Cedar Key → Valspar
The closest Valspar matches for Benjamin Moore Cedar Key (OC-16), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Valspar Equivalent for Cedar Key
If you love Benjamin Moore Cedar Key but need a Valspar 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 Valspar, 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 Valspar 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 Valspar 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 Valspar option is Soft Sand Dollar (VR085F) with a Delta E of 4.3, which is a "good match" level match. Soft Sand Dollar is the closest Valspar option at LRV 67. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Valspar Matches for Cedar Key
Soft Sand Dollar is the closest Valspar option at LRV 67. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison.
| Cedar Key | Soft Sand Dollar | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 72.45 | 67 |
| Hex | #E1DBD0 | #D8D2C6 |
| Undertone | Warm Beige-Cream | Warm Sandy Cream |
| Family | Greige | Beige |
Undertone Comparison
Cedar Key has warm beige-cream undertones. A very light warm neutral between white and greige. Subtle warmth without being obviously beige.
Soft Sand Dollar has warm sandy cream undertones. A warm, sandy cream. Lighter than Rattan, warmer than Filtered Shade. Like a pale sand dollar bleached by the sun.
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.
Soft Sand Dollar in Your Room
Warm and sandy. A light, inviting warm neutral.
LRV and Brightness
Cedar Key has an LRV of 72.45, while Soft Sand Dollar has an LRV of 67. That means Cedar Key reflects noticeably more light. In the same room, Cedar Key will make the space feel brighter and more open than Soft Sand Dollar. If you are switching to the Valspar 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.
Soft Sand Dollar is recommended for: whole house, living room, bedroom, hallway, bathroom. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Soft Sand Dollar in the same rooms you planned for Cedar Key.
Cedar Key in Other Brands
Looking for Cedar Key equivalents in other brands besides Valspar? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Valspar match for Cedar Key (OC-16) is Soft Sand Dollar (VR085F) with a Delta E of 4.3, which rates as a "good match" match. Soft Sand Dollar is the closest Valspar option at LRV 67. Similar character, though some difference is visible in direct comparison. 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. Soft Sand Dollar is a Valspar color with warm sandy cream undertones and an LRV of 67. With a Delta E of 4.3, 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 4.3, 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 Valspar equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Valspar. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Valspar 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.