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Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 [Paint Color Review 2024]

By: Susie
Updated On: September 8, 2023

Have you ever been paralyzed by the seemingly endless array of paint swatches at your local home improvement store?

You're not alone. Selecting the perfect hue can be overwhelming, even for the seasoned decorator. But that's where this Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 color review comes in.

This distinctive color has been gaining popularity among homeowners nationwide for its versatility and charm. Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 is far from your average grey - it introduces a new personality to your space, capturing a beautiful balance of coolness and warmth.

And who doesn't love the sound of that? It's high time we look at this unique shade with a distinct allure that might be your next favorite wall color!

Keep reading to learn more about its nuances, potential uses, and why it could be just what you're searching for.

An Overview of Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40

An Overview of Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40

Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 is a versatile and stunning paint shade belonging to the blue-gray color family.

It is ideal for bringing depth and sophistication to any room while maintaining a soothing, serene atmosphere.

Whether you're looking for an accent wall color or a whole house paint, Benjamin Moore Smoke offers limitless design possibilities.

Slightly lighter than navy and not as stark as pure gray, it strikes a perfect balance that works well in traditional and modern spaces.

Benjamin Moore's high-quality paints also ensure smooth application, excellent coverage, and long-lasting durability.

Also Read About Pale Oak OC-20 By Benjamin Moore [Gray or Beige?]

The LRV of Benjamin Moore Smoke

The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 is 56.39.

LRV measures the percentage of light a paint color reflects, also known as its brightness or lightness. It helps you determine how a color will look when painted onto walls by measuring how much natural or artificial light it will reflect. The LRV scale ranges from 0 to 100, with 0 being absolute black and 100 being perfect white.

With an LRV of 56.39, Benjamin Moore Smoke is neither too dark nor too bright—it occupies a comfortable middle ground on the LRV scale.

This means it provides a strong enough contrast against white trims or furniture for aesthetic appeal while maintaining some warmth and openness in your room.

It can retain this balance regardless of changing daylight conditions, making it a versatile pick for any room, whether south-facing or not getting much light.

The Specifics of Benjamin Moore Smoke

The Specifics of Benjamin Moore Smoke

One of the essential factors when selecting a paint color is its undertones. These subtle color nuances can significantly impact the shade's appearance in different lighting and dramatically affect the final result.

Decoding the Undertones

Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 is acclaimed for its distinctive blue-green undertones.

While the primary color is a harmonious blend of gray and blue, the paint exhibits subtle hints of green upon closer inspection or under certain lighting conditions.

These green undertones add depth and richness, setting the shade apart from other blue-grays in the market.

This multi-dimensional quality makes Benjamin Moore Smoke a dynamic choice for your spaces; it can appear bluish in a room with cooler, north-facing light and exhibit its greener tint in warmer, south-facing light. Its blue-green undertones also make it an excellent complement to various other colors, from soft neutrals to bold, vibrant hues.

Warm or Cool? Cracking the Code

Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 is generally considered a cool paint color.

This shade's dominant blue and gray tones lend a cool, calming feel. These cool hues and slight green undertones give it a refreshing and serene quality. Cool colors like this one create a relaxed and tranquil environment in any space.

Depending on the lighting conditions and accompanying decor, this color can also take on warmer or cooler appearances, showcasing its versatility.

Try pairing Benjamin Moore Smoke with other cool colors for a harmonious look, or contrast it with warm shades to create an exciting balance.

Utilizing this Shade in Interiors and Exteriors

Utilizing this Shade in Interiors and Exteriors

The unique versatility of Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 makes it an ideal choice for your home's interior and exterior. Its charm works across varied styles, room sizes, and lighting conditions.

Whether used inside to create cozy, inviting rooms or outside to give your exteriors refreshingly calm sophistication, the transformative power of this shade is truly unmatched.

