Pale Oak OC-20 By Benjamin Moore

The decision to repaint our home interior walls is always followed by quite a complicated task of choosing what color exactly is supposed to be applied onto those surfaces. If you are an experienced painting veteran, this will not be an issue for you. However, since most of us are newbies, deciding on the wall paint color turns into a real quiz!

Luckily, as a home painting freshman, you can always opt for a neutral paint color and win. For instance, Benjamin Moore brand has a gorgeous Pale Oak paint that can become your painting staple since it is very versatile and can be used in almost any room.

This is why we decided to tell you more about this color today. You will learn what kind of paint color it is, what other colors it can be combined with, and what rooms it is best to apply it onto the walls in your home.

What Is Pale Oak Paint By Benjamin Moore?

Everyone (or at least most of us) knows that, when you are about to pick up a paint color to apply it onto your interior walls, it is essential to figure out what type of color it is. Like this, you will know for sure what other colors will go well with it, and what colors are better to avoid.

So if we take a closer look at Benjamin Moore Pale Oak, at the Encycolorpedia we will see that this paint color can be considered a light neutral. It does tend to look a bit warmer than typical greige colors, and if you, for instance, take a look at it in a bright natural light, it will even look like a warm off-white! However, when applied in the rooms that have less natural lighting, this color might even read as a soft light greige.

Because of this nuance, it may be somewhat tricky to make use of it for interior painting projects since you will have to take the lighting in each particular room into consideration. This is why we suggest you read on and learn more about this color structure, undertones, and coordinating colors to better understand what you might be dealing with.

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What Are Pale Oak Undertones?

When you know exactly what undertones your paint has, it means a lot since this information will help you to define how your walls will look under different lighting conditions or when being paired with colored pieces of furniture or decor elements around the area.

If we take a look at Pale Oak paint color by Benjamin Moore, we will see that it belongs to a neutral family of colors which makes it quite a tricky and multipurpose paint. In terms of its undertones, this color becomes even more complex!

See, BM Pale Oak looks warm and soft neutral at the first sight. However, this color can sometimes exhibit slight yet still visible pink-purple undertones! So if you try to stay away from that purpleness, you should probably be more careful with this color. Nevertheless, try not to branch it at once since Pale Oak is still worth checking (only remember having a backup just in case).

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Is Pale Oak a Warm Or a Cool Color?

This question may become your number one point of concern, especially if you have strong preferences regarding the warmth or coolness of your living space! You have definitely noticed many times that in a room painted with cool colors, you feel kind of “colder” than, for instance, in a space painted beige or similar warm colors.

So if this is really important for you, and you are hesitating whether to paint your interior walls with Pale Oak or not, our answer is yes if you are looking for a warm paint color. This is because Pale Oak belongs to warm neutrals or even neutral greiges as it is sometimes referred to.

When you use this color in a room that has a lot of natural light, you will see that Pale Oak transforms into a more warm off-white. But in a room with little natural lighting, it will show way more of its warm light greige notes.

Benjamin Moore Pale Oak

Coordinating Colors For Pale Oak By Benjamin Moore

Since painting all the rooms in your house the same color is way too boring, we choose to make use of several paint colors, preferably choosing coordinating colors so that they could match each other well.

However, if you are using neutral or greige, it may turn out to be quite complicated to pick up proper coordinating shades to create a harmonious ensemble! The colors of this group look mostly quite similar which makes us stumble not knowing what shades to choose.

This is why, if you decided to apply Pale Oak in your home, grab the list of its optimal coordinating colors that will surely look great together:

• White Dove
• Cloud White
• Ivory White
• Healing Aloe
• Smoky Green
• Newburg Green
• Chelsea Gray

Each of these colors will pair with all the rest of the list ideally creating well-balanced color combinations that any interior will win from. And since you can find both dark and light colors on the list, it enables you to play with them and create your own combinations of two or more paints.

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Trim Colors For BM Pale Oak Paint

Trim color is as important as coordinating colors when you decide to repaint your interior walls. Depending on how harmoniously the trim color you choose match the main color on the walls, the entire impression of the room may differ.

They say that neutral colors and those that are similar to them (e.g. greiges, light beige and light gray shades, etc.) are easier to pick trim colors for. However, homeowners often find it rather difficult to find the color or colors that would work well with the paint they apply to their walls.

