Lentil → Benjamin Moore
The closest Benjamin Moore matches for Behr Lentil (PPU5-04), ranked by perceptual color distance.
Finding a Benjamin Moore Equivalent for Lentil
If you love Behr Lentil but need a Benjamin Moore alternative, you are not alone. This is one of the most common cross-brand paint matching searches, whether you are working with a painter who prefers Benjamin Moore, your local store does not carry Behr, or you simply want to compare prices across brands before committing.
Lentil (PPU5-04) is a medium-dark taupe with warm earthy taupe undertones. A warm, earthy taupe with the organic quality of dried lentils. Deeper than Studio Taupe, with real substance on the wall. Grounding and natural. To find a good Benjamin Moore match, we need a color that captures not just the right depth (LRV 31) but also that specific undertone character. That is where Delta E color science comes in.
We calculated the perceptual color distance between Lentil and every Benjamin Moore color using the CIE2000 Delta E formula, which measures how different two colors look to the human eye. A Delta E under 2 means most people cannot tell the colors apart. Between 2 and 4, you might notice a difference in certain lighting. Above 5, the difference is clearly visible side by side.
The results are decent but not perfect. The closest Benjamin Moore option is Kingsport Gray (HC-86) with a Delta E of 4, which is a "good match" level match. Kingsport Gray is a reasonable match. You will want to test a sample before committing, as the difference may be noticeable in certain lighting.
Benjamin Moore Matches for Lentil
Kingsport Gray is a reasonable match.
| Lentil | Kingsport Gray | |
|---|---|---|
| LRV | 31 | 38.62 |
| Hex | #A89E91 | #B4AC9F |
| Undertone | Warm Earthy Taupe | Warm Taupe |
| Family | Taupe | Taupe |
Undertone Comparison
Lentil has warm earthy taupe undertones. A warm, earthy taupe with the organic quality of dried lentils. Deeper than Studio Taupe, with real substance on the wall. Grounding and natural.
Kingsport Gray has warm taupe undertones. A warm taupe from the Historical Collection. Earthy and sophisticated.
These two colors share the same undertone family, which is a good sign for a cross-brand swap. The undertone similarity means they will behave similarly as lighting changes throughout the day, and they should coordinate well with the same accent colors, trim, and furnishings.
How These Colors Behave in Different Lighting
Lentil in Your Room
The earthy warmth is consistent. In bright rooms, the taupe reads as warm and organic. In dim rooms, it deepens into a rich, warm dark neutral.
Kingsport Gray in Your Room
Warm and grounding. The taupe quality is organic and natural.
LRV and Brightness
Lentil has an LRV of 31, while Kingsport Gray has an LRV of 38.62. That means Kingsport Gray reflects more light. If you switch from Lentil to Kingsport Gray, the room should feel slightly brighter and more open.
Best Rooms for Lentil
Behr recommends Lentil for: living room, dining room, accent wall, office, bedroom. With an LRV of 31, this is a medium-dark color that is in the medium range, adding real depth and presence to a room. It works best in rooms with good natural light or as an accent wall color. In smaller or darker rooms, pair it with bright white trim to keep the space from feeling closed in.
Kingsport Gray is recommended for: living room, dining room, bedroom, office, accent wall. Both colors are recommended for similar applications, which confirms that this is a practical cross-brand match. You can use Kingsport Gray in the same rooms you planned for Lentil.
Lentil in Other Brands
Looking for Lentil equivalents in other brands besides Benjamin Moore? We have matches across all major paint brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest Benjamin Moore match for Lentil (PPU5-04) is Kingsport Gray (HC-86) with a Delta E of 4, which rates as a "good match" match. Kingsport Gray is a reasonable match. Delta E measures perceptual color distance on a scale where under 2 means nearly identical, 2 to 4 means close with subtle differences, and over 5 means clearly noticeable.
No, they are not identical. Lentil is a Behr color with warm earthy taupe undertones and an LRV of 31. Kingsport Gray is a Benjamin Moore color with warm taupe undertones and an LRV of 38.62. With a Delta E of 4, the difference is subtle and mainly visible in direct side-by-side comparison. Paint formulations differ between brands, so even colors with similar values can look slightly different due to pigment concentration, binders, and finish.
With a Delta E of 4, the difference is enough that they should not be used on adjacent walls in the same room. You can use them in separate rooms of the same house, but be aware that walking from one room to the other may reveal the difference, especially if the rooms have similar lighting. For the most consistent look, pick one brand for all connected living spaces and reserve the other brand for visually separate rooms like bathrooms or bedrooms behind closed doors.
There are several practical reasons to look for a Benjamin Moore equivalent. Price differences between brands can be significant on large projects. Availability matters if your nearest paint store or home center specializes in Benjamin Moore. Some painters have strong preferences for one brand's formula based on coverage, dry time, or workability. And if you are touching up existing Benjamin Moore work, matching within the same brand gives you the best consistency for seamless results.
Match calculations use Delta E (CIE2000) computed from Lab color space conversion. Color data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Last reviewed: March 22, 2026.