Hazy Lilac Benjamin Moore: Is This A Perfect Soft Purple?

So, hazy lilac benjamin moore made me off guard the first time I used it in a client’s bedroom.

I’d grabbed the sample thinking it would be another safe, barely-there purple that would wash out under natural light but it was not like that.

This color has a backbone.

Benjamin Moore’s Hazy Lilac (2116-40) is in an interesting space between calming and colorful, it creates a serene and airy vibe without feeling cold.

It’s becoming a go-to alternative for people who are tired of the beige-greige.

I’ve been designing interiors for a long time, and I can tell you that homeowners are looking for something different without going bold and Hazy Lilac does that.

It brings sophistication and a touch of personality that the standard neutrals can’t match.

Designers I know are specifying this in modern homes, mainly for people who want their space to feel current and romantic.

So, we’re going to talk about what makes hazy lilac benjamin moore one of the best.

We’ll talk about the LRV, undertones, how it looks in different rooms, what colors to pair it with, and some comparisons with similar purples because you’re looking at other options too.

Also, I’ll talk about the pros and cons of this color.

So, let’s go and see.

Also read:

• Sherwin Williams Rainwashed
• Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray
• Benjamin Moore Polaris Blue

Color Profile Of Hazy Lilac By Benjamin Moore (2116-40)

Benjamin Moore’s Hazy Lilac (2116-40) is in the purple paint color range, and I’d describe it as a mid-toned lilac that doesn’t look too pastel or too deep.

When I first saw it, I remember thinking it looked more purple-gray than I expected and it’s a good thing.

The color code is 2116-40 and it’s part of their Classics collection.

What I love about this shade is how soft and muted it looks on the wall.

There is a slightly dusty quality to it like someone took a vibrant lilac and toned it down with gray in a sophisticated way.

I’ve used it in bedrooms but I’ve also done a living room accent wall with it that turned out nice.

The reason designers and homeowners keep going with this is because it creates an atmosphere without overwhelming a space. 

Bathrooms are interesting with this one too.

I did a powder room in Hazy Lilac with white trim and brass fixtures, and people would NOT stop talking about it.

Something about the color made the small space feel expensive and considered.

The thing is, it works in contemporary spaces, transitional homes and cottage-style interiors if you style it right.

The versatility is rare for a color that’s definitively purple.

Hazy Lilac By Benjamin Moore: Undertones, LRV and Best Uses

So this is where we get into the important thing and I’m going to break down the technical thing.

Understanding the LRV and undertones changed how I paint colors, and I wish someone had explained this to me when I was starting out.

So let’s go and see what it is about and how you should understand about hazy lilac.

LRV

The Light Reflectance Value of Hazy Lilac is 46.19.

This number matters more. LRV measures how much light a color reflects on a scale of 0 (black, absorbs everything) to 100 (white, reflects everything).

At 46.19, Hazy Lilac is in the middle zone.

It’s not light to make a room feel big and bright like a pale gray, but it’s not dark to stuff your space or make it moody.

What this means is you can use it in rooms with decent natural light without thinking it’ll look too dark.

I’ve put this in bedrooms with only one window and it worked fine.

But I wouldn’t recommend it for a windowless basement room or a hallway with no light source because it will look flat and grayish.

Here’s a mistake I made, I used this in a north-facing room thinking the LRV would be high to compensate but it wasn’t.

The room felt dull and the color looked muddy.

In the north faced light, it was looking cool and flat, and Hazy Lilac disappeared.

Undertones

The gray undertones are what make Hazy Lilac one of the best choices.

Without the gray notes, this will look like a straight-up Easter egg purple that works in a little girl’s room.

But the gray TONES IT DOWN in the best way. It’s like the color got sophisticated.

I always tell people to look at paint colors like you’d look at someone’s personality.

Hazy Lilac’s dominant trait is purple and lilac, but its underlying character is gray.

The gray keeps it from being too sweet or too juvenile.

When the light hits it, you’ll see the purple.

But in shadows or in corners, the gray undertone becomes obvious.

Some people worry this makes it look dirty or and in the wrong lighting, it CAN. 

The undertone also affects what you can pair with it.

Because of the gray, this color plays well with other grayed-out tones, soft whites, and some beiges.

If it was a clear, bright purple, your pairing options would be limited.

Lighting Behaviour

This is where Hazy Lilac gets interesting and a bit tough.

Natural daylight brings out the true purple-lilac tone.

Morning light mainly if you have east-facing windows, this color will look fresh till noon.

That’s when you get the soft, accurate version of the color.

Afternoon sun, mainly from west windows, can make it look warm and more pink.

I had a client freak out about this, but I liked it. The warmth made it feel cozy.

