Benjamin Moore's Van Buren Brown HC-70 is a rich, muted shade often identified as Taupe, featuring a complex mix of gray and brown tones. This particular hue, with an RGB composition of 95, 79, 70, effortlessly blends warmth and sophistication, making it a versatile choice for both modern and traditional interiors. Its understated elegance allows it to serve as a perfect backdrop, enhancing other color schemes and decor elements in a cohesive manner.
Color Description
Benjamin Moore Van Buren Brown (HC-70) is a deep, dignified brown color that leans towards black, providing a rich and inviting hue. It is part of the Historical Color collection, which was unveiled in 1976 to celebrate the US bicentennial.
Undertones
The undertone of Van Buren Brown can be accurately described as a red hue. This is evident from the color's RGB and HEX values, which indicate a dominant red component.
Color Values
- HEX value: #5F4F46 or #5F4E46
- RGB values: 95, 79, 70 or 95, 78, 70
- LRV (Light Reflectance Value): 8.29 or 9.52, depending on the source
Usage
This color is ideal for creating a welcoming ambiance in various spaces such as living rooms, dining areas, or home libraries. It pairs well with neutral tones and rustic textures to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
Atmosphere
Van Buren Brown adds a touch of timeless elegance and sophistication to any space, enveloping it in a luxurious charm and transforming it into a haven of comfort and style. It brings a sense of coziness and warmth, making it perfect for creating a welcoming environment.
Benjamin Moore Van Buren Brown HC-70 Color Alternative
Benjamin Moore Van Buren Brown HC-70 serves as a distinguished base color, renowned for its timeless, earthy elegance and versatility in a variety of design schemes. Little Greene Attic II 144, Sherwin Williams Muddled Basil SW 7745, and Sherwin Williams Rookwood Dark Brown SW 2808 offer compelling color alternatives, each contributing its own nuanced variation in depth and character while retaining the sophisticated appeal akin to Van Buren Brown HC-70. These alternatives provide designers and homeowners alike the opportunity to achieve distinctive visual narratives without straying too far from the original color’s enduring charm.
Bathroom
Benjamin Moore Van Buren Brown HC-70 offers a warm and inviting bathroom color with its rich tone that creates a distinct ambiance. Integrating this color effectively requires balancing it with neutral or complementary shades, and incorporating lighter tones or green hues from related collections can foster a harmonious atmosphere.
In bathrooms, selecting the appropriate finish is essential for durability and ease of cleaning in high-humidity settings. A pearl or satin finish is recommended for maintaining practicality, while an alternative matte option known for its mildew resistance can also work well when carefully aligned with the warm undertones.
Bedroom
For a bedroom, Benjamin Moore's Van Buren Brown HC-70 sets the stage with a warm, intimate ambiance that enhances a cozy retreat. Ideal for spaces with limited natural light, this rich hue transforms the entire room when applied across walls, trim, and ceiling, fostering an environment that feels sophisticated and inviting.
This deep shade also provides an excellent backdrop for artwork and furnishings, allowing them to shine while maintaining a harmonious, traditional aesthetic. Its subtle ability to create a moody, softly-lit atmosphere lends the perfect foundation for layered lighting and thoughtfully chosen decor elements.
Kitchen
For a kitchen color scheme, Benjamin Moore Van Buren Brown HC-70 brings warmth and character when applied to accent walls or cabinetry. It harmonizes beautifully with neutral shades used on main walls and trim, creating a balanced canvas that enhances both contemporary and classic design features.
Enhance the space further by incorporating complementary hues that introduce contrast and subtle vibrancy. Layering with lighter and darker tones within the same family can create depth, while the use of rustic textures and natural materials adds an inviting charm to the overall aesthetic.
Living Room
Benjamin Moore Van Buren Brown HC-70 is an ideal choice for living room spaces, infusing the area with a captivating ambiance that deepens and warms the surroundings. This hue, drawn from a collection inspired by America's historic landmarks, lends a sense of refined character and thoughtful design.
The deep, rich tone adds depth and coziness to interiors, making it particularly effective when paired with neutral hues and rustic textures. Complementing it with lighter shades creates a harmonious, inviting atmosphere, seamlessly blending traditional charm with contemporary flair.
Outdoor
Benjamin Moore Van Buren Brown HC-70 delivers a rich, classic appeal for home outdoor applications while drawing inspiration from America's historic landmarks. This color, drawn from the Historical Collection, evokes a storied legacy that ties modern design to the charm of the past, making it an excellent choice for both exterior facades and interior accents.
For outdoor projects, performance features such as durability, weather resistance, and excellent color retention are essential. High-performance paint options are available that combine advanced technology with superior hide, fade resistance, and color rub-off protection. Additionally, multiple finish options provide the flexibility to achieve the desired look for walls, trim, and other exterior details.
