Ref. #AD9497 · 180F-4
Desert Willow
32%LRV Value
Warm (Pink)Undertone
Desert Willow Technical Profile
What color is Desert Willow? It's a medium warm gray with the hex code #AD9497. Colors similar to Desert Willow include Vista Paint Taryn Hills, PPG Tawny Mushroom, Valspar Mellow Mauve. Desert Willow has a warm (pink) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 32 gives Desert Willow depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Desert Willow pairs with off-whites for trim, white oak or walnut floors, and brass or warm brushed nickel hardware. Deep green, navy, or terra-cotta all read well as accent colors. Warm neutrals come alive under 2700K bulbs, where their underlying yellow or peach undertones add visible warmth. Under 4000K daylight they read cleaner and slightly cooler.
Colors Similar to Desert Willow
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Desert Willow
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Desert Willow
#AD9497
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#AD9485
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Desert Willow
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Desert Willow Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar Behr Colors
Other Behr colors close to Desert Willow.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Desert Willow — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Desert Willow have?
Desert Willow by Behr has a warm (pink) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Desert Willow from other brands?
The closest matches are Taryn Hills by Vista Paint (#B59595), Tawny Mushroom by PPG (#B39997), Mellow Mauve by Valspar (#A68E96). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Desert Willow?
Desert Willow has an LRV of 32.3, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Desert Willow
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Desert Willow's warm (pink) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.