Color spec
| Brand | Behr |
| Name | Polar Bear |
| SKU | 75 |
| Hex | #EFEDE3 |
| RGB | 239, 237, 227 |
| HSL | 50°, 27%, 91% |
| LRV | 86 |
| Undertone | warm yellow tone |
| Family | White |
About Behr Polar Bear
Behr Polar Bear (75) is a soft warm white. The numbers tell you exactly what to expect: with a light reading of 91 percent and an LRV of 86, it sits just below true white on the brightness scale, and its moderate saturation at a yellow hue means the warmth is real, not a rounding error. On the wall it reads as white with a gentle creamy cast rather than a stark, blue-toned white.
It earns its spot as one of the top three most-searched Behr whites because it solves a common problem: people want a bright, clean white that does not feel cold or clinical. Polar Bear delivers the brightness while the yellow undertone keeps rooms from feeling like an office.
It suits homes with warm materials, oak or walnut floors, brass hardware, linen and rattan textures, and anyone who found pure white too harsh on a sample board. If your style leans cozy rather than gallery-crisp, this is the safer white.
Closest matches by brand
19 brands within ΔE 5The closest matches per brand by ΔE2000, computed against each brand's full deck. Only colors within ΔE 5 (close enough to substitute on a wall) are shown — brands with no real match are left off. Tap any swatch for its full single-color spec; tap the brand title to browse all white from that brand.
Sherwin-Williams
Benjamin Moore
Valspar
PPG / Glidden
Glidden
Dutch Boy
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
Dunn-Edwards
Magnolia Home
Farrow & Ball
Diamond Vogel
Hirshfield's
Rodda
C2 Paint
Clare
Portola Paints
Backdrop
Rust-Oleum
Kompozit
Similar Behr colors
closest in the Behr deckThe nearest shades to Polar Bear within Behr's own range, ranked by perceptual color distance — useful when you want the same look a touch lighter, darker, or warmer.
Coordinated palette
Generated by hue-rotating #EFEDE3 in HSL space. Pair Polar Bear with one accent and one neutral — the swatches below are starting points, not final picks.
Accessibility (WCAG contrast)
WCAG 2.1: AA = 4.5:1 normal text · AA Large = 3:1 large text · AAA = 7:1 normal text.
Behr Polar Bear Equivalents at Other Brands
Matching Polar Bear from a different paint counter? Below is the single closest color in each major US deck and how close it really is. Remember that any paint store can also custom-tint Behr 75 directly — these equivalents are for when you'd rather stay inside one brand's own deck.
Sherwin-Williams Equivalent of Polar Bear
The closest Sherwin-Williams equivalent of Polar Bear is Cold Foam (SW 9504). At ΔE 0.77 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm yellow undertone and runs slightly darker (LRV 84 vs 86). If Sherwin-Williams is your counter, order Cold Foam and you'll get the same color. See the full Cold Foam swatch →
Benjamin Moore Equivalent of Polar Bear
The closest Benjamin Moore equivalent of Polar Bear is Moonlight White (2143-60). At ΔE 0.75 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm yellow undertone and runs slightly darker (LRV 83 vs 86). If Benjamin Moore is your counter, order Moonlight White and you'll get the same color. See the full Moonlight White swatch →
Valspar Equivalent of Polar Bear
The closest Valspar equivalent of Polar Bear is Soft Wool (V155). At ΔE 0.76 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm yellow undertone and sits at the same lightness (LRV 84.7 vs 86). If Valspar is your counter, order Soft Wool and you'll get the same color. See the full Soft Wool swatch →
PPG / Glidden Equivalent of Polar Bear
The closest PPG / Glidden equivalent of Polar Bear is Atrium White (PPG1020-1). At ΔE 0.76 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm yellow undertone and sits at the same lightness (LRV 85 vs 86). If PPG / Glidden is your counter, order Atrium White and you'll get the same color. See the full Atrium White swatch →
Glidden Equivalent of Polar Bear
The closest Glidden equivalent of Polar Bear is Bubble Mint (83YY 85/056). At ΔE 0.44 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm yellow undertone and sits at the same lightness (LRV 85 vs 86). If Glidden is your counter, order Bubble Mint and you'll get the same color. See the full Bubble Mint swatch →
Dutch Boy Equivalent of Polar Bear
The closest Dutch Boy equivalent of Polar Bear is Pristine Pearl (021W). At ΔE 0.77 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm yellow undertone and runs slightly darker (LRV 84 vs 86). If Dutch Boy is your counter, order Pristine Pearl and you'll get the same color. See the full Pristine Pearl swatch →
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Equivalent of Polar Bear
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams's nearest match is Greek Villa (HGSW 4030), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1). It runs slightly darker (LRV 84 vs 86) and carries a warm red-orange undertone, so it substitutes for Polar Bear without repainting risk. See the full Greek Villa swatch →
Dunn-Edwards Equivalent of Polar Bear
Dunn-Edwards's nearest match is Almond Milk (DEHW01), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1.01). It runs slightly darker (LRV 83 vs 86) and carries a warm yellow undertone, so it substitutes for Polar Bear without repainting risk. See the full Almond Milk swatch →
