Think of Benjamin Moore’s Smokey Taupe as the perfect middle ground for your walls—not too light, not too dark, just right.
This balanced mid-tone (LRV 54.53) goes beyond basic beige. It has subtle mauve undertones that add depth and character to any room.
What makes Smokey Taupe special? It changes beautifully with natural light. Morning sun brings out its warm side, while afternoon light shows its cooler tones. This flexibility makes it work in any room, from bedrooms to living spaces.
If you want a neutral that feels fresh and modern without being boring, Smokey Taupe delivers. It’s polished enough for formal spaces yet relaxed enough for everyday living.
Understanding Benjamin Moore’s Smokey Taupe
Color Terminology
| PROPERTY | VALUE |
|---|---|
| LRV (Light Reflectance Value) | 54.53 |
| Color Category | Considered a mid-tone neutral (LRV between 40-60) |
| Comparison | Pure white: ~90 LRV, Black: ~0 LRV |
| RGB Value | Red: 205 Green: 196 Blue: 181 |
| Hex Code | #CDC4B5 |
Undertones
- Smokey Taupe has subtle mauve-gray undertones
- It’s a balanced neutral with a slightly refined influence
- Not a flat or one-dimensional taupe, but a refined, complex neutral with noticeable depth
Psychology of Mid-Tone Neutrals
Mid-tone neutrals like Smokey Taupe create a sense of balance and timeless refinement.
- Balanced tones: Offer grounding and visual stability to spaces
- Mauve-tinted taupes: Produce refinement, peace, and modern style
- Benefits: More subtle than stark beiges, adds substantial presence to spaces, create a cultured backdrop for both colorful furniture and natural elements
Smokey Taupe provides the perfect balance for those seeking a considerable neutral that isn’t too light or overwhelming.
Why Choose This Color?
The balanced depth of Smokey Taupe evokes a sense of refinement and peace that promotes peace in any environment.
This enduring color carries complex undertones that shift subtly with changing light, ensuring your space feels both current and timelessly smart.
Key Features
Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe offers exceptional versatility and refinement across different lighting conditions. It maintains its subtle mauve undertones in bright spaces while creating a warm, enveloping atmosphere in rooms with varied natural light.
Its timeless neutral quality provides a refined backdrop that complements both bold elements and natural textures without appearing overly bland or uninspired.
Adaptability
Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe demonstrates remarkable adaptability with existing elements like light-colored furniture and natural wood fixtures, creating balanced blends between spaces.
It provides enough depth to feel substantial and grounding while maintaining a refined, enduring quality that won’t quickly date your interior design choices.
This versatile neutral works equally well as an all-over color for creating balanced, urbane environments or as a complementary element to lighter accent walls.
Durability
Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe, particularly in premium finishes like Aura or Regal Select, delivers outstanding durability with excellent coverage in both new and repainted areas.
Its balanced tone and subtle mauve undertones maintain a refined appearance throughout your home while providing a forgiving surface for everyday living.
This paint resists staining and maintains color consistency even with regular cleaning when properly applied.
Texture Patterns
Its complex undertones produce a stunning light play that enhances moldings and adds visual interest to even simple walls.
When applied to different finishes, it can smartly highlight details while maintaining a consistent, refined appearance throughout connected spaces.
Room-by-Room Color Recommendations with Smokey Taupe
1. Living Spaces and Open Floor Plans
- Smokey Taupe works exceptionally well as an all-over color in open floor plans, creating a balanced, cohesive space while maintaining a refined, timeless palette.
- The 54.53 LRV of Smokey Taupe provides a substantial, grounding feel that makes spaces appear more unified and refined without feeling heavy.
- Use Smokey Taupe to anchor different areas in larger spaces while allowing colorful furnishings and artwork to stand out against its tranquil backdrop.
2. Bedrooms and Relaxation Areas
- Smokey Taupe creates a soothing, balanced atmosphere in bedrooms that promotes relaxation.
- The subtle mauve undertones in Smokey Taupe evoke a sense of refinement while creating a refined backdrop for colorful bedding and furniture of any style.
- Consider Smokey Taupe for all walls to create a serene sanctuary that feels both grounded and smart without sacrificing warmth.
3. Kitchens
- Smokey Taupe in satin or semi-gloss finish on cabinets creates a graceful, timeless element that pairs beautifully with white islands or accent pieces.
- The balanced depth of Smokey Taupe enhances both light countertop materials and silver fixtures, making it adaptable to various kitchen styles, from modern to transitional.
- Smokey Taupe upper and lower cabinets paired with a light accent wall create an appealing balance that grounds the kitchen while maintaining a refined, cohesive feel.
4. Bathrooms and Spa-like Retreats
- This versatile shade pairs beautifully with both silver and nickel fixtures, marble, and light wood, creating a timeless, refined retreat that feels both smart and welcoming.
- Use Smokey Taupe on all walls in larger bathrooms to create a sense of intimacy without sacrificing refinement.
Smokey Taupe Color Combinations
Smokey Taupe is a balanced, refined neutral with subtle mauve undertones. Its medium Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 54.53 makes it a substantial, grounding foundation that adds refinement and versatility to spaces while maintaining a refined style.
