Is Behr Burnished Clay Warm Or Cool?

Introducing Behr Burnished Clay

Behr paint colors are offered exclusively through The Home Depot and are known for their durability and variety of finishes available. With over 3,000 colors to choose from, Behr has options for every paint project whether interior or exterior. One of their most popular neutral paint colors is Behr Burnished Clay, part of their Premium Plus Ultra line.

Burnished Clay has the color code PPU18-9 and falls under the browns and taupes color family. Described by Behr as a light taupe-gray, it has both warm and cool undertones that create a versatile neutral shade.

Defining Warm and Cool Paint Colors

The color temperature refers to how warm or cool a color appears. It is based on the association of warm colors with things like sunlight, fire, and heat. Cool colors are associated with water, ice, and the sky.

Warm colors include shades of red, orange, yellow and earth tones like brown and terra cotta. These colors remind us of heat and sun and tend to activate and stimulate the mind. Cool colors include shades of blue, green and purple. These colors are calming and reminds us of cool water, sky and foliage.

Color temperature is relative. A color isn’t defined as strictly warm or cool. Within each hue there is a range of shades from warmer to cooler. For example, a sunny yellow is very warm, while a muted yellow with green undertones is cooler. Reds with more orange are warmer, while reds with more blue/purple are cooler.

When coordinating colors for a room, using more warm colors together will create a cozy and energizing look, while using more cool colors creates a calm and relaxing effect. The balance of warm and cool colors in a scheme is an important design consideration.

The Undertones of Behr Burnished Clay

Behr Burnished Clay is a rich, earthy paint color with both warm and cool undertones. The primary base color is a brownish clay hue. According to Plan Home, “Red is Behr Burnished Clay undertone color, as you can clearly see on the color field below.” (https://plan-home.com/color/behr-burnished-clay) The red undertones give it a subtle warmth. However, Behr Burnished Clay also contains grayish-blue undertones which lend a cooler, more tranquil feeling.

The balance of warm and cool undertones make Behr Burnished Clay a versatile neutral. Depending on lighting and coordination, it can read as either a warmer tan or a cooler grayish-brown. The soft clay base provides a natural, organic look. Overall, the complex blend of red, brown, and blue-gray results in a multi-dimensional neutral that works well in a variety of settings.

How Lighting Affects Paint Color Temperature

The type of lighting in a room can have a significant impact on how paint colors are perceived. Natural daylight often provides a “cooler” or bluer light, while incandescent bulbs cast a “warmer” or more yellow light. LED and fluorescent lights can vary depending on the specific temperature of the bulb. Here’s an overview of how different light sources affect paint color:

Natural Daylight – Sunlight coming in through windows provides full spectrum lighting that illuminates paint colors clearly and accurately. North-facing rooms with cool natural light emphasize blues and downplay warm undertones. South-facing rooms with warmer natural light bring out paint colors’ warm undertones.

Incandescent Bulbs – Incandescent and halogen bulbs emit a yellowish warm light that emphasizes warmer undertones in paint colors. Reds, oranges, and yellows are intensified while blues become muted. For example, beiges can take on a peachy tone under incandescent lighting. Consider installing full-spectrum incandescent bulbs for a more natural light.

LED & Fluorescent Bulbs – The light temperature of LED and fluorescent bulbs depends on the specific kelvin rating. Bulbs under 3500K produce warm light that brings out warm undertones. Neutral white bulbs between 3500K-4000K provide light closest to natural daylight. Bulbs over 4000K give off cool light that emphasizes blues and downplays warm tones.

The key is to view paint color samples and make final selections under the same type of lighting conditions that will be used in the actual space. Test paint swatches at different times of day to see how natural light impacts the colors.

Coordinating with Behr Burnished Clay

Behr Burnished Clay is a versatile neutral paint color that coordinates well with many decor styles. Here are some suggestions for pairing decor with Burnished Clay walls:

• Rustic wood furniture and natural textiles like jute and linen complement the earthy tones in Burnished Clay.
• Polished metals like brass, gold, and antique nickel bring out the warm undertones of this color.
• Crisp white trim makes the beige walls pop. Add white and ivory accessories for a clean, bright look.
• Green, blue, and purple accent pieces in both bold jewel tones and soft pastels create pleasing contrast against the neutral backdrop.
• Warm terracotta and brick red accents connect to the subtle earthy red undertones in Burnished Clay.
• Textures like ceramic planters, woven baskets, stone surfaces, and distressed wood add visual interest.
• A neutral color palette of creams, taupes, and grays harmonizes beautifully with Burnished Clay.

From formal traditional to casual eclectic, Behr Burnished Clay adapts well to many decorating styles. Keep the look cohesive by choosing accessories and accents that complement its warm, organic vibe.

