Cedar Key → Farrow & Ball
The closest Farrow & Ball matches for Benjamin Moore Cedar Key (OC-16), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Farrow & Ball Equivalent for Cedar Key
If you love Benjamin Moore Cedar Key but need a Farrow & Ball alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Farrow & Ball, your local store does not carry Benjamin Moore, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Cedar Key (OC-16) is a light greige with warm beige-cream undertones. A very light warm neutral between white and greige. Subtle warmth without being obviously beige. To find a good Farrow & Ball match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 72.45) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Cedar Key and every Farrow & Ball color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest Farrow & Ball option is Ammonite (No.274) with a Delta E of 4.5, which is a "good match" level match. Ammonite is the closest Farrow & Ball option at LRV 66. Similar character with F&B's chalky complexity, though some difference is visible. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Farrow & Ball Matches for Cedar Key
Ammonite is the closest Farrow & Ball option at LRV 66. Similar character with F&B's chalky complexity, though some difference is visible.
| Cedar Key | Ammonite | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 72.45 | 66 |
| Hex | #E1DBD0 | #DAD5CD |
| Undertone | Warm Beige-Cream | Warm Stone |
| Family | Greige | Gray |
Undertone Comparison
Cedar Key has warm beige-cream undertones. A very light warm neutral between white and greige. Subtle warmth without being obviously beige.
Ammonite has warm stone undertones. A light, warm gray with organic, stone-like undertones. Named after the fossilized shell, it captures that natural, earthy quality.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Cedar Key in Your Room
Reads as a warm off-white with a touch of depth. Versatile and universally flattering.
Ammonite in Your Room
Reads as a soft, natural warm gray in most rooms. Less pink than many light grays. The earthy quality makes it pair beautifully with natural materials.
LRV and Brightness
Cedar Key has an LRV of 72.45, while Ammonite has an LRV of 66. That means Cedar Key reflects noticeably more light. In the same room, Cedar Key will make the space feel brighter and more open than Ammonite. If you are switching to the Farrow & Ball option, expect the room to feel slightly more intimate and cozy.
Best Rooms for Cedar Key
Benjamin Moore recommends Cedar Key for: whole house, hallway, bedroom, living room. With an LRV of 72.45, this is a light color that is in the medium-light range, reflecting enough light to keep rooms feeling open while adding more color and depth than a white or off-white. It works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where you want warmth and character without darkness.
Ammonite is recommended for: living room, bedroom, hallway, whole house, bathroom. The recommended applications differ slightly between brands, but the color's properties should work in the same rooms regardless of which brand you choose. Trust the LRV and undertone data more than the specific room suggestions, and always test in your actual space.
Cedar Key in Other Brands
Looking for Cedar Key equivalents in other brands besides Farrow & Ball? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Farrow & Ball match for Cedar Key (OC-16) is Ammonite (No.274) with a Delta E of 4.5, which rates as a "good match" match. Ammonite is the closest Farrow & Ball option at LRV 66. Similar character with F&B's chalky complexity, though some difference is visible. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Cedar Key is a Benjamin Moore color with warm beige-cream undertones and an LRV of 72.45. Ammonite is a Farrow & Ball color with warm stone undertones and an LRV of 66. With a Delta E of 4.5, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 4.5, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Farrow & Ball equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Farrow & Ball. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Farrow & Ball work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.