Ref. #9B9886 · MQ6-26
Milk Thistle
31%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Milk Thistle Technical Profile
What color is Milk Thistle? It's a medium warm gray with the hex code #9B9886. Colors similar to Milk Thistle include Benjamin Moore Gettysburg Gray, Benjamin Moore Creekside Green, Sherwin-Williams At Ease Soldier. Milk Thistle has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 31 gives Milk Thistle depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Milk Thistle 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 Milk Thistle
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Milk Thistle
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Milk Thistle
#9B9886
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#9FAD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Milk Thistle
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Milk Thistle 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 Milk Thistle.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Milk Thistle — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Milk Thistle have?
Milk Thistle by Behr has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Milk Thistle from other brands?
The closest matches are Gettysburg Gray by Benjamin Moore (#9B9785), Creekside Green by Benjamin Moore (#9B9986), At Ease Soldier by Sherwin-Williams (#9E9985). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Milk Thistle?
Milk Thistle has an LRV of 31.1, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Milk Thistle
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 Milk Thistle's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.