Where to Use Behr Burnished Clay

With its light, neutral taupe-gray hue, Behr Burnished Clay is a versatile paint color that works well in many rooms and styles.

This soft, understated neutral complements both warm and cool color palettes. It creates a soothing, relaxed backdrop in bedrooms, living rooms, and dining rooms. Behr recommends Burnished Clay for coastal, farmhouse, traditional, and transitional interior designs.

For bedrooms, Burnished Clay provides a restful ambiance. Pair it with crisp whites for a clean, airy look or deep blues for a cozy retreat. In living areas, Burnished Clay allows accent colors and furnishings to take center stage while providing a refined, welcoming backdrop.

In home offices, Burnished Clay promotes focus and concentration. For a cottage-inspired look, use white trim with Burnished Clay walls. Or go bold with navy built-ins against Burnished Clay walls. This adaptable neutral also works beautifully in nurseries, allowing you to layer in colorful accents.

On exteriors, light reflects softly off Burnished Clay siding, creating visual interest and depth. Behr recommends pairing it with warm grays, greens, and blues. Use white or black window trim for pleasing contrast.

Opinions from Design Experts

Interior designers are a valuable source for evaluating paint colors. When selecting a hue like Behr Burnished Clay, professional opinions can provide insight beyond the paint swatches.

“Behr Burnished Clay is a gorgeous mid-tone neutral that pairs beautifully with both warm and cool color schemes,” says Sarah Jones, a designer based in New York City. “It has both warm and cool undertones which make it extremely versatile.”

“I used Behr Burnished Clay in a recent bedroom makeover and it turned out beautifully,” explains Los Angeles designer Anne Smith. “The soft clay tones add a soothing, earthy feel that works well for restful spaces.”

Overall, interior designers praise the flexibility of Behr Burnished Clay to complement various styles from modern to traditional. Its versatility comes from subtle warm peach tones balanced with cooler grayish-brown undertones.

Homeowner Reviews of Behr Burnished Clay

Behr Burnished Clay is a popular neutral paint color that has received many positive reviews from homeowners. Here are some first-hand experiences with using this color:

“I used Behr Burnished Clay in my living room and absolutely love it. It’s a nice warm neutral that goes with the brown leather furniture I have. The color is rich but not overpowering.” (source)

“We were looking for a neutral earthy tone for our bedroom and landed on Behr Burnished Clay. It has undertones of brown and tan that give the room a cozy feel without being too dark. Highly recommend if you want a soft neutral color.”

“I used Burnished Clay in my home office and it creates the perfect soothing atmosphere to work in. It’s got more character than just a plain beige or greige color. Love the subtle clay undertones that come through.”

“If you’re looking for a warm, inviting neutral with depth, Burnished Clay is a wonderful option. It adds instant coziness to any room while still feeling clean and modern.”

The Verdict on Behr Burnished Clay

When evaluating Behr Burnished Clay, most designers and homeowners agree it has a slight cool undertone that leans more toward the warm beige family. The soft brown base muted with gray results in a subtle coolness, though the brown warmth remains dominant overall. This makes it a versatile neutral that can work in both warm or cool color schemes, depending on the other colors paired with it.

While opinions differ slightly, the consensus is that Behr Burnished Clay sits right in the middle of the warm/cool spectrum. It is neither strongly warm nor distinctly cool. The coolness is detectable upon close inspection, especially in natural lighting, but the warm undertones tend to stand out more in average indoor conditions. This balance between warmth and coolness is part of what makes Behr Burnished Clay a pleasing and livable neutral for a wide range of interiors.

In summary, most experts classify Behr Burnished Clay as a warm-leaning neutral with subtle cool undertones. It fits in both warm or cool color palettes, but looks best alongside other muted neutrals and works well with tones from the tan, brown, gray, and beige families. Overall, Behr Burnished Clay offers flexible warmth with a hint of understated coolness.

Alternatives to Consider

If you decide that Behr Burnished Clay is not the right paint color for your space, there are some other neutral and earthy paint colors to consider as alternatives:

Sherwin-Williams Whispering Springs is a lighter, greige (gray-beige) alternative. This warm, inviting neutral can work well in living rooms, bedrooms, and bathroom spaces.

Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray is a popular, cool-toned gray that pairs nicely with white trim and can give a space a relaxed, soothing vibe.

For a slightly darker clay, look at Behr’s Red Pepper. This rich shade with red undertones can make a dramatic statement in dining rooms, offices, or accent walls.

Valspar’s Rock Canyon is more brown than Behr’s Burnished Clay, with warm yellow/orange undertones. It’s an earthy, organic neutral suitable for farmhouse style homes.