Magnolia Home Equivalent of Polar Bear
Magnolia Home's nearest match is Panna Cotta (JG-111), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1.34). It runs slightly darker (LRV 84 vs 86) and carries a warm yellow undertone, so it substitutes for Polar Bear without repainting risk. See the full Panna Cotta swatch →
Farrow & Ball Equivalent of Polar Bear
Farrow & Ball's nearest match is Pointing (NO. 2003), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1.21). It sits at the same lightness (LRV 86 vs 86) and carries a near-white undertone, so it substitutes for Polar Bear without repainting risk. See the full Pointing swatch →
Diamond Vogel Equivalent of Polar Bear
The closest Diamond Vogel equivalent of Polar Bear is Sublime (0412). At ΔE 0.73 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm yellow undertone and runs slightly darker (LRV 84 vs 86). If Diamond Vogel is your counter, order Sublime and you'll get the same color. See the full Sublime swatch →
Hirshfield's Equivalent of Polar Bear
Hirshfield's's nearest match is Queen Anne's Lace (0558), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1). It runs slightly darker (LRV 83 vs 86) and carries a warm red-orange undertone, so it substitutes for Polar Bear without repainting risk. See the full Queen Anne's Lace swatch →
Rodda Equivalent of Polar Bear
The closest Rodda equivalent of Polar Bear is Blurred (R010). At ΔE 0.5 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm yellow undertone and sits at the same lightness (LRV 85 vs 86). If Rodda is your counter, order Blurred and you'll get the same color. See the full Blurred swatch →
C2 Paint Equivalent of Polar Bear
C2 Paint's nearest match is Reflection (C2-676), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1.52). It runs slightly darker (LRV 83 vs 86) and carries a warm red-orange undertone, so it substitutes for Polar Bear without repainting risk. See the full Reflection swatch →
Clare Equivalent of Polar Bear
Clare has no exact twin of Polar Bear. The nearest is Classic (PNT100-LT-12) at ΔE 3.76 — close, but the difference shows next to trim and in side light. It runs slightly darker (LRV 82 vs 86). Compare large swatches before substituting. See the full Classic swatch →
Portola Paints Equivalent of Polar Bear
At Portola Paints, the closest color to Polar Bear is Origami (ORIGAMI) — very close at ΔE 2.57, though not an exact twin. It sits at the same lightness (LRV 86 vs 86) and carries a near-white undertone; sample both side by side if the room gets strong natural light. See the full Origami swatch →
Backdrop Equivalent of Polar Bear
The closest Backdrop equivalent of Polar Bear is Jane (BD-JA). At ΔE 0 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm yellow undertone and sits at the same lightness (LRV 86 vs 86). If Backdrop is your counter, order Jane and you'll get the same color. See the full Jane swatch →
Rust-Oleum Equivalent of Polar Bear
Rust-Oleum has no exact twin of Polar Bear. The nearest is Chiffon Cream (329598) at ΔE 4.9 — close, but the difference shows next to trim and in side light. It runs noticeably lighter (LRV 92 vs 86). Compare large swatches before substituting. See the full Chiffon Cream swatch →
Kompozit Equivalent of Polar Bear
Kompozit's nearest match is Queen Anne's Lace (0558), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1). It runs slightly darker (LRV 84 vs 86) and carries a warm red-orange undertone, so it substitutes for Polar Bear without repainting risk. See the full Queen Anne's Lace swatch →
Polar Bear Color Guide
Polar Bear Undertones
Polar Bear leans warm yellow, and unlike many so-called warm whites, the lean is visible. Its saturation sits at 27 percent at a yellow hue angle, well above the near-neutral zone, so you should expect a noticeable creamy quality, especially across large wall areas and in low light. This is not a color that will surprise you with hidden pink or green; the yellow is the whole story.
The undertone shows most next to anything cooler than it is. Hold it against a bright white like Behr Ultra Pure White (1850) and Polar Bear will look distinctly cream. Against beige or tan, it flips and reads white again. That relativity is the key test: sample it next to your existing trim, your countertop, and your flooring. If your trim is a stark white, Polar Bear on the walls will look intentionally creamy, which can be exactly the effect you want, or a mismatch, depending on the plan.
How Lighting Changes Polar Bear
At LRV 86, Polar Bear bounces most of the light that hits it, so it stays bright in nearly any room. What changes with exposure is the temperature you perceive, not the brightness.
In north-facing rooms, the cool gray daylight mutes the yellow slightly, and Polar Bear behaves well here; its built-in warmth counteracts the gloom that makes cooler whites look dingy on a north wall. South-facing rooms flood it with warm light all day and amplify the cream, so if you want the whitest possible result there, sample carefully or consider a brighter white. East light makes it glow golden in the morning and settle by afternoon; west light does the reverse, with the creamiest reading in late day.
