Behr’s Well Bred Brown (MQ2-05) is a warm, medium-dark brown paint color. It is like a cozy chocolate shade with a touch of red-orange warmth. This rich brown feels both warm and elegant. In a room, it creates a grounded, inviting look.
People often choose it when they want a friendly yet stylish neutral color. Because it is not too dark or too bright, Well Bred Brown works in many styles – from classic to modern. For example, you could use it in a living room or on an accent wall to add depth without feeling overwhelming.
Its understated charm makes spaces feel welcoming and comfortable. Well Bred Brown can be described simply as a rich brown with a soft glow.
Undertones of Behr Well Bred Brown
Well Bred Brown has warm undertones. Specifically, it carries hints of red and orange beneath its brown surface. These subtle red-orange undertones make the color feel cozy and earthy. In other words, the brown looks a little like terra cotta clay or autumn leaves in sunlight.
The extra warmth means Well Bred Brown doesn’t look cold or gray – it looks rich and inviting. Because of its red/orange hints, Well Bred Brown works with many color styles.
It complements both traditional and modern decors. For example, in a traditional room it feels warm like wood furniture, and in a modern room it still adds a friendly touch.
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LRV of Behr Well Bred Brown
The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) tells us how light or dark a color is. It is measured on a scale from 0 (black) to 100 (white). Well Bred Brown has a low LRV, around 9.8. This means it is quite dark: it reflects only about 10% of the light that hits it.
In simple terms, Well Bred Brown is much closer to black than to white. A low LRV makes a room look cozy and intimate, but it also means the room may need good lighting. If you paint walls this color, they will absorb more light and make the room feel a bit darker.
Think of wearing a dark shirt: it looks deeper and warmer. In a well-lit sunny room the color will still look warm and visible, but in a dim room it will look very deep brown. LRV is important because it guides how the paint will behave. Since Well Bred Brown’s LRV is about 9.8, expect it to darken a space if used on all walls.
In Different Lights
Like many warm browns, Well Bred Brown changes its look under different lighting. In bright natural light (sunny daytime or a room with big windows), the red and orange undertones become more visible. The color will look a little lighter and more glowing, making the room feel friendly and inviting.
It might even pick up golden or reddish glints as the sun moves. In low or artificial light (evening, lamps only, or a north-facing room), the color will look deeper and more muted. It can almost approach a dark chocolate brown shade.
This makes the room feel very cozy, like you are wrapped in a warm blanket. In dimmer light, the warm tones hide a bit, and you see more pure brown. The color can then appear rich and serious. Because of this shift, it’s wise to test Well Bred Brown in your own space at different times of day.
A patch of paint on the wall or a large swatch is helpful. You might notice in the morning it has a soft brown warmth, and by evening it looks darker and slightly moodier. Overall, lighting makes a big difference: abundant light brings out the reddish warmth, while darkness emphasizes the deep brown.
Hex Code
Paint colors are often represented by a hex code for use in digital design. Well Bred Brown’s hex code is typically given as #6C5549. A hex code is a six-digit label starting with “#”. It tells you the mix of red, green, and blue (RGB) on a computer screen. In this case, #6C5549 means a warm brown mix. This code is used by designers and websites to show the exact shade on screens.
For example, if you used #6C5549 in a design app or website, you’d see the same kind of rich, chocolatey brown. (Note: different tools sometimes give slightly different codes. For instance, one source lists #6C5549, and another shows #695446.
RGB
“RGB” stands for red, green, blue, the three colors of light used by screens. The RGB values for Well Bred Brown are about (108, 85, 73). This means on a screen, it uses red light at 108 out of 255, green at 85, and blue at 73.
Those numbers mix to make that warm brown color. The RGB numbers tell the same story as the hex code. For example, (108,85,73) in RGB is roughly the same as hex #6C5549.
(Some references list it as (105,84,70), which is very close.) These values confirm that the color is heavy on red, less on green and blue, giving it a reddish-brown tone.
Behr Well Bred Brown In the Bedroom
Well Bred Brown can make a bedroom feel warm and peaceful. Its reddish-brown warmth is actually very restful. Designers suggest using it to create a tranquil retreat. For example, if you paint one wall or all walls in Well Bred Brown, the room feels cozy like a hug. The warm undertones help your bedroom feel calm and inviting. You can pair Well Bred Brown with light colors in a bedroom.
A common idea is to use soft beige or cream bedding and curtains. These lighter fabrics balance the dark walls and keep the space from feeling too heavy. For example, think of beige sheets or a white duvet cover. These light accents make the room feel open. Adding a few “muted metallics” – like bronze or soft gold lamps – adds a gentle shine without clashing. Another approach is an accent wall.
You could paint only the wall behind the bed in Well Bred Brown and keep the other walls a creamy white or light tan. This way the color brings depth and coziness but doesn’t darken the whole room. It also creates a focal point (the brown wall) that feels like the bed is nestled in a cabin or cozy nook.
