Ref. #B1AE8C · PPU9-21
Sanctuary
42%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Sanctuary Technical Profile
What color is Sanctuary? It's a medium warm neutral with the hex code #B1AE8C. Colors similar to Sanctuary include Valspar Backwoods, Benjamin Moore Elemental, PPG Lively Ivy. Sanctuary has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 42 gives Sanctuary depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Sanctuary 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 Sanctuary
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Sanctuary
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Sanctuary
#B1AE8C
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#9CAD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Sanctuary
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Sanctuary 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 Sanctuary.
More neutral colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the neutral family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Sanctuary — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Sanctuary have?
Sanctuary by Behr has a neutral undertone and belongs to the neutral color family.
What colors match Sanctuary from other brands?
The closest matches are Backwoods by Valspar (#B2B08A), Elemental by Benjamin Moore (#B2AD8E), Lively Ivy by PPG (#B3AE87). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Sanctuary?
Sanctuary has an LRV of 41.5, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Sanctuary
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 Sanctuary's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.