Updated on Oct 3, 2025
19 Minute Read

Audubon Russet HC-51 Paint Color by Benjamin Moore

Warm Elegance in Every Brush Stroke

I recently painted my living room using HC-51 Audubon Russet by Benjamin Moore and I want to share my thoughts on this unique color. If you’re searching for a warm, earthy tone that adds a cozy touch to your room, Audubon Russet is a perfect choice. This shade features a deep, rich blend reminiscent of autumn leaves and rustic barns, which brings a comforting and welcoming feel to any room.

Audubon Russet stands out because it perfectly balances red and brown tones, making it adaptable enough to work in a variety of decor styles, from traditional to modern. It pairs beautifully with natural elements like wood and stone, enhancing their texture and color. Whether you’re updating your living room, bedroom, or dining area, this color sets a grounded, soothing mood.

I opted for this shade because I wanted to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in my home. After adding accessories in complementary colors like soft creams and muted greens, the overall look became incredibly harmonious. My experience with Audubon Russet has been so positive that I’m considering it for other projects around my house.

If you’re considering a new paint color, I recommend giving HC-51 Audubon Russet a try for its warmth and adaptability.

Audubon Russet HC-51 Paint Color by Benjamin Moore
via benjaminmoore.com

What Color Is Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore?

Audubon Russet by Benjamin Moore is a warm, deep rust color with an earthy undertone. It brings a cozy and welcoming feel to any room, making it ideal for creating a comfortable home environment. This color is adaptable, suitable for living rooms and dining areas where its rich, inviting hue fosters a sense of togetherness.

Specifically, Audubon Russet works well in interior styles such as rustic, traditional, and even modern settings when used thoughtfully. Its deep rust tone pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood, enhancing the grains and textures of wooden furniture and flooring. Leather also works well with this color, adding a touch of luxury and warmth, balancing the rustic aspects of the paint.

In terms of textures, Audubon Russet complements soft, plush fabrics like velvet or wool, making rooms feel more cozy and comfortable. When paired with metals, it’s best to go with brushed bronze or copper finishes to maintain the warm aesthetic. For a fresh and earthy palette, it coordinates well with soft creams, muted greens, or even bold navy blues, providing a range of possibilities for accent colors and additional decor elements. This color is a great choice for anyone looking to create a hearty, welcoming room in their home.

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Is Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore Warm or Cool color?

Audubon Russet HC-51 is a unique color by Benjamin Moore that brings warmth and coziness into home rooms. This shade, with its rich brown and subtle red undertones, provides a comforting atmosphere, making interiors feel welcoming and lived-in.

It is adaptable, fitting well with both traditional homes filled with wood furnishing and more modern rooms that look to add a touch of earthiness. This color is particularly effective in living rooms and dining areas where the deep hue fosters a sense of togetherness and comfort. It complements well with natural materials like leather and wood, enhancing the overall aesthetic of a room.

Additionally, it pairs beautifully with lighter colors like creams and beiges, which help to balance its intensity. The warmth of Audubon Russet also makes it an excellent choice for creating a focal point in a room, whether it’s a painted accent wall or a backdrop for decorative art and photos.

Undertones of Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore

Audubon Russet is a rich and adaptable paint color filled with a complex blend of undertones. Undertones can significantly affect how a paint color appears on walls, as they can shift in different lighting conditions or when paired with various decor elements. For Audubon Russet, the mixture of undertones like orange, grey, olive, and others, adds depth and warmth, making it a cozy choice for living rooms.

In a room, Audubon Russet’s orange and brown undertones bring a warm, welcoming feel, perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in living rooms or dining areas. The grey undertone helps to balance this warmth, ensuring the color does not feel too strong but rather provides a soft, neutral backdrop. This subtlety allows for flexibility in decorating, as it pairs well with a wide range of furniture colors and styles.

When used on interior walls, the mix of pink, red, and purple undertones subtly influences the mood, adding a touch of gentle energy without being too much. In natural light, these undertones might brighten, while in artificial light, they can appear more muted. Yellow and pale yellow undertones in the paint can make a room feel more lively and vibrant, which is excellent for rooms that need a touch of brightness.

