Dark Clay featured
Cloverdale PaintEX197

Dark Clay

Often used for its genuinely dark qualities, Dark Clay remains a staple for Cloverdale Paint designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to anchor a room without demanding the spotlight. We've gathered 8 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.

Hex

#5E614E

LRV

11.48

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Light Reflectance Value
11.48
Dark
Collection

Dark Clay's Color Strip

Dark Clay is the first shade on this 7-color strip, the lightest in this coordinated family. Browsing strip Ex29 alongside this color helps you gauge whether to go lighter, darker, or stay right here.

Dark Clay in Real Rooms

Dark Clay has a low LRV of 11.48 — it absorbs light and reads as a genuinely dark, enveloping color.

1 Bathroom Photo

In the bathroom, Dark Clay brings a spa-like intentionality to the space. It responds well to task lighting and natural light alike, and pairs beautifully with white fixtures, warm wood vanities, or brushed brass hardware for a polished, restful result.

Dark Clay EX197 by Cloverdale Paint — Bathroom

The walls here show Dark Clay in bright, well-lit bathroom light.

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2 Bedroom Photos

Dark Clay creates a bedroom that feels deliberately calm rather than accidentally plain. The color absorbs the first rays of morning light without bouncing them back harshly, which means waking up in this environment feels gentle and gradual. Keep the window treatments simple and let the walls do the heavy lifting.

Dark Clay EX197 by Cloverdale Paint — Bedroom

A bedroom painted in Dark Clay — soft-spoken and easy to wake up to.

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Dark Clay EX197 by Cloverdale Paint — Bedroom

This open bedroom shows Dark Clay in honest, natural light.

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1 Dining Room Photo

The best dining room colors look different lit by daylight versus candlelight, and Dark Clay is one of them. It holds the room's warmth in the evening in a way that makes dinner feel like an occasion even when it's just a casual weeknight.

Dark Clay EX197 by Cloverdale Paint — Dining Room

See Dark Clay in a formal dining setting — composed and quietly present.

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2 Misc Photos

See how Dark Clay is used in narrow hallways to create a "gallery" feel. The color provides a steady, rhythmic background that allows a series of framed photos or art pieces to feel like a cohesive, professional installation.

Dark Clay EX197 by Cloverdale Paint — Foyer

A foyer painted in Dark Clay sets the tone for everything beyond it.

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Dark Clay EX197 by Cloverdale Paint — Sun Room

Natural light reveals Dark Clay's true character in this bright sun room.

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1 Kitchen Photo

Using Dark Clay in the kitchen allows the architectural details—like open shelving or a custom range hood—to stand out. It creates a soft-focus background that makes even a simple stack of white plates look like a deliberate design choice.

Dark Clay EX197 by Cloverdale Paint — Kitchen

This kitchen scene shows how Dark Clay holds up under practical light.

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1 Living Room Photo

In a living room, Dark Clay acts as a bridge between the indoors and the view outside. It carries the organic weight of the natural world into the home, allowing the greenery from windows to pop while keeping the interior feeling protected and private. Pair it with oversized plants and ceramic vessels for a full organic-modern aesthetic.

Dark Clay EX197 by Cloverdale Paint — Living Room

See how Dark Clay holds up in a real living room setting.

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Color Codes

HEX#5E614E
RGB94, 97, 78
HSL69° 11% 34%
CIE LabL: 40.4 a: -4.9 b: 10.5
XYZX: 10.27 Y: 11.48 Z: 8.88
StripEx29 pos. 1