Meet Benjamin Moore Davenport Tan (HC-76), a rich dark taupe with warm brown undertones. See how it transformed our bright primary bedroom into a cozy retreat, plus coordinating colors, undertones and decorating tips.
When we moved into this house five years ago, I was determined to cover the very dated paint colors. Think every shade of green and yellow you can imagine (and not the pretty ones!). In my rush, I grabbed two tried-and-true favorites: Revere Pewter for the bedroom and Sea Salt for the bathroom. I knew I could happily live with them while I figured out our long-term plan.
My original plan was simple: paint the walls, make a few small updates and then wait until we could do a full renovation, with new bedroom floors and a complete bathroom remodel. But here we are, five years later, and those big renovations aren't happening anytime soon. So instead of waiting, I decided it was time to truly decorate the space we have now.
That led me to this paint spotlight: Benjamin Moore Davenport Tan (HC-76).
Why I Chose a Darker Paint Color
After years of staring at neutral walls, I knew I wanted something moodier and more dramatic in our bedroom. With nine (!!) windows plus transoms, the space gets a ton of natural light. Just like in my living room, I felt the brightness could handle a darker paint color.
I narrowed my choices down to a deep taupe or brown. When I mentioned it to my husband, he said, "Sure. I'm not surprised. You've always loved brown!" He reminded me that my bridesmaids' dresses were brown almost 20 years ago. (Ha! Proof that colors really do come full circle!)
The New Look in Progress
I've started pulling in decor with the peacock art and pretty blue-green pillows, which look so rich against the warm taupe walls. I still need to find the right lamps (the ones I'd picked out sold out before I could grab them, boo!), and I have plans for wall trim and a few bigger decor pieces. Even mid-process, I'm loving the new direction.
Painting the room Davenport Tan has already transformed it. The darker walls make the space feel cozy and grounded, which is perfect for our light-filled bedroom. It's funny, because I never noticed the blank walls when they were light, but now the darker paint makes me want to layer in artwork, trim and textures right away.
What's Next
One day we'll still tackle that bathroom renovation and replace the bedroom flooring. For now, I'm embracing this new, cozier chapter in our primary bedroom with its brown, blue and green palette. It finally feels like "us": layered, warm and restful.
Stay tuned as I keep adding the finishing touches, but for now I just couldn't wait to share this rich, earthy paint color with you.
Benjamin Moore Davenport Tan HC-76: Paint Color Review
If you're looking for a warm, timeless neutral that adds depth without feeling too dark, Benjamin Moore Davenport Tan may be just the right color for your home. It's part of Benjamin Moore's Historic Collection, which means it's designed with classic, versatile style in mind, and it works beautifully in both traditional and modern spaces.
Whether you're painting walls, cabinetry or trim, Davenport Tan has a cozy, earthy richness that makes a room feel grounded and welcoming. Let's break it down so you can see whether this color is right for your next project!
What Color Is Benjamin Moore Davenport Tan?
Davenport Tan is a mid-to-dark neutral tan with strong gray and green undertones. Unlike some tans that lean orange or pink, this one keeps a muted, natural feel that's incredibly versatile. It's warm and rich, but it never overwhelms a room.
It sits in that sweet spot between a khaki and a darker taupe, which makes it a great backdrop for both crisp whites and deeper accent colors.
PRO Tip
Whenever you choose a new paint color, try out the real paint color in your home first!
The easiest, quickest way to do that is with Samplize! I use them exclusively for paint samples now. There's no mess and no leftover sample pots of paint. Plus, these no-mess, peel-and-stick rectangles are made from real paint, easy to move around the room and easy to save for future reference!
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Davenport Tan Undertones
The key undertone in Davenport Tan is gray and green. That's what keeps it from looking too golden or muddy. Depending on your lighting, it may look more like an earthy olive-beige in bright natural light, or a deeper warm neutral in low light.
If you're sensitive to undertones, be sure to test this color with large swatches before committing, especially if your room leans warm with lots of southern light.
Is Davenport Tan Warm or Cool?
This color is definitely warm. It brings a cozy, inviting feel to any room. In north-facing light it may read a little more muted and gray-green, while in south-facing rooms the warmth will be more noticeable.
Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Davenport Tan
Davenport Tan has an LRV of 20.35, which makes it a medium-dark color. It's not super dark, but it's definitely not a light neutral either. That means it can add contrast to trim or cabinetry, yet still work as a whole-room color without feeling cave-like.
Reminder: LRV runs from 0 to 100. Zero is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Where to Use Davenport Tan
- Bedrooms: Warm and grounding, perfect for a restful retreat.
- Living Rooms: Adds depth, especially in spaces with good natural light.
- Dining Rooms: Creates a warm, inviting backdrop for gatherings.
- Offices or Libraries: Pairs beautifully with wood tones and traditional decor.
- Cabinets or built-ins: A sophisticated choice for kitchens, offices or mudrooms.
- Exteriors: Timeless curb appeal when paired with crisp white trim and a darker accent.
Coordinating Colors for Davenport Tan
One of my favorite things about this color is how easily it pairs with others. Here are a few combinations to try:
- Crisp White Trim: Benjamin Moore White Dove or Chantilly Lace for a classic look.
- Soft Neutrals: Revere Pewter or Edgecomb Gray for a layered, tonal palette.
- Blues & Greens: Sea Salt, Wythe Blue or Blue Heather (BM) for a fresh contrast.
- Rich Accents: Hale Navy, Essex Green or even a deep teal for drama.
Davenport Tan vs. Similar Colors
BM Grant Beige: Lighter and softer, with less depth.
BM Revere Pewter: Lighter and greige, more neutral.
SW Universal Khaki: A touch lighter with slightly less green, but comparable.
Final Thoughts
If you're craving a warm, earthy paint color that feels timeless and rich without being too bold, Benjamin Moore Davenport Tan might be the perfect choice. It's versatile enough for walls, cabinetry or even exteriors, and it works beautifully with crisp whites and deep accent colors.
Always remember to test large samples in your space to see how the lighting affects it. But if you love those earthy, historic, cozy vibes, Davenport Tan won't disappoint!
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