Cavern Clay → Behr
The closest Behr matches for Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay (SW 7701), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Behr Equivalent for Cavern Clay
If you love Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay but need a Behr 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 Behr, your local store does not carry Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Cavern Clay (SW 7701) is a dark brown with warm terracotta undertones. SW's 2019 Color of the Year. A warm, earthy terracotta inspired by desert caves. Bold and warm, with the natural beauty of sun-baked clay. To find a good Behr match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 15) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Cavern Clay and every Behr 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 Behr option is Canyon Dusk (S210-4) with a Delta E of 4.8, which is a "good match" level match. Canyon Dusk is lighter but similar terracotta character. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Behr Matches for Cavern Clay
Canyon Dusk is lighter but similar terracotta character.
| Cavern Clay | Canyon Dusk | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 15 | 24 |
| Hex | #9C7157 | #A5836C |
| Undertone | Warm Terracotta | Warm Terracotta |
| Family | Brown | Brown |
Undertone Comparison
Cavern Clay has warm terracotta undertones. SW's 2019 Color of the Year. A warm, earthy terracotta inspired by desert caves. Bold and warm, with the natural beauty of sun-baked clay.
Canyon Dusk has warm terracotta undertones. Behr's 2019 Color of the Year. A warm terracotta brown with pink-orange undertones. Earthy and warm, inspired by desert canyon walls at sunset. A bold choice that brings natural warmth.
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
Cavern Clay in Your Room
In bright light, the terracotta glows with warmth. In dim rooms, it reads as a rich, warm brown. Under warm light, the orange-red comes alive.
Canyon Dusk in Your Room
The terracotta warmth is rich and inviting. In bright rooms, the pink-orange glow is visible. In dim rooms, it deepens into a warm, earthy brown. Beautiful with cream whites and dark accents.
LRV and Brightness
Cavern Clay has an LRV of 15, while Canyon Dusk has an LRV of 24. That means Canyon Dusk reflects more light. If you switch from Cavern Clay to Canyon Dusk, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.
Best Rooms for Cavern Clay
Sherwin Williams recommends Cavern Clay for: accent wall, dining room, powder room, bedroom, exterior. With an LRV of 15, this is a dark color that absorbs more light than it reflects. It makes a bold statement and works beautifully on accent walls, front doors, exterior trim, and features where drama is the goal. In a full room, make sure you have good lighting and bright white trim for contrast.
Canyon Dusk is recommended for: accent wall, dining room, bedroom, living room, powder room. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Canyon Dusk in the same rooms you planned for Cavern Clay.
Cavern Clay in Other Brands
Looking for Cavern Clay equivalents in other brands besides Behr? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Behr match for Cavern Clay (SW 7701) is Canyon Dusk (S210-4) with a Delta E of 4.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Canyon Dusk is lighter but similar terracotta character. 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. Cavern Clay is a Sherwin Williams color with warm terracotta undertones and an LRV of 15. Canyon Dusk is a Behr color with warm terracotta undertones and an LRV of 24. With a Delta E of 4.8, you will likely notice a difference, especially in bright or direct lighting. 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 4.8, 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 Behr equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Behr. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Behr 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.