Artificial lighting is where you need to pay attention.

Warm LED bulbs or soft white incandescent lights will push Hazy Lilac toward a pink, slightly mauve tone.

Cool white or daylight LED bulbs keep it true to the can color but can also emphasize the gray undertone.

I learned this in a project where we painted before installing the light fixtures but it was a bad idea.

The color looked beautiful with natural light during the day, but at night with the warm bulbs the client chose, it looked almost dusty rose in some areas. 

Remember that the low light conditions will make Hazy Lilac look grayer and less purple.

If you’re using this in a room you primarily use in the evening, know it’s going to feel more neutral than colorful.

Depth and Saturation

Hazy Lilac has moderate depth, it’s not a hint of color, but it’s not intense either.

The saturation is muted.

On a scale where pastel lavender is a 2 and a true royal purple is a 10, I’d put Hazy Lilac around a 5 or 6.

It has color to make a statement, but the grayness keeps it from being vibrant.

It means on your walls, you’re going to see COLOR when you look at them.

This isn’t one of the “barely there” tints that looks like a off-white and it’s purple.

But it’s not going to face you hard either.

The depth makes it substantial for main wall color like you don’t have to relegate it to an accent wall only.

I’ve done entire bedrooms in this, and it creates an enveloping, cocoon-like feeling without being dark.

Style and Best Uses

Trim color is important. I always go with a bright white trim when using Hazy Lilac.

Something like Benjamin Moore’s Simply White or Chantilly Lace gives you the clean contrast that makes the purple feel intentional and designed.

If you go with cream or off-white trim, the thing can look outdated.

For ceilings, I stick with white. I’ve done one project where we continued the Hazy Lilac onto the ceiling in a bedroom, and while it was pretty and cocooning, it made the room feel small.

If your ceilings are high, you can try it.

Furniture that works well are the wood tones like walnut, oak, lighter pines.

The warmth of the wood balances the coolness of the purple.

White furniture looks great but can feel a bit expected.

Black furniture or very dark wood creates nice drama.

Accent colors like soft grays, warm creams, and muted blues all work beautifully.

I’ve also paired it with sage green in a bedroom and it was looking good.

Metallics like brass and gold warm it up; silver and chrome keep it cool and modern.

Bright primary colors next to this will look babyish.

Orange is tricky and warm yellows can clash with the cool purple base.

How Does Hazy Lilac Work In Different Rooms?

So here’s what I’ve learned from using Hazy Lilac Benjamin Moore in spaces that every room brings out something different in this color.

The light, the function, the mood you’re going for.

I’ve made some choices I’d do differently now, and I’ve had some unexpected wins too.

I’m going to walk through what worked and what I THOUGHT would work but didn’t.

So, let’s go and see.

Living Room

I was hesitant about Hazy Lilac in living rooms and I thought it may look too bedroom-specific.

Then I tried it in my own living room as an accent wall behind the sofa, and I got it.

The thing about living rooms is they need to feel collected but not formal.

Hazy Lilac brings in color and personality without making the space feel like it’s trying too hard.

It’s sophisticated and it’s not stuffy.

Here’s what worked for me: I painted ONE wall in Hazy Lilac and kept the other three walls in a soft warm white.

The contrast made the purple wall feel intentional like a design choice.

I brought in a gray linen sofa, some cream and gray throw pillows, and a vintage rug with purple and blue tones. The room felt pulled together.

Before, it was only white walls and furniture floating in space.

Lighting made a difference.

I have southwest-facing windows, so the afternoon light hits the wall and makes it glow.

In the evening with warm lamps, it gets more muted and cozy.

One thing I’d caution – if your living room is small or dark, doing ALL four walls in Hazy Lilac may feel heavy.

The mid-range LRV means it’s not going to brighten up the space.

But one accent wall looks perfect.

Bedroom

This is where Hazy Lilac SHINES. Like, this color was made for bedrooms.

I’ve used it in many bedrooms and every single time, people walk in and say it looks nice.

There’s something about the soft, muted purple that feels calming but interesting.

It’s not boring beige, but it’s not overstimulating either.

You want a bedroom to feel like a retreat, and Hazy Lilac delivers that without being predictable.

I did all four walls in my primary bedroom, and I was worried it would look too much but nothing happened like that.

Because of the gray undertones, it doesn’t overwhelm the space. It wraps around in a gentle, soothing way.

Consider Hazy Lilac walls, white trim and doors, white bedding with some lilac and gray accent pillows, natural oak nightstands, and brass lamps.

The warmth of the wood and brass keeps it from feeling too cool or flat.

Pro tip: Layer in textures. I have linen curtains, a chunky knit throw, and a jute rug.

