Read all about Benjamin Moore Linen White, plus see 20 real homes that use it!
Benjamin Moore Linen White paint (shade #912) is a dreamy, creamy off-white with warm undertones. Appropriately named, it makes you want to wrap yourself in soft linen sheets and drift off for a late afternoon nap.
In the words of Benjamin Moore, “A decorator favorite, this light, creamy off-white is a never-fail neutral for walls, trim, doors, and ceilings. As clean and comfortable as fresh linen, it relies on a yellow undertone for added warmth.” Sound good?
Let’s get into all things Benjamin Moore Linen White!
We’ve talked a lot about bright, crisp whites on this blog, but today we’re taking a bit of a departure. Linen White paint by Benjamin Moore is the softer, more relaxed older sister to the cool, stark whites that seem to be all the rage in homes with modern decor styles.
There are definite yellow undertones in its color profile, but don’t let that scare you. Linen White is warm, creamy, soft, and has a classic, lived-in feel.
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FAQs About Linen White
Linen White is a gentle, warm off-white white with subtle but noticeable yellow undertones. This warmth comes across as soft and creamy rather than glaringly yellow.
What are the undertones of Linen White paint Benjamin Moore?
While Linen White does have yellow undertones, it doesn’t work against the color as with some off-white and cream shades. This becomes even more obvious when paired with cool tones such as blues, greens, and purples.
But if you’re working with a warm color palette (oranges, pinks, browns, etc.), it will look quite lovely. There’s also a hint of orange in its undertones, which gives it its hallmark warm characteristics.
The warmth of Benjamin Moore Linen White helps balance the cool light in north-facing rooms, but beware when considering this shade for rooms with intense southern or afternoon western light. This will contribute to the warmth of the paint shade and might be too much for your taste.
Be sure to paint samples in the room and observe at all times of day before taking the plunge.
What trim color works well with Linen White walls?
Since Linen White is so warm, it doesn’t always work when used as a wall and trim color at the same time. As a wall color, it’s best to pair it with a crisper white to keep the space feeling fresh.
Linen White has been known to pair well with trim painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove or Simply White.
LRV of Linen White Paint (Shade #912)
And now for everybody’s favorite part (maybe not favorite, but important nonetheless) – the numerical details of Benjamin Moore Linen White!
LINEN WHITE LRV = 82.9
LRV = Light Reflectance Value: Rated 0-100 with 0 being pure black and 100 being pure white. Lighter paint shades REFLECT more light from them and therefore have a HIGHER LRV, and vice versa for darker shades. Below see Linen White (82.9) side by side with pure white (100):
With an LRV of almost 83, Linen White is definitely white, but its undertone makeup has it leaning into the world of off-whites. Let’s compare it to a few other off-white colors.
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Linen White Compared to Other Colors
Benjamin Moore Linen White vs White Dove
Compared with Linen White paint, Benjamin Moore White Dove is cooler, brighter (with an LRV of 85.38), and has just a touch of green in its undertones. Interestingly, White Dove is generally regarded as a softer, creamier white than many popular “clean” whites (such as Super White, Decorator’s White, or even the warmer Simply White).
It’s a popular shade because while it does feel pretty crisp, it has some definite warmth to it. When all is said and done, it’s still a white paint shade, and Linen White rests happily in the off-white family.
Since Linen White has an LRV of 82.9, it’s just a tad brighter than Navajo White, which is 79.88 on the LRV scale. The amount of yellow is similar in the undertone makeup of both of these shades, but Navajo White has a touch more gray in it.
This makes it appear more muted and heading further into the cream territory rather than off-white. Navajo White is generally too warm to make a good trim color.
Benjamin Moore Linen White vs Swiss Coffee
Baaarely brighter than Linen White with an LRV of 83.93, Swiss Coffee is a popular shade that sits right on the brink of being off-white. It’s known for its soft and creamy traits but held up to Linen White…whoa, boy, Linen White sure looks a lot more yellow.
So that’s probably why Swiss Coffee is so popular. It provides warmth without obvious yellow undertones, which tend to scare people. In my opinion, it has the faintest hint of green and gray, giving it a more muted or, dare I say, “murky” feel than Linen White.
