Picking the right paint color for your home is a big deal. It can make rooms feel bigger or smaller, happier or calmer. Benjamin Moore Moonshine 2140-60 (also known as OC-56) is a color worth talking about.
This soft gray has been appearing in many stylish homes lately. It’s not too dark or light—just right for many spaces. As its name suggests, Moonshine has a gentle glow that changes with the light throughout the day.
In this blog, we’ll examine what makes Moonshine special and share tips on where to use it, what colors go well with it, and how real homes look with it. Whether you’re painting one wall or your whole house, Moonshine might be the perfect choice.
Let’s explore this versatile gray together!
Understanding Paint Color Basics
Color Terminology
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| LRV | 66.53 (Moderate reflectance, good for brightening spaces without being too stark) |
| RGB Values | 214, 216, 207 (A soft, neutral mix of green, blue, and red creating a balanced, muted tone) |
| HEX Code | #D6D8CF (A versatile, warm-toned neutral color) |
How Lighting Affects Paint Colors?
- North-facing rooms make Moonshine’s blue-green undertones more noticeable
- South-facing rooms with warm light cause Moonshine to appear as a more neutral gray
- Morning vs. evening light changes how the color reads in the same space
- Artificial lighting impacts the color – LEDs, fluorescents, and incandescents all show different aspects
- Always test paint samples on multiple walls and check throughout the day
The Psychology of Different Color Families
- Grays like Moonshine create balance and calm in living spaces
- Light to mid-tone grays feel refined without being too heavy or dark
- Neutral colors reduce visual stimulation, promoting relaxation
- Complex grays with subtle undertones add interest without overwhelming
- Moonshine creates versatile backdrops that support both focus and rest
How to Evaluate Paint Colors?
1. Testing Methods
- Sample boards: Paint large poster boards or foam core with 2-3 coats for portable testing
- Paint patches: Apply 2’x2′ test squares directly on walls in different parts of the room
- Peel-and-stick samples: Use pre-made samples for a no-mess, temporary option
- Digital visualization: Try Benjamin Moore’s app to see Moonshine virtually in your space
2. Viewing Colors at Different Times of the Day
- Morning light: Check how Moonshine appears in bright, often cooler morning sunlight
- Afternoon: Observe during the warmest, brightest part of the day
- Evening: Evaluate how the color transitions as natural light fades
- Nighttime: Assess the appearance of your home’s artificial lighting
- Cloudy days: Test specifically to see how the color behaves without direct sunlight
3. Considering Existing Elements
- Flooring: Place samples next to wood tones, tile, or carpet to check compatibility
- Fixed elements: Compare with countertops, built-ins, and constructive features
- Furniture: Position samples near major pieces to ensure harmonious relationships
- Textiles: Hold up against existing curtains, rugs, and upholstery fabrics
- Adjacent rooms: Consider how Moonshine will flow with colors in connecting spaces
Room-by-Room Color Recommendations
1. Living Spaces and Open Floor Plans
Moonshine creates an airy, cohesive backdrop that makes open floor plans feel connected yet spacious.
Its neutral nature makes furniture and decor stand out while maintaining a calm, cultivated atmosphere perfect for entertaining and daily living.
2. Bedrooms and Relaxation Areas
In bedrooms, Moonshine promotes calmness with its soft gray tones that recede into the background, supporting healthy sleep patterns.
Pair with soft textiles and gentle lighting to enhance its soothing qualities in spaces dedicated to rest and relaxation.
3. Kitchen
Benjamin Moore Moonshine transforms high-traffic zones with its smart, adaptable gray tone that gracefuly masks everyday wear while maintaining a fresh, refined look.
This versatile color works magic in kitchens and busy spaces, creating a clean and modern backdrop that meets the demands of daily life.
Color Pairings and Combinations
Moonshine’s versatile gray tone pairs beautifully with many colors and works in diverse design schemes. These recommendations will help you create harmonious combinations throughout your home.
