-Facing: Changes throughout the day
2. Artificial Light
- LED: Maintains color accuracy
- Incandescent: Adds slight warmth
- Fluorescent: Can emphasize cool tones
Comparing Cloud Cover with Other Whites
Understanding how Cloud Cover stands against other white paints helps you make the best choice for your space.
This gentle off-white has unique traits that set it apart from similar colors.
While all these whites might look alike at first glance, small undertones and differences in light reflection can create different effects in your home.
| Paint Color | LRV | Undertones | Best Used In | Not Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Cover | 81.8 | Gray-blue, slight violet | North-facing rooms, modern spaces, rooms with mixed lighting | Tuscan-style rooms, exterior trim |
| White Dove | 85.38 | Warm, creamy | Traditional spaces, south-facing rooms, trim work | Rooms with yellow-tinted lighting |
| Cloud White | 87.35 | Warm white | Large rooms, trim, south-facing spaces | Small spaces, modern, minimal designs |
| Swiss Coffee | 83.93 | Yellow, cream | Warm color schemes, north-facing rooms | Cool color schemes, modern spaces |
City Loft by Sherwin-Williams offers the closest match to Cloud Cover if you need an alternative brand.
However, paint matching between brands often leads to slight color shifts, so it’s best to stick with your chosen brand’s complete color system.
Pairing Cloud Cover with Other Colors
1. Best Trim and Ceiling Colors
Cloud Cover pairs well with clean whites on trim and ceilings, creating subtle depth in a room. Oxford White and Chantilly Lace make ideal companions, offering just enough contrast without looking stark.
The paint sheen plays a key role in these combinations. A flat finish on ceilings and satin on trim creates natural shadows and highlights that enhance architectural details.
Benjamin Moore White looks crisp against Cloud Cover walls. This pairing works especially well in formal spaces like dining rooms and entryways, where a touch of polish matters.
2. Accent and Coordinating Colors
Black and navy blues create striking contrasts with Cloud Cover without feeling harsh.
Hale Navy brings a classic touch, while Soot adds modern sophistication to any room design.
Softer grays complement Cloud Cover’s gentle nature.
These pairings work well in open floor plans where colors need to flow smoothly from one space to another.
Green shades bring natural energy when used with Cloud Cover. The combination feels fresh and balanced, perfect for spaces that connect to outdoor views.
3. Matching Cloud Cover with Materials
Natural wood tones bring warmth to Cloud Cover’s soft presence. Oak, maple, and walnut complement this paint color, creating modern and welcoming spaces.
Stone surfaces, particularly those with gray or white veining, look refined next to Cloud Cover.
This makes it an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms with marble or quartz.
Metal finishes each bring something unique to Cloud Cover walls.
Chrome adds sparkle, brushed nickel brings sophistication, and brass adds warmth to the overall look.
Furniture in both light and dark finishes works well against Cloud Cover. The paint’s neutral base lets you mix wood tones freely without creating visual conflict.
Practical Tips for Using Cloud Cover
1. Test Before You Paint
Testing Cloud Cover in your space matters more than you might think. Small paint samples on different walls show how the color changes throughout the day.
Peel-and-stick samples offer a mess-free way to test Cloud Cover. Place these samples on each wall and observe them for several days to see the true color shifts.
Good testing spots include areas near windows and in corners. The color looks different in bright and shadowy spots, so checking both helps prevent surprises.
2. Light Testing Considerations
Morning light brings out subtle warm hints in Cloud Cover. Watch how the early sun affects the color, especially in east-facing rooms.
Evening light can make the color appear cooler and softer. Test spots near artificial lights to see how the color looks after sunset.
3. Finishing Touches
Wall finish choices affect how Cloud Cover appears in your space. Eggshell offers a good balance of durability and subtle sheen for most rooms.
Flat finishes work best on ceilings with Cloud Cover. This finish helps hide small surface flaws while maintaining the color’s soft nature.
Trim-painted in Cloud Cover looks best in a satin finish. The slight shine creates just enough contrast with wall surfaces to highlight architectural details.
4. Application Tips
Two coats of Cloud Cover usually provide perfect coverage. Good surface preparation helps achieve the best results with this light color.
Primer matters when using Cloud Cover, especially on new walls. The right base coat ensures the final color looks true and even.
Natural bristle brushes work well for cutting in Cloud Cover. These tools help achieve smooth edges without leaving brush marks.
Buying and Eco-Friendly Considerations
1. Where to Purchase Cloud Cover
Benjamin Moore stores provide the most reliable source for Cloud Cover paint.
Each store offers expert advice about finishes and coverage for your specific project.
Due to its steady popularity, local paint dealers often stock Cloud Cover.
These shops can provide valuable insights into how the color works in your area’s light conditions.
Paint samples help ensure you get exactly the look you want. Most dealers offer both small test pots and larger samples for thorough testing.
2. Quantity Planning
A gallon of Cloud Cover typically covers 350-400 square feet of wall space.
Measure your space carefully to avoid running short during your project.
Extra paint helps with future touch-ups and ensures color matching. Purchase more than you think you need to maintain consistency throughout your space.
3. Eco-Friendly Benefits
Benjamin Moore’s paints meet strict environmental standards. Their water-based formulas keep harmful chemicals out of your home’s air.
Cloud Cover’s low VOC content makes bedrooms and living spaces safe.
The paint releases minimal fumes during and after application.
4. Health Considerations
The paint application goes smoothly with proper ventilation.
Open windows and use fans to maintain good airflow while working.
Drying time varies based on humidity and temperature. Allow adequate time between coats for the best results and safest application.
5. Long-Term Value
Cloud Cover maintains its appearance over time with proper care. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water keeps the finish looking fresh.
Touch-ups blend well when using the same paint batch. Keep your paint information handy for future maintenance needs.
The paint’s durability makes it a cost-effective choice.
The proper application ensures years of enjoyment from your painted surfaces.
Conclusion
Cloud Cover is a trustworthy choice in Benjamin Moore’s collection of off-white paints.
Its ability to shift gracefully with changing light while maintaining its true character makes it special.
This paint color works hard in any space, from bright, open living rooms to smaller, shadowy areas. Its gentle nature creates the perfect backdrop for bold statements and subtle design choices.
The paint’s clean look helps turn ordinary walls into refined surfaces that complement any style.
Before you start your next painting project, consider Cloud Cover for your space.
Test it on your walls, watch how it changes throughout the day, and see how it works with your lighting and decor. With proper planning and application, Cloud Cover can help create the fresh, welcoming space you want.