ColorplanBenjamin Moore Smoky Ash (986) is a deep beige with a warm yellow undertone and an LRV of 27. Closest matches: Sherwin-Williams Keystone Gray (SW 7504) and Farrow & Ball Mouse's Back (No.40). For trim, try Vintage Taupe (2110-70).
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 | 26.5 (dark; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #998B75 |
| RGB | 153, 139, 117 |
| HSL | 37°, 15%, 53% |
About Smoky Ash
Smoky Ash (986) is a deep beige from Benjamin Moore with a warm yellow undertone. With an LRV of 27, Smoky Ash absorbs more light than it reflects, so it works best in rooms with good natural light or where you want a cozier feel.
In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Smoky Ash'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 Nordic Gray (CC-576), it's darker.
How Smoky Ash changes with the light
Smoky Ash 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
Smoky Ash's warmth balances the cool north light, which is why warmer colors are the safe pick for north rooms.
East-facing rooms
Smoky Ash 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 Smoky Ash can turn noticeably more yellow or orange; test a sample at midday.
West-facing rooms
Smoky Ash will glow warmer in the late afternoon, so check it at sunset if you want to avoid a strong yellow cast.
See Smoky Ash in real homes
Photos people have shared of Smoky Ash in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
Smoky Ash 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 4.0
Also close: Dovetail (ΔE 6.5)
Compare side by side →Farrow & Ball
Very close · ΔE 1.3
Also close: Dauphin (ΔE 4.0)
Compare side by side →Behr
Closest available · ΔE 5.8
Also close: Elephant Skin (ΔE 7.0)
Compare side by side →Similar Benjamin Moore colors
Smoky Ash questions
What undertone does Smoky Ash have?
Smoky Ash has a warm yellow undertone, so it reads as a warm color. In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Smoky Ash's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward.
Is Smoky Ash a light or dark color?
Smoky Ash has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 26.5 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a deep color. With an LRV of 27, Smoky Ash absorbs more light than it reflects, so it works best in rooms with good natural light or where you want a cozier feel.
What is the closest match to Smoky Ash in other paint brands?
Sherwin-Williams: Keystone Gray SW 7504 (close, ΔE 4.0); Farrow & Ball: Mouse's Back No.40 (very close, ΔE 1.3); Behr: Studio Taupe PPU5-07 (closest available, ΔE 5.8). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with Smoky Ash?
Try Vintage Taupe (2110-70) on trim and Opulence (OC-69) on the ceiling. Both are Benjamin Moore whites that share Smoky Ash's undertone.
Where does Smoky Ash work best?
Smoky Ash works well in bedrooms, offices, accent walls and kitchen cabinets. With an LRV of 27, Smoky Ash absorbs more light than it reflects, so it works best in rooms with good natural light or where you want a cozier feel.
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