In summary, Well Bred Brown works beautifully in bedrooms because it supports relaxation. The color’s warm earthiness helps you wind down. Imagine reading in bed with brown walls – it feels like you’re resting by a fire or surrounded by nature. It’s perfect for a peaceful, cocoon-like bedroom where you can sleep soundly.
Behr Well Bred Brown In the Kitchen
Well Bred Brown is often used in kitchens in a couple of ways. A very popular use is for painted cabinets. Because it’s a rich brown, using it on kitchen cabinets can make them look like fine wood or warm leather. It adds a lot of character.
For example, imagine kitchen island cabinets painted Well Bred Brown with brass or black handles. The dark brown finish looks classy and ties the room together. Design experts say Well Bred Brown “is a fantastic choice for painted cabinetry.”
It adds depth and character to the furniture. If you have wooden cabinets, this brown feels natural (like walnut wood). If your cabinets are white or light, painting them Well Bred Brown gives a bold new look.
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It pairs well with warm metals – for instance, brass fixtures or black knobs look great against the brown paint. Those accents really pop and add a modern touch. Besides cabinets, you might use Well Bred Brown on a backsplash wall or even a kitchen table.
With white countertops or tiles, the brown looks rich and classic. It is like having chocolate with vanilla – very tasty contrast. In a cozy, country-style kitchen, you could use it on an island or on wood shelves for a rustic vibe.
Behr Well Bred Brown In the Living Room
In a living room or den, Well Bred Brown creates a cozy, intimate vibe. It’s described as ideal for comfortable spaces. If you paint the walls Well Bred Brown, the room will feel anchored and snug. The color encourages relaxing – it’s like curling up on a brown couch with warm blankets.
Designers often use Well Bred Brown on a main wall and then use lighter trim or furniture to balance it. For example, they suggest cream-colored trim or moldings with brown walls. This contrast (dark walls and light edges) makes the room feel warm but not closed-in.
In the living room, you might pair the walls with off-white curtains, light-colored lampshades, or a beige rug. These lighter items lift the room and prevent it from feeling too dark. Furniture also plays a role. Warm wood furniture (like oak tables or wooden shelves) enhances the earthy feel. Natural wood tones echo the brown paint and make the space feel connected to nature.
The brown wall draws people in to sit and talk. It’s perfect for a living room because it balances comfort and sophistication.
In the Bathroom
Brown bathrooms are becoming trendy because brown can feel very luxurious and soothing. Well Bred Brown in a bathroom will create a warm, spa-like atmosphere. Designers note that brown shades give a “cocooning, calming effect” and make people feel more at home in their space. A common approach is to use Well Bred Brown as an accent.
For example, one wall or wood vanity cabinets painted in this brown can make the bathroom feel cozy. It can pair nicely with white or cream tiles and fixtures. The white keeps the room bright, while the brown adds richness. For instance, brown cabinets with white countertops give an elegant feel. Or a brown wall with white trim feels like a stylish hotel bathroom.
Another idea is to use brown in smaller touches: wooden shelves, frames, or wicker baskets in the same hue. This echoes the wall color and ties the design together.
As Homes & Gardens notes, these warm, rich tones “create a cozy ambiance” whether used fully or as accents. The key is balancing it with lighter neutrals so the room doesn’t feel too dark. For a small bathroom, use Well Bred Brown on one feature wall or on cabinetry, and keep the rest light. This way, the room feels both warm and open.
Cabinets
Well Bred Brown is an excellent choice for cabinets and furniture. When used on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, or even bookshelves, it adds depth and character. For example, painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets this dark brown makes them look almost like stained wood. It looks rich and sophisticated. As mentioned, designers say “Well Bred Brown is a fantastic choice for painted cabinetry.”
If you repaint old cabinets or furniture with this shade, they gain a fresh, elegant look. A brown cabinet with shiny brass knobs is very chic. Matte black handles also pop against it. In a kitchen, brown cabinets can be the centerpiece.
In a bedroom or living room, a brown-painted dresser or bookshelf adds warmth to the decor. To keep things balanced, pair brown cabinets with lighter walls or countertops. For instance, white or cream kitchen countertops will brighten up brown cabinets. In a bathroom, a white sink or marble top contrasts beautifully with brown vanity cabinets.
Exterior Behr Well Bred Brown
On the outside of a house, Well Bred Brown works wonderfully in small doses as a trim or accent color. For example, you might paint window trim, shutters, or doors in this brown. It pairs beautifully with lighter siding colors.
It reminds one of craftsman-style homes where earth tones highlight the architecture. Similarly, on a tan or light brown house, using Well Bred Brown on the front door makes the entrance pop in a subtle way.
