Middlebury Brown HC-68 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that exudes warmth, sophistication, and versatility, Benjamin Moore’s Middlebury Brown (HC-68) might just be your perfect match. This rich, earthy hue sits at the intersection of cozy and chic, making it a standout choice for anyone looking to create a space that feels both inviting and polished. With its deep, muted brown tones and subtle red undertones, it’s a color that adapts beautifully to different lighting conditions and decor styles, offering endless possibilities for your home.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Middlebury Brown is how effortlessly it sets the mood in a room. Its warm, grounding presence makes it ideal for spaces where you want to foster relaxation and connection—think living rooms, bedrooms, or even a home office where you need a sense of calm. The color’s LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 10.72% means it reflects very little light, creating an intimate, cocoon-like effect. That makes it especially well-suited for rooms with ample natural light, where it can showcase its depth without feeling too heavy. But don’t shy away from using it in dimmer spaces—just be mindful that it will deepen, adding a moody, dramatic touch.

Application is a breeze with Middlebury Brown. Whether you’re rolling it on or brushing it, the paint goes on smoothly and dries quickly, with good coverage in just one or two coats. It’s also touch-up friendly, so if you need to make small fixes down the line, you won’t have to worry about uneven patches. The finish options—eggshell, satin, or matte—give you flexibility depending on the look and durability you’re after. Eggshell offers a soft sheen that’s easy to clean, making it great for high-traffic areas, while matte provides a velvety finish that minimizes imperfections.

Pairing Middlebury Brown with the right accents is key to making it shine. For trim, Benjamin Moore’s White Dove or Simply White creates a crisp, classic contrast that lets the richness of the brown take center stage. If you’re feeling bold, deep greens or blues can add a striking pop, playing off the color’s red undertones for a dynamic effect. Brass fixtures and wood trim also complement it beautifully, enhancing its warm, earthy vibe. And if you’re working with an open-concept space, consider using Middlebury Brown on an accent wall to add depth without overwhelming the room.

This color thrives in a variety of decor styles. In a modern farmhouse setting, it pairs effortlessly with rustic wood beams and neutral textiles. For a more contemporary look, layer it with sleek furniture and metallic finishes. Even traditional spaces benefit from its timeless appeal—think leather armchairs, antique wood pieces, and layered textures. The key is balance. Since Middlebury Brown is a deeper shade, you’ll want to incorporate lighter elements to keep the room from feeling too heavy. A well-placed mirror, light-colored upholstery, or sheer curtains can help bounce light around the space.

Lighting plays a huge role in how this color performs. In natural light, its warm undertones come alive, giving it a rich, inviting glow. Under artificial light, especially warm-toned bulbs, it deepens further, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. If your room lacks natural light, consider supplementing with layered lighting—floor lamps, sconces, or even LED strips—to keep the space from feeling too dark. And always, always test a swatch on your wall before committing. Paint colors can look dramatically different from the chip once they’re on your walls, so seeing how Middlebury Brown behaves in your specific space is a must.

A few things to keep in mind: While Middlebury Brown is incredibly versatile, it may not be the best choice for very small rooms unless you’re going for a snug, enveloping feel. In overly bright spaces, it can appear more muted than you might expect, so if you love its richness, make sure your lighting complements it. And though it’s a warm color, its subtle gray undertones keep it from feeling too red or orange, making it a sophisticated choice for those who want warmth without going too bold.

If you’re still on the fence, think about the mood you want to create. Middlebury Brown is all about coziness, grounding, and understated elegance. It’s a color that feels lived-in and welcoming, perfect for homes where comfort and style go hand in hand. Whether you’re painting an entire room or just an accent piece, this shade has the versatility and depth to elevate your space. So grab a sample, test it out, and see how it transforms your home—you might just fall in love with the warmth it brings.

Real Room Photo of Middlebury Brown HC-68

Undertones of  Middlebury Brown ?

The undertones of Middlebury Brown 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: #69594D

RGB code: 105, 89, 77

Is  Middlebury Brown Cool or Warm?

Middlebury Brown is predominantly warm, providing a comforting feel to any room. Its earthy undertones create a cozy environment while balancing perfectly with cooler accents in decor, allowing for a harmonious blend of warmth and coolness.

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 Middlebury Brown

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 Middlebury Brown

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Middlebury Brown is 10.72%, 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  Middlebury Brown

Middlebury Brown stands out with its ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. When applied, it transforms spaces into cozy retreats, making it ideal for living rooms or bedrooms where relaxation is key. The color adapts well to various lighting conditions, appearing richer in softer light and slightly lighter in brighter spaces. The application process is smooth, and it delivers consistent coverage, although you may need a second coat for the best finish. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to add depth to your walls without overwhelming the space. Plus, it pairs beautifully with both light and dark furnishings, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your home.

Pros & Cons of  HC-68 Middlebury Brown

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Middlebury Brown

FAQ on HC-68 Middlebury Brown

How does Middlebury Brown look in different lighting conditions?

Middlebury Brown adapts beautifully to different lighting. In natural light, it reveals its warm undertones, appearing rich and inviting. However, in artificial or dim lighting, it can appear darker and more muted, which might create a more intimate feel. For the best results, consider testing it in your space at various times of the day to see how it interacts with your lighting.

What colors pair well with Middlebury Brown?

Middlebury Brown pairs excellently with a range of colors. For a classic look, consider whites like White Dove or Simply White for trim. If you want to introduce contrast, deep blues or greens can create a striking combination. For an earthy palette, warm neutrals and soft grays will harmonize beautifully with this rich brown.

Comparisons Middlebury Brown with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Middlebury Brown HC-68