1. Complementary Trim Colors
- Winter White 2140-70 provides a crisp, clean contrast against Moonshine’s soft gray
- Simply White OC-117 offers a warmer white option that softens the pairing
- Decorator’s White OC-149 creates a brighter, more modern look with Moonshine
- Cloud Cover OC-25 adds a subtle, refined neutral tone that complements Moonshine
- Distant Gray OC-68 creates a harmonious monochromatic look with soft, understated definition
- Caldwell Green HC-124 can provide an unexpected, rich accent when used sparingly with Moonshine for a bold design statement
2. Creating Cohesive Color Schemes Throughout Your Home
- Pair with Balboa Mist OC-27 in connected spaces for a subtle transition
- Use Hale Navy HC-154 in dining rooms or studies for dramatic contrast
- Complement with Sea Salt CSP-95 for a soft, coastal-inspired palette
- Balance with Revere Pewter HC-172 in transition spaces for seamless flow
3. Accent Wall Strategies
- Use Hale Navy HC-154 as a bold accent wall with Moonshine on the remaining walls
- Try Kendall Charcoal HC-166 for a refined dark accent against Moonshine
- For subtle dimension, use Coventry Gray HC-169 as a slightly darker accent
- Pair with Woodlawn Blue HC-147 for a refreshing accent that highlights Moonshine’s undertones
4. Coordinating with Furniture and Decor
- Natural wood tones (especially medium and light woods) pair beautifully with Moonshine
- Navy, charcoal, and black furniture creates striking contrast against these walls
- Add warmth with brass or gold metallic accents and fixtures
- Incorporate textural elements like jute, linen, and wool to enhance Moonshine’s depth
Benjamin Moore Moonshine (2140-60) and Its Alternatives
Benjamin Moore Moonshine (2140-60) is a subtle, light gray with slight blue undertones. Here’s how it compares to your alternative options:
Moonshine (2140-60) Compared to Similar Colors
- Gray Owl (2137-60) shares Moonshine’s light ambiance, but while Moonshine has slight blue undertones, Gray Owl leans more toward green-gray. Gray Owl has a similar lightness but appears slightly cooler and more versatile in different lighting conditions.
- Titanium (2141-60) is very close to Moonshine in the same color family, but Titanium has more warmth. It’s slightly deeper with more beige undertones, making it feel richer while maintaining a similar overall character.
- Alaskan Husky (1479) is darker and more saturated than Moonshine. Alaskan Husky introduces more blue-purple undertones, creating greater depth and dimension while coordinating beautifully with Moonshine.
How to Choose Between These Similar Shades?
Finding similar gray paint shades can be tricky, but with the right approach, you’ll find the perfect neutral that transforms your space. These strategic testing methods will help you choose between subtle variations like Benjamin Moore Moonshine and its close color cousins.
Test in your specific lighting: Moonshine can appear almost white in bright spaces but show more of its gray character in dimmer lighting.
Consider your fixed elements: Compare how each shade works with your flooring, countertops, and cabinetry.
Evaluate throughout the day: Moonshine and Gray Owl, in particular, can shift significantly from morning to evening light.
Sample size matters: Paint large swatches (at least 2ft x 2ft) of each color on different walls to see how they behave in your space.
Application Tips and Techniques
1. Surface Preparation Essentials
Properly clean, sand, and prime your walls to ensure Moonshine’s subtle gray tones appear even and true to color.
2. Selecting the Right Finish for Each Space
An eggshell finish works beautifully for Moonshine in living areas, while pearl or satin provides durability in kitchens and bathrooms, where the light gray can show marks.
3. Tools and Techniques for Professional-Looking Results
Use high-quality synthetic brushes and microfiber rollers to apply Moonshine in thin, even coats with minimal texture for the most refined result.
4. Common Painting Mistakes to Avoid
Rushing between coats can cause Moonshine to appear patchy or streaky, so allow proper drying time to showcase its light blue-gray undertones accurately.
Conclusion
Picking the perfect paint can feel scary, but Moonshine makes it easy. Trust your gut and take home some paint samples.
Stick them on your walls and look at them at different times of the day. Natural light can change how a color looks!
Want to be sure? Talk to the store’s paint pros. They know all about colors and can give you great tips.
Check out color wheels and design websites for more ideas. Pinterest is awesome for seeing how others use this cool gray shade.
Final tip: Don’t stress too much. Paint is just paint – you can always change it later! Moonshine: Where gray meets magic – your walls will thank you!
