Classic Taupe → Sherwin Williams
The closest Sherwin Williams matches for Behr Classic Taupe (PPU5-07), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Sherwin Williams Equivalent for Classic Taupe
If you love Behr Classic Taupe but need a Sherwin Williams alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Sherwin Williams, your local store does not carry Behr, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Classic Taupe (PPU5-07) is a medium-dark taupe with warm taupe undertones. A warm, classic taupe. Earthy and grounding. To find a good Sherwin Williams match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 38) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Classic Taupe and every Sherwin Williams color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest Sherwin Williams option is Temperate Taupe (SW 6037) with a Delta E of 3.4, which is a "good match" level match. Temperate Taupe is very close. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Sherwin Williams Matches for Classic Taupe
Temperate Taupe is very close.
| Classic Taupe | Temperate Taupe | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 38 | 42 |
| Hex | #B2A89B | #BAB1A6 |
| Undertone | Warm Taupe | Warm Taupe |
| Family | Taupe | Taupe |
Undertone Comparison
Classic Taupe has warm taupe undertones. A warm, classic taupe. Earthy and grounding.
Temperate Taupe has warm taupe undertones. A warm, balanced taupe. Neither too pink nor too brown. Clean taupe.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Classic Taupe in Your Room
Warm and natural. A reliable warm taupe.
Temperate Taupe in Your Room
The taupe reads as warm and natural. Balanced and sophisticated.
LRV and Brightness
Classic Taupe has an LRV of 38, while Temperate Taupe has an LRV of 42. These two colors reflect a very similar amount of light, so you should not notice a significant difference in room brightness when switching between them. The room will feel approximately the same in terms of light and space, which makes this a smoother transition.
Best Rooms for Classic Taupe
Behr recommends Classic Taupe for: living room, bedroom, dining room, office. With an LRV of 38, this is a medium-dark color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.
Temperate Taupe is recommended for: living room, bedroom, dining room, office, hallway. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Temperate Taupe in the same rooms you planned for Classic Taupe.
Classic Taupe in Other Brands
Looking for Classic Taupe equivalents in other brands besides Sherwin Williams? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Sherwin Williams match for Classic Taupe (PPU5-07) is Temperate Taupe (SW 6037) with a Delta E of 3.4, which rates as a "good match" match. Temperate Taupe is very close. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Classic Taupe is a Behr color with warm taupe undertones and an LRV of 38. Temperate Taupe is a Sherwin Williams color with warm taupe undertones and an LRV of 42. With a Delta E of 3.4, the difference is subtle and mainly visible in direct side-by-side comparison. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 3.4, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Sherwin Williams equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Sherwin Williams. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Sherwin Williams work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.