ColorplanBenjamin Moore Barley Grass (271) is a mid-tone beige with a warm yellow undertone and an LRV of 45. Closest matches: Sherwin-Williams Whole Wheat (SW 6121), Farrow & Ball Cat's Paw (No.240) and Behr Honey Tea (MQ2-18). For trim, try Pink Damask (OC-72).
Room Preview
This photo shows walls only. Photos show the color in a real room's light; your own light will change it.
Suggested trim and ceiling are Benjamin Moore whites that share this color's undertone.
Color Details
| Family | Beige |
| LRV | 45.3 (mid-tone; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #C8B180 |
| RGB | 200, 177, 128 |
| HSL | 41°, 40%, 64% |
About Barley Grass
Barley Grass (271) is a mid-tone, medium-strength beige from Benjamin Moore that leans yellow. With an LRV of 45, Barley Grass has visible color without darkening a room much.
In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Barley Grass's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward. It's a good fit for bedrooms, offices, accent walls and kitchen cabinets. Next to Westwood Tan (256), it's cooler and more muted.
How Barley Grass changes with the light
Barley Grass has a strong warm undertone that balances cool north light well. In strong south or west sun it can look more golden, so check a sample at midday and in the late afternoon.
North-facing rooms
Barley Grass's warmth balances the cool north light, which is why warmer colors are the safe pick for north rooms.
East-facing rooms
Barley Grass will look warmer and brighter in the morning and cooler and grayer by afternoon; check a sample at both times.
South-facing rooms
In strong south light Barley Grass can turn noticeably more yellow or orange; test a sample at midday.
West-facing rooms
Barley Grass will glow warmer in the late afternoon, so check it at sunset if you want to avoid a strong yellow cast.
See Barley Grass in real homes
Photos people have shared of Barley Grass in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
Barley Grass equivalents in other brands
The closest color from each brand. ΔE (“delta E”) scores how different two colors look: under 2.5 is very hard to tell apart on a wall, over 5 is clearly different.
Sherwin-Williams
Close · ΔE 4.4
Also close: Basket Beige (ΔE 6.0)
Compare side by side →Farrow & Ball
Close · ΔE 3.3
Also close: Octagon Yellow (ΔE 3.8)
Compare side by side →Similar Benjamin Moore colors
Barley Grass questions
What undertone does Barley Grass have?
Barley Grass has a warm yellow undertone, so it reads as a warm color. In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Barley Grass's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward.
Is Barley Grass a light or dark color?
Barley Grass has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 45.3 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a mid-tone color. With an LRV of 45, Barley Grass has visible color without darkening a room much.
What is the closest match to Barley Grass in other paint brands?
Sherwin-Williams: Whole Wheat SW 6121 (close, ΔE 4.4); Farrow & Ball: Cat's Paw No.240 (close, ΔE 3.3); Behr: Honey Tea MQ2-18 (close, ΔE 3.7). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with Barley Grass?
Try Pink Damask (OC-72) on trim and Opulence (OC-69) on the ceiling. Both are Benjamin Moore whites that share Barley Grass's undertone.
Where does Barley Grass work best?
Barley Grass works well in bedrooms, offices, accent walls and kitchen cabinets. With an LRV of 45, Barley Grass has visible color without darkening a room much.
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