When decorating with Audubon Russet, it’s essential to consider these undertones to achieve the desired effect in your room. Depending on your home’s lighting and existing decor, this color can adapt, exhibiting different facets of its personality, from calming and neutral to warm and vibrant.

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What is the Masstone of the Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore?

Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore, with its masstone of pale pink (#D58080), offers a soft and inviting hue that can add a warm touch to any home. This shade of pink is gentle and not overly bold, making it easy to incorporate into various home decor styles without competing with other elements.

Its lightness brings a sense of calm and coziness, perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere in rooms like bedrooms and living rooms. Additionally, the pale pink color works well with natural light, filling the room with a warm glow during the day.

It pairs effectively with neutral tones such as whites, beiges, and light browns, which helps in creating a cohesive look. This adaptability allows homeowners to use this color in accessories and wall paints, making rooms look welcoming and put-together.

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How Does Lighting Affect Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore?

Lighting plays a crucial role in how we perceive colors. The same paint can look different in various types of lighting due to a phenomenon known as metamerism. This means that colors can change based on the light source. This effect is particularly noticeable with complex shades like Audubon Russet from Benjamin Moore.

In artificial light, Audubon Russet tends to look warmer and more inviting. Light bulbs that emit a yellow or warm cast can enhance the red and brown undertones of this color, making a room feel cozy and welcoming. However, in natural light, particularly in a brightly lit environment, this color can appear lighter and bring out more of its hidden orange undertones, providing a lively and fresh look.

The orientation of a room also significantly affects how this hue appears. In north-facing rooms, which receive less direct sunlight and are often lit with cooler, bluish light, Audubon Russet can appear more subdued and slightly darker; the cooler light can mute its warmth slightly, making it look more earthy.

In south-facing rooms, where sunlight is abundant, the paint will reveal its warmer, richer tones throughout the day, making the room feel bright and cheerful. The ample sunlight highlights the depth of the color, enhancing its natural vibrancy.

East-facing rooms get plenty of light in the morning, so Audubon Russet will look especially warm and bright in the morning hours but might lose some of its vibrancy in the afternoon and evening. Conversely, in west-facing rooms, this color will look more muted in the morning light but gain warmth and depth in the late afternoon and evening as the sun sets, radiating a rich, warm glow.

Understanding these nuances can help you decide where to use this adaptable color to its best advantage, ensuring that it always presents its most favorable qualities.

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What is the LRV of Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore?

LRV stands for Light Reflectance Value, which is a measurement used to determine how much light a paint color reflects or absorbs. This value ranges from 1 to 99, with lower numbers indicating that the color absorbs more light and appears darker, while higher numbers mean the color reflects more light, making it appear lighter.

This measurement is crucial when choosing paint colors because it helps predict how a color will look in a specific environment depending on the natural and artificial lighting available. For example, a room with lots of windows and natural light can handle darker colors better than a room with little to no natural light.

Considering the LRV of 20.95 for the mentioned paint color, it resides on the darker end of the scale. This means it will absorb more light than it reflects, giving it a richer, deeper appearance on the walls. In rooms with limited light, using a color with such a low LRV might make the room feel smaller or more closed in because the walls could appear more shadowed and less vibrant.

However, in well-lit rooms or areas with ample lighting, this same color can add a warm and cozy atmosphere, enhancing the room’s aesthetic without making it feel too dark. Thus, when using darker shades like this one, it’s important to consider the room’s lighting to achieve the desired effect.

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Coordinating Colors of Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore

Coordinating colors are selected to complement the main color used in a room, creating a balanced and harmonious look. In the context of Benjamin Moore’s Audubon Russet HC-51, a warm, subtle russet hue, there are specific shades that pair beautifully. These coordinating colors serve as either contrasting or harmonious accents, enhancing the overall aesthetic without competing with the primary color.

