Chantilly Lace Benjamin Moore Paint Color Review…
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace is one of the most popular shades of white paint. But is it the perfect white paint for you?
Do you find yourself staring glassy-eyed at those tiny bits of colored paper wondering how on Earth you’re supposed to figure out how it will look on a whole wall? Or a whole house?
If you struggle to decide on paint colors in your home, you are not alone! Picking the best shade of paint is difficult! And one reason is that there are just SO. MANY. CHOICES.
Too many choices, right?
This is one post in a series about specific, popular paint colors. It’s my hope that these paint exploration posts will help you pick that perfect paint shade, and more easily visualize how a color may look on your own walls.
But before we dive in…
I’m not gonna lie – choosing the PERFECT paint color isn’t as easy as seeing what you like online and simply adding it to your space. There’s an entire science behind it! Grab a FREE copy of my new guide to avoid the paint color picking mistakes people make! Click here or enter your email below. I’ll send the tips right away!⤵️
Here’s a video sneak peek of Chantilly Lace as seen in real homes and real spaces…
What color is Chantilly Lace?
Ever go to a fancy restaurant and hear people talking about their wine selection? “This one is very oaky and earthy.” “I taste hints of charcoal.” “This one has complex chewy tannins.”
Do you sometimes wonder if these people know what the he$% they are talking about? I sure do!
It’s a lot like that with paint, too. People seem to see ALL kinds of things in a gallon of paint. And they very well MAY be seeing all these different things.
So before we muddy the waters…or paint. Let’s hear it right from the horse’s mouth first.
How Benjamin Moore Describes OC-65:
“As delicate and refined as the lace it was named after, this crisp, clean white evokes images of pure silk, soft linen and simpler times.”
Benjamin Moore
OK, so that may not be too helpful, but it’s quite flowery and nice-sounding, no?
What are the Chantilly Lace undertones?
(And btw, what’s an undertone?)
Let’s take these questions one at a time. First up:
a.) What is an undertone?
Do you know what is meant when people talk about a paint’s “undertones?” If you already know, then just skip on past. But if you hear that word and start to retract a bit because you just DON’T get it, I got your back.
“Undertones” versus “Mass Tones”
First of all, have you heard the term, “mass tone?” That’s a fancy way of describing the main color you see when a paint swatch is thrown in front of you. So, green, blue, yellow, red…those are mass tones. But there are a gazillion shades of red, right? Yep. And that’s where undertones come into the painted picture.
Paint colors, and color, in general, is complex. Just like a wine connoisseur can pick up that bottle of Pinot Noir and taste hints of apricot, a trained eye can detect a little bit of yellow or a tiny bit of blue in a shade of white paint.
If may seem like witchcraft at first. But after you’ve stared at enough paint swatches, your eyes will begin to see the most subtle of differences between one shade of paint and another.
In short, an “undertone” is your eyeball’s way of detecting the slight differences in a paint recipe.
Let me explain it this way: A baker makes (2) batches of cake batter. In the first batch, she uses 1 cup of sugar. In the second batch, she uses 1.5 cups of sugar. When the cake is baked, and you try a bite, you’ll describe cake #1 as being “sweeter” than cake #2.
THAT is exactly how it works with paint undertones. The formula for paint shade #1 has more yellow in it than shade #2. This means that shade #1 will have “yellow undertones.”
It’s not all about the paint…it’s also about the LIGHTING where the paint lives…
What makes the situation trickier is that paint will play off of elements in your home…the color of your trim, your countertops, furniture, carpet, the natural light from outside, the kind of lightbulbs you have and make a color look much different to the eye as these conditions vary.
And that is why it’s imperative to sample paint on your wall…in a couple of spots before you shell out $$$ for 5 gallons of it.
b.) What are Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace’s undertones?
Chantilly Lace is usually described as a bright white having cool and blue and/or gray undertones. Let’s compare it to some other popular white paint colors and see if that helps us visualize those undertones.
Chantilly Lace Compared To Other Paint Colors
Chantilly Lace vs. Simply White
First, let’s look at Chantilly Lace next to another popular white paint from the same brand, Benjamin Moore Simply White (OC-117). You may be able to tell that Simply White has yellow undertones while Chantilly Lace does not.
Chantilly Lace vs. Super White
Below I’ve put Chantilly Lace next to Benjamin Moore Super White (OC-152), which is described as, “a brilliant, almost sparkling white.” You can see that the two are quite similar.
Now if you’re looking at your computer screen thinking, “gosh, those look way off-white to me…almost beige or taupe,” you’re not incorrect. That’s why you have to TRY these paint colors on your actual, real-life wall.
The computer will distort the color just as things like a really cool, daylight lightbulb or soft-white lightbulb will!
Chantilly Lace vs. Decorator’s White
With an LRV of 92.2, BM Chantilly Lace is a crisp, clean white and considerably brighter than Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White (OC-149) whose LRV is lower at 84.61.
