Have you been searching for a vibrant paint color that isn’t too bright? Then read on to discover the lively Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay (SW 7701).
Paint colors beautify spaces and allow us to add decor that suits our tastes. While these colors offer varying effects and vibes, Timeless Colors mostly add elegant looks to spaces, and in this post, we will examine one of them.
I have put together a comprehensive review of Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay paint color. You will find everything you need to know about the 2019 Sherwin Williams Color of the Year.
Table of Contents
What Color is Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay (SW 7701)?
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay is a reddish-orange paint color that looks more like baked clay than just red or pink.
Its manufacturer describes it as “A warm terracotta color with ancient, elemental roots” and “a nod to midcentury modern style, but with the soul of the American Southwest, which together creates a desert modern aesthetic.”
Despite its vibrant nature, Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay appears slightly muted and cannot wash out. You can also use it as an accent color in both interior and exterior spaces.
| Manufacturer | Sherwin Williams |
| Paint Color | Cavern Clay |
| LRV | 20 |
| RGB | R: 172 G: 107 B: 83 |
| Hex Value | #ac6b53 |
| Color Collections | 2020 Alive, Independence, Creative, 2019 Wanderer, 2018 Connectivity, Timeless Color Wall. |
RGB of Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay
Encycolorpedia states the RGB values and percentages of Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay as the following.
R: 172 (67.45%)
G: 107 (41.96%)
B: 83 (32.55%)
The paint color has a 35% saturation and 50% lightness.
LRV of Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay has an LRV of 20.
A paint color’s LRV refers to its Light Reflective Value, and this term indicates how strong a paint reflects both natural and artificial light. Graded on a scale of 0 – 100, the lower values represent darker colors, while higher values signify lighter colors.
Generally, true whites and blacks have LRVs of 100 and 0, respectively. However, no paint color is truly white or black, therefore, none reflects 100% 0r 0% light.
It is important to note that although Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay has a low LRV, the color doesn’t appear too dark. This is why most people perceive it as an excellent accent color.
Is Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay a Warm or Cool Color?
Paint colors with red undertones or variations of it generally have a warm color temperature. Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay is a warm color because of its appearance and undertones.
The beautiful paint color doesn’t wash out readily, keeping its appearance and undertones intact. Therefore, it maintains its color temperature regardless of the space you use it.
What Are The Undertones?
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay has an undertone that alternates between orange and brown, depending on the lighting. Well-lit spaces bring out the subtle orange undertone, while the brown comes out in dimmer areas.
Its undertone gives the paint color a natural look that appears great in large and small rooms. Also, its low LRV indicates that SW Cavern Clay will not wash out easily in well-lit areas.
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Color Strip
A paint color strip contains colors with the same formulas but varying intensities. The following belong to the same color strip as Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay.
SW Dromedary Camel
Sherwin Williams Dromedary Camel comes from a blend of brown and orange. The warm paint color has an LRV 44, indicating that is several lighter than SW Cavern Clay.
It also comes before SW Cavern Clay on the color strip and has an RGB value of R: 202, G: 173, and B: 135.
Also, don’t mistake SW Dromedary Camel for being a cream color. It simply has the looks but isn’t one.
SW Spiced Cider
With an LRV of 23, Sherwin Williams Spiced Cider is slightly lighter than SW Cavern Clay. The muted rusty orange paint color works well in both interior and exterior spaces. However, it remains best suited for bedrooms and kitchens.
SW Spiced Cider has a copper undertone and an RGB value of R: 176, G: 120, and B: 92.
SW Copper Wire
Sherwin Williams Copper Wire is another shade of red-orange with a higher LRV than Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay. The warm paint color is significantly lighter than Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay.
It has an RGB value of R: 198, G: 123, and B: 87.
You can use SW Copper Wire in both large and small spaces.
SW Ligonier Tan
Sherwin Williams Ligonier Tan appears more like a light shade of brown with an LRV of 47. This value also indicates that the paint color reflects more light than Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay.