So if you have your interior walls painted with Benjamin Moore Pale Oak paint color and now you are looking for a suitable trim color, we can recommend you a couple of really nice ones:

1. Chantilly Lace
2. Pure White

Chantilly Lace would be suitable if you are looking for a white trim color that will create a contrasting combination with the Pale Oak. Whilst Pure White leans more to the  undertones of Pale Oak, reading lighter and resulting in a less prominent (and less contrasting) yet balanced color combination.

How Does Lighting Affect Pale Oak?

The way your room is lit during the day and in the evenings means a lot when you are choosing what paint color to apply on the walls there. See, since Pale Oak paint color belongs to the family of neutral greiges, it means that this color is rather tricky when being differently lit.

And since it has pink and purple undertones that most of us do not welcome (even though they are not that prominent), wrong lighting may destroy the atmosphere in your room completely!

This is why, to help you avoid even the smallest flaw, we recommend you take into account a few handy reminds regarding the Benjamin Moore Pale Oak paint color:

1. This color tends to transform in different lighting. In a room with a lot of bright natural light, it will look more like a warm off-white.
2. In a room with little natural lighting or in artificial light, it will show way more of its warm light greige nature.

Take that into consideration when thinking of which room you should paint with this color. Depending on what atmosphere you want to have there, you might want to look for another neutral or greige that will be less sensitive to light.

What is LRV? Read It Before You Choose Your Ideal Paint Color

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Where In Your House Is It Best to Apply of Pale Oak?

Benjamin Moore Pale Oak is a neutral paint color with prominent greige notes in it which means that it is the same versatile as other greiges and neutrals. As a result, this paint can be used in almost any room in your house. Why almost? Well, because unlike most of its neutral “relatives” on a Benjamin Moore color palette, this guy is quite sensitive to lighting which puts certain limitations on the area of its use.

Nevertheless, this paint color can be used in quite many areas in your home, from living room or bedroom to kitchen and even a hallway! This paint is even getting more and more popular as a neutral and warm exterior color!

Pale Oak In the Living Room

When applied in the living room, Benjamin Moore Pale Oak creates a very soft and nice warm look, especially if the room has plenty of bright natural light in it. In this case, the paint reveals its warm off-white notes that add extra coziness to the space making it look even lighter and more spacious and airy.

However, if your living room lacks natural light and you have to use mostly bulbs and lamps to keep it lit, be prepared that this paint will look more like greige yet still soft and warm.

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Is Pale Oak a Good Pick For Your Kitchen?

Basically, yes, this paint color can be used in the kitchen as well. But again, consider the lighting.

If your kitchen has small windows or it lacks natural light all the time, this paint will look pretty greige. Some homeowners who painted their kitchens greige, with Pale Oak even reported that the walls seemed almost like beige!

However, if your kitchen is filled with sunlight most of the day, you will see how refreshing Pale Oak will look on its walls revealing its warm off-white notes!

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How Will Pale Oak Work On Kitchen Cabinets?

If you just touch your kitchen cabinets with this paint color, you will get nice neutral greige color accents around the room.

This can be a good choice if your kitchen walls are white or, for instance, if they are painted another neutral or greige that combines with Pale Oak well.

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Color Pairings with Pale Oak

Pale Oak OC-20 by Benjamin Moore is a soft, warm greige that brings an understated elegance to any room. With its subtle warmth and gentle gray undertones, it complements a range of colors beautifully, offering a neutral base that feels cozy without overpowering the space.

Whether paired with crisp whites for a fresh, modern look or deeper shades for a touch of contrast, Pale Oak creates a balanced and inviting atmosphere, making it a versatile choice for both traditional and contemporary interiors.

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Pale Oak OC-20 and White Dove OC-17

Pale Oak and White Dove create a soft, inviting look that’s perfect for a balanced, neutral space. Pale Oak’s warm greige undertones add a cozy, sophisticated feel, making it an excellent choice for walls that need a hint of color without feeling too bold. White Dove, a warm white, pairs beautifully with Pale Oak as a trim or ceiling color, adding brightness without starkness.

Together, Pale Oak and White Dove bring a fresh yet warm atmosphere to any room.

This duo works well in both modern and traditional spaces, offering a timeless look that feels open and airy, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.

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Pale Oak OC-20 and Evergreen Fog SW 9130

Pale Oak and Evergreen Fog make a beautiful pair for a natural, serene setting. Pale Oak’s gentle, warm greige tones offer a neutral base that complements Evergreen Fog’s muted green, creating a soothing color scheme inspired by nature.

