ColorplanBenjamin Moore Shakespeare Tan (228) is a mid-tone beige with a warm yellow undertone and an LRV of 49. Closest matches: Sherwin-Williams Whole Wheat (SW 6121), Farrow & Ball Hay (No.37) 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 | 48.7 (mid-tone; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #CAB88C |
| RGB | 202, 184, 140 |
| HSL | 43°, 37%, 67% |
About Shakespeare Tan
Shakespeare Tan (228) is a mid-tone, medium-strength beige from Benjamin Moore that leans yellow. With an LRV of 49, Shakespeare Tan has visible color without darkening a room much.
In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Shakespeare Tan'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. It's very close to Late Wheat (CC-240); you'd mostly see the difference side by side.
How Shakespeare Tan changes with the light
Shakespeare Tan 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
Shakespeare Tan's warmth balances the cool north light, which is why warmer colors are the safe pick for north rooms.
East-facing rooms
Shakespeare Tan 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 Shakespeare Tan can turn noticeably more yellow or orange; test a sample at midday.
West-facing rooms
Shakespeare Tan will glow warmer in the late afternoon, so check it at sunset if you want to avoid a strong yellow cast.
See Shakespeare Tan in real homes
Photos people have shared of Shakespeare Tan in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
Shakespeare Tan 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.
Similar Benjamin Moore colors
Shakespeare Tan questions
What undertone does Shakespeare Tan have?
Shakespeare Tan has a warm yellow undertone, so it reads as a warm color. In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Shakespeare Tan's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward.
Is Shakespeare Tan a light or dark color?
Shakespeare Tan has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 48.7 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a mid-tone color. With an LRV of 49, Shakespeare Tan has visible color without darkening a room much.
What is the closest match to Shakespeare Tan in other paint brands?
Sherwin-Williams: Whole Wheat SW 6121 (close, ΔE 4.1); Farrow & Ball: Hay No.37 (close, ΔE 3.4); Behr: Honey Tea MQ2-18 (close, ΔE 3.5). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with Shakespeare Tan?
Try Pink Damask (OC-72) on trim and Opulence (OC-69) on the ceiling. Both are Benjamin Moore whites that share Shakespeare Tan's undertone.
Where does Shakespeare Tan work best?
Shakespeare Tan works well in bedrooms, offices, accent walls and kitchen cabinets. With an LRV of 49, Shakespeare Tan has visible color without darkening a room much.
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