If you’ve ever searched online for “best white paint color,” you’ve probably seen Chantilly Lace pop up over and over again.

Interior designers love it. Homeowners love it. Builders love it.

And the reason is simple:

Chantilly Lace is one of the cleanest, brightest whites you can buy.

It doesn’t have a strong creamy tone like many warm whites, and it doesn’t feel muddy like some whites that lean too gray. It’s often described as a “true white.”

But here’s the truth:

Chantilly Lace is not a basic white.

It’s a crisp, sharp, almost “pure” white that reacts dramatically to lighting and surrounding finishes.

So if you want that bright magazine-style home aesthetic, Chantilly Lace can be absolutely perfect.

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Quick Facts About Chantilly Lace (OC-65)

Here are the basics:

• Brand: Benjamin Moore
• Color Name: Chantilly Lace
• Color Code: OC-65
• Finish Options: Matte, Eggshell, Satin, Semi-Gloss, High Gloss
• LRV (Light Reflectance Value): Around 90

That LRV number matters a lot.

What does LRV 90 mean?

LRV is how much light a color reflects. The higher the number, the brighter the color.

An LRV of 90 means Chantilly Lace reflects a LOT of light, making rooms feel open, airy, and bright.

This is why it’s used so often for:

• Trim
• Walls
• Cabinets
• Ceilings
• Modern homes

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Is Chantilly Lace Warm or Cool?

This is where things get interesting.

Most people ask:

“Is Chantilly Lace warm or cool?”

And the answer is:

Chantilly Lace is technically a neutral white, but it leans slightly cool.

It does not have a heavy yellow undertone, which is why it feels crisp. But because it’s so clean, it can sometimes reflect cool tones from the environment.

So if your room has:

• cool north-facing light
• gray flooring
• blue furniture
• stainless steel appliances
• marble countertops

Chantilly Lace may start to look a little cooler than you expected.

That’s not always bad… it’s just something you should know.

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What Undertones Does Chantilly Lace Have?

Let’s clear up one of the biggest myths:

Chantilly Lace is NOT a creamy white.

It’s not a beige white.
It’s not a soft ivory.

Instead, Chantilly Lace has:

✅ very minimal undertones
✅ a touch of gray
✅ sometimes a whisper of blue depending on lighting

But it’s so subtle that in many rooms, it simply looks like a clean white.

That’s why people call it a “true white.”

However, the catch is:

Because it has very little pigment, it becomes a mirror.

It reflects everything around it.

So if your home has warm wood floors, it can look warmer.
If your home has cool gray floors, it can look cooler.

This makes Chantilly Lace both powerful and tricky.

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Why Chantilly Lace Looks Different in Every Room

This is a paint color that changes constantly depending on lighting conditions.

Here’s what to expect:

1. North-Facing Rooms

North-facing rooms tend to have cooler, bluish light.

In north light, Chantilly Lace can look:

• icy
• crisp
• slightly blue-gray

If you want a clean modern vibe, it will look stunning.
But if you want cozy warmth, it may feel too cold.

2. South-Facing Rooms

South-facing rooms have warm, golden sunlight.

In south light, Chantilly Lace looks:

• bright
• pure
• slightly warmer
• clean and airy

This is where Chantilly Lace looks its best and most “Pinterest-perfect.”

3. East-Facing Rooms

East light is warm in the morning and cooler later.

So Chantilly Lace will look:

• warm and cheerful in the morning
• crisp and cooler in the afternoon

4. West-Facing Rooms

West light is cooler in the morning and warm in the afternoon.

So Chantilly Lace will look:

• slightly duller earlier in the day
• glowing and bright in the evening

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Chantilly Lace vs Other Popular White Paints

This is important because many people choose Chantilly Lace thinking it’s the same as other whites.

It’s not.

Chantilly Lace vs Simply White (OC-117)

• Simply White is warmer and slightly creamy.
• Chantilly Lace is cleaner and brighter.

If you want a “soft white,” go Simply White.
If you want a “pure white,” go Chantilly Lace.

Chantilly Lace vs White Dove (OC-17)

• White Dove is a warm greige-white with a cozy vibe.
• Chantilly Lace is crisp and modern.

