Color spec
| Brand | Clare |
| Name | Mainstay |
| SKU | Clare 05 |
| Hex | #D6CFBE |
| RGB | 214, 207, 190 |
| HSL | 42°, 23%, 79% |
| LRV | 65 |
| Undertone | warm red-orange tone |
| Family | Neutral |
About Clare Mainstay
Mainstay (Clare 05) is a light, warm neutral that sits right between a soft white and a true beige. Its hex is #D6CFBE and it carries a gentle golden-tan warmth, so on the wall it reads as a creamy oatmeal rather than a cool gray. With an LRV of 65 it stays clearly on the light side of the room without tipping into stark white.
It is one of Clare's bestselling whole-home warm-neutrals, and the reason is practical: it gives you the softness of a warm color while still bouncing daylight around, so rooms feel calm but not dim.
Mainstay suits people who want a background color they can live with for years. It flatters wood floors, layered textiles, and both modern and traditional furniture, which makes it an easy pick for a house you plan to paint wall to wall.
Closest matches by brand
18 brands within ΔE 5The closest matches per brand by ΔE2000, computed against each brand's full deck. Only colors within ΔE 5 (close enough to substitute on a wall) are shown — brands with no real match are left off. Tap any swatch for its full single-color spec; tap the brand title to browse all neutral from that brand.
Sherwin-Williams
Behr
Benjamin Moore
Valspar
PPG / Glidden
Glidden
Dutch Boy
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams
Dunn-Edwards
Magnolia Home
Farrow & Ball
Diamond Vogel
Hirshfield's
Rodda
C2 Paint
Portola Paints
Backdrop
Kompozit
Similar Clare colors
closest in the Clare deckThe nearest shades to Mainstay within Clare's own range, ranked by perceptual color distance — useful when you want the same look a touch lighter, darker, or warmer.
Coordinated palette
Generated by hue-rotating #D6CFBE in HSL space. Pair Mainstay with one accent and one neutral — the swatches below are starting points, not final picks.
Accessibility (WCAG contrast)
WCAG 2.1: AA = 4.5:1 normal text · AA Large = 3:1 large text · AAA = 7:1 normal text.
Clare Mainstay Equivalents at Other Brands
Matching Mainstay from a different paint counter? Below is the single closest color in each major US deck and how close it really is. Remember that any paint store can also custom-tint Clare Clare 05 directly — these equivalents are for when you'd rather stay inside one brand's own deck.
Sherwin-Williams Equivalent of Mainstay
Sherwin-Williams's nearest match is Grecian Ivory (SW 7541), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1). It runs slightly darker (LRV 63 vs 65) and carries a warm red-orange undertone, so it substitutes for Mainstay without repainting risk. See the full Grecian Ivory swatch →
Behr Equivalent of Mainstay
Behr's nearest match is Aged Beige (PPU7-09), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1.53). It runs slightly darker (LRV 63 vs 65) and carries a warm red-orange undertone, so it substitutes for Mainstay without repainting risk. See the full Aged Beige swatch →
Benjamin Moore Equivalent of Mainstay
The closest Benjamin Moore equivalent of Mainstay is Skipping Stone (CSP-155). At ΔE 0.53 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm red-orange undertone and runs slightly darker (LRV 63 vs 65). If Benjamin Moore is your counter, order Skipping Stone and you'll get the same color. See the full Skipping Stone swatch →
Valspar Equivalent of Mainstay
Valspar's nearest match is Secluded Beach (V146-1), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1.86). It runs slightly darker (LRV 62.4 vs 65) and carries a warm yellow undertone, so it substitutes for Mainstay without repainting risk. See the full Secluded Beach swatch →
PPG / Glidden Equivalent of Mainstay
PPG / Glidden's nearest match is Crushed Silk (PPG1024-3), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1.22). It runs slightly darker (LRV 62 vs 65) and carries a warm red-orange undertone, so it substitutes for Mainstay without repainting risk. See the full Crushed Silk swatch →
Glidden Equivalent of Mainstay
Glidden's nearest match is Crushed Silk (PPG1024-3), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1). It runs slightly darker (LRV 63 vs 65) and carries a warm red-orange undertone, so it substitutes for Mainstay without repainting risk. See the full Crushed Silk swatch →
Dutch Boy Equivalent of Mainstay
The closest Dutch Boy equivalent of Mainstay is Existence (420-1DB). At ΔE 0.49 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm red-orange undertone and runs slightly darker (LRV 63 vs 65). If Dutch Boy is your counter, order Existence and you'll get the same color. See the full Existence swatch →
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams Equivalent of Mainstay
