Baked Clay 35 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that effortlessly blends warmth, sophistication, and a touch of nature, Benjamin Moore’s Baked Clay (color code 35) might just be your perfect match. This rich, earthy hue is like a sun-drenched terracotta pot—timeless, inviting, and full of character. Whether you’re refreshing a single wall or transforming an entire room, Baked Clay has the power to create a space that feels both cozy and elevated. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to decide if this is the right shade for your home.

First, let’s talk about the color itself. Baked Clay sits firmly in the red hue family, but don’t let that fool you—it’s far from bold or overpowering. Instead, it’s a muted, deep tone with warm brown undertones that give it an organic, grounded feel. Imagine the earthy richness of a desert landscape or the warm glow of handmade pottery. That’s the essence of Baked Clay. Its hex code (#9E5545) and RGB values (158, 85, 69) place it squarely in the realm of warm, natural reds, making it a versatile choice for a variety of styles.

One of the standout features of Baked Clay is its adaptability. It plays well with bohemian, rustic, mid-century modern, and Southwestern decor, meaning you won’t have to overhaul your entire aesthetic to make it work. Pair it with woven textiles, leather accents, or sleek brass fixtures, and it’ll shine. It’s also a fantastic choice for creating an accent wall in a living room or adding depth to a bedroom. Because of its warmth, it’s especially well-suited to spaces where you want to foster a sense of comfort—think cozy reading nooks or intimate dining areas.

Now, let’s address the practical side. Baked Clay has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 15.06%, which means it reflects very little light. This makes it a medium-dark shade that absorbs light rather than bouncing it around. In well-lit rooms, it’ll appear rich and vibrant, while in low-light spaces, it takes on a deeper, more dramatic quality. If you’re working with a smaller room, keep in mind that darker colors can make spaces feel more enclosed, so consider balancing it with lighter furnishings or trim. Speaking of trim, Baked Clay pairs beautifully with crisp whites like Simply White or natural wood finishes, adding contrast and definition.

When it comes to application, this paint is a dream. It offers excellent coverage—often just one or two coats are enough for a flawless finish—and it’s self-priming, which saves time and effort. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a first-time painter, you’ll appreciate how smoothly it goes on with minimal splatter. It’s available in matte, eggshell, and satin finishes, so you can choose the level of sheen that suits your space. Matte is perfect for hiding imperfections in living rooms or bedrooms, while eggshell and satin are more durable, making them great for high-traffic areas like hallways or kitchens. Plus, it’s low-VOC and odor-free, so you won’t have to worry about harsh fumes during or after painting.

Lighting plays a huge role in how Baked Clay will look in your home. In natural daylight, its warm undertones come alive, creating a welcoming, sun-kissed effect. Under warm artificial lighting, it retains its coziness but may appear slightly deeper. If your room lacks natural light, test a swatch first to ensure it doesn’t feel too dark. And don’t forget to observe it at different times of day—colors can shift dramatically from morning to night.

If you’re wondering how Baked Clay compares to other earthy tones, it stands out for its warmth and versatility. Unlike cooler or more neutral earth shades, it has a vibrant, almost terracotta-like quality that feels alive. It’s deeper than a soft beige but not as stark as a charcoal, striking a perfect balance between bold and understated. For lighter alternatives, consider shades like HC-51 or 2173-30, or go darker with options like 2094-20 or HC-50 if you want more intensity.

As for complementary colors, think greens. A soft sage or olive green can create a stunning contrast, evoking the natural harmony of earth and foliage. Creams, taupes, and warm whites also work beautifully, letting Baked Clay take center stage without overwhelming the space. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with deep blues or muted golds for a more eclectic vibe.

In terms of mood, Baked Clay is all about coziness and sophistication. It has a grounding effect, making rooms feel anchored and intentional. Whether you’re curling up with a book in a Baked Clay-adorned bedroom or hosting friends in a dining room with this hue on the walls, the atmosphere will be inviting and relaxed. It’s a color that feels lived-in and loved—a far cry from sterile or impersonal.

So, is Baked Clay right for you? If you’re drawn to warm, earthy tones and want a color that adds depth without feeling heavy, it’s absolutely worth considering. Test a sample in your space, observe it in different lights, and imagine how it’ll pair with your furniture and decor. With its rich hue, easy application, and timeless appeal, Baked Clay might just be the missing piece in your home’s color story. Whether you’re going for rustic charm or modern elegance, this shade has the versatility to deliver—and the warmth to make any room feel like home.

Real Room Photo of Baked Clay 35

Undertones of  Baked Clay ?

The undertones of Baked Clay 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: #9E5545

RGB code: 158, 85, 69

Is  Baked Clay Cool or Warm?

Baked Clay is undoubtedly a warm color, exuding a sense of comfort and coziness. Its warmth is derived from its brown and earthy undertones, which make it an excellent choice for creating inviting spaces. The warmth of Baked Clay can make larger rooms feel more intimate and can add a touch of sophistication when used in smaller spaces. This warm hue is perfect for those who want to create a welcoming atmosphere that feels both grounded and stylish.

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 Baked Clay

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 Baked Clay

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Baked Clay is 15.06%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little 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  Baked Clay

Baked Clay is a color that instantly transforms a space into a warm and inviting haven. Its deep, earthy hue is perfect for those who want to incorporate a touch of nature into their interior decor. This shade works exceptionally well as an accent wall in a living room or as a soothing backdrop in a bedroom. Its versatility allows it to blend seamlessly with various styles, from a rustic farmhouse to a chic bohemian setting. The paint itself offers excellent coverage, often requiring just one to two coats for a rich, even finish. Its self-priming nature is a boon for DIYers looking to save time and effort. The warm undertones of Baked Clay can make a room feel cozy and intimate, making it a great choice for spaces where comfort is a priority. Whether you’re looking to create a focal point or a subtle backdrop, Baked Clay is a reliable choice that won’t disappoint.

Pros & Cons of  35 Baked Clay

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Baked Clay

FAQ on 35 Baked Clay

What finishes are available for Baked Clay paint?

Baked Clay is available in several finishes, each offering its unique benefits and visual appeal. The matte finish is perfect for those who prefer a non-reflective surface that hides imperfections on the walls. It’s an excellent choice for creating a soft, sophisticated look in living rooms and bedrooms. The eggshell finish provides a slight sheen and is more durable than matte, making it suitable for high-traffic areas where easy cleaning is a priority, such as hallways and dining rooms. For a bit more shine and durability, the satin finish is ideal for spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture and wear are more common. Choosing the right finish depends on the specific needs of your space and the level of durability you require.

How does Baked Clay compare to other earthy tones?

Baked Clay stands out among other earthy tones due to its rich, warm undertones that evoke a sense of natural elegance. Unlike some earthy shades that may lean towards cooler or muted tones, Baked Clay maintains a vibrant warmth that can transform any space into a cozy retreat. Its depth and complexity make it more versatile than some lighter or more neutral earth tones, allowing it to pair beautifully with a wide range of colors and materials. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic, bohemian, or modern aesthetic, Baked Clay offers a unique blend of warmth and sophistication that sets it apart from other earthy hues. Its ability to complement both traditional and contemporary decor styles makes it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of nature-inspired beauty to their homes.

Comparisons Baked Clay with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Baked Clay 35