Well Bred Brown can also be used on exterior furniture or details. For example, a brown-painted wood bench or planters on the porch will coordinate nicely with the trim. In some regions, people even use deep browns for garage doors or fence accents for a cohesive look. The key is that it looks best next to pale colors or wood.
If you had dark stone or brick, the brown would blend in, but against a lighter backdrop it really stands out. In short, on the exterior this color creates a warm, welcoming feel. It is not a bright or flashy color, but it gives an earthy richness. By using it on doors, shutters, or accents, your home will look polished. The classic advice is to pair Well Bred Brown with lighter neutrals outside for a look that never goes out of style.
Coordinating Colors
Well Bred Brown pairs well with many other colors. To build a cohesive palette, designers suggest combining it with:
- Soft Creams and Off-Whites – These light, warm neutrals (like Swiss Coffee or soft cream) brighten the look and contrast nicely with brown. They help balance the darkness by adding airiness. (Example: brown walls with cream trim, or cream furniture in a brown room.)
- Warm Grays – Gray shades with a touch of warmth (such as silver-gray or “greige”) can modernize the palette. A medium or light warm gray next to Well Bred Brown gives a sophisticated, contemporary feel.
- Earthy Greens – Muted green tones like sage or olive look natural with brown. Think of sage green pillows or plants against brown walls. The green brings out the earthy quality of the brown and adds a nature-inspired vibe.
- Burnt Oranges and Terracottas – Accent colors in orange-red, rust, or terracotta complement the reddish undertones. For a bold look, use throw pillows, art, or rugs in a burnt orange or cinnamon color. These warm accents pop against the brown and create a lively, cohesive scheme. You can mix and match these groups depending on the mood you want. For a soft, neutral scheme, use creams, grays, and pale greens. For a more vibrant look, add a few terracotta or deep orange accents. The key is the color inspiration above: soft neutrals lighten the brown, muted earth tones add calmness, and warm bold colors highlight its red highlights. Together they make a harmonious palette around Well Bred Brown.
Soft Palette
A soft color palette with Well Bred Brown uses gentle, light tones. You would pick colors like off-white, light beige, pale gray, and dusty green. These soft colors act like foils that keep the brown from feeling too heavy. For example, soft creams and ivory (like Behr Swiss Coffee or Cotton Knit) are excellent companions. Picture fluffy cream curtains or a white-beige rug with a brown wall.
The room will feel bright and gentle. Similarly, very light grays or taupe can be used on walls or furniture to create a calm atmosphere. A pale gray couch or linen bedding next to a Well Bred Brown wall softens the overall look. Soft greens – think of sage, mint, or pastel green – also work nicely. These muted greens (like Behr Sage Green or Laurel Tree) bring nature inside.
Bold Colors
For a bold palette, choose deeper, richer accent colors that stand out against the brown. This can include burnt oranges, terracottas, mustard yellow, deep red, or even teal or turquoise for contrast.
Brown and orange are a classic warm pairing. Try accents of burnt orange or terra cotta. For example, a brick-red or pumpkin-orange throw pillow can pop on a brown sofa. Or a terracotta vase on a Well Bred Brown wall looks dramatic and stylish. These warm, fiery colors highlight the red tones in Well Bred Brown and make the room feel energetic.
Deep teal blue or navy can also look bold with brown (think chocolate and turquoise). The cool dark blue contrasts nicely with the warm brown. If you add a teal pillow or navy artwork in a brown room, it becomes a strong accent. Similarly, a rich red (like brick red or wine) with brown can create a fall-inspired theme.
Finally, patterns and textiles in bold colors (like a bright yellow rug or patterned cushions with reds and greens) will add zest. Just be sure to use these bold tones in small amounts (accent pillows, art, a single chair) so they spice up the look without overwhelming. In short, bold palettes with Well Bred Brown are lively and eye-catching, using high-contrast colors to make a statement.
Muted Colors
A muted palette uses low-intensity (less bright) colors to complement Well Bred Brown. These include warm grays, olive greens, soft mauve, and dusty blues. The idea is to keep things calm and subtle.
Warm gray, like a light dove-gray or greige, works well. For example, a warm gray sofa or curtains next to a brown wall forms a quiet background. It’s gentle and modern. Muted greens – think of sage, eucalyptus, or muted olive – also pair nicely. They add a touch of color without clashing. Put a pale olive throw or an herb-green plant in the room to connect with nature.
Soft blush or muted mauve can also be beautiful with brown. A dusty pink pillow or muted rose wall art softens the brown. Muted blues (like slate or denim blue) are another good choice: a blue-gray rug with brown furniture feels harmonious.
Using muted colors means the room stays relaxed. These tones keep the focus on Well Bred Brown’s warmth while adding subtle interest. They are easy on the eyes, making the space feel cozy and cohesive. In a muted palette, the overall mood is peaceful and sophisticated, letting Well Bred Brown be the rich backdrop.