Bulbs matter as much as windows. Warm bulbs around 2700K push Polar Bear toward a clear cream. Bulbs at 3500K to 4000K pull it back toward neutral white. Test with the bulbs you actually own.
Best Rooms and Uses for Polar Bear
An LRV of 86 puts Polar Bear in whole-home territory. It is light enough to run through connected spaces, hallways, stairwells, living rooms, and bedrooms, without any room feeling dark, and it visually broadens small rooms because so much light bounces between the walls.
It works well on kitchen cabinets when you want white cabinetry that will not fight warm counters like butcher block or cream-veined stone. On exteriors it reads as a classic warm white house color, softer in full sun than a bright white would be. It also makes a comfortable ceiling white in rooms painted in warm midtone colors.
Where to think twice: as trim against an even warmer wall color it can look slightly dingy, and next to cool gray walls its yellow lean becomes obvious. Use it as the star, walls or cabinets, rather than as a supporting trim color, unless the whole scheme is warm.
Colors That Go With Polar Bear
For trim and ceilings with Polar Bear walls, use Ultra Pure White (1850). At LRV 92 it is clearly brighter, so doors and casings read crisp without clashing with the warm walls.
For a second wall color in an adjoining room, Silver Drop (PPU18-19) is a natural step down. At LRV 60 it is a soft warm greige that keeps the same relaxed temperature, so the transition between rooms feels planned. If you want a tone-on-tone look instead, Swiss Coffee (12) at LRV 80 is a slightly deeper cream that works on an accent wall or built-ins beside Polar Bear.
For accents, Back to Nature (S340-4), a muted sage green at LRV 38, suits cabinets, an island, or a bedroom feature wall. For a front door or a high-contrast accent, Dark Navy (PPU14-20) at LRV 5 gives you the deepest counterpoint. Warm woods like oak and walnut, plus brass or matte black metals, all sit comfortably with this white.
Polar Bear vs Similar Colors
The comparison people search most is Polar Bear versus Ultra Pure White (1850). Ultra Pure White has an LRV of 92 against Polar Bear's 86, and it is Behr's brightest, most neutral white. Side by side, Polar Bear looks cream and Ultra Pure White looks stark. Choose Ultra Pure White for trim, ceilings, and modern high-contrast schemes; choose Polar Bear for walls in rooms where a bare white would feel cold.
Within Behr's warm whites, Blank Canvas (DC-003) at LRV 85 is the closest rival. It is a near-twin in depth, and on separate walls most people could not tell them apart; pick whichever samples better against your floors. Snowy Pine (PPU10-13), also LRV 85, is another sibling that runs a touch softer.
The practical takeaway: differences inside this cluster are subtle, so decide between Polar Bear and its near-twins with real samples in your light, but the Polar Bear versus Ultra Pure White choice is a genuine warm-versus-stark decision.
Behr Polar Bear — frequently asked questions
Is Behr Polar Bear warm or cool?+
Polar Bear is a warm white. Its hue sits in the yellow range with enough saturation that the creamy cast is genuinely visible on walls, especially under warm bulbs or afternoon sun. It never reads cool or blue. If you are comparing whites, expect Polar Bear to look cream next to any stark white and white next to any beige.
What trim white goes with Behr Polar Bear?+
Behr Ultra Pure White (1850) is the standard choice. At LRV 92 it is meaningfully brighter than Polar Bear's 86, so trim, doors, and ceilings read crisp and clean against the warmer walls. If you prefer a softer, lower-contrast look, you can also self-trim by using Polar Bear on walls and trim in different sheens.
What does Polar Bear's LRV of 86 mean in practice?+
LRV 86 means the color reflects about 86 percent of the light that hits it, which puts Polar Bear in the near-white band. Rooms stay bright even with modest window light, small spaces feel larger, and you can run it through an entire home without any room going dim. It will not hide wall imperfections the way a midtone would.
Does Behr Polar Bear work on kitchen cabinets or exteriors?+
Yes to both. On cabinets it gives you white doors with enough warmth to flatter butcher block, brass hardware, and cream-toned counters. On exteriors its high LRV keeps a house looking bright while the yellow undertone softens the glare in full sun. Pair it with a brighter white like Ultra Pure White (1850) for exterior trim if you want visible contrast.
How is Polar Bear different from Behr Ultra Pure White?+
Ultra Pure White (1850) has an LRV of 92 and is Behr's brightest, starkest white, while Polar Bear sits at 86 with a clear warm yellow lean. Side by side, Polar Bear reads cream and Ultra Pure White reads paper white. Use Ultra Pure White for trim and modern minimal schemes, and Polar Bear for walls where pure white feels cold.
Should I sample Behr Polar Bear before painting?+
Yes. Warm whites shift more than any other color family with light direction and bulb temperature. Paint a large sample, at least two feet square, or use a peel-and-stick swatch, and check it on two different walls at morning, midday, and night with your actual bulbs. Judge it next to your trim, flooring, and counters, because Polar Bear reads white or cream depending on its neighbors.