White Dove is forgiving.
Chantilly Lace is more sharp and modern.

Chantilly Lace vs Decorator’s White (OC-149)

Decorator’s White has more gray-blue undertones.

Chantilly Lace is brighter and cleaner, but still slightly cool.

Chantilly Lace vs Sherwin Williams Pure White

SW Pure White is slightly warmer than Chantilly Lace.

If Chantilly Lace feels too stark, Pure White can be a safer choice.

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Best Uses for Chantilly Lace in Your Home

Chantilly Lace is incredibly versatile, but it shines most in certain situations.

1. Chantilly Lace for Walls

Yes, you can absolutely paint full walls in Chantilly Lace.

It creates a fresh “gallery wall” effect.

This is perfect for:

• minimalist homes
• modern interiors
• Scandinavian style
• homes with lots of natural light
• open concept layouts

But if your home is dark or heavily shaded, Chantilly Lace may feel too cold.

2. Chantilly Lace for Trim

This is one of the best trim whites ever.

It gives trim that clean, sharp, luxury look.

Best trim finishes:

• Semi-gloss
• Satin

Trim in Chantilly Lace looks especially beautiful with:

• warm greige walls
• light beige walls
• soft sage walls
• deep navy walls

3. Chantilly Lace for Cabinets

If you want bright white cabinets that look modern and clean, this is a top-tier choice.

It works especially well in kitchens with:

• marble countertops
• quartz countertops
• brushed nickel hardware
• black hardware

However, if your kitchen has very warm granite or golden beige tile, it may look too stark.

4. Chantilly Lace for Ceilings

Because it’s bright and neutral, it’s also a great ceiling white.

If your walls are warm white or greige, Chantilly Lace on the ceiling gives that crisp clean lift.

5. Chantilly Lace for Exterior

Yes, Chantilly Lace works outdoors too, but it’s very bright.

It looks amazing on:

• modern farmhouse homes
• coastal homes
• contemporary architecture

But if your home is surrounded by greenery, Chantilly Lace can sometimes appear slightly cool.

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Chantilly Lace in Living Rooms

If you want a living room that feels:

• bright
• clean
• modern
• open
• high-end

Chantilly Lace can deliver that.

It works beautifully with:

• warm oak flooring
• linen furniture
• natural woven textures
• soft neutral rugs
• gold or black accents

To keep it cozy, pair it with warm decor like:

• camel leather couches
• beige curtains
• wood coffee tables
• warm brass lighting

Otherwise, it can start to feel too “sterile showroom.”

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Chantilly Lace in Bedrooms

Bedrooms are tricky.

If you want an airy luxury bedroom vibe, Chantilly Lace is stunning.

But you’ll want to add warmth with:

• cream bedding
• warm wood furniture
• soft beige rugs
• warm white lighting bulbs (2700K)

Without that warmth, Chantilly Lace may feel a little too crisp for a relaxing space.

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Chantilly Lace in Kitchens

This is where Chantilly Lace is a superstar.

It makes kitchens look:

• clean
• bright
• expensive
• timeless

Especially when paired with:

• white quartz countertops
• subway tile backsplashes
• brushed gold hardware
• black cabinet handles

It also looks stunning on kitchen walls when the cabinets are a different color like gray, navy, or sage.

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Chantilly Lace in Bathrooms

Bathrooms love crisp whites because they feel fresh and clean.

Chantilly Lace works beautifully in bathrooms with:

• marble tile
• polished chrome fixtures
• black accents
• glass shower enclosures

But if your bathroom has beige tile, cream countertops, or warm tan stone, Chantilly Lace may clash slightly.

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Coordinating Colors for Chantilly Lace

Now let’s get into the fun part.

If you use Chantilly Lace, you need to pair it with the right colors to make it shine.

Here are some of the best coordinating colors that look incredible with it.

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1. Best Neutral Coordinating Colors

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)

A warm greige that makes Chantilly Lace feel balanced and cozy.

This pairing is perfect for:

• living rooms
• hallways
• open concept homes

Benjamin Moore Classic Gray (OC-23)

Light, soft, warm gray-beige.

This is one of the most popular pairings with Chantilly Lace because it keeps the space bright but not cold.

Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist (OC-27)

A light warm gray that adds subtle sophistication.

