Buttermilk
Often used for its bright and airy qualities, Buttermilk remains a staple for Cloverdale Paint designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to maximize natural light while maintaining a clean, neutral backdrop. We've gathered 8 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.
Hex
#F5EDDE
LRV
85.25
Buttermilk's Color Strip
Buttermilk is the first shade on this 7-color strip, the lightest in this coordinated family. Strip Artisan1 puts these related shades in sequence, making it simple to find the tone that suits your room.
Buttermilk in Real Rooms
Buttermilk has a high LRV of 85.25 — it reflects a lot of light and will read pale and airy in most spaces.
1 Bathroom Photo
Buttermilk is the perfect "clean" color for a bathroom that still wants to feel cozy. It lacks the clinical coldness of a pure white but retains a sense of hygiene and order that is essential for a space dedicated to self-care and grooming.
Buttermilk gives this bathroom a clean, considered finish.
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2 Bedroom Photos
To use Buttermilk in a bedroom is to lean into the concept of "soft minimalism." It provides enough visual interest that you don't need a lot of wall decor; the color itself becomes the art. This allows for a clutter-free environment that is essential for mental clarity at the end of the day.
Buttermilk sets a calm, restful tone in this bedroom.
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Buttermilk in a spacious bedroom — see how the color behaves at scale.
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1 Dining Room Photo
For an "all-day" dining room, Buttermilk is surprisingly adaptable. In the morning, it feels crisp and clean for breakfast; as the sun moves, it transitions into a moodier, more reflective space that is perfect for long, lingering dinners.
Buttermilk on the dining room walls — a color that makes evenings feel intentional.
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2 Misc Photos
These examples of Buttermilk in transitional spaces—like entryways or landings—show how the color can act as a "thread" that ties the upper and lower floors of a house together into one cohesive story.
Buttermilk in a foyer — the first impression this color makes is a confident one.
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Buttermilk in a sun-filled room — how this color holds up in direct light.
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1 Kitchen Photo
The sophisticated undertones of Buttermilk make it an excellent partner for mixed metal finishes. Whether you have a brass faucet and matte black cabinet pulls, or traditional chrome fixtures, this color acts as a neutral mediator that makes the mix look intentional.
Buttermilk on the kitchen walls — a backdrop that works without demanding attention.
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1 Living Room Photo
There is a specific "glow" that Buttermilk takes on during the golden hour in a living room. As the sun sets, the pigments react with the low-angled light to create a hazy, ethereal atmosphere that feels incredibly high-end. It's a color that rewards those who use the room during the transition of the day.
Buttermilk on the walls of this living room — warm, grounded, easy to live with.
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