Cattail Brown

Technical Profile

What color is Cattail Brown? It's a medium warm yellow with the hex code #846D22. Cattail Brown is a distinctive shade in the Behr lineup, and while close cross-brand equivalents exist, its specific blend of warm tone and medium depth gives it a character worth comparing in person. Cattail Brown has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Cattail Brown (#846D22) by Behr is a medium yellow paint color with a rich, saturated presence that draws the eye. It delivers a versatile mid-tone depth that anchors a room without overwhelming it. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. In its RGB breakdown, red is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle rosy warmth even under different lighting conditions. A Light Reflectance Value of 43 gives it moderate light reflection, striking a balance between brightness and depth. This golden mid-tone works well as an accent in kitchens, mudrooms, and cottage-style interiors. A satin or eggshell finish brings out the richness at this depth, and the slight sheen makes walls easier to maintain. For color coordination, Cattail Brown pairs beautifully with blue tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring green and orange hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its neutral undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Cattail Brown strikes a cozy, amber-toned balance that feels like late-afternoon light filtering through linen curtains. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for cottage-core, transitional, and Scandinavian-inspired interiors. As part of the Behr palette, Cattail Brown benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Cattail Brown can shift noticeably between natural daylight, warm incandescent, and cool LED lighting — testing a sample swatch on your wall under different conditions is always recommended. Mid-tone shades like this look best when balanced with a mix of textures — think leather seating, brushed brass hardware, woven wool, and raw-edge wood. You can order Cattail Brown (350D-7) directly from Behr or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.