Balboa Mist + Chantilly Lace trim is a designer favorite.

Benjamin Moore Pale Oak (OC-20)

This is a gorgeous warm greige with a soft airy vibe.

If you want a calming home aesthetic, Pale Oak and Chantilly Lace are a dream team.

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2. Best Bold Accent Colors with Chantilly Lace

Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154)

This is one of the best navy paints of all time.

Hale Navy with Chantilly Lace trim looks rich, timeless, and classic.

Perfect for:

• dining rooms
• kitchen islands
• accent walls
• front doors

Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal (HC-166)

A deep charcoal gray that feels modern and dramatic.

Chantilly Lace balances it perfectly.

Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (2124-10)

A soft black with a slightly warm undertone.

Perfect for modern interiors, cabinets, and statement doors.

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3. Best Green Coordinating Colors

Green looks absolutely stunning with Chantilly Lace.

Benjamin Moore Saybrook Sage (HC-114)

A muted sage-green that feels earthy and warm.

Benjamin Moore October Mist (1495)

A trendy soft green-gray.

This is one of the most modern combinations for 2025-style interiors.

Benjamin Moore Backwoods (469)

Deep forest green that feels luxurious.

Backwoods + Chantilly Lace trim is perfect for offices and libraries.

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4. Best Blue Coordinating Colors

Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray (HC-165)

A muted blue-gray that works beautifully in coastal homes.

Benjamin Moore Smoke (2122-40)

A soft blue-gray that looks airy and relaxed.

Chantilly Lace gives it that clean edge.

Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue (HC-156)

A deep historical blue.

This is an amazing statement color when balanced with bright Chantilly Lace trim.

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5. Best Warm Beige/Tan Pairings

If you’re worried Chantilly Lace is too cool, pair it with warm tones.

Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan (HC-81)

A warm tan that makes Chantilly Lace look brighter and cleaner.

Benjamin Moore Muslin (OC-12)

A soft beige that feels warm and timeless.

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Best Trim and Ceiling Pairings

This question comes up constantly:

Should Chantilly Lace be used on trim, walls, or both?

The answer depends on your style.

Option 1: Chantilly Lace on Trim Only

This is the safest option.

If your walls are a warmer neutral, Chantilly Lace trim adds a crisp designer contrast.

Great wall colors for this:

• Pale Oak
• Balboa Mist
• Edgecomb Gray
• Revere Pewter

Option 2: Chantilly Lace on Walls + Trim

This creates a “white box” look — modern, seamless, clean.

But to make it look intentional, you need texture:

• wood floors
• linen curtains
• warm rugs
• statement lighting

Option 3: Chantilly Lace on Cabinets

One of the most popular uses.

Pair it with:

• darker island colors
• warm wood flooring
• bold backsplash

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Best Flooring Matches with Chantilly Lace

Flooring can make or break Chantilly Lace.

Here’s what works best:

1. Warm Oak Flooring

This is the best pairing.

The warmth of oak keeps Chantilly Lace from looking cold.

2. Dark Walnut Floors

This creates contrast and makes Chantilly Lace feel luxurious.

3. Light Neutral Tile

Perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.

4. Gray Vinyl or Cool Gray Tile

Be careful here.

Gray floors can make Chantilly Lace look slightly blue or icy.

Not always bad, but it depends on the vibe you want.

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Best Countertops and Materials with Chantilly Lace

If you’re painting cabinets Chantilly Lace, your countertop matters.

Best Countertops:

• white quartz with subtle gray veining
• marble (Carrara, Calacatta style)
• soft warm quartz with beige undertones

Best Hardware Colors:

• matte black (modern)
• brushed nickel (classic)
• champagne bronze (warm and elegant)

Avoid overly yellow gold hardware unless you’re going for a very warm look.

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Lighting Recommendations (This Matters More Than You Think)

Lighting can completely change Chantilly Lace.

If you use cool LED bulbs (5000K), Chantilly Lace can look like a hospital.

So here’s the golden rule:

Use warm white bulbs: 2700K to 3000K.

This keeps Chantilly Lace feeling inviting while still crisp.

Also, consider adding layered lighting:

• recessed lights
• table lamps
• warm pendant lights

This adds warmth and dimension.