Evergreen Fog adds a grounded, earthy feel that pairs perfectly with Pale Oak’s warmth. This combination works well in spaces like bedrooms, living rooms, or studies where you want a calm, balanced vibe that feels cozy yet sophisticated.

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Pale Oak OC-20 and Light Blue 2066-70

For a soft and refreshing look, Pale Oak and Light Blue create a lovely duo. Pale Oak’s warm greige tones provide a subtle backdrop that enhances Light Blue’s calming, airy quality, making this pairing ideal for rooms that benefit from a light, relaxed feel.

Light Blue brings a touch of tranquility that complements Pale Oak’s neutral warmth, resulting in a space that feels open and serene. This combination is perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, or any room where a fresh and peaceful ambiance is desired.

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Pale Oak OC-20 and Navy SW 6244

Pairing Pale Oak with Navy brings a classic and sophisticated look with a touch of contrast. Pale Oak’s warm greige adds a soft backdrop that makes Navy’s deep, rich tone stand out, creating an elegant balance.

Navy brings depth and drama to the combination, grounding Pale Oak’s lightness for a timeless style. This pairing works beautifully in living rooms, dining rooms, or home offices, adding a polished and refined touch to the space.

Pale Oak OC-20 and October Mist 1495

Pale Oak and October Mist offer a soft, nature-inspired color palette that feels calm and harmonious. Pale Oak’s warm greige tones provide a gentle, neutral base, complementing October Mist’s muted green-gray for an earthy look.

October Mist adds a hint of natural color that brings freshness to the warmth of Pale Oak.

This combination is perfect for creating a tranquil atmosphere in spaces like bedrooms or living areas, where you want a peaceful, cohesive feel.

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Pale Oak OC-20 and Pure White SW 7005

Pale Oak and Pure White bring a clean, warm aesthetic that feels both cozy and fresh. Pale Oak’s soft greige tones add warmth and depth, while Pure White’s slight warmth complements it, enhancing the overall brightness of the space.

Pure White works well as a trim or ceiling color, framing Pale Oak and creating a seamless look that’s open and inviting. This pairing is ideal for rooms like kitchens, living rooms, or entryways where a light, welcoming vibe is desired.

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Quiet Moments 1563 and Pale Oak OC-20

Quiet Moments and Pale Oak are a gentle pairing that offers a soothing, calming effect. Quiet Moments brings a soft blue-green hue that pairs harmoniously with Pale Oak’s warm greige, adding a touch of color without overpowering the neutral base.

This combination creates a peaceful, balanced look, perfect for areas where relaxation is key, like bedrooms or living rooms. Together, Quiet Moments and Pale Oak bring a soft, timeless charm to any space.

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Pale Oak OC-20 and Tricorn Black SW 6258

Pale Oak and Tricorn Black create a striking, high-contrast pairing for a bold, modern look. Pale Oak’s warm greige provides a neutral, inviting base, allowing Tricorn Black to stand out as a powerful accent.

Tricorn Black adds depth and drama, giving the space a contemporary edge while balancing Pale Oak’s softness. This combination works especially well in spaces where you want a statement look, like accent walls or furniture, creating an eye-catching effect.

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Pale Oak OC-20 and Urban Bronze SW 7048

Pale Oak and Urban Bronze bring a sophisticated, earthy feel to a space. Pale Oak’s soft greige adds warmth and balance to Urban Bronze’s deep, rich brown, creating a grounded, modern look.

Urban Bronze adds depth and a hint of nature-inspired strength, making it a great choice for accents or statement walls.

Together, Pale Oak and Urban Bronze work well in living rooms, offices, or bedrooms, adding a cozy, elegant touch to the room.

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How Well Will Pale Oak Work With Other Colors By Benjamin Moore?

If you already have rooms in your house painted with other neutrals and/or greiges, picking up the new color that pairs with them well will always be a challenge. However, it is not an impossible task, and to help you and turn your whole house into a balanced color ensemble, we prepared descriptions for a few paint color pairs that have Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore and that will work great with each other.

Pale Oak OC-20 vs Revere Pewter HC-172

Pale Oak and Revere Pewter are both warm neutrals, but each offers a unique feel. Pale Oak has a soft, greige tone that feels light and airy, while Revere Pewter leans slightly warmer and more grounded, with deeper beige undertones.

