Having trouble picking the right neutral paint color for your home? Want something warm and soft but not too yellow or beige? Benjamin Moore’s Natural Cream (OC-14) could be just what you need.
This shade is calm, easy to live with, and works in almost any room. It gives off a cozy feel without making the space look dark or heavy. It’s not too cool or too warm—just a nice balance in between.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know. I’ll go over the undertones, the best places to use it, and the colors it works well with.
I’ve been an interior designer for over 10 years. And I’ve used Natural Cream in many homes. It always brings out the best in the space.
If you’re painting your living room, kitchen, or bedroom, this guide will help you decide if Natural Cream is the right fit for your home.
Why Natural Cream (OC-14) Is the Perfect Choice for Your Space?
Natural Cream (OC-14) by Benjamin Moore is a soft, warm off-white that brings a cozy feel to any space. It sits right between white and beige. Light enough to keep rooms open, but with enough depth to feel interesting.
It works in both modern and traditional homes. As light changes during the day, so does the color, adding a soft, natural shift that keeps things fresh. The color has an LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 64.78.
Unlike bright whites that feel cold or dark beiges that feel heavy, Natural Cream stays warm and light. I’ve used it in sunny rooms to soften brightness and in darker rooms to add warmth. It always works well.
It’s also a great backdrop for furniture and art. It lets your decor stand out without stealing the spotlight.
The Rich Undertones of Natural Cream (OC-14)
Natural Cream has soft yellow and gray undertones that give it warmth and balance. The yellow adds a gentle glow without feeling too creamy. The gray tones help keep it from looking too warm or dated.
In morning light, the yellow may show more. In the evening, the gray might come forward. This shift makes the color feel natural and alive.
Some worry that yellow-based colors can feel old, but Natural Cream avoids that. Its undertones are soft and balanced, making it feel fresh and timeless.
Always test it in your space. Light changes how this color looks throughout the day.
The Psychology of Natural Cream (OC-14)
Natural Cream creates a calm, welcoming feeling in any space. It’s a warm neutral that helps lower stress and makes rooms feel peaceful. That’s why it works well in both living areas and workspaces.
Its soft warmth makes people feel at ease without feeling heavy or dark. It’s a great choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and family spaces.
This shade also helps smaller rooms feel more open. Its light tone adds space without being too bright. Because it has gentle depth, it adds interest without distraction. That’s helpful in home offices or study areas.
In shared spaces, it supports conversation and connection. It feels warm and social without being too bold.
Where Is Natural Cream (OC-14) Best Used in an Interior?
Natural Cream (OC-14) is a warm, soft neutral that fits beautifully in many parts of the home. Its balanced tone and subtle depth make it a great choice for both shared spaces and quiet corners. These are some of the best places to use it indoors:
- Living Rooms
- Bedrooms
- Kitchens
- Hallways and Transitional Spaces
- Dining Rooms
- Bathrooms
What Kind of Floors Would Look Best with Natural Cream (OC-14)?
Natural Cream pairs well with many types of flooring, thanks to its soft warmth and neutral base. Whether you’re aiming for contrast, balance, or a clean, modern feel, here are some great flooring options to consider:
- Dark Hardwood Floors
- Medium-Toned Oak and Maple
- Light Wood Floors
- Gray-Toned Wood Floors
- Stone Flooring (Travertine or Limestone)
- Marble Flooring with Warm Veining
- Neutral Beige or Soft Gray Carpet
Top Color Combinations with Natural Cream (OC-14)
Finding the perfect color companions for Natural Cream can change your design from good to exceptional. These are ten colors that pair beautifully with this shade, creating balanced and harmonious spaces.
1. Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
Chantilly Lace is a bright, clean white that pairs really well with Natural Cream. Use Natural Cream on the walls and Chantilly Lace on the trim. This mix keeps the space feeling open and soft. It adds just the right amount of contrast without being too bold.
The look is light, fresh, and perfect for almost any room. It works great in living rooms, kitchens, or bedrooms. This pairing gives the home a smooth and clean finish that’s easy to enjoy.
2. Chelsea Gray (HC-168)
Chelsea Gray is a medium-dark gray that adds strong contrast to Natural Cream. Use it on things like kitchen islands, furniture, or even accent walls. It gives the room a grounded, stylish look.
The color is bold, but not too harsh. It brings balance to the soft warmth of Natural Cream. Together, they make the room feel well-designed and clean. This combo works well in modern, traditional, or mixed-style homes.
3. Hale Navy (HC-154)
Hale Navy is a deep navy blue that stands out next to Natural Cream. The mix feels classic and clean. Use Hale Navy for accent walls, built-ins, or even cabinets.
Natural Cream on the walls helps keep the space light and cozy. This pairing works great in living rooms, offices, or kitchens. The look is rich and bold without being too much. It adds style without going over the top.
4. Revere Pewter (HC-172)
Revere Pewter is a soft gray that’s a bit darker than Natural Cream. They both share warm tones, so they blend well together. Use Revere Pewter in nearby rooms for a smooth flow.
You can also use it on built-ins or larger furniture. It won’t feel like a big contrast, but it will add depth. This is a great choice for open homes where rooms need to connect softly.
