Are you looking to paint your home but not sure if Benjamin Moore Glacier White (OC-37) is right for you?
I’ve tested this paint in hundreds of homes and help you decide if it’s the perfect choice for your space.
In this color review, I’ll break down:
- What makes Glacier White different from other whites?
- How it changes in various lighting conditions
- Which rooms it works best in
- Key tips for using this color successfully
As a color consultant with 15 years of experience, I’ve seen how this paint looks in north-facing rooms, bright spaces, and everything in between.
I’ve compared it side-by-side with other popular whites, such as Super White and China White, to show you exactly what sets it apart.
By the end of this review, you’ll know if Glacier White is the right choice for your home and how to use it effectively to get the look you want.
What Makes Glacier White Different from Other Whites?
Let me tell you about Benjamin Moore Glacier White – it’s not your typical white paint.
From my testing, it sits right between pure white and off-white, with subtle gray undertones that give it real character.
What makes it special is that it’s like a good friend who gets along with everyone. This color works nicely with both warm and cool colors in your home.
Think of it as a peacemaker – it can blend traditional wooden furniture with modern steel accessories without missing a beat.
When clients ask me about versatile colors, I often point to Glacier White because it’s not too warm and not too cold—it hits the sweet spot that many homeowners are looking for.
Key Features of Glacier White
Undertones: Gray undertones give this white depth and softness. In my testing, they’re subtle but make a real difference in how the color feels.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV): With an LRV of 80.18, this paint reflects plenty of light while keeping enough depth to avoid looking too stark. This makes it bright without being intense.
Chameleon Effect: I’ve noticed something important: this paint changes its look based on your room’s lighting.
In my north-facing test room, it showed more of its gray side. But it appeared closer to a clean white in spaces with lots of sunlight. I’ve seen it:
- Look crisp in the morning sunlight
- Show soft warmth in the afternoon light
- Feel cozy and muted in the evening hours
This changing nature makes it act differently in each room – that’s why testing in your specific space is so vital
Best Rooms for Using Glacier White
1. Living Rooms
In living rooms, Glacier White creates a calm, welcoming background that naturally makes furniture and decor stand out.
From my years of consulting, I’ve found it works especially well in spaces with lots of natural light.
The color helps make the room feel open and bright while maintaining a comfortable, lived-in feeling that invites conversation.
This makes it perfect for both family gatherings and quiet evenings.
Styling tips for living rooms:
- Add textured throws and patterned pillows in varied neutral tones
- Include natural wood elements to create warmth
- Mix in metal accents like picture frames or light fixtures
- Layer different textures through rugs and curtains
2. Kitchens
Glacier White shines in kitchens, making them feel clean and inviting. Thanks to its subtle gray undertones, I’ve seen it pair beautifully with both white and colored cabinets.
It helps hide everyday marks and splashes while creating a bright cooking space.
The color works well with natural and artificial lighting, maintaining its welcoming feel from morning coffee to evening meals.
Styling tips for kitchens:
- Mix in wooden cutting boards and bowls
- Add metallic hardware in silver or brass
- Include plants for natural color contrast
- Use colorful cookware as accent pieces
3. Bedrooms
This color makes bedrooms into calm spaces. It’s soft enough to create a restful atmosphere but bright enough to energize your morning routine.
The paint changes subtly throughout the day – glowing gently in the morning light while staying soothing at night.
I’ve found it works perfectly in master bedrooms where balance is key.
Styling tips for bedrooms:
- Layer different shades of white bedding for depth
- Add soft textiles like plush rugs or cotton curtains
- Include mirrors to enhance natural light
- Use natural materials for furniture and decor
Comparing Glacier White with Other Paint Colors
| Detail | Glacier White | Super White | Spanish White | Soft Chamois |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tone | Cool, crisp white | Clean, bright white | Warm, light cream | Warm, light beige |
| Warmth | Cool, slightly cool undertone | Neutral, cool undertone | Warm, with yellow undertones | Warm, with soft yellow undertones |
| Grayish Undertones | No grayish undertones | No grayish undertones | Has slight gray undertones | Slight grayish undertones |
| Lightness | Bright, clean white | Brightest white, slightly cooler | Light, with subtle warmth | Soft, light beige |
| Best Use | Modern, minimalist spaces | Contemporary, crisp designs | Cozy, traditional interiors | Elegant, inviting spaces |
The Versatility of Glacier White in Different Home Styles
Modern and Contemporary Spaces
Glacier White provides the perfect canvas for clean lines and simple designs in modern homes.
I’ve helped many clients use this color to highlight their minimalist decor. The paint’s subtle gray undertones complement sleek furniture and metal finishes.
What I love most is how it makes art pieces pop against the walls without competing for attention.
The color maintains its crisp look throughout the day, supporting the uncluttered feel that modern spaces need.
Traditional and Classic Homes
Glacier White proves its worth in traditional settings by working well with detailed moldings and classic furniture.
The soft white tone adds freshness while respecting older architectural elements. In my experience, it pairs beautifully with hardwood floors and antique pieces.
This color is special because it brings out the best in both old and new elements – helping heritage pieces look current while letting modern additions feel at home.
Pros and Cons of Using Glacier White
Pros:
- It fits many design styles without looking out of place
- It makes rooms feel bright but not too stark
- It shows its best side in well-lit spaces
- Works equally well with warm and cool color schemes
- It helps spaces feel open and welcoming
- It hides minor marks and smudges better than pure white
- Maintains its color quality in different types of lighting
- It makes art and furniture stand out nicely
Cons:
- May look flat in north-facing rooms
- It shows gray tones in spaces with little natural light
- Needs testing with your existing furniture before painting
- It might not provide enough contrast in very bright rooms
- Could clash with certain cream-colored furnishings
- It takes time to see its true color in your space
- Requires careful planning with trim colors
- It is not ideal for rooms that need a warmer white
Tips for Using Benjamin Moore Glacier White in Your Home
Check the paint against all permanent room features like tiles, countertops, and built-in cabinets.
Use high-quality rollers and brushes for the smoothest application.
Consider the direction your windows face when planning this color.
Start with a pure white primer to ensure color accuracy.
Paint crown molding and baseboards first if using different whites.
Look at the color both up close and from across the room.
Compare samples in morning, afternoon, and evening light.
Think about neighboring room colors for a cohesive flow.
Test near both artificial and natural light sources.
Consider sheen levels – eggshell for walls, semi-gloss for trim.
Pro tip from my experience: Take photos of your space at different times and study them on your phone – sometimes, it’s easier to spot undertone issues in pictures than in person.
Final Thoughts
This paint shifts beautifully with natural light while hiding small marks that come with daily life.
My clients often tell me they love how it makes their art pieces stand out without turning rooms too stark or clinical.
Here’s my pro tip: Paint a 2×2 foot sample board and place it near your windows, next to your sofa, and by your lighting fixtures.
Check it at sunrise, noon, and sunset. See how it complements your existing trim colors.
Want the best results? Schedule your painting between 10 AM and 2 PM for the most even application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Trim Colors Work Best with Glacier White?
Chantilly Lace and Super White make excellent trim pairings with Glacier White. These combinations create subtle contrast while maintaining a cohesive look.
Does Glacier White Show Marks Easily?
The soft gray undertones in Glacier White help hide minor marks better than pure whites. Regular maintenance keeps the walls looking fresh.