Revere Pewter is ideal for a cozy, classic look, whereas Pale Oak provides a brighter, more modern feel.

Both colors are versatile and complement various styles, but the choice depends on whether you want a lighter, airy vibe or a richer, warmer undertone.

Pale Oak OC-20 vs Accessible Beige SW 7036

Pale Oak and Accessible Beige offer two warm, neutral options that work in different ways. Pale Oak has a light, airy feel with gentle greige undertones, while Accessible Beige is slightly warmer with a deeper beige tone, giving it a cozier vibe.

Accessible Beige provides a richer, inviting warmth, whereas Pale Oak feels more modern and soft. Both are versatile, but the choice comes down to whether you want a fresh, light look or a more grounded, warm beige tone in your space.

Pale Oak OC-20 vs Baby Fawn OC-15

Pale Oak and Baby Fawn are similar, soft neutrals that bring warmth to any room. Pale Oak has a gentle greige tone, while Baby Fawn is a touch warmer with a hint more beige, making it feel slightly cozier.

Both colors work well in spaces needing a light, warm backdrop, but Pale Oak leans more modern with its greige undertone, while Baby Fawn adds a bit more classic warmth.

The choice between them depends on the level of warmth and coziness you prefer.

Pale Oak OC-20 vs City Loft SW 7631

Pale Oak and City Loft both bring a light, warm touch to a space, but each has its own unique tone. Pale Oak offers a warm greige look, while City Loft has a slightly cooler, gray-beige undertone, giving it a more subtle, muted appearance.

City Loft feels modern and understated, while Pale Oak offers a warmer, inviting vibe.

Both are excellent for neutral backdrops, but Pale Oak adds a bit more warmth, making it a great choice for cozy, welcoming spaces.

Pale Oak OC-20 vs Dove Wing OC-18

Pale Oak and Dove Wing are two versatile neutrals by Benjamin Moore, with each bringing a unique feel to a room. Pale Oak is a warm greige, providing a cozy, soft look, while Dove Wing is a clean, warm white that leans slightly cooler.

Dove Wing feels crisp and fresh, making it a great choice for trim or ceilings when paired with Pale Oak’s subtle warmth on walls. This pairing creates a balanced, open feel that’s suitable for both traditional and modern spaces.

Pale Oak OC-20 vs Egret White SW 7570

Pale Oak and Egret White are warm, neutral options that each bring a soft sophistication. Pale Oak leans more toward greige, adding a cozy, inviting feel, while Egret White has a hint of pink undertone, making it feel a bit warmer and softer.

Egret White works well in spaces needing a hint of warmth, while Pale Oak offers a more muted, versatile look. These colors are both subtle yet distinctive, providing different vibes based on their unique undertones.

Pale Oak OC-20 vs Fog Mist OC-31

Pale Oak and Fog Mist offer soft, warm tones that bring a relaxed atmosphere to a room.

Pale Oak has gentle greige undertones, creating a warm, inviting space, while Fog Mist is a touch cooler, with subtle gray that feels fresh and airy.

Fog Mist adds a light, breezy feel, whereas Pale Oak brings a cozier warmth. Together, they create a harmonious look, offering a choice between slightly cooler or warmer neutrals based on the desired effect.

Pale Oak OC-20 vs Greek Villa SW 7551

Pale Oak and Greek Villa bring warmth and lightness, with each offering a distinct feel. Pale Oak has warm greige undertones that add a soft, subtle depth, while Greek Villa is a warmer white that feels clean and inviting.

Greek Villa works well as a trim or ceiling color with Pale Oak, creating a bright, seamless look. The combination is perfect for rooms where you want a balanced, airy feel with a touch of warmth.

Pale Oak OC-20 vs Gray Owl OC-52

Pale Oak and Gray Owl bring contrasting tones that work well for different styles. Pale Oak is a warm greige that feels inviting, while Gray Owl has a cool gray undertone that gives it a modern, fresh appearance.

Gray Owl provides a contemporary, cool vibe, while Pale Oak adds warmth and coziness. Choosing between them depends on whether you prefer a cooler, more modern look or a warmer, inviting aesthetic.

Heron Plume SW 6070 vs Pale Oak OC-20

Heron Plume and Pale Oak are two versatile neutrals, each bringing a unique warmth to a space. Heron Plume is a light gray-beige with soft warmth, offering a subtle, neutral backdrop, while Pale Oak leans more greige, adding a bit more depth.

