What 61.05 tells you about Cedar Key
The published LRV of Benjamin Moore Cedar Key OC-16 is 61.05. It describes light reflectance; it does not specify an undertone or predict the brightness of your room. Cedar Key's driftwood description supports a muted-neutral direction but does not establish a single precise undertone for every setting.
The choice beside weathered oak and ivory linen
Weathered oak and ivory linen supply a real gray-beige context, making the authentic sample more useful than guessing from the evocative name.
The editorial priority for this color is a neutral chosen from real driftwood tones. Place the Cedar Key board against the actual trim, then move it to the least illuminated part of the proposed wall. Judge the visible boundary from a normal viewing distance. A value that looks suitable on a table may produce too little distinction from one fixed finish and too much from another.
What the comparison can—and cannot—settle
Cedar Key has an LRV of 61.05; Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe 983 is 54.53. The difference is 6.52 points, with Cedar Key returning more light under the reference measurement. Cedar Key is a driftwood-like neutral; the manufacturer does not specify a single universal undertone in its short description. The value measures reflectance, so it cannot by itself identify an undertone, a coating finish or the amount of illumination needed in the room. The daylight and evening-light checks covers that related choice.
Use a physical board to judge the gray-beige balance rather than inventing an undertone from its name. Do not read LRV 61.05 as a percentage improvement in perceived room brightness. Make the decision with the board upright at the actual wall or cabinet position, including the least illuminated portion. The north-facing room assessment covers that related choice. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Benjamin Moore Cedar Key OC-16. The recorded LRV is 61.05. Named comparison values come from the respective manufacturers; material schemes are editorial suggestions.
This guide reviews published color information and proposes practical sample checks. It does not claim first-hand paint testing or customer-review scores. Benjamin Moore does not sponsor or endorse this site. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Confirm the color in a physical sample and select the coating for the actual surface and finish.