Let me help you with color pairings and combinations for this shade.
Complementary Trim Colors
- White Dove (BM OC-17) – A soft white that brightens Smokey Taupe’s smart character
- Cloud White (BM OC-130) – A versatile soft white that balances Smokey Taupe’s depth
- Simply White (BM OC-117) – A bright, clean white that creates a striking contrast with Smokey Taupe
Coordinating Wall Colors
- Balboa Mist (BM OC-27) – A light, warm gray that complements Smokey Taupe’s depth
- Pale Oak (BM OC-20) – A light taupe that creates a subtle, cohesive palette
- Wickham Gray (BM HC-171) – A soft blue-gray that creates a serene contrast with Smokey Taupe
- Gray Owl (BM OC-52) – A versatile gray that enhances Smokey Taupe’s character
Accent Colors
- Hale Navy (BM HC-154) – A deep navy that creates a dramatic contrast with Smokey Taupe’s neutrality
- October Mist (BM 1495) – A muted sage green that provides a natural complement to Smokey Taupe
- Kendall Charcoal (BM HC-166) – A deep gray that grounds Smokey Taupe in a compatible palette
- Chestertown Buff (BM HC-9) – A golden tan that warms Smokey Taupe’s balanced quality
Coordinating with Furniture and Decor
Wood Tones
Smokey Taupe pairs beautifully with various wood tones, each offering different effects:
Light woods like oak, maple, and ash create a striking contrast against Smokey Taupe’s balanced backdrop. These woods brighten the space while the paint grounds it.
Medium wood tones like walnut provide complementary richness that enhances Smokey Taupe’s mauve undertones. This pairing feels natural and balanced.
Gray-washed woods create subtle depth that complements Smokey Taupe’s neutral quality. Together, they produce a refined modern look that feels current.
Natural, unstained wood creates organic warmth that highlights Smokey Taupe’s refinement and complexity. This combination works especially well in casual, relaxed spaces.
Metals
Cool metals work beautifully with Smokey Taupe. Silver, chrome, and nickel hardware enhance the mauve undertones and create a modern look. Black iron and matte black finishes provide smart contrast that complements Smokey Taupe’s character.
Warm metals require more thought. Bronze fixtures create a warm contrast that emphasizes Smokey Taupe’s depth. For brass and gold accents, choose brushed or matte finishes for a more refined pairing with this neutral shade.
Decor
Natural fibers like linen, cotton, and wool in creamy tones create textural interest against Smokey Taupe walls. These materials provide necessary brightness while maintaining the room’s calm atmosphere.
Colorful accents in dusty blue, sage green, and deep burgundy offer a striking complement against the neutral backdrop. These colors bring life to the space without overwhelming it.
Mixed materials prevent Smokey Taupe from feeling too traditional. Glass, ceramic, and concrete elements add contemporary appeal. Natural elements like leather, wool, or woven textiles reinforce the organic balance while adding tactile interest.
Similar Paint Colors: Smokey Taupe vs. Mocha Cream
Smokey Taupe (Benjamin Moore)
- A balanced neutral with subtle mauve undertones
- Medium LRV (Light Reflectance Value) that creates refined, grounding spaces
- Works well in contemporary, transitional, or modern interiors
- Best for spaces where you want substantial, refined style
Mocha Cream (Benjamin Moore)
- A versatile light taupe with warm undertones
- Higher LRV (around 65) that creates a brighter, adaptable backdrop
- It contains warm brown undertones that create a cozy atmosphere
- Popular for creating inviting, welcoming environments that work with many design styles
Key Differences:
- Smokey Taupe has more mauve-gray undertones, while Mocha Cream has more pronounced warm undertones
- Smokey Taupe appears slightly deeper in most lighting conditions
- Smokey Taupe creates a more refined balance, while Mocha Cream is more versatile and warm
- They serve similar roles in design – both as refined neutrals with slightly different character and undertones
Final Thoughts
Smokey Taupe beats trends, representing the perfect balance between depth and neutrality that makes it a favorite among designers and homeowners seeking cultured, refined spaces.
Its subtle complexity allows it to adapt effortlessly to changing styles and seasonal accents, ensuring longevity in your design choices.
If you are Anchoring your walls in morning light or creating a canvas for contrasting elements, Smokey Taupe delivers a timeless quality that grounds and uplifts a space.
In choosing this exceptional shade, you’re not simply selecting a color—you’re welcoming a design philosophy that values balance, refinement, and enduring beauty in the spaces we call home.
Ready to try Smokey Taupe? Test a sample on your wall in morning and evening light to see its true character. Tell us in the comments—which room would you paint with Smokey Taupe?
Alex Guerrero, a graduate with a Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, has been a visionary in the world of color and design for over 15 years. His professional journey began in the heart of the fashion industry in Milan, where he developed an acute sense for color harmonies and trends. Alex joined our team in 2018, offering fresh and innovative perspectives on color utilization in various spaces. Renowned for his ability to blend contemporary trends with timeless elegance. Outside of work, Alex is an accomplished painter and a volunteer art therapist, his artistic talents further enriching his professional insights.
