Ref. #9C866F · 3003-9B
Universal Umber
25%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Universal Umber Technical Profile
What color is Universal Umber? It's a deep warm brown with the hex code #9C866F. Colors similar to Universal Umber include Behr Toffee Crunch, MPC Desert Sand Met., Behr Collectible. Universal Umber has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 25 gives Universal Umber depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Universal Umber 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 Universal Umber
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Universal Umber
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Universal Umber
#9C866F
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#ADAD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Universal Umber
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Universal Umber 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 Valspar Colors
Other Valspar colors close to Universal Umber.
More brown colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the brown family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Universal Umber — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Universal Umber have?
Universal Umber by Valspar has a neutral undertone and belongs to the brown color family.
What colors match Universal Umber from other brands?
The closest matches are Toffee Crunch by Behr (#A08872), Desert Sand Met. by MPC (#A1876E), Collectible by Behr (#9B8368). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Universal Umber?
Universal Umber has an LRV of 25.3, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Universal Umber
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 Universal Umber's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.