Oystershell

Technical Profile

What color is Oystershell? It's a very light warm gray with the hex code #D5D9D3. Colors similar to Oystershell include Hirshfield's Metal Flake, Dunn-Edwards Silver Fox, Kilz Cool Fog. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Oystershell has a cool (green) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Oystershell (#D5D9D3) by Benjamin Moore is a very light gray paint color with a understated, nearly neutral quality. It delivers an airy, open feeling that maximizes the sense of space in any room. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. Its RGB channels are closely balanced, contributing to its neutral, even-keeled visual character. With a Light Reflectance Value of 85, it reflects the vast majority of light, helping smaller rooms feel more spacious. As a near-white neutral, this shade is one of the most versatile wall colors available — ideal for ceilings, trim, open floor plans, and any room where you want maximum light and a clean canvas for furnishings. An eggshell or matte finish works well at this lightness, hiding minor wall imperfections while still being easy to wipe clean. Because Oystershell carries warm undertones, it pairs naturally with other warm neutrals, creamy whites, and earthy accents like terracotta or caramel. Its cool (green) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Benjamin Moore is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Hirshfield's, Dunn-Edwards, Kilz and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Oystershell evokes the soft glow of morning sunlight, creating a gentle, optimistic ambiance. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for virtually every design style from minimalist Japandi to rustic farmhouse to sleek contemporary. As part of the Benjamin Moore palette, Oystershell benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. High-LRV colors like Oystershell are forgiving in most lighting conditions, but they can pick up reflected color from adjacent walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces, so evaluate samples in situ. Very light shades can sometimes read as stark white on small swatches — viewing a larger area in your intended space reveals the true character of the color. Pair this shade with natural linen, light oak, rattan, and marble for a fresh, layered look, or contrast it with dark walnut and wrought iron for more definition. You can order Oystershell (864) directly from Benjamin Moore or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.