Smokey Taupe 983 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room that instantly makes you feel at ease, where the colors invite you to unwind and relax. That’s the magic of Smokey Taupe, a beautiful paint color by Benjamin Moore that’s taken the home decor world by storm. This soothing blend of gray and brown has a unique way of creating a warm atmosphere, perfect for any space where you want to find comfort and tranquility—be it your living room, bedroom, or home office.

Smokey Taupe, with its official color code 983, falls under the greige category, striking a lovely balance between gray and beige. It’s the kind of color that makes you feel cozy without being heavy, thanks to its earthy undertones. The subtle red undertone gives it a warmth that feels grounding, making it a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to create an inviting environment. Whether you’re redesigning a single room or refreshing your entire home, Smokey Taupe is versatile enough to work in various settings and decor styles.

When it comes to lighting, Smokey Taupe shines in both natural and artificial light. In daylight, it beautifully showcases its warm undertones, while under artificial light, it takes on a slightly cooler hue, adapting effortlessly to whatever mood you’re aiming for. This adaptability means it can create a cozy atmosphere in larger rooms or lend an inviting feel to smaller spaces without overwhelming them.

One of the standout features of Smokey Taupe is its ease of application. It’s beginner-friendly, which means even if you’re not a seasoned DIYer, you can tackle this project with confidence. The paint is roller-ready and brush smooth, ensuring that your application process goes as smoothly as possible. Plus, it dries quickly, letting you enjoy your newly painted space sooner rather than later.

Coverage is another strong point. Smokey Taupe provides good coverage with just one or two coats, and it’s touch-up friendly, so any imperfections can be easily corrected. The high hide formula means you won’t have to worry about the color peeking through in the corners or edges. And it’s highly washable, making maintenance a breeze—perfect for busy homes where little hands might leave smudges or marks.

Now, let’s talk about decor styles. Smokey Taupe is incredibly versatile. It fits beautifully within modern farmhouse aesthetics, providing that rustic charm while remaining chic. It also works well in transitional or contemporary settings, seamlessly blending with both vintage and modern elements. If you lean towards a minimalist design, Smokey Taupe can be the perfect backdrop, allowing your decor pieces to shine without competing for attention.

In terms of pairing, this color is a dream. It complements crisp whites, such as White Dove, and pairs beautifully with warm woods, enhancing the earthy feel of your space. It also works well alongside brass fixtures, creating a sophisticated look that’s both inviting and elegant. If you’re looking to add pops of color, consider using complementary shades like blues or deeper greens to create a striking contrast that still feels cohesive.

However, like any color, Smokey Taupe has its nuances. In poorly lit spaces, it might appear darker than expected. If you’re working with a dim room, be sure to test it out first—you don’t want it to feel too cave-like. It’s also important to choose your trim and accent colors carefully; a stark white may create too much contrast, while a softer white or light cream can create a more harmonious look.

For those of you who might find Smokey Taupe a bit muted for your taste, consider using it as an accent wall rather than painting the entire room. This way, you can enjoy its calming qualities while still incorporating bolder colors and patterns elsewhere in your decor. Think about using it behind a cozy couch or in a dining area that invites long, leisurely meals with friends and family.

If you’re considering Smokey Taupe for a rental property, you’re in luck. Its classic appeal makes it a safe choice that won’t alienate potential tenants. It’s a color that feels timeless, and because of its warm undertones, it can adapt to many different styles and preferences.

The mood created by Smokey Taupe is undeniably cozy and inviting, perfect for places where you want to feel grounded. Whether you’re curling up with a good book or hosting a dinner party, this color sets the tone for connection and comfort. Its earthy, muted quality encourages relaxation, making it an ideal choice for the living room or bedroom.

As you might be wondering about finishes, the best choices for Smokey Taupe are Eggshell and Satin. Eggshell offers a subtle sheen that enhances the color without making it overly glossy, while Satin provides a bit more gloss, which can be particularly beneficial for high-traffic areas. These finishes strike a balance between durability and aesthetic appeal, ensuring your walls look great while standing up to everyday wear.

In conclusion, Smokey Taupe is more than just a paint color; it’s an opportunity to transform your space into a warm, inviting oasis. Its versatility, ease of application, and stunning adaptability to various decor styles make it a go-to option for many homeowners. Whether you’re updating a single room or refreshing your entire home, this color can elevate your space in ways you never imagined. So grab that paintbrush and let Smokey Taupe work its magic in your home—you won’t regret it!

Real Room Photo of Smokey Taupe 983

Undertones of  Smokey Taupe ?

The undertones of Smokey Taupe lean slightly towards gray, giving it a sophisticated edge. This subtle hint of gray prevents it from feeling too warm or heavy, allowing it to maintain a light and airy feel in your rooms.

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HEX value: #CDC4B5

RGB code: 205, 196, 181

Is  Smokey Taupe Cool or Warm?

Smokey Taupe is best described as a balanced color. While it has warm taupe undertones, the gray adds a cooler dimension that keeps it versatile. This balance allows it to blend seamlessly with various color palettes.

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 Smokey 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 Smokey Taupe

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Smokey Taupe is approximately 40, which means it reflects a moderate amount of light. This makes it suitable for both bright and dimly lit rooms without feeling overly dark.

Detailed Review of  Smokey Taupe

Smokey Taupe is a versatile paint color that strikes a perfect balance between warm and cool tones. It works well in both natural and artificial lighting, adapting its appearance throughout the day. When used in larger rooms, it creates a cozy atmosphere, while smaller spaces can feel more expansive yet inviting. This color pairs beautifully with crisp whites and warm woods, enhancing its earthy appeal. Additionally, Smokey Taupe complements a variety of decor styles, making it a fantastic choice for those who love to mix and match. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or your entire home, this paint will surely elevate your space.

Pros & Cons of  983 Smokey Taupe

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe

FAQ on 983 Smokey Taupe

What type of finish is best for Smokey Taupe?

The best finishes for Smokey Taupe are Eggshell and Satin. These finishes offer a nice balance of durability and aesthetic appeal, making them ideal for interior walls. Eggshell provides a subtle sheen that enhances the color, while Satin adds a bit more gloss, making it easier to clean. For high-traffic areas or spaces prone to smudges, consider using Satin for its durability.

Can Smokey Taupe be used in small rooms?

Absolutely! Smokey Taupe can work wonders in small rooms. Its warm yet muted tone can create a cozy atmosphere without overwhelming the space. To enhance the feeling of openness, pair it with lighter trim colors or use it alongside mirrors and bright accents. This approach helps maintain a balance, making small rooms feel inviting and stylish.

Comparisons Smokey Taupe with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe 983