You can pick the color if you don’t want an obvious orange look but still want something from this color strip. SW Ligonier Tan is also the lightest paint color in the strip.
It has an RGB value of R: 210, G: 177, and B: 143.
SW Oak Creek
Sherwin Williams Oak Creek is a shade of orange that is lighter than SW Cavern Clay and has an LRV of 31. The paint color leans more into orange than red or even brown, making it a valid choice if you want something a little muted.
It has an RGB value of R: 187, G: 141, and B: 107.
SW Deer Valley
Sherwin Williams Deer Valley leans more into brown than orange and has an LRV of 40, making it the second-lightest paint color on the strip. It can also add a breezy feel when used in bedrooms.
The color has an RGB value of R: 199, G: 164, and B: 133.
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Color Palette
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Coordinating Colors
SW Creamy (SW 7012)
Despite its name, Sherwin Williams Creamy is, in fact, a white paint color. However, the warm white looks creamy enough to be called one. If you compare it to darker paints, it will appear white, but next to true white, it will appear cream.
With an LRV of 81, SW Creamy can suit several purposes and spaces in your home.
SW Snowbound (SW 7004)
Sherwin William Snowbound is a popular off-white with pink undertones. However, its undertones don’t readily come out in exterior spaces where it leans more into white.
With an LRV of 82, the paint color is not only a great pair for SW Cavern Clay, it is also bright enough to be an excellent trim choice.
SW Slate Violet (SW 9155)
Sherwin Williams Slate Violet blends purple and gray to give a muted light shade of purple with a decent neutral. The paint color has an LRV of 29 but reflects around the same as SW Cavern Clay.
Not only can you use SW Slate Violet as a coordinating color for Cavern Clay, you can also use it as a neutral for the space.
SW Sea Salt (SW 6204)
Sherwin Williams Sea Salt is a popular cool green paint color with gray and blue undertones. Depending on the light, the paint color can lean into blue, appearing as though it is a blue color with green undertones.
Sea Salt pairs well with a lot of other paint colors, including Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay. Hence, its flexibility for both interior and exterior spaces.
SW Ligonier Tan (SW 7717)
As the lightest paint color in the Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay color strip, it comes as no surprise that SW Ligonier Tan coordinates well with it. Its lighter shade of brown can create enough contrast when paired with the red-orange appearance of Cavern Clay.
Benjamin Moore Vintage Vogue (462)
If you want to achieve a more natural look, then pair your SW Cavern Clay with Benjamin Moore Vintage Vogue. The smoky green paint color also works well as a replacement for dark shades of brown.
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Complementary Colors
Colors that complement each other come from opposing positions on the color wheel. With respect to Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay, this will be mostly greens.
However, some others still do the job nicely.
SW Tradewind (SW 6218)
Sherwin Williams Tradewind is a cool light blue color with an LRV of 61. Yes, I mentioned that green colors complement SW Cavern Clay, but some blue ones also do. SW Tradewind maintains its coolness regardless of exposure to light.
This means that well pairing well with Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay, the paint color will not lean into other colors. You can rest assured that the vibe will remain stable.
Benjamin Moore Fiddlehead Green (2041-20)
Infuse more of nature and its green vibe into your space by pairing Benjamin Moore Fiddlehead Green with Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay. The dark green paint color has an LRV of 8.95, signifying that it is several shades darker than the baked clay.
You can also use the color for cabinets or doors if you consider it too dark for walls.
SW Riverway (SW 6222)
While SW Tradewind is a light shade of blue, Sherwin Williams Riverway is a dark shade of blue that complements SW Cavern Clay. With an LRV of 16, the cool paint color creates enough contrast to go with the other.
Like BM Fiddlehead Green, feel free to try out SW Riverway on doors and cabinets if you don’t like it on walls. It works well in both interior and exterior spaces.
SW Olympic Range (SW 7750)
Sherwin Williams Olympic Range is a green paint color with an LRV sitting at 7, which is lower than BM Fiddlehead Green. The dark paint also complements the brighter Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay in both interior and exterior spaces.
