ColorplanBenjamin Moore Lightning Bolt (323) is a very light beige with a warm yellow undertone and an LRV of 87. Closest matches: Sherwin-Williams Lemon Chiffon (SW 6686) and Farrow & Ball Pale Hound (No.71).
Room Preview
This photo shows walls only. Photos show the color in a real room's light; your own light will change it.
Suggested trim and ceiling are Benjamin Moore whites that share this color's undertone.
Color Details
| Family | Beige |
| LRV | 87.3 (light; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #FAF1C5 |
| RGB | 250, 241, 197 |
| HSL | 50°, 84%, 88% |
About Lightning Bolt
Lightning Bolt (323) is a very light, medium-strength beige from Benjamin Moore that leans yellow. With an LRV of 87, Lightning Bolt reflects most of the light that hits it, which helps small or dim rooms feel larger.
In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Lightning Bolt's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward. It's a good fit for open-plan living areas, hallways, living rooms and bedrooms. It's very close to Birdhouse (316); you'd mostly see the difference side by side.
How Lightning Bolt changes with the light
Lightning Bolt is a warm white, so it stays soft rather than gray in north-facing rooms and looks creamier in strong south or west sun.
North-facing rooms
Lightning Bolt's warm undertone keeps it soft rather than gray in north light, which makes it a good white for north rooms.
East-facing rooms
Lightning Bolt will look warmer and brighter in the morning and cooler and grayer by afternoon; check a sample at both times.
South-facing rooms
In strong south light Lightning Bolt can turn noticeably more yellow or orange; test a sample at midday.
West-facing rooms
Lightning Bolt will glow warmer in the late afternoon, so check it at sunset if you want to avoid a strong yellow cast.
See Lightning Bolt in real homes
Photos people have shared of Lightning Bolt in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
Lightning Bolt equivalents in other brands
The closest color from each brand. ΔE (“delta E”) scores how different two colors look: under 2.5 is very hard to tell apart on a wall, over 5 is clearly different.
Sherwin-Williams
Close · ΔE 3.7
Also close: Friendly Yellow (ΔE 5.3)
Compare side by side →Behr
Closest available · ΔE 5.2
Also close: Navajo White (ΔE 7.1)
Compare side by side →Similar Benjamin Moore colors
Lightning Bolt questions
What undertone does Lightning Bolt have?
Lightning Bolt has a warm yellow undertone, so it reads as a warm color. In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Lightning Bolt's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward.
Is Lightning Bolt a light or dark color?
Lightning Bolt has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 87.3 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a very light color. With an LRV of 87, Lightning Bolt reflects most of the light that hits it, which helps small or dim rooms feel larger.
What is the closest match to Lightning Bolt in other paint brands?
Sherwin-Williams: Lemon Chiffon SW 6686 (close, ΔE 3.7); Farrow & Ball: Pale Hound No.71 (close, ΔE 4.8); Behr: Banana Cream 350C-2 (closest available, ΔE 5.2). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with Lightning Bolt?
Lightning Bolt is light enough to use on walls, trim and ceiling for a seamless look. Use a semi-gloss on trim and a flat finish on the ceiling to add subtle definition.
Where does Lightning Bolt work best?
Lightning Bolt works well in open-plan living areas, hallways, living rooms and bedrooms. With an LRV of 87, Lightning Bolt reflects most of the light that hits it, which helps small or dim rooms feel larger.
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