More Paint Colors to Consider
Not sure yet if Linen White floats your boat? Check out some similar colors that could also give your home a fresh look:
- Chantilly Lace (Benjamin Moore) – a crisp white that brightens any space
- Super White (Benjamin Moore) – a bright, neutral shade of white
- Simply White (Benjamin Moore) – a creamy white with yellow undertones
- Pure White (Sherwin Williams) – warm white that can lean slightly greige
- Snowbound (Sherwin Williams) – a slightly cool, yet very livable, white
- Dover White (Sherwin Williams) – a warm, creamy off-white
- Eider White (Sherwin Williams) – a complex off-white (or light gray) that shifts tone greatly in different lighting conditions
- Greek Villa (Sherwin Williams) – usually reads as a neutral, soft and creamy off-white
- Creamy (Sherwin Williams) – a warm white that will look white next to darker shades, but it can look slightly yellow next to pure white
- Alabaster (Sherwin Williams) – a timeless, warm off-white shade
- Ballet White (Benjamin Moore) – a light, neutral off-white paint color
20 Real Life Homes Using Linen White
Alright, time to dig into the good part: all that eye candy! But first, a warning. Do NOT fall in love with one of these rooms, run out and buy 4 cans and start painting your space! Remember the cardinal rule of painting: sample before you swipe that paintbrush!!!
As far as sampling goes, I highly recommend these re-usable, re-positionable peel and stick paint samples ⤵
Living Rooms Painted Linen White
A quick note here: don’t forget to consider picking the right paint finish…it’s not only about getting the color right! We have an in-depth explanation of choosing sheens here.
1. Sophisticated Color in a Traditional Living Space
Loving this little bit of glam mixed with a traditional feel in this living room designed by Lori Dennis. Linen White as a wall color works well with that gold chandelier, teaming up to keep the space warm, but not yellow.
2. Blue and Off-White for the Win
Envisioning a warmer shiplap color?
Linen White works great for a more cozy, lived-in feel than brighter whites. Notice that the blue accents do accentuate the yellow undertones in the paint, so keep that in mind if you have a lot of blue in your decor.
3. Cottage Living Room in Warm White
Ceiling beams are the best. Linen White works really in this Maine cottage renovation from Sheila Narusawa, (photography by Justine Hand), helping to make the wall and those gorgeous beams look original (even if they aren’t). And don’t you just love that wood-fired stove? The whole space looks quaint and cozy in the best possible way.
4. Linen White Walls (and Ceiling Beams)
I want to use a heart eyes emoji to express my feelings about this gorgeous, vaulted space from Walker Warner Architects. Linen White paint on the walls and rafters plays along with the golden sun to create a warmth that radiates throughout the room. It complements but doesn’t compete with the warm wood of the ceiling. Lovely!
5. Benjamin Moore Linen White Living Room
What a pretty space from Fieldcrest Builders – with an amazing ceiling! I love the way the light reflects off the ceiling here (likely painted with a satin or semi-gloss finish).
6. Rich Hue in a Traditional Family Room
When used right, this paint color hits all the right notes. And this Cape Cod living room from Catalano Architects has made some beautiful music here. The rich, warm paint helps give this space the look of a luxury resort, no?
Linen White Bathrooms
Don’t forget the finish! For bathrooms the perfect sheen is either an eggshell or satin. Why? We’ll tell you in this post about paint sheen.
7. Yellow Undertones in Artificial Light
In this bathroom with soft, warm lighting, the walls, painted in Linen White, certainly reveal some yellow undertones when used next to the bright, white countertop. So if you’re hoping for a really creamy off-white, those undertones may give you just the look you’re envisioning.
And realize that artificial lights (and different temperatures of light bulbs) can make a massive difference in the way any paint looks. So make sure you’ve tested before you paint!
8. Harkens Days Gone By in a Historic Bathroom
Linen White is not part of the Benjamin Moore historic collection, but this shot sure makes it look like it should be! The color is the perfect tone in this cottage (which you’ve seen once already in this article) bathroom with its fabulous clawfoot tub and clapboard walls. Renovation by Sheila Narusawa (photography by Justine Hand).
Linen White Bedrooms
Quick note: Don’t forget the finish! Learn all about paint sheen here.
In general for bedrooms, and low-traffic areas, flat paint is fine. If you like something with a bit of shine (and more ease of cleaning) opt for eggshell or satin.
9. Linen White Walls in Satin
How’s this for a peaceful color palette? Linen White (in a satin finish – thus the bit of glow you can see here and there) and Farrow & Ball LT Blue on the ceiling (flat finish) – from Wright Building Company.
10. Lovely, Lemony, Happy and Bright
Some people shy away from off-whites that lean yellow, and Linen White doesn’t necessarily head that direction until it’s coaxed…and I for one LOVE the results! Check out how happy this bedroom is decked out in lemons and Linen White!
Kitchens and Dining Rooms Painted Linen White
For kitchens, eggshell or satin are popular finish choices for walls. For cabinets consider semi-gloss or high gloss for the most durable finish (and a gorgeous glow).