It works well on doors and cabinets too.
SW Spiced Cider (SW 7702)
Of all the paint colors in this section, Sherwin Williams Spiced Cider is the only non-blue/green one. The rusty orange color complements SW Cavern Clay when used in the right spaces.
It has an LRV of 23 and is the paint right next to Cavern Clay on the strip.
What Trim Colors Go With Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay?
Pick the right trim colors is crucial to getting the best result from painting your space or home. While some people prefer to use the same paint color, they end up denying themselves the benefits of using a trim color.
Trimming your walls has been proven to make the main paint color pop. Whether you want a crispy or steamy finish, the right trim color is all you need.
That said, there are two types of trims you can use for Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay.
White Trims
Sherwin Williams Creamy
SW Creamy can give a creamy finish when you use it as a trim color for Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay. The difference in appearance, lightness, and color also brings out the beauty of the wall color.
Sherwin Williams Snowbound
SW Snowbound needs no introduction as the paint color works well with SW Cavern Clay in multiple instances. It coordinates with the paint and also serve as an excellent trim for it.
Snowbound can give a crispy finish to Cavern Clay, and its undertones won’t contradict whenever the lighting changes.
Sherwin Williams Fleur de Sel
Although Sherwin Williams Fleur de Sel has the lowest LRV of the trim colors mentioned, it is still bright enough to perform well. Don’t mistake this paint color for Sherwin Williams Sea Salt, even though it translates to Sea Salt in English.
It has cool blue-green undertones that alternate depending on the lighting in the area. Incandescent light makes it lean more into its green undertone.
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Color Comparisons
Let’s compare Cavern Clay to some Sherwin Williams paint colors.
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Vs Baked Clay (SW 6340)
Sherwin Williams Baked Clay is an orange paint color with an LRV of 26, which doesn’t do much to reduce its surprising radiance. It is several shades lighter than SW Cavern Clay and has no brown undertone.
| Sherwin Williams Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Cavern Clay | 20 | R: 173 G: 107 B: 83 | #ac6b53 |
| Baked Clay | 26 | R: 193 G: 120 B: 92 | #c1785c |
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Vs Spicy Hue (SW 6342)
Sherwin Willims Spicy Hue is a dark orange paint color with an LRV of 12. The paint color has more of an orange-red look of edible spices, which probably inspired its name.
While it is dark enough to contrast with Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay, both color will most probably not pair well. Therefore, avoid using them together.
| Sherwin Williams Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Cavern Clay | 20 | R: 173 G: 107 B: 83 | #ac6b53 |
| Spicy Hue | 12 | R: 153 G: 75 B: 53 | #994b35 |
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Vs Canyon Clay (SW 6054)
Sherwin Williams Canyon Clay won the November 2020 Color of the Month to the expectations of many. The dark red paint color has brown undertones that fit its low LRV.
It can come out looking amazing when used in spaces with lots of polished wood.
| Sherwin Williams Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Cavern Clay | 20 | R: 173 G: 107 B: 83 | #ac6b53 |
| Canyon Clay | 13 | R: 133 G: 89 B: 79 | #85594f |
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Vs Copper Wire (SW 7707)
Sherwin Williams Copper Wire belongs to the same strip as SW Cavern Clay. The red-orange paint color is lighter and has an LRV of 27. It leans more into the orange part, with the red becoming a little obvious in dim-lit areas.
| Sherwin Williams Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Cavern Clay | 20 | R: 173 G: 107 B: 83 | #ac6b53 |
| Copper Wire | 27 | R: 198 G: 123 B: 87 | #c67b57 |
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Vs Wheat Penny (SW 7705)
With an LRV of 18, Sherwin Wheat Penny is a dark blend of orange and brown. The paint color looks muted and leans more into brown, especially in natural light.
