Temperate Taupe → Benjamin Moore
The closest Benjamin Moore matches for Sherwin Williams Temperate Taupe (SW 6037), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Benjamin Moore Equivalent for Temperate Taupe
If you love Sherwin Williams Temperate Taupe but need a Benjamin Moore 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 Benjamin Moore, your local store does not carry Sherwin Williams, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Temperate Taupe (SW 6037) is a medium taupe with warm taupe undertones. A warm, balanced taupe. Neither too pink nor too brown. Clean taupe. To find a good Benjamin Moore match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 42) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Temperate Taupe and every Benjamin Moore 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 Benjamin Moore option is Kingsport Gray (HC-86) with a Delta E of 3.8, which is a "good match" level match. Kingsport Gray is similar. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Benjamin Moore Matches for Temperate Taupe
Kingsport Gray is similar.
| Temperate Taupe | Kingsport Gray | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 42 | 38.62 |
| Hex | #BAB1A6 | #B4AC9F |
| Undertone | Warm Taupe | Warm Taupe |
| Family | Taupe | Taupe |
Undertone Comparison
Temperate Taupe has warm taupe undertones. A warm, balanced taupe. Neither too pink nor too brown. Clean taupe.
Kingsport Gray has warm taupe undertones. A warm taupe from the Historical Collection. Earthy and sophisticated.
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
Temperate Taupe in Your Room
The taupe reads as warm and natural. Balanced and sophisticated.
Kingsport Gray in Your Room
Warm and grounding. The taupe quality is organic and natural.
LRV and Brightness
Temperate Taupe has an LRV of 42, while Kingsport Gray has an LRV of 38.62. 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 Temperate Taupe
Sherwin Williams recommends Temperate Taupe for: living room, bedroom, dining room, office, hallway. With an LRV of 42, this is a medium 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.
Kingsport Gray is recommended for: living room, dining room, bedroom, office, accent wall. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Kingsport Gray in the same rooms you planned for Temperate Taupe.
Temperate Taupe in Other Brands
Looking for Temperate Taupe equivalents in other brands besides Benjamin Moore? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Benjamin Moore match for Temperate Taupe (SW 6037) is Kingsport Gray (HC-86) with a Delta E of 3.8, which rates as a "good match" match. Kingsport Gray is similar. 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. Temperate Taupe is a Sherwin Williams color with warm taupe undertones and an LRV of 42. Kingsport Gray is a Benjamin Moore color with warm taupe undertones and an LRV of 38.62. With a Delta E of 3.8, 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 3.8, 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 Benjamin Moore equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Benjamin Moore. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Benjamin Moore 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.