11. Dining Area in BM Linen White
The old-meets-new look in this Maine cottage once again (renovation by Sheila Narusawa; photography by Justine Hand). I love how she incorporated both modern and vintage elements.
Linen White on the super-straight horizontal shiplap adds to the juxtaposition: clean, modern lines with a soft, classic shade.
12. Cabinets in Benjamin Moore Linen White
You might be surprised to know that this crisp, all-white kitchen from Suzanne Kasler (via Decorpad) uses Linen White as a cabinet paint color. In a space filled with bright, natural light, you can barely detect the yellow in its undertones. In fact, there’s the faintest hint of blush in there!
13. No Whine, only Wine in a Linen White Kitchen Bar Area
What an elegant dry bar! Not going to lie – I’m a bit of a fan of the blush tinge of Linen White as a wall color in this softly lit space.
14. Elegant Linen White Kitchen
Linen White as a trim and cabinet color? Sure, if paired with beige walls! This kitchen from Jennifer Rizzo has a bit of a shabby-chic boutique meets french country vibe that this paint shade works so well with.
15. White Kitchen Cabinet Paint Color: Linen White Benjamin Moore
This kitchen designer uses Linen White as a cabinet paint color, but the contrast with the walls is more subtle. As you can see, the walls have a slight beige tone to them but still have creamy, off-white characteristics. The overall effect in this space is abundant warmth.
16. Linen White for Kitchen Cabinets
This space from Gustave Carlson Design uses Linen White as a warm white kitchen cabinet color, paired with a cream shade with definitive yellow undertones. The effect is warm and sunny in this airy, open space. (Photo styling by Yedda Morrison, Photo by Laure Joliet).
17. Soft and Sophisticated
This gorgeous space has a monotone palette that’s anything but boring thanks to the luxe textures throughout. The warmth of the white is absolutely inviting.
18. Divine Dining
This lovely space looks even lovelier thanks to the contrast of the darker trim color.
Linen White Hallways
19. Candlelit Hallway with Linen White
Who knew a hallway could look so elegant? The modern light fixtures combined with the warmth of Benjamin Moore Linen White paint makes an often overlooked spot in a home a truly luxurious experience.
Doesn’t it have the feel of a manor house corridor that would have once been lit by candlelight with the soft color on the walls?
20. Benjamin Moore Linen White
In this breathtaking space by the Happy Go Lucky Luxury Residential Group, Linen White reacts well to the golden afternoon sun. While it may not work in all spaces or appeal to all tastes, it looks quite lovely here.
Other Linen White Sightings
21. Linen White Ceilings
Stark white ceilings are the norm, but they certainly don’t need to be (and probably shouldn’t be). A warmer white like Linen White is a great choice, and is used in this bedroom with beautiful results. The wall color here is Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments – it’s one to check out if you’re looking for a spa green-blue.
22. Inviting Home Office
I love the warm feeling of this cozy home office. Linen White paint looks great on the walls and pairs well with a cleaner white trim. Overall, the paint colors tie in well with the warm tones in the decor, such as the wood accents and beautiful reddish accent rug.
Final Thoughts
So…are you feeling warm and cozy yet? Benjamin Moore Linen White may not be an obvious off-white paint color to choose for your home, but I’m feeling its soft and creamy vibes. How about you?
And if this is a color you’re seriously considering, remember paint-sampling is better than ending up paint-sorry! I highly recommend these peel and stick samples because they are inexpensive, re-usable and re-positionable…
Pin this paint color for later! And if you use this paint shade, leave a comment on the pin! That helps others decide if they want to try this color, too!
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! And before you’re on your way, make sure you grab your free copy of the 5 Biggest Mistakes People Make When Picking Paint, so you can avoid the heartache (and hole in your wallet) when your paint choices don’t quite work out! Click here, and I’ll send your free copy right now!
Anna Lapsley says
The builder used matte sail cloth for walls and atrium white semi gloss on all the trim. I see pink in the trim which I don’t like . Can’t change the trim but thought about painting walls in the darker north east facing rooms. I do have sunlight but not sunshine in these rooms.
My kitchen cabinets are white ( not sure of the color) counters are white/gray granite and back splash is white subway tile. Would linen white work better to brighten the space but warm it up a bit? Will it work with the atrium white trim?
Donna says
I have linen white on my ceilings and trim and am looking for a soft beige/taupe to pair with it on the walls for a soft contrast without pulling out the yellow undertone. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I tend to stay with Benjamin Moore paints as well.