ScandinavianUniversal

Gardenia

Benjamin Moore · AF-10

The Analysis

Gardenia is a highly reflective off-white with an LRV of 87.26, meaning it bounces significant light back into a space to make rooms feel open and airy. It effectively eliminates dark corners, making small areas feel larger and less cramped.

This is a quintessential main wall colour intended to tie an entire home together. It functions as a versatile backdrop that allows your furniture and art to become the focal points of the room.

LRV 87

History & Origin

While it fits traditional home layouts, its clean undertones make it a staple for modern, fresh interiors. It bridges the gap between classic wall treatments and contemporary, minimalist design trends.

Undertoneneutral
FamilyWhite

How to Use It

This shade excels in any room and pairs beautifully with warm wood tones like white oak or walnut to prevent the space from feeling too clinical. Use matte black hardware for a sharp, modern contrast, or polished brass for a subtle, warmer look.

The Mood

Living with this colour feels clean and stable rather than sterile. It provides a restful, neutral environment that doesn't demand attention, allowing you to relax without the visual noise of stark, bright whites.

Colour harmonies

Complementary

Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.

Analogous

Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.

Split complementary

Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.

Triadic

Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.

Tetradic (square)

Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.

Monochromatic

Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.

Brand Matches

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • atrium white

    Benjamin Moore · I-79

  • Atrium White

    Benjamin Moore · PM-13

  • Alabaster

    Benjamin Moore · OC-129

  • Nano White

    Behr · HDC-MD-06

  • Du Jour

    Valspar · 7002-6

  • White Fur

    Behr · W-F-610

Lighting

See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
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