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams's nearest match is Unravelled (HGSW 3187), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1.73). It runs slightly darker (LRV 63 vs 65) and carries a warm red-orange undertone, so it substitutes for Mainstay without repainting risk. See the full Unravelled swatch →
Dunn-Edwards Equivalent of Mainstay
The closest Dunn-Edwards equivalent of Mainstay is Heather (DEC773). At ΔE 0.41 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm red-orange undertone and runs noticeably darker (LRV 58 vs 65). If Dunn-Edwards is your counter, order Heather and you'll get the same color. See the full Heather swatch →
Magnolia Home Equivalent of Mainstay
Magnolia Home has no exact twin of Mainstay. The nearest is Stoneware Pieces (JG-55) at ΔE 3.52 — close, but the difference shows next to trim and in side light. It runs slightly darker (LRV 63 vs 65). Compare large swatches before substituting. See the full Stoneware Pieces swatch →
Farrow & Ball Equivalent of Mainstay
The closest Farrow & Ball equivalent of Mainstay is Shaded White (NO. 201). At ΔE 0.81 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm red-orange undertone and runs slightly darker (LRV 63 vs 65). If Farrow & Ball is your counter, order Shaded White and you'll get the same color. See the full Shaded White swatch →
Diamond Vogel Equivalent of Mainstay
The closest Diamond Vogel equivalent of Mainstay is Pebblebrook (0224). At ΔE 0.82 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm red-orange undertone and sits at the same lightness (LRV 64 vs 65). If Diamond Vogel is your counter, order Pebblebrook and you'll get the same color. See the full Pebblebrook swatch →
Hirshfield's Equivalent of Mainstay
Hirshfield's's nearest match is Pebblebrook (0224), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1.14). It runs slightly darker (LRV 62 vs 65) and carries a warm red-orange undertone, so it substitutes for Mainstay without repainting risk. See the full Pebblebrook swatch →
Rodda Equivalent of Mainstay
The closest Rodda equivalent of Mainstay is Celestial (CA133). At ΔE 0.85 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm red-orange undertone and runs slightly darker (LRV 62 vs 65). If Rodda is your counter, order Celestial and you'll get the same color. See the full Celestial swatch →
C2 Paint Equivalent of Mainstay
The closest C2 Paint equivalent of Mainstay is Gimlet (C2-945). At ΔE 0.82 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm red-orange undertone and sits at the same lightness (LRV 64 vs 65). If C2 Paint is your counter, order Gimlet and you'll get the same color. See the full Gimlet swatch →
Portola Paints Equivalent of Mainstay
At Portola Paints, the closest color to Mainstay is Figueroa (FIGUEROA) — very close at ΔE 2.04, though not an exact twin. It runs slightly darker (LRV 63 vs 65) and carries a warm red-orange undertone; sample both side by side if the room gets strong natural light. See the full Figueroa swatch →
Backdrop Equivalent of Mainstay
The closest Backdrop equivalent of Mainstay is Real Real (BD-RR). At ΔE 0 the two are indistinguishable on a wall — it carries the same warm red-orange undertone and sits at the same lightness (LRV 65 vs 65). If Backdrop is your counter, order Real Real and you'll get the same color. See the full Real Real swatch →
Kompozit Equivalent of Mainstay
Kompozit's nearest match is Pebblebrook (0224), visually identical in normal room light (ΔE 1.14). It runs slightly darker (LRV 63 vs 65) and carries a warm red-orange undertone, so it substitutes for Mainstay without repainting risk. See the full Pebblebrook swatch →
Mainstay Color Guide
Mainstay Undertones
Mainstay leans warm. Its HSL values (hue 42, saturation 23, lightness 79) put it in the yellow-gold range, and 23 percent saturation is enough color that the warmth is real, not just a hint. On the wall that shows up as a soft tan-cream, closer to oatmeal than to a gray beige.
The warm lean is easiest to see against a crisp white and against cooler grays. Put a bright white trim next to Mainstay and the wall will look noticeably creamier. Set it beside a cool greige and it will read golden by comparison.
Test it against paper-white samples and against any existing white trim before you commit. In rooms with lots of warm light or warm flooring, the gold can amplify, so check a large swatch on more than one wall rather than trusting the tiny chip.
How Lighting Changes Mainstay
With an LRV of 65, Mainstay reflects a fair amount of light, so it holds up well even in rooms that are not flooded with sun. It reads light and airy without going flat or clinical.
In north-facing rooms, which get cooler indirect light, Mainstay's warmth is an asset. The gold undertone keeps the space from feeling cold and gray. In south-facing rooms with strong warm sun, it can look creamier and more golden through the day, so make sure you want that glow. East light makes it warm and soft in the morning and quieter by afternoon, while west light pushes it warm in the evening.
