Steam → Behr
The closest Behr matches for Benjamin Moore Steam (AF-15), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Steam
If you love Benjamin Moore Steam but need a Behr 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 Behr, your local store does not carry Benjamin Moore, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Steam (AF-15) is a very light white with warm cream undertones. A warm off-white with cream undertones. Similar to Linen White. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 82.68) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Steam and every Behr 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 Behr option is Cotton Knit (PPU7-15) with a Delta E of 3, which is a "good match" level match. Cotton Knit is a good match. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Behr Matches for Steam
Cotton Knit is a good match.
| Steam | Cotton Knit | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 82.68 | 81 |
| Hex | #EDE9DF | #EBE5D9 |
| Undertone | Warm Cream | Warm Cream |
| Family | White | Off-White |
Undertone Comparison
Steam has warm cream undertones. A warm off-white with cream undertones. Similar to Linen White.
Cotton Knit has warm cream undertones. A soft, warm cream. Similar to Swiss Coffee but slightly lighter. Cozy and inviting.
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
Steam in Your Room
Warm and cozy. Reads as a rich warm white.
Cotton Knit in Your Room
Warm and comforting in all rooms. The cream is gentle and never overwhelming.
LRV and Brightness
Steam has an LRV of 82.68, while Cotton Knit has an LRV of 81. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
Best Rooms for Steam
Benjamin Moore recommends Steam for: whole house, living room, bedroom, hallway. With an LRV of 82.68, this is a very light color that reflects a lot of light and works well in any room, including smaller spaces where you want to maintain a bright, open feel. It is light enough for whole-house use without making rooms feel washed out or sterile.
Cotton Knit is recommended for: whole house, living room, bedroom, hallway, trim. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Cotton Knit in the same rooms you planned for Steam.
Steam in Other Brands
Looking for Steam equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Steam (AF-15) is Cotton Knit (PPU7-15) with a Delta E of 3, which rates as a "good match" match. Cotton Knit is a good match. 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. Steam is a Benjamin Moore color with warm cream undertones and an LRV of 82.68. Cotton Knit is a Behr color with warm cream undertones and an LRV of 81. With a Delta E of 3, the difference is subtle and mainly visible in direct side-by-side comparison. 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 3, these colors are close enough to use in separate rooms of the same house without a jarring difference. However, avoid painting them on adjacent walls in the same room, as even subtle differences become apparent at a hard edge where two paints meet. For the smoothest result, use one brand consistently within each connected space and reserve the other brand for rooms that are visually separated.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Behr equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Behr. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Behr 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.