Taos Taupe 2111-40 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly blends warmth, sophistication, and versatility, let me introduce you to Benjamin Moore’s Taos Taupe (2111-40). This soft, earthy taupe is one of those rare shades that manages to feel both cozy and refined at the same time. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or reimagining your entire home, Taos Taupe has the kind of understated elegance that makes it a standout choice for almost any space.

First, let’s talk about what makes this color so special. Taos Taupe sits right at the intersection of brown and gray, with a subtle red undertone that adds depth without overwhelming the senses. It’s a warm neutral, which means it creates an inviting atmosphere—perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or even kitchens where you want a touch of sophistication. The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 23.65% places it in the medium range, so it reflects a fair amount of light while still maintaining a grounded, earthy feel. In well-lit rooms, it glows with warmth, but in spaces with less natural light, it takes on a more muted, tranquil quality.

One of the biggest strengths of Taos Taupe is its adaptability. It plays well with a variety of decor styles, from modern and transitional to rustic and farmhouse. If you love the look of natural materials like wood and stone, this color will enhance those textures beautifully. Pair it with crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a classic choice) for a clean, polished look, or let it shine alongside brass fixtures and warm wood tones for a more organic feel. Because of its red undertones, it’s best to avoid pairing it with overly cool colors—think icy blues or stark grays—as they might clash. Instead, lean into complementary shades like soft greens, creamy whites, or even deep navy for a balanced, harmonious palette.

Now, let’s talk application. If you’re a DIY painter, you’ll appreciate how beginner-friendly Taos Taupe is. It offers excellent coverage, often needing just one or two coats, and it’s touch-up friendly, so small mistakes won’t turn into big headaches. The finish options—matte, eggshell, or satin—give you flexibility depending on the room’s function. Eggshell is a great all-around choice for living spaces, offering a slight sheen that’s easy to clean, while matte works beautifully in bedrooms where you want a softer, more velvety look. And because it’s low-VOC, you won’t have to worry about strong fumes during or after painting.

Is Taos Taupe right for small rooms? It can be, but lighting is key. In a well-lit space, it creates a cozy, intimate vibe without feeling closed in. But if your room lacks natural light, you might want to balance it with lighter furniture, mirrors, or even an accent wall in a paler shade to keep things airy. On the flip side, in larger or open-concept spaces, Taos Taupe acts as a unifying force, tying different areas together with its warm, neutral presence.

When it comes to mood, this color is all about comfort and grounding. It’s the kind of shade that makes you want to curl up with a book or gather friends for a long dinner. If you’re aiming for a serene, welcoming atmosphere, Taos Taupe delivers. And because it’s so versatile, you won’t have to overhaul your entire decor to make it work—it’s a chameleon that adapts to what’s already in your space.

So, should you choose Taos Taupe for your next project? If you’re looking for a timeless, warm neutral that works hard to create a harmonious backdrop for your life, the answer is a resounding yes. Test it out in your space first—paint a large swatch and observe it at different times of day to see how the light plays with its undertones. But once you see it in action, I have a feeling you’ll be as smitten as I am. This is the kind of color that doesn’t just cover walls—it transforms them into something truly special.

Real Room Photo of Taos Taupe 2111-40

Undertones of  Taos Taupe ?

The undertones of Taos Taupe are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Red. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #8C847A

RGB code: 140, 132, 122

Is  Taos Taupe Cool or Warm?

Taos Taupe can be classified as a warm neutral. Its earthy tones create a cozy feeling, making it perfect for spaces where you want to relax and unwind.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Taos Taupe

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Taos Taupe

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Taos Taupe is 23.65%, which places it in the Medium colors category. This means it reflect a lot of light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Taos Taupe

Taos Taupe is a delightful blend of brown and gray, creating a versatile neutral that adapts beautifully to different lighting conditions. In natural light, it appears warm and inviting, while in dimmer settings, it takes on a more muted, sophisticated tone. This makes it a fantastic option for both contemporary and traditional homes. Its ability to complement a range of decor styles—whether you’re going for rustic charm or sleek modernity—means it’s a reliable choice for many homeowners. When applying, you’ll find that it spreads evenly, requiring minimal touch-ups, which is always a bonus in any painting project. Overall, Taos Taupe is a well-rounded color that enhances any space with its calming presence.

Pros & Cons of  2111-40 Taos Taupe

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Taos Taupe

FAQ on 2111-40 Taos Taupe

Is Taos Taupe suitable for small rooms?

While Taos Taupe can work in small rooms, it’s important to consider the lighting. In well-lit spaces, it creates a cozy atmosphere without feeling cramped. However, in darker areas, it may appear heavier, so pairing it with lighter accents or decor can help balance the overall feel.

Can I use Taos Taupe in my kitchen?

Absolutely! Taos Taupe is a great choice for kitchens, adding warmth and a touch of sophistication. It pairs beautifully with white cabinets or rustic wood elements, creating a welcoming environment where family and friends can gather.

Comparisons Taos Taupe with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Taos Taupe 2111-40