The textures keep the color from feeling flat or one-dimensional.

I had cool-toned LED bulbs in the bedroom, and the color looked TOO gray at night.

I swapped them for warm 2700K bulbs, and the vibe changed. The purple came back and the room felt cozy.

If you’re doing a kids’ room or nursery, Hazy Lilac works great but when you style it be careful.

Too many accessories and make it a girl territory.

Keep it balanced with neutrals and natural materials.

Bathroom

Bathrooms with Hazy Lilac are a VIBE.

I’m talking powder rooms specifically, or a small guest bathroom.

I haven’t been brave enough to do a large primary bathroom but I’ve seen it done and it can work if you have great lighting and white tile to balance it.

I did a powder room in Hazy Lilac with white wainscoting on the bottom half, and it’s my favorite paint project to date.

Small spaces can handle saturated color better because you’re not spending hours in there.

You walk in, you get the impact and you leave.

The color made the space feel expensive and designed, like we spent more time thinking about it than we did.

In bathrooms, lighting is EVERYTHING. Bathrooms should have artificial lighting and in the day too, and if your bulbs are bad, Hazy Lilac will look muddy and flat.

I installed bright daylight-balanced LED bulbs, and the color looks fresh and intentional.

Pairing it with white fixtures, white subway tile, and brass or gold hardware is the move.

Chrome can work too if you want a cool, modern look, but I prefer the warmth of brass against the purple.

One mistake many people make is that people try to match the purple with purple towels and purple accessories, and it becomes too themed and not cool.

Keep your linens white or soft gray and like one small accent in a complementary color like soft blue.

Kitchen

Hazy Lilac in a kitchen is NOT for everyone.

But I’ve seen it done and when it works, it looks nice.

The key is using it according to your space and not everywhere.

I helped a friend paint her kitchen island base in Hazy Lilac while keeping the perimeter cabinets white, and it became the focal point of the space.

Kitchens are a bit tough because they’re high-traffic, high-function spaces.

You need them to feel clean and not too moody.

Hazy Lilac’s mid-range LRV can make a kitchen feel dark if you overdo it.

Where it works: accent island, a single wall in an open-concept kitchen that flows into the dining area, open shelving backs.

Where it doesn’t work: all the cabinets, walls in a small enclosed kitchen with limited light, spaces with harvest gold or orange-toned wood that’ll clash.

Styling considerations, if you go with Hazy Lilac somewhere in the kitchen, everything else needs to be neutral.

White countertops like quartz, marble and more so, white or light gray backsplash and stainless or black appliances with natural wood or white open shelving.

Compare Hazy Lilac Benjamin Moore With Other Colors

I get asked all the time how Hazy Lilac compares to other purples, lavenders, and lilacs because there are many options, and they all look similar on a small paint chip.

I’ve worked with many purples to tell you that small differences in undertone, saturation, and depth.

I’m breaking down what makes each one different from each other so you can figure out which one you want to go with.

Hazy Lilac Vs Amorous

Amorous is soft and lighter than Hazy Lilac, it’s like a hint of purple where Hazy Lilac has presence.

If Hazy Lilac feels too saturated or bold, Amorous is the best choice.

The undertones in Amorous look slightly pink, while Hazy Lilac’s gray undertones make it neutral-leaning.

It affects everything like what you pair it with, what lighting it needs, how the room feels.

Amorous would work better in spaces where you want a HINT of purple but want it to function as a neutral. Hazy Lilac is committed to being purple.

Hazy Lilac Vs Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow is cool and more blue-toned than Hazy Lilac.

This is a color I almost used instead of Hazy Lilac in my bedroom, and I’m glad I didn’t.

Sleepy Hollow is beautiful, but it’s blue-purple while Hazy Lilac stays in the true lilac and purple range.

If you want something that feels more calming and less red-based, Sleepy Hollow is the best choice.

But it’s also less warm and can feel cold in spaces without natural light.

Hazy Lilac has versatility because the gray undertones let it play well with both warm and cool color schemes.

Hazy Lilac Vs Amethyst Sky

Amethyst Sky is DEEP and more saturated than Hazy Lilac.

This is for people who want a moody and dramatic purple.

The LRV is low, so it absorbs more light and creates a rich and enveloping feeling.

I love Amethyst Sky for accent walls, small spaces where you want impact, or rooms with natural light that can handle the depth.

Hazy Lilac is versatile and you can use it in many situations without worrying about making a room too dark.

Hazy Lilac Vs Mauve Blush

Mauve Blush is light, pink, and more pastel than Hazy Lilac.

This one is into the blush and mauve territory, which is a different vibe.

It’s soft, romantic in a traditional sense, and looks more pink than purple.

Hazy Lilac holds onto its purple identity also with the gray undertones.