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Best Paint Finish for Chantilly Lace

Different finishes give different vibes.

Here’s what I recommend:

Walls

• Matte for living rooms and bedrooms
• Eggshell for hallways and high-traffic areas

Trim

• Satin or semi-gloss

Cabinets

• Satin or semi-gloss (depending on your painter’s preference)

Higher sheen = more reflective and easier to clean, but also shows imperfections.

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Common Mistakes People Make with Chantilly Lace

Let’s talk about what not to do.

Mistake #1: Using It in a Dark Room With No Natural Light

Chantilly Lace needs light.

In dark rooms it can feel dull, cold, and slightly gray.

Mistake #2: Pairing It With Warm Creamy Tile

If your home has very warm beige tile or golden granite countertops, Chantilly Lace may look too stark and clash.

Mistake #3: Not Testing It First

You should always sample Chantilly Lace in multiple spots.

Paint swatches on:

• a wall with natural light
• a wall with shadow
• near your flooring
• near cabinets

Because you’ll see different results.

Mistake #4: Forgetting About Surrounding Colors

Remember: Chantilly Lace reflects everything.

If you have a bright green lawn outside your windows, it may pick up a green tint.

If you have red brick, it may look warmer.

If you have cool gray furniture, it may lean cooler.

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Is Chantilly Lace a Good Whole-House Paint Color?

Yes… if your home supports it.

Chantilly Lace works best as a whole-house color if you have:

• lots of natural light
• warm flooring
• neutral furniture
• modern or transitional style

If your home is more traditional and cozy, a softer white like White Dove may feel more comfortable.

But if you want that bright modern “new build luxury” look?

Chantilly Lace is absolutely a top contender.

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Best Benjamin Moore Colors to Pair with Chantilly Lace (Top Picks)

Here are my top recommended “perfect match” pairings:

Soft Neutral Walls

• Pale Oak (OC-20)
• Balboa Mist (OC-27)
• Classic Gray (OC-23)
• Edgecomb Gray (HC-173)

Warm Cozy Neutrals

• Muslin (OC-12)
• Manchester Tan (HC-81)

Bold Accent Colors

• Hale Navy (HC-154)
• Wrought Iron (2124-10)
• Kendall Charcoal (HC-166)

Earthy Greens

• October Mist (1495)
• Saybrook Sage (HC-114)
• Backwoods (469)

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Chantilly Lace on the Exterior: Is It Too Bright?

Chantilly Lace outside can look very bright, especially in full sunlight.

But if you want a clean modern exterior, it can look stunning.

It pairs beautifully with:

• black window frames
• dark roof shingles
• natural stone accents
• cedar wood features

Best exterior accent colors:

• Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron
• Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
• Benjamin Moore Black Forest Green

If you’re nervous about it being too stark outside, consider a slightly softer white like White Dove for exterior walls.

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Who Should Choose Chantilly Lace?

Chantilly Lace is perfect for you if:

✅ you love modern, clean interiors
✅ you want a bright white that doesn’t look yellow
✅ you have lots of natural light
✅ you want a crisp trim color
✅ you like the “fresh renovated home” vibe

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Who Should Avoid Chantilly Lace?

You might want to skip Chantilly Lace if:

❌ your home is dark with limited windows
❌ you want a warm creamy white
❌ your flooring is very cool gray
❌ you prefer cozy traditional tones
❌ your decor is heavy beige/gold and warm

In those cases, Benjamin Moore White Dove or Simply White might make your life easier.

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Final Thoughts: Is Chantilly Lace Worth the Hype?

Honestly?

Yes.

Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace is one of the most iconic whites for a reason.

It’s crisp, bright, clean, and timeless.

But the reason some people love it and others hate it comes down to one thing:

Chantilly Lace is a reflective white.

It responds to your lighting, your floors, your furniture, and your countertops.

So if your home supports it, it can look absolutely high-end and stunning.

It’s the kind of paint color that makes your space look like it belongs in a design magazine.

And if you pair it with the right coordinating colors—like Pale Oak, Hale Navy, or October Mist—you’ll end up with a home that looks both stylish and intentional.

So if your goal is that clean modern white aesthetic…

Chantilly Lace is a fantastic choice.