Temperate Taupe
Temperate Taupe is a versatile Purple from Sherwin-Williams. Our real-world data shows it is a primary choice when homeowners need to add character and warmth to any space. Below, you'll find 8 examples of this shade in actual homes along with suggested color relationships.
Hex
#BFB1AA
LRV
45.42
Temperate Taupe's Color Strip
Temperate Taupe is the second shade on this 7-color strip, sitting between Angora and Truly Taupe. The strip spans from Angora at the lightest end to Otter at the deepest. Browsing strip 232 alongside this color helps you gauge whether to go lighter, darker, or stay right here.
Temperate Taupe in Real Rooms
Temperate Taupe has a medium-high LRV of 45.42 — present enough to register on the wall without making a room feel heavy. It's neutral in temperature and , making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Purple family, the photos below show it applied in a misc, living room, bedroom and bathroom.
5 Misc Photos
In laundry rooms, Temperate Taupe adds a surprising level of "design" to a space that is often forgotten. It proves that even the most utilitarian rooms deserve a color that feels considered, intentional, and calming.
Wall treatment in Temperate Taupe softens the entire living area.
@paint.reynolds
Bedroom walls in Temperate Taupe create a serene, restful retreat.
@paint.reynolds
Accent wall in Temperate Taupe balances cool and warm undertones.
@nora_candey
Walls painted in Temperate Taupe create a warm, neutral backdrop for this living space.
@paint.reynolds
Neutral cabinetry and trim complement walls finished in Temperate Taupe throughout.
@mizbarrios
1 Living Room Photo
In a living room, Temperate Taupe 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.
Living room walls in Temperate Taupe complement the natural light perfectly.
@thegirlsfromglennstreet
1 Bedroom Photo
Lighting is key in a bedroom, and Temperate Taupe reacts beautifully to dimmers. As you lower the lights for sleep, the color takes on a velvet-like quality, losing its daytime crispness in favor of a smoky, mysterious depth that is incredibly conducive to relaxation.
Bedroom walls in Temperate Taupe provide a serene, restful atmosphere.
@guysontheside
1 Bathroom Photo
For bathrooms with limited natural light, Temperate Taupe provides a necessary "glow." It uses its subtle undertones to mimic the warmth of sunlight, preventing the space from feeling subterranean or overly dark, even in windowless layouts.
Bathroom vanity and walls in Temperate Taupe offer soft, sophisticated elegance.
@highwaterbungalow
Coordinating Colors
Cultured Pearl reflects far more light (LRV 73 vs 45), opening up a space where Temperate Taupe encloses it.
At LRV 72 vs 45, Gauzy White is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 45 vs 32, Temperate Taupe is decisively the brighter choice.
Trim Color
Cultured Pearl reflects far more light (LRV 73 vs 45), opening up a space where Temperate Taupe encloses it.
Similar Colors
With LRVs of 47 and 45, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 46 and 45, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 48 and 45, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 47 and 45, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 45 vs 43), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 48 and 45, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 48 vs 45), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Temperate Taupe reads slightly lighter (LRV 45 vs 42), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Temperate Taupe reads slightly lighter (LRV 45 vs 42), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
With LRVs of 46 and 45, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Complementary Colors
A 7-point LRV gap (53 vs 45) makes Niebla Azul the marginally brighter of the two.
Silver Lake reads slightly lighter (LRV 53 vs 45), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Temperate Taupe reflects far more light (LRV 45 vs 16), opening up a space where Riverway encloses it.
Glass Bead reflects far more light (LRV 77 vs 45), opening up a space where Temperate Taupe encloses it.
At LRV 45 vs 29, Temperate Taupe is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 45 vs 6, Temperate Taupe is decisively the brighter choice.
A 12-point LRV gap (45 vs 34) makes Temperate Taupe the marginally brighter of the two.