The floor finish is the reference
Judge Polar Bear against your actual wood finish, not a generic wood species label. The starting material direction here is cream cabinets and white tile. Polar Bear's very high reflectance makes it a clear bright-white reference within the Behr shortlist.
Cream cabinets can look more obviously creamy beside a brighter surface; decide whether that distinction is welcome before choosing the trim.
Test the dominant wood color, not one grain line
View Polar Bear vertically where it meets the installed timber. The floor can make a light white look warmer by comparison, but that does not establish a universal undertone. Include the existing trim so the wall is approved between both fixed neighbors rather than against wood alone.
Polar Bear has an LRV of 90; Behr Blank Canvas DC-003 is 84. The difference is 6 points, with Polar Bear returning more light under the reference measurement.
The condition for keeping Polar Bear
Choose which fixed white should lead the palette before adding such a light wall or trim color.
Keep the Polar Bear board vertical at the floor edge. A match to one pale grain line can misrepresent the dominant color across the installed floor. Judge the broad timber background from standing height. If the floor will be refinished, repeat the comparison with the approved new stain sample before ordering the wall paint. Before ordering samples, compare room-planning features in the paint color visualizer roundup.
Sources & notes
Color specifications: Behr Polar Bear 75. The recorded LRV is 90. 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. Behr 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.