Benjamin Moore Smoke in Your Home’s Interior

  • Bedroom: Benjamin Moore Smoke can transform your bedroom into a relaxing sanctuary. Paired with crisp white linens and rustic wooden furniture, it creates an atmosphere of serene luxury.
  • Kitchen: On cabinets against a white backsplash or stainless steel appliances, this shade introduces a subtle pop of color while maintaining a clean and sophisticated ambiance.
  • Bathroom: Give your bathroom spa-like vibes with Benjamin Moore's Smoke on the walls. Complement it with cool-toned tiles and shiny chrome fixtures for a chic look.
  • Dining Room: Use Smoke on accent walls for an instant touch of elegance in your dining area. It works great with both modern minimalistic decor and classic rustic furniture.
  • Home Office: Stimulate productivity while maintaining tranquility in your work-from-home space with this cool blue-gray shade. Pair it with modern office furniture for a stylish workspace that keeps you focused.

If You're looking to revamp your living spaces or are considering an outdoor makeover, the adaptability of Benjamin Moore's Smoke 2122-40 makes it easy to fall in love with its charm. Its capacity to bring harmony regardless of where it's used marks this paint color as genuinely one-of-a-kind.

Exterior Charm with Smoke 2122-40

Taking your paintbrush to the outside of your home can feel daunting, but Benjamin Moore's Smoke is just as suited to exterior projects.

This versatile, blue-gray color can coax charming touches in virtually any external setting while adding curb appeal and changing the overall look of your home.

  • House Siding: Give your house a captivating makeover by painting the siding with Smoke 2122-40. Its cool tones contrast perfectly against rich teak or rustic red brick, introducing subtle yet defining elegance.
  • Trim and Moldings: Use this shade on trims and moldings for a subtle, monochromatic exterior look or to create an appealing contrast against lighter or darker wall colors.
  • Front Doors: An inviting Smoke-painted front door can be the perfect first impression—a delightful mix between traditional and trendy styles that's sure to draw eyes.
  • Sheds and Outbuildings: Rather than using traditional browns or whites, consider painting your outdoor sheds with this stylish hue. It's an incredible way to add character without deviating from the natural surroundings.
  • Fences and Gates: Coating your wooden fences or gates in Benjamin Moore Smoke nicely complements lush green gardens while providing a pleasing break from conventional brown gradients.

Adorning your exteriors with Benjamin Moore's Smoke 2122-40 brings out modern aesthetics uniquely fused with timeless charm—an impressive transformation that vibrantly stands out in its sophistication.

Explore More: Balboa Mist – Benjamin Moore [Paint Color Review]

Why is Sampling a Crucial Step Before You Choose the Entire Paint Color?

Sampling before you settle on the whole paint color is essential. Paint colors often look different when applied compared to how they appear on a paint swatch or digital image. Factors like room lighting, time of day, and adjacent colors can dramatically alter a palette's appearance.

Applying a sample patch on your wall and observing it over a couple of days lets you see how the paint behaves in your space and under various lighting conditions. Sampling helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures satisfaction with your final choice.

Trim color Selection and Coordinating Colors

Trim color Selection and Coordinating Colors

Choosing the right trim color to pair with Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 is a key step to creating a harmonious interior design. Trim colors can significantly amplify Smoke's beauty and make it stand out.

  • Wind's Breath OC-24: This beautiful off-white shade has an LRV of 69.59, making it lighter than Smoke. It's a neutral choice that works well with its blue-green undertones.
  • Cloud Cover OC-25: With an LRV of 80.28, this white shade is another excellent option for trim work.
  • Steel Wool 2121-20: With its LRV of 20.73 and darker undertone, Steel Wool provides a stark contrast that allows Smoke to dominate the room.
  • Chantilly Lace 2121-70: A trendy white paint color in Benjamin Moore's collection, Chantilly Lace has a light green-blue undertone that pairs well with the coolness of Smoke.

While these recommendations might seem flawless on paper, purchasing small cans first and testing them in your space under different lighting conditions before settling on your final choice is advisable.