Mauve Blush is giving up some of that purple in favor of pink warmth.

If you want something gentle and traditionally feminine, Mauve Blush may fit better.

Hazy Lilac feels modern and less expected.

Hazy Lilac Vs Lavender

This depends on WHICH lavender you’re talking about because there are many.

But true lavender colors are bright, clear, and more saturated than Hazy Lilac. They’re more blue-based.

Hazy Lilac’s gray undertones mute the color significantly compared to a bright lavender.

Lavender looks PURPLE whereas Hazy Lilac looks purple with a hint of sophisticated vibe.

Lavenders can feel outdated if not styled carefully.

Hazy Lilac feels current because of the dusty, muted quality.

Hazy Lilac Vs Violet

Violet as a color category is deep, rich, and more blue-based than Hazy Lilac.

True violets are BOLD. They’re saturated, they make a statement, they take over a room.

Hazy Lilac is restrained by comparison.

If you’re looking at something called “Violet” and comparing it to Hazy Lilac, you’re going to find the violet much more intense.

It’ll have a low LRV, more pigment saturation, and less gray influence.

Violets are beautiful for feature walls or spaces where you want drama.

Hazy Lilac is better for a whole room application where you want color but not overwhelming intensity.

Comparison Table

Color	Tone	Saturation	Best For
Hazy Lilac	Mid-tone lilac with gray undertones	Moderate, muted	Bedrooms, living room accents, bathrooms
Amorous	Light, soft lilac with pink undertones	Low, very muted	Spaces wanting subtle purple hint, nurseries
Sleepy Hollow	Cool blue-purple/periwinkle	Moderate	Calming spaces, pairs with blues
Amethyst Sky	Deep, rich purple	High, saturated	Accent walls, moody spaces, high-light rooms
Mauve Blush	Light pink-mauve	Low, soft	Traditional feminine spaces, powder rooms
Lavender	Bright, clear purple	High, vibrant	Feature walls (style carefully to avoid dated look)
Violet	Deep blue-purple	High, intense	Dramatic accent walls, bold statements

Pros and Cons of Hazy Lilac

Let me be honest about this color because I think paint companies oversell everything, and you deserve to know what you’re getting into.

PROS:

The versatility is legit. I’ve used this in traditional homes, modern spaces, transitional styles and  it adapts well if you style it right. 

It creates an atmosphere without being overwhelming. You get the benefit of color and personality without the room looking too heavy.

The gray undertones make it sophisticated and prevent it from looking juvenile or dated. 

It pairs well with neutrals like whites, grays, creams and beiges. You’re not locked into a specific color scheme, which gives you flexibility with furniture and decor.

It Works beautifully in bedrooms and this is one of the best bedroom colors I’ve used. Calming but interesting.

The mid-range LRV means it’s usable in most rooms with decent lighting. Not so dark you’re limited to bright spaces.

CONS:

The lighting dependency is real. This color shifts visibly depending on natural light direction and artificial bulb temperature.

If you don’t test it properly, you may be disappointed.

It CAN look muddy or flat in low light or north-facing rooms. I’ve seen it fail in these situations, and it’s not pretty.

Not great for resale if you’re thinking about selling soon. Purple walls, even sophisticated purple walls, aren’t to everyone’s taste. Neutral beige has broader appeal.

Requires careful styling. You can’t slap this on the walls and throw any old furniture in there.

It needs thoughtful trim color, the right undertones in your accessories, and proper lighting.

If you have warm-toned wood trim or orange floors, Hazy Lilac may go against it.

The cool purple against warm orange undertones doesn’t always work.

It’s more colorful than some people expect. Even though it’s muted, it’s definitively purple.

If you’re used to white walls, this will feel like a change.

Ceiling height matters, if you do all four walls in a room with standard 8-foot ceilings, it can feel enclosed. 

Conclusion

So here’s where I land on Benjamin Moore Hazy Lilac after using it in many spaces.

It’s a SOLID choice if you want color that feels current and sophisticated without being trendy or risky.

The soft purple with gray undertones between neutral and colorful that’s hard to find.

No paint color is perfect for every space or every person.

You need decent lighting, you need to style it thoughtfully, and you need to be okay with having purple walls. But it works REALLY well. 

If you’re considering Hazy Lilac, here’s my advice: Get the sample. Paint a poster board. Move it around your room. Look at it in morning light, afternoon light, evening light, and with your artificial lights on. Give it a few days. Live with it.

There are many purple-ish colors and the right one for your space is the one that makes you feel good when you’re in the room.

Hazy Lilac can be it, or it may convince you for something light, dark, warm, or cool.

FAQs on Hazy Lilac Benjamin Moore