Though Chantilly Lace lacks any strong, overpowering undertones, it does look warmer when compared to the cooler hues of Decorator’s White.
BM Chantilly Lace vs. Benjamin Moore White Dove
The LRV for White Dove (OC-17) is 85.38. Still not dark, by any means, but definitely darker than Chantilly Lace.
While White Dove can read warm and a smidge greige-y, Ben Moore Chantilly Lace is definitely a shade of white that reads closer to a true white. If you are looking for a white that will be crisp and almost pure white, Chantilly Lace may be the shade you are looking for.
Ben Moore Chantilly Lace vs. Ben Moore Swiss Coffee
Since Swiss Coffee (OC-45) has an LRV of 83.93, it’s a bit darker than Chantilly Lace, which is 92.2 on the LRV scale. With its slightly green undertones, Chantilly Lace reads as brighter and less creamy than Swiss Coffee does.
Are you already feeling a little lost? Let me help you get back on track. Grab a free copy of my guide to help you avoid the same paint color picking mistakes most people always make!
I need examples. Can you show me rooms painted in Chantilly Lace?
Yes, I can! I’ve scoured the www looking for all kinds of spaces where Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace has been used so that you can get a better idea of how it looks in different spaces!
Remember though that no home is the same. All homes have different amounts of natural light, colors of flooring and other items that will offset the paint and make it look different.
Even the way your home faces can affect the paint!
- north-facing rooms usually have cooler, bluer/grayer darker perhaps even a smidge gloomy light making them harder to paint whereas…
- south-facing spaces are the ones where the light will pour in and are much easier to paint.
The following examples are from creators on Instagram! Like their content? Hit their follow button!
Chantilly Lace in Kitchens
Chantilly Lace is frequently used as a kitchen cabinet color! In the images below, see it used on both cabinets, as well as kitchen walls.
1. Chantilly Lace Cabinets | @blackard_modernfarmhouse
2. More Chantilly Lace Cabinetry | @lillytaylorinteriors
3. Custom Chantilly Lace Cabinetry | @popeofwood
4. Monochromatic Chantilly Lace White Kitchen For the Win | @texasforeverfarmhouse
Can your walls match your kitchen cabinets? Here’s a stunning example of just that. All Chantilly Lace, all-the-time.
5. @texasforeverfarmhouse (alternate view)
Same kitchen as above, but another gorgeous view.
6. Matching Wall and Cabinet Color | @virginia.farmhouse.project
Another beautiful example of using the same color paint on the kitchen walls and on the kitchen cabinets. How gorgeous is this one-paint-shade-throughout look?
Want the cliff notes for choosing the perfect color every time? Grab a FREE copy of my guide to help you avoid the paint color picking mistakes most people make!
Chantilly Lace in Bathrooms
Going white in a bathroom can be a beautiful decision, especially in situations where there isn’t a lot of natural light. But these spaces show the versatility of this Benjamin Moore shade in almost any situation.
1. @texasforeverfarmhouse
This lovely couple has Chantilly Lace throughout their amazing home, including this fantastic bathroom. It is used on the cabinetry, shiplap, and moldings.
2. @sionnach_dalur_house
Chantilly Lace is used on all the walls/doors/etc in this space (and throughout her home). As Ruthie, the homeowner & designer describes, ” I researched for months and finally settled on that one. It had just the tiniest base of gray, but no yellow, pink, or green undertones. It’s not a warm white, but not stark and sterile either. Who knew whites would be so hard?? 😱😂”
3. @laurenlefevre
In the bathroom below, to my eye the paint appears warmer than in other shots, likely because it’s playing off the golds and pinks in the room.
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace on Exteriors
1. @jacksonbuilt_custom_homes
If a modern farmhouse look is what you’re after, as shown in this fantastic example, Chantilly Lace this could be a perfect paint shade option.
2. @virginia.farmhouse.project
This stunning home starts with a Chantilly Lace exterior, and then consistently uses the shade on the interior of the home as well.
3. @curlsandcashmere
Look how stunning this bright white can look on a more beachy/coastal home, as well!
Chantilly Lace in other living spaces
1. Brick Fireplace | @@leclairdecor
Chantilly Lace can really brighten up brick, as seen here in this lovely living room.
2. @our.cozy.white.home
Chantilly Lace was used on these walls, and although it may be a little tough to tell from this picture, the door and trim molding is actually a different color AND sheen. The wall paint is low-lustre (flat) while the door and trim are done in a semi-gloss finish with another popular shade of white, Sherwin Williams Extra White.
Per Tatiane, the designer/homeowner, “They used Extra White SW Semi gloss for the doors and trims, and Chantilly Lace Low sheen for the walls. They look great together and very similar in person. If I have to choose again I would use one color (white) for everything in different finishes,less headache lol.”
