Benjamin Moore's Thunder AF-685 is a sophisticated shade of taupe, artfully balancing warm and cool tones to create a versatile neutral. With an RGB composition of 189, 184, and 173, this color offers a serene backdrop that complements a variety of interior styles, from modern to classic. Its understated elegance allows it to harmonize effortlessly with other hues, making it a popular choice for those seeking a subtle yet impactful palette.
Color Description
Benjamin Moore Thunder AF-685 is described as a soft, sophisticated gray paint color that is neither too dark nor too light. It can appear as a mid-tone gray-beige or greige, depending on the lighting conditions. In balanced light, it looks like a near-neutral warm, mid-tone gray-beige, and it may exhibit moments of peachy-pinkish or purple undertones.
Undertones
The undertones of Thunder AF-685 are subtle and can vary with lighting. It is often described as having a red or yellow-red hue family, which can sometimes shift to purple or lavender in certain light qualities. There are also slight greige and purple undertones, but these are not overwhelming.
Color Values
- HEX Value: #BDB8AD
- RGB Code: 189, 184, 173
- LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 48.05, indicating it reflects a moderate amount of light.
Usage
- Walls: It creates a neutral backdrop for furnishings and decor, especially in well-lit rooms.
- Kitchen Cabinets: Adds character to kitchens with its neutral gray tone.
- Exterior: Looks stunning on the exterior of a home, appearing lighter due to full natural light exposure.
- Living Rooms and Bedrooms: Suitable for both contemporary and traditional decor schemes.
Atmosphere
This color adds a sense of depth and tranquility to any room. It can create a modern and clean aesthetic when paired with crisp white accents or a cozy and inviting feel when paired with warm earth tones. Thunder AF-685 strikes a balance between warm and cool tones, making it suitable for a variety of lighting conditions and decor styles.
Benjamin Moore Thunder AF-685 Color Alternative
Benjamin Moore Thunder AF-685 offers a strong foundation that can be complemented by a range of distinctive color alternatives. Tikkurila Driftwood V484, Tikkurila Cloister V487, and Dulux Stone Green 70YY 46/053 each bring unique undertones and depth, enhancing design flexibility while maintaining the bold character of the original shade. Exploring these alternatives allows designers to tailor spaces with both harmonious continuity and fresh, innovative accents.
Bathroom
Thunder AF-685 is an excellent bathroom color option that performs exceptionally well in humid environments. When paired with a paint formulated specifically for bathrooms, such as Aura Bath & Spa, it provides a finish that resists mold and mildew, fade, and maintains low levels of VOCs, ensuring lasting freshness and durability.
This combination is engineered to withstand high moisture levels with burnish-resistant properties, making it particularly suited for spaces where humidity is a concern. Testing the color with a sample in different lighting conditions is recommended to fully evaluate its appearance and achieve the desired aesthetic for your bathroom.
Bedroom
Benjamin Moore Thunder AF-685 is an elegant bedroom color that creates a refined and welcoming atmosphere. Its appearance fluctuates subtly with different lighting conditions, showing cooler tones with a hint of purple in north-facing rooms and exhibiting a brighter, more vibrant quality in spaces bathed in southern light.
Part of a carefully curated palette, Thunder AF-685 pairs beautifully with crisp white accents for a modern look or with warm earth tones for added coziness. It is recommended to test the color under varied lighting to ensure it perfectly sets the room’s desired mood and ambiance.
Kitchen
For a kitchen color scheme, Benjamin Moore Thunder AF-685 creates a sophisticated and contemporary look. This hue brings personality to kitchen cabinets, adding character without overwhelming the space. It pairs beautifully with soft white trim to achieve a clean aesthetic or with bold black accents for a dramatic statement.
Additionally, this refined color coordinates seamlessly with complementary hues from collections and other trending shades, ensuring a cohesive and stylish design. The interplay of these colors contributes to a balanced mix of modern flair and timeless elegance throughout the kitchen.
Living Room
Benjamin Moore Thunder AF-685 is an excellent choice for living rooms, providing a sophisticated and balanced atmosphere that adapts well to various lighting conditions. In spaces with ample natural light, it maintains a neutral and appealing look, while cooler or brighter settings can subtly shift its undertones to enhance depth and character.
This color works beautifully when paired with crisp white or bold black accents, highlighting its elegant appeal. It coordinates seamlessly with complementary shades from the Affinity Color Collection and can also be applied to exterior surfaces and kitchen cabinets, adding a refined touch to both indoor and outdoor design schemes.
Outdoor
Benjamin Moore Thunder AF-685 offers a striking home outdoor color option that transforms the exterior with its lighter, sunlit appearance. This unique shade, part of an expertly curated color collection, works beautifully on siding and trim and pairs well with both soft white tones for understated elegance and deep, dark accents for a bold statement.
To achieve optimal performance, top-tier exterior paints provide excellent moisture protection, lasting color retention, and resilience against harsh weather conditions. The result is an enhanced curb appeal combined with enduring beauty and durability on every surface exposed to the elements.