It has a natural appearance and belongs to the Timeless Color group.
| Sherwin Williams Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Cavern Clay | 20 | R: 173 G: 107 B: 83 | #ac6b53 |
| Wheat Penny | 18 | R: 151 G: 107 B: 83 | #976b53 |
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Vs Spiced Cider (SW 7702)
Sherwin Williams Spiced Cider belongs is right next to SW Cavern Clay on the color strip. The paint is a rusty orange with an LRV of 23 and looks browner than the other.
| Sherwin Williams Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Cavern Clay | 20 | R: 173 G: 107 B: 83 | #ac6b53 |
| Spiced Cider | 23 | R: 176 G: 120 B: 92 | #b0785c |
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Vs Armagnac (SW 6354)
Sherwin Williams Armagnac is an orange paint color with brown undertones that become noticeable at night. Although it has an LRV of 28, it doesn’t look as dark as one would expect.
The color also pairs well with others like Sherwin Williams Creamy and Snowbound.
| Sherwin Williams Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Cavern Clay | 20 | R: 173 G: 107 B: 83 | #ac6b53 |
| Armagnac | 28 | R: 195 G: 128 B: 88 | #c38058 |
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Vs Persimmon (SW 6339)
Sherwin Williams Persimmon is a light orange paint color that goes well with creams and neutrals. It belongs to the same color strip as Sherwin Williams Baked Clay and Spicy Hue. It has an LRV of 39.
| Sherwin Williams Color | LRV | RGB | Hex Value |
| Cavern Clay | 20 | R: 173 G: 107 B: 83 | #ac6b53 |
| Persimmon | 39 | R: 217 G: 152 B: 124 | #d9987c |
Cavern Clay Benjamin Moore Version
While Benjamin Moore has no paint product called Cavern Clay, some of their paint colors have similar appearances.
Let’s check out Aztec Brick, Montana Agate, and Topaz.
Benjamin Moore Aztec Brick (2175-10)
Although it has a lower LRV of 13.17, Benjamin Moore Aztec Brick looks similar to Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay.
The paint color is rich orange-brown, which takes after the hue of burnt clay bricks. It can serve as an excellent alternative if you don’t mind its slightly darker appearance.
While Cavern Clay has red components, Aztec Brick has brown components instead.
Benjamin Moore Montana Agate (056)
Of all the selected paint colors in this section, Benjamin Moore Montana Agate looks the closest to Sherwin Williams Carven Clay. With an LRV of 20.97, the paint color also reflects about the same amount of light as the other.
Such similarity can only make one assume that both paint colors should be interchangeable. However, comparing them side by side shows that they look slightly different from each other.
Benjamin Moore Topaz (070)
If you need a Benjamin Moore product of a similar look to Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay but of a lighter shade, go for Benjamin Moore Topaz.
Although the paint color only has a slightly higher LRV of 21.06, it looks significantly lighter than Cavern Clay.
It is a blend of red and brown as opposed to the red and orange of its Sherwin-Williams counterpart.
How Does Light Affect Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay?
While the same space can receive both natural and artificial lights, the paint color used can behave differently in response to these types. You will notice more of these sorts of changes in paints with more than one undertone.
The reason is that these undertones will almost always alternate depending on the type of light in the space at the given time.
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay has both orange and brown undertones, which do not wash out in bright light. However, natural light brings out more of the orange undertone, which makes the color appear more vibrant.
On the other hand, incandescent or artificial lights will bring out more of the brown undertone. This makes the color appear less vibrant, and in dim-lit areas, it can look dull.
Best Rooms to Paint Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay
Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Bedroom
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Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Living Room
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Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Kitchen
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Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay Bathroom
Final Thoughts
The beautiful Sherwin Williams Cavern Clay paint color has a vibrant red-orange appearance with orange-brown undertones. It found success among homeowners, so much so that the paint won the 2019 Sherwin Williams Color of the Year!
With an LRV of 20, SW Cavern Clay will not wash out, making it an excellent choice for a stable, lively paint color.
It also pairs well with a healthy number of colors, allowing you to use it in interior and exterior spaces.
However, if you want a Benjamin Moore alternative, BM Montana Agate, BM Topaz, and BM Aztec Brick are valid options.
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