Bulb choice matters. Warm 2700K bulbs deepen the golden cast; cooler 3500K to 4000K bulbs calm it down and let it read more like a clean, light neutral. Try both if you are unsure.
Best Rooms and Uses for Mainstay
At LRV 65 Mainstay is a versatile whole-room color, not a statement shade. It works as wall color across an open plan, in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and kitchens, tying spaces together with a soft warm backdrop.
It is a strong cabinet color when you want warmth without heading into full beige, and it looks natural on built-ins and paneling. On trim it can work in a low-contrast, tone-on-tone scheme, though many people prefer a brighter white on trim and reserve Mainstay for the broad wall fields.
Outside, its warmth suits a light, sun-friendly body color that pairs well with natural wood and stone. Because it is light rather than bold, it is not the color for a high-drama front door; keep Mainstay on the walls or siding and let a deeper accent carry the contrast.
Colors That Go With Mainstay
For trim and ceilings, pair Mainstay with a clean warm white so the wall still reads as the softer tone. Snow Day (Clare 04), at LRV 92, gives you a bright near-white that keeps a hint of warmth, and White Light (Clare 03), LRV 86, is a slightly softer option if you want less contrast.
For a second, deeper wall color or a grounding lower band, Greige (Clare 07) at LRV 50 steps down into a richer warm neutral, and Dirty Chai (Clare 06), LRV 33, adds a mid-tone taupe for an accent wall or cabinetry.
For accent color, Goodnight Moon (Clare 10), a deep blue at LRV 6, or Avocado Toast (Clare 08), a soft green at LRV 35, both balance the warmth. If you want a bold front door or trim moment, Bowie (Clare 21), a red at LRV 8, gives real contrast. Warm woods and brass or bronze metals also sit naturally with Mainstay.
Mainstay vs Similar Colors
Flatiron (PNT100-LT-17), LRV 61, is a close cousin but reads slightly more taupe and gray. Its hex (#D4CBC0) has less gold, so where Mainstay looks creamy, Flatiron looks a touch more neutral and grounded. Choose Flatiron if you want to pull warmth back a step, and Mainstay if you want the softer golden glow.
Turbinado (PNT100-LT-21), LRV 66, is almost the same lightness as Mainstay but a hair warmer and more saturated (#DED3C1). It is the pick when you want the warm-cream feel pushed a little further.
Beigeing (PNT100-LT-18), also LRV 66, is the cooler option of the group. At #D8D3CD it drifts toward a soft gray-beige, so it suits rooms where you want light warmth without any golden cast. Sample all three side by side, since at these close LRVs the undertone is what you actually decide between.
Clare Mainstay — frequently asked questions
Is Mainstay warm or cool?+
Mainstay is warm. Its hue sits in the yellow-gold range with moderate saturation, so it reads as a soft creamy tan rather than a cool gray. Next to a bright white or a cool greige, its warmth becomes obvious. It is a good choice when you want a light neutral that feels inviting instead of clinical.
Is Mainstay more gray or more beige?+
Mainstay is more beige than gray. With a golden-tan undertone and 23 percent saturation, it lands on the warm-neutral side, reading like oatmeal or soft cream. If you want something that pulls grayer and cooler, Beigeing (PNT100-LT-18) or Flatiron (PNT100-LT-17) are close alternatives with less gold.
What trim white goes with Mainstay?+
A clean warm white keeps the wall reading soft while the trim stays crisp. Snow Day (Clare 04), at LRV 92, is a bright near-white that pairs well without clashing with Mainstay's warmth. If you want less contrast between wall and trim, White Light (Clare 03), LRV 86, is a slightly softer option.
Does Mainstay work on cabinets and exteriors?+
Yes. Mainstay is a strong cabinet color when you want warmth without a full beige, and it looks natural on built-ins and paneling. Outside, its warm, light body suits sun-friendly siding that pairs with wood and stone. Because it is light rather than bold, use it as the main field and add a deeper accent for contrast.
What does an LRV of 65 mean for Mainstay?+
LRV measures how much light a color reflects, from 0 (black) to 100 (white). At 65, Mainstay reflects a good amount of light, so it reads clearly light and airy but never as stark as a true white. That makes it usable even in rooms with modest natural light, where it stays soft and warm rather than dim.
How is Mainstay different from Sherwin-Williams Grecian Ivory?+
They are very close warm neutrals. Grecian Ivory (SW 7541) sits at LRV 63, a hair deeper than Mainstay's 65, and carries a similar golden-cream cast. In practice the difference is minor; you would choose based on which brand you are buying. Always sample both on your own wall, since lighting shifts each one slightly.