Similar Shades to Benjamin Moore Smoke

If you’re intrigued by the alluring character of Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40, you will also find the following similar shades appealing:

  • Silvery Blue 1647: This color speaks tranquility. A slightly lighter shade, Silvery Blue, carries similar cool tones but offers an extra touch of brightness. Perfect for airy spaces where the sunlight can enhance its luminous quality.
  • Brittany Blue 1633: A vibrant and energetic alternative is Brittany Blue. It leans more towards a traditional blue color, but its touch of gray undertones keeps it sophisticated and not overly saturated.
  • Yarmouth Blue HC-150: This shade is elegantly soft and welcoming. Yarmouth Blue carries a hint of green undertones that add freshness to the overall look. It is ideal for those aiming to achieve a coastal or cottage-style ambiance.
  • Wales Gray 1585: A more bottomless, more dramatic option is Wales Gray. This color carries a dominant presence with its richer gray-blue hues, making it perfect for statement walls or as an exterior paint choice.

These Benjamin Moore alternatives offer various hues that take their cues from the cool spectrum of Smoke 2122-40 but provide levels of intensity and warmth to suit your specific needs.

Impact of Cardinal Directions on Color Perception

Impact of Cardinal Directions on Color Perception

Your room's orientation to the cardinal directions - North, South, East, and West - greatly impacts how Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 will appear. Light quality differs based on your room's direction, affecting how the color is perceived.

North-Facing Rooms

North-facing rooms receive indirect, cooler light throughout the day. Benjamin Moore Smoke will lean more towards its blue undertones in these spaces.

The cool complexion of the light complements the blue-gray hue, adding a sense of calmness and tranquility.

South-Facing Rooms

In contrast to north-facing rooms, south-facing spaces enjoy warm light throughout the day. The green undertones in Benjamin Moore's Smoke become more noticeable here as they play off beautifully against the warm light.

So, instead of being distinctly cold like in a north-facing room, Smoke tends to develop a slightly warmer appearance in south-facing spaces.

East-Facing Rooms

East-facing rooms are graced with bright and warm sunlight during the mornings but grow cooler later in the day.

In these areas, expect Benjamin Moore Smoke to showcase its characteristic blue-green mix more vividly in the morning light. However, as daylight fades, Smoke's cooler tones become more prominent.

West-Facing Rooms

West-facing spaces enjoy warmer afternoon sunlight that continues till sunset. This warm lighting highlights both green and blue undertones of Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 equally well, resulting in a balanced look most afternoons. As dusk approaches and natural light becomes scarce, you'll observe a shift towards cooler tones.

Read More: Benjamin Moore Gray Owl OC-52 [Where To Use Gray Owl]

FAQs About Smoke 2122-40

Is Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 a neutral color?

Though it carries significant undertones, Benjamin Moore Smoke can be considered neutral thanks to its soft and calming appearance.

Can I use Smoke 2122-40 in my small room?

Absolutely! The cool tones in Benjamin Moore Smoke make it an excellent choice for small rooms, as they can help create an illusion of expansive space.

What colors pair well with Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40?

Smoke pairs well with other cool tones like blue and green and neutrals like beige or cream. It also complements wooden textures beautifully.

Is the color suitable for exteriors?

Yes! Due to its versatile character, Benjamin Moore Smoke is a great interior color and lends itself perfectly to exteriors, striking the right balance between being standout and fitting in naturally.

How does Benjamin Moore Smoke look under artificial light?

Under artificial light, the bluish undertone is dominant in Benjamin Moore Smoke; however, the exact shade will depend on the nature of your indoor lighting (e.g. warm vs cool LED light).

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint color can profoundly impact your space, and Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40 is undoubtedly a standout option.

Its rich, multi-dimensional character allows it to breathe life into various room sizes and styles whether you’re looking to reform your home’s exterior or add elegance to your interior spaces.

This shade offers a beautiful blend of blue-gray with unique undertones. In the décor world, no choice is perfect—it’s all about finding what resonates most with you.

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