ColorplanCoral Clay
SW 9005 · Sherwin-Williams
LRV 26 · dark
0 black100 white
Sherwin-Williams Coral Clay (SW 9005) is a deep red with a soft pink undertone and an LRV of 26. Closest matches: Benjamin Moore Spiced Apple Cider (1201) and Farrow & Ball Porphyry Pink (No.49). For trim, try Intimate White (SW 6322).
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 Sherwin-Williams whites that share this color's undertone.
Color Details
| Family | Red |
| LRV | 25.9 (dark; 0 = black, 100 = pure white) |
| HEX | #BF796E |
| RGB | 191, 121, 110 |
| HSL | 8°, 39%, 59% |
About Coral Clay
Coral Clay (SW 9005) is a deep, medium-strength red from Sherwin-Williams that leans pink. With an LRV of 26, Coral Clay 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 Coral Clay's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward. It's a good fit for dining rooms, accent walls, front doors and libraries. Next to Cavern Clay (SW 7701), it's lighter and cooler.
How Coral Clay changes with the light
Coral Clay 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
Coral Clay's warmth balances the cool north light, which is why warmer colors are the safe pick for north rooms.
East-facing rooms
Coral Clay 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 Coral Clay can turn noticeably more yellow or orange; test a sample at midday.
West-facing rooms
Coral Clay will glow warmer in the late afternoon, so check it at sunset if you want to avoid a strong yellow cast.
See Coral Clay in real homes
Photos people have shared of Coral Clay in their own rooms. Opens Instagram or Pinterest in a new tab.
Coral Clay 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.
Benjamin Moore
Very close · ΔE 1.6
Also close: Badlands (ΔE 1.7)
Compare side by side →Behr
Closest available · ΔE 5.2
Also close: Canyon Dusk (ΔE 13.4)
Compare side by side →Similar Sherwin-Williams colors
Coral Clay questions
What undertone does Coral Clay have?
Coral Clay has a soft pink undertone, so it reads as a warm color. In north-facing rooms the cool daylight tones down Coral Clay's warmth, so it can read a little grayer; south- and west-facing light brings the warmth forward.
Is Coral Clay a light or dark color?
Coral Clay has a light reflectance value (LRV) of 25.9 on a scale where 0 is black and 100 is pure white, which makes it a deep color. With an LRV of 26, Coral Clay 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 Coral Clay in other paint brands?
Benjamin Moore: Spiced Apple Cider 1201 (very close, ΔE 1.6); Farrow & Ball: Porphyry Pink No.49 (close, ΔE 2.7); Behr: Mars Red PPU2-11 (closest available, ΔE 5.2). Matches are calculated with the CIEDE2000 color difference formula; always check a physical sample before buying.
What trim and ceiling color goes with Coral Clay?
Try Intimate White (SW 6322) on trim and Snowbound (SW 7004) on the ceiling. Both are Sherwin-Williams whites that share Coral Clay's undertone.
Where does Coral Clay work best?
Coral Clay works well in dining rooms, accent walls, front doors and libraries. With an LRV of 26, Coral Clay absorbs more light than it reflects, so it works best in rooms with good natural light or where you want a cozier feel.
Planning more than one room?
Build a whole-house palette and share it with your contractor. Free.