5. Simply White (OC-117)
Simply White is a bright white with a soft touch. It pairs well with Natural Cream to keep rooms feeling fresh. Use Simply White on trim, ceilings, or doors. Then, use Natural Cream on the walls.
The combo gives a soft, clean look that feels bright but not too sharp. It’s great for bedrooms, kitchens, or any room where you want light and comfort together. It adds brightness while keeping the warmth.
6. Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)
Edgecomb Gray is a gentle beige that looks great next to Natural Cream. It’s a bit cooler but still soft. Use it in nearby rooms or on large pieces of furniture.
The two colors flow well together and won’t feel too different. This makes them great for open floor plans. You get a little change in tone without breaking the look. They both feel calm, warm, and easy to live with.
7. Black Iron (2120-20)
Black Iron is a deep black that makes a strong contrast with Natural Cream. Use it for doors, window frames, or bold furniture. It gives a modern and sharp look that still feels balanced.
Natural Cream keeps the room soft and light, while Black Iron adds a bold touch. This mix works well in entryways, kitchens, or offices. It helps add style without using bright colors.
8. Soft Fern (2144-40)
Soft Fern is a quiet green with a peaceful feel. When paired with Natural Cream, it brings the room a soft and earthy look. Use Soft Fern on walls, bedding, or accent pieces. It works great in bedrooms, living rooms, or calm spaces.
The colors feel restful and simple. This pairing is perfect if you want a natural, easy-going style that’s still pulled together.
9. Boothbay Gray (HC-165)
Boothbay Gray is a soft blue-gray. It adds a light contrast to Natural Cream without feeling too bold. The two colors look great in coastal, modern, or classic homes.
Use Boothbay Gray for furniture, cabinets, or in nearby rooms. It gives the home a gentle flow from space to space. This mix feels fresh and clean but also cozy and calm.
10. Pale Oak (OC-20)
Pale Oak is a light beige-pink color that’s close to Natural Cream. The two together create a soft and layered look. They work well in rooms like bedrooms or bathrooms where you want warmth without too much contrast.
Use Pale Oak in nearby rooms or on large furniture. The tones are close, so they won’t clash. It’s a great mix if you want a gentle shift in color throughout your home.
How to Incorporate Natural Cream (OC-14) Into Your Home Decor?
Natural Cream is a soft, warm neutral that works well throughout the home. It changes slightly in different lighting, giving each room a unique feel while keeping everything connected.
Use it on walls and bring in color with accessories. This makes it easy to update your space without repainting. Natural Cream also pairs nicely with textures like woven baskets, cozy throws, and grasscloth wallpaper.
It looks great with gold, silver, or mixed metals, making it easy to match hardware and decor. Wood furniture—from light oak to dark walnut—stands out beautifully against its warmth.
You can also layer creams and beiges for a clean, stylish look. Houseplants pop against Natural Cream, and the artwork really shines without being overshadowed. It’s a flexible color that keeps your space calm and stylish.
Natural Cream (OC-14) vs. Other Warm Neutrals: A Comparison
Choosing the right warm neutral can be tricky since many look similar at first. But small differences in undertone, depth, and how a color reacts to light can change the entire feel of a room.
| Color Comparison | Key Difference | Natural Cream Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Cream vs. Swiss Coffee (OC-45) | Swiss Coffee has stronger yellow undertones | Feels more balanced and less golden |
| Natural Cream vs. White Dove (OC-17) | White Dove is a cleaner white with less warmth | Adds more depth and presence on walls |
| Natural Cream vs. Linen White (912) | Linen White leans more yellow, especially in low light | Stays soft and steady in all lighting |
| Natural Cream vs. Navajo White (OC-95) | Navajo White is deeper and more gold-toned | More subtle and neutral |
| Natural Cream vs. Balboa Mist (OC-27) | Balboa Mist has gray-purple undertones | Feels warmer and more welcoming |
| Natural Cream vs. Classic Gray (OC-23) | Classic Gray is cooler with blue-gray tones | Offers more warmth without going beige |
| Natural Cream vs. Pale Oak (OC-20) | Pale Oak can be read as slightly pink or mauve | Stays firmly warm with no pink shift |
| Natural Cream vs. Manchester Tan (HC-81) | Manchester Tan is darker and more beige | Lighter and airier in comparison |
While all these neutrals are great in the right setting, Natural Cream hits that sweet spot. It’s warm without being yellow, soft without feeling flat, and flexible enough to work with many design styles. If you’re looking for a gentle, timeless paint color, Natural Cream is a solid choice.
Conclusion
Natural Cream (OC-14) is one of the most flexible and well-loved neutral colors from Benjamin Moore.
It has soft, warm undertones that help a room feel cozy and welcoming. The best part is that it works well in both bright and low light. That means it looks great in almost any room.
You can use it in one space or paint your whole house with it. It gives you a calm, clean background that fits many styles. Whether your decor is modern, classic, or somewhere in between, Natural Cream blends right in.
But don’t forget—paint can look different in every room. It’s always smart to test it first. Try a sample and see how it looks in your space during the day and at night.
Natural Cream is one of my go-to colors for a good reason. It’s timeless, flexible, and never feels too trendy. Once you try it, it might become your favorite too.