Benjamin Moore, a prominent paint manufacturer, offers a vast palette of colors, including Athena, a soft and versatile gray. Interior designers frequently evaluate colors like Athena for its suitability in various design schemes. The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is a crucial metric in assessing a paint’s brightness and its impact on a room’s perceived size; Athena’s LRV contributes to its subtle illumination. Therefore, a thorough benjamin moor colour athena review is essential for homeowners considering this shade for their next painting project.

Image taken from the YouTube channel The Paint People , from the video titled DON’T Paint Your House Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore! .
Dissecting the Ideal Article Layout: "Athena Review: Is This Benjamin Moore Color Right For You?"
This breakdown outlines the optimal structure for an article addressing "Athena Review: Is This Benjamin Moore Color Right For You?", heavily emphasizing the keyword "benjamin moor colour athena review". The aim is to provide a clear, helpful, and objective resource for readers considering this specific paint color.
Introduction: Setting the Stage for Athena
- Hook: Begin with a captivating opening. This could be a brief anecdote about the challenges of choosing the perfect paint color or a statement about Athena’s growing popularity.
- Introduce Athena: Clearly state that the article focuses on Benjamin Moore’s Athena (OC-127). Include a visually appealing image of the color swatch or ideally a room painted in Athena.
- State the Purpose: Explain the article’s intent – to provide a thorough and unbiased review of the color to help readers decide if it’s the right choice for their project. Acknowledge that color perception is subjective.
- Keyword Integration: Naturally incorporate "benjamin moor colour athena review" within the introduction without sounding forced or unnatural. For example: "If you’re searching for a benjamin moor colour athena review, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll explore its characteristics and suitability for various spaces."
Understanding Athena: A Deep Dive into its Properties
What is Athena?
- Official Description: Provide Benjamin Moore’s official description of Athena.
- Color Family: Identify Athena’s color family (e.g., off-white, neutral, gray-beige). Explain its undertones. Does it lean warm, cool, or neutral?
- Light Reflectance Value (LRV): Explain what LRV is in simple terms and state Athena’s LRV. Indicate what this LRV means in terms of how much light the color reflects and how it will perform in different lighting conditions. High LRV makes a room brighter, low LRV absorbs light.
- Hex Code/RGB values: Provide the specific hex code and RGB values, if available.
Undertones and Lighting
- Undertone Analysis: This is crucial. Does it have hints of gray, green, pink, or beige? Use clear language, such as "Athena tends to show a subtle hint of [undertone] in [specific lighting condition]." Use examples.
- Impact of Natural Light: Describe how Athena appears in different types of natural light (e.g., direct sunlight, indirect sunlight, north-facing rooms, south-facing rooms). North-facing rooms typically show cool undertones more, south-facing rooms bring out warmth.
- Impact of Artificial Light: Explain how incandescent, LED, and fluorescent lighting affect the color’s appearance. Consider variations in color temperature (warm vs. cool LEDs).
- Photographic Examples: Include photos of Athena in varied lighting environments.
Athena in Action: Applications and Considerations
Best Room Types and Styles
- Suitable Room Uses: Discuss which rooms Athena is well-suited for (e.g., living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms). Explain why.
- Architectural Styles: Mention architectural styles that complement Athena (e.g., modern farmhouse, minimalist, traditional).
- Sample Applications: Provide photographs or descriptions of Athena used in different settings – entire rooms vs. accent walls, trim color, cabinetry etc.
Coordinating Colors
- Trim Colors: Suggest complementary trim colors. List options from Benjamin Moore and briefly explain why they pair well with Athena (e.g., brighter whites for contrast, softer whites for a more subtle look).
- Accent Colors: Recommend accent colors that work harmoniously with Athena, considering the undertones. Suggest both warm and cool options.
- Furniture and Decor: Suggest ideal furniture and decor colors/materials (e.g., wood tones, metals, fabrics) to complement Athena.
Comparing Athena to Similar Colors
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Competitor Comparisons: Compare Athena to similar colors from Benjamin Moore and other brands (e.g., Classic Gray, Revere Pewter, Pale Oak, Agreeable Gray from Sherwin-Williams) using a table:
Color Name Brand Undertones LRV Notes Athena (OC-127) Benjamin Moore [Specify] [LRV] [Brief description, key features] Classic Gray (OC-23) Benjamin Moore [Specify] [LRV] [Brief description, key features] [Other Color] [Brand] [Specify] [LRV] [Brief description, key features] - Highlight Differences: Emphasize the unique qualities that differentiate Athena from similar colors.
Pros and Cons of Choosing Athena
- Pros:
- Versatility: Suitable for various rooms and styles.
- Timelessness: A classic color that won’t go out of style quickly.
- Easy to Coordinate: Works well with many other colors.
- Brightens Spaces: Due to its LRV.
- Cons:
- Undertone Sensitivity: Can shift noticeably in different lighting.
- May Appear Too [Color] in Certain Lights: Depends on the undertones.
- Not Ideal for Very Dark Spaces: If a high LRV is desired, it may not be effective.
Before You Commit: Testing and Sampling
- Importance of Sampling: Stress the crucial need to test Athena in your specific space and lighting conditions.
- How to Test: Recommend painting a large sample area (at least 2ft x 2ft) in different areas of the room. Observe the color at different times of day.
- Where to Obtain Samples: Mention available options for obtaining paint samples (e.g., Benjamin Moore retailers, online ordering).
- Alternative to Painting: Suggest using peel-and-stick paint samples for easier testing.
User Reviews and Testimonials (Optional)
- Aggregate Reviews: Summarize common opinions about Athena found online, focusing on recurring themes (e.g., ease of application, accuracy of color representation, customer satisfaction).
- Cautionary Note: Remind readers that reviews are subjective and individual experiences may vary.
- Highlight Negative Reviews: Acknowledge any common complaints or concerns about the color.
This detailed structure provides a comprehensive framework for a thorough "benjamin moor colour athena review." Remember to maintain an objective and informative tone throughout the article.
Athena Review: Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about Benjamin Moore Athena and whether it’s the right color for your project? Here are some common inquiries to help you decide.
What undertones does Athena have?
Athena, a popular Benjamin Moore color, primarily displays subtle cool gray undertones. Depending on the lighting, you might also detect hints of green or blue, making it a versatile neutral. Always test the color in your space to see how it reads.
What colors coordinate well with Benjamin Moore Athena?
Athena works well with both warm and cool colors. For a harmonious palette, consider pairing it with off-whites, lighter grays, or even soft blues and greens. Deep accent colors like navy or charcoal can also create a striking contrast alongside the benjamin moor colour athena review mentions.
Is Athena a good choice for a dark room?
While Athena is a light and airy color, its gray undertones can sometimes make a dark room feel even cooler. If you’re using it in a low-light space, consider balancing it with warm lighting and incorporating other warm-toned elements in your decor.
What sheen level is recommended for Athena when painting walls?
For walls, an eggshell or matte sheen is generally recommended for Athena. These sheens provide a soft, subtle finish that minimizes imperfections and creates a calming atmosphere. Benjamin Moore Athena review also notes these are easiest to clean.
So, are you feeling inspired to give Athena a try? Hope this benjamin moor colour athena review helped you decide if it’s the perfect color for your space. Happy painting!