View this post on Instagram
3. High-Gloss Shiplap in Chantilly Lace | @summerhilldevelopers
Here’s a great example of how a paint sheen can change the look of a paint. Though it’s not specifically called out in this Instagram post, do you see how the paint shines a bit where the light hits it in this awesome shiplapped nook? That is a clue that a higher sheen, like a high-gloss or a semi-gloss sheen was used in this example of Chantilly Lace.
4. Chantilly Lace Shiplapped Fireplace | @texasforeverfarmhouse
5. Board and Batten Dining Room | @sarah.elisabeth.design
Black moldings, doors and windows are really popular right now, and when paired with a light, bright wall color it’s easy to see why, right? The black chandelier and windows really pop against Chantilly Lace in this dining room.
6. White Molding Accent Wall | @jlgatt
Often, people think that a contrasting color is the best way to get dimension and visual appeal in a space. But this monochromatic accent wall with shadowbox molding shows off how much depth and interest can be achieved with just a simple white paint shade, like Chantilly Lace, against beautiful molding details.
7. A Family Room Can Never Be Too Bright | @hazelandbrowndesign
Here’s an example of a white paint in a room with TONS of natural light. Is it too bright? Nope! One thing that you’ll almost NEVER hear about a room is that it’s TOO bright or has too much light. Could this space have been painted a darker paint shade successfully? Absolutely. But the Chantilly Lace makes the space feel big, bright and airy, and for many homeowners, that is a big win!
8. Modern Farmhouse Living Room | @texasforeverfarmhouse
This same space is shown in #4 above, but you can see how the shade has changed with the addition of the hardwood floors. Now, the shade looks a bit warmer…could also be due to the picture being taken at a different time of day. In the mornings and late afternoons, the sunlight gives a warmer tone, making paint lean warmer as well.
9. Paired with Marble | @guardian_building_group
This living room shows how beautiful Chantilly Lace can pair with marble. It has the perfect undertones to compliment this stone…good info for kitchens and bathrooms, as well!
10. Modern Dining Room | @moore.house
You’ve got to check out these before and after pics to see how powerful paint can truly be! Chantilly Lace completely updates this dining room and brings it not only up to date, but brightens it and makes it a cheerier space, for sure.
11. Breakfast Nook | @dahlhousetv
I think the Chantilly Lace reads a bit warmer in this particular space below, as well. Likely from maybe early morning or late afternoon sun coming into the room.
12. @blackard_modernfarmhouse
Another Chantilly Lace space in this beautiful modern farmhouse. Monochromatic, but certainly NOT boring!
13. @precision_painting_
The photo below is a great one to look at because it shows the paint in a situation that none of the others do. Nighttime, with the light fixtures turned on!
14. Camper Kitchen/Living Room Renovation | @heathered_nest
We’ve done several camper renovations, and Chantilly Lace is my go-to paint color for the interiors of these traveling homes. Here it is in a camper kitchen/living area…
15. Camper Bunk Room Renovation | @heathered_nest
Here’s Chantilly Lace paired with some bright, bold primary tones in the bunk room of one of our camper renovations…
16. Camper Master Bedroom | @heathered_nest
Last but not least, here’s Chantilly Lace in an “owner’s suite” area in one of our travel trailer renovations. Chantilly Lace is sets up the perfect assist for the bright happy patterned colors in this space to play off of.
And that’s a wrap! I really hope that this paint review has made it easier for you to decide whether Chantilly Lace will be a good paint choice for your home!
It is a beautiful white that looks beautiful in so many spaces. If you’re looking for a “neutral” white without heavy warm or cool undertones, I think it’s a great paint to test on your walls!
Check out our other paint reviews:
Still not sure if Chantilly Lace is right for you? Check out these other paint reviews that may tickle your fancy…
Need a little paint sheen power talk?
Not sure about which paint sheen to use? We have a post alllll about choosing the right paint sheen, so check it out now!
Pin this Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace paint color exploration post for later!
But wait, I’m still confused about choosing the right paint color…
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!
Robyn says
I’m planning on using simply white in satin and semi gloss on the trim the house for a small cottage I’m working on. There will be shiplap on the bottom of the bar area that wraps around and will be major design feature of the space ( living / kitchen combo- very small space with beautiful restored wood floors!)
I’m trying to decide if I should paint the shiplap a lighter color so it will stand out, or paint it simply white like the walls and trim. There are a lot of windows so there’s a lot trim !
Sharon Harrison says
I am having a new house built. Chantilly Lace is what I want for the inside wainscoting and ship lap. Our cabinet island is navy blue. I want a paint that will make the wainscoting and ship lap pop so I am looking for a contrasting color or the very slightest hint of blue. Your thoughts?
Sharon says
I am getting ready to paint my bedroom and bathroom Chantilly Lace. What kind of finish is recommended? Matte, eggshell finish, satin finish?
Heather says
Hi Sharon! This post goes through all of the paint sheen choices and which ones are recommended for each type of room in your home: https://heatherednest.com/how-to-choose-a-paint-sheen/