Steam

Technical Profile

What color is Steam? It's a very light warm yellow with the hex code #F1F0E7. Colors similar to Steam include Kilz Architectural White, MPC Garbo Silver, Vista Paint Pale Face. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Steam has a neutral 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. Steam (#F1F0E7) by Benjamin Moore is a very light yellow paint color with a balanced saturation that feels natural and approachable. 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 94, it reflects the vast majority of light, helping smaller rooms feel more spacious. A barely-there butter or cream shade like this is universally flattering in kitchens, hallways, and any room that needs a lift. An eggshell or matte finish works well at this lightness, hiding minor wall imperfections while still being easy to wipe clean. For color coordination, Steam pairs beautifully with blue tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring green and orange hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its neutral 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 Kilz, MPC, Vista Paint and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Steam 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 cottage-core, transitional, and Scandinavian-inspired interiors. As part of the Benjamin Moore palette, Steam benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. High-LRV colors like Steam 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 Steam (AF-15) 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.