Both colors are great for creating a welcoming, understated look, but Pale Oak feels slightly cozier. Together, they create a balanced and timeless look, perfect for various styles and settings.

Stone Hearth OC-31 by Benjamin Moore vs Pale Oak OC-20

Stone Hearth and Pale Oak are both warm neutrals that bring different degrees of warmth. Stone Hearth is a deeper greige with more beige, adding richness and depth, while Pale Oak is lighter, with a soft, subtle greige tone that feels airy.

Pale Oak works well in spaces needing a light touch, while Stone Hearth provides a bit more grounding. Together, they offer a choice between a light, airy feel and a richer, more grounded look.

Crushed Ice SW 7647 by Sherwin Williams vs Pale Oak OC-20

Crushed Ice and Pale Oak offer two warm neutrals with distinct undertones. Crushed Ice has a light, cool greige tone that feels modern and fresh, while Pale Oak leans slightly warmer, creating a softer, cozier ambiance.

Crushed Ice provides a slightly cooler contrast, while Pale Oak brings gentle warmth. This comparison is ideal for choosing between a modern, crisp look and a warmer, inviting feel in your space.

Incredible White SW 7028 vs Pale Oak OC-20

Incredible White and Pale Oak are warm neutrals with different strengths. Incredible White has a soft gray undertone that makes it feel cooler and more neutral, while Pale Oak’s greige warmth adds a cozy touch, making it ideal for spaces needing a soft, welcoming look.

Together, they offer a versatile choice between a neutral, slightly cool backdrop in Incredible White and a warmer, more inviting tone in Pale Oak, perfect for a range of home styles.

Pale Oak vs. Edgecomb Gray

If you put these two colors side by side, you will notice that Edgecombe Gray looks way more beige in comparison to Pale Oak that is almost gray beside its color companion. (get a sample of Edgecomb gray)

However, they do create a nice pair of a cooler and a warmer color, so if this is what you are looking for, consider using this pair of colors.

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Pale Oak vs. Agreeable Gray

At the first sight, they may seem to be almost the same, but if you take a closer look, you will notice that Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams looks somewhat darker revealing purplish undertones. Pale Oak, on the contrary, looks much lighter and closer to grayish beige. (get a sample of Agreeable Gray)

Nevertheless, since Pale Oak contains a bit of purple and pink undertones, these two colors look nice if used together, so feel free to combine them in the same room. They will create a well-balanced and harmonious tandem!

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Pale Oak vs. Balboa Mist

These two really look almost the same if we put them side by side!

You will have to take a really close look to be able to see that Balboa Mist is a little bit darker and cooler. And since these colors do not create a noticeable contrast, using them together is probably not the best idea. (get a sample of Balboa Mist)

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Pale Oak vs Classic Gray

Classic Gray   is lighter with a somewhat more prominent greige tone in it if compared to Pale Oak.

If we put them side by side, they will, however, create a very well-balanced combo of warmer and cooler colors. (get a sample of Classic Gray)

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Pale Oak vs Revere Pewter

This is an absolutely great color combination!

Pale Oak leans more to cooler gray when being put next to the way darker and beige-like Revere Pewter.

In this pair, Pale Oak can be used as a trim color, and Revere   will work greatly if used as an accent paint color. (get a sample of Revere Pewter)

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Pale Oak vs Accessible Beige

We do not recommend you combine these two since they are almost the same, nearly like twins! You need to really have an eye for colors to be able to notice that Pale Oak is somewhat more gray and Accessible is closer to beige.

This is why, if you thought of using them in the same room, consider picking another color to pair with Pale Oak since Accessible will not stand out at all. (get a sample of Accessible Beige )

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Pale Oak vs Repose Gray

Pale Oak has more noticeable beige undertones in comparison to a cooler Repose Gray that shows more of gray.

This is why they will not create an astonishing contrast, however, if you want to have a homogeneous space that only has a slight difference in shades, thinks of these two colors as an option. (get a sample of Repose Gray)

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So, now you have learned almost everything about the Benjamin Moore Pale Oak paint color, its areas of use, color structure, and its strong and weak points. We shared a few tips with you on what colors it can be paired with better than with others, and moreover, you are now aware of all the possible places this paint can be used in your home to reveal itself to its best!

With all that in mind, you will easily pick up matching paint colors to turn your house into a stylish, modern, and very cozy space that you and your family or guests will always enjoy staying in.

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