Swiss Coffee OC-45 is a soft, muted off-white that offers a clean backdrop, making it an ideal counterbalance for the depth of Audubon Russet. It is gentle and neutral, providing a calm and light complement to richer tones. White Sand OC-10 is another understated color, presenting a slightly warmer touch than Swiss Coffee, and it works wonderfully to soften the environment while adding a touch of warmth.

Cotton Balls OC-122 is a crisp white with a fresh and airy feel, lending a vibrant contrast that can brighten rooms dominated by darker hues like Audubon Russet. Lastly, Putnam Ivory HC-39 has a creamy, warm quality that pairs cozily with the russet undertones, ensuring the room feels inviting and cohesive, yet distinctively layered. Together, these colors support and enhance the ambiance set by Audubon Russet, allowing for design flexibility while maintaining visual interest.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

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What are the Trim colors of Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore?

Trim colors are specific shades used to accentuate or highlight the architectural details and edges of a room, such as door frames, window frames, and skirting boards. These colors are crucial because they create a visual framework that complements the main wall color, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the room.

For a warm, rich wall color like Audubon Russet by Benjamin Moore, choosing the right trim color can really make the room’s features stand out and give a clean, polished look. Oxford White 869 is a crisp, pure white that provides a sharp contrast, making it an excellent choice for trims when used with deeper, warm tones like Audubon Russet.

It brightens up the room by reflecting light and adds a fresh, neat finish to the area. On the other hand, White Wisp OC-54 offers a softer approach. It’s a gentle white with subtle gray undertones that yields a softer contrast and can help create a more subtle transition between the wall color and the trim, promoting a harmonious and visually coherent room.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

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Colors Similar to Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore

When decorating a room, using similar colors can help create a cohesive and harmonious look. Choosing shades that have a subtle variation from each other allows for a smooth visual transition, enhancing the overall ambiance without making sharp distinctions. This approach can make a room feel more unified and comfortable.

Colors like 056 – Montana Agate, 1209 – Toasted Pecan, 1202 – Baked Terra Cotta, and 041 – Spoonful of Sugar are great examples of hues that complement Audubon Russet by bringing in different notes while keeping the warmth and coziness intact.

Montana Agate is a deeper, earthy hue that brings a sense of groundedness to a room, ideal for areas where a touch of depth is needed without excess darkness. Toasted Pecan has a nutty warmth that is both inviting and homey, perfect for living rooms or bedrooms where comfort is a priority. Baked Terra Cotta offers a richer, clay-like color that adds a hearty feel to any room, suitable for rooms that benefit from a stronger color impact.

Lastly, Spoonful of Sugar is much lighter, providing a gentle contrast that brightens rooms subtly and acts as a beautiful backdrop for darker furnishings or decor pieces. These colors work seamlessly with each other, ensuring that whatever combination chosen enhances the room with a natural and pleasing aesthetic.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

  • 056 Montana Agate
  • 1209 Toasted Pecan
  • 1202 Baked Terra Cotta
  • 041 Spoonful of Sugar
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Colors that Go With Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore

Choosing harmonious colors to complement Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore is essential for creating appealing and cohesive rooms in the home. When paired wisely, these colors can accentuate the warm, earthy tones of Audubon Russet, making rooms feel cozy and inviting.

Having a palette that works well together ensures that the decor flows smoothly from one room to another, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your home without clashing or seeming disjointed. One of the colors, 047 – Savannah Clay, has a slightly muted peach tone that brings a soft, warm glow to rooms, making it an excellent choice for living areas or bedrooms looking for a gentle splash of color.

Similarly, 1187 – Ciao Bella, with its subtle blush tint, offers a delicate contrast to the deeper russet, perfect for creating a gentle highlight in a room. On the other hand, 1188 – Palmetto Pink provides a deeper pink hue, which adds a richer touch of color, great for accent walls or decorative accessories. Then there’s 1186 – Rosetone, a deeper, more pronounced pink that provides a bold yet warm complement to the earthy russet, suitable for vibrant, energetic rooms.

For a bolder approach, 2174-20 – Cinnamon offers a strong, spicy color that complements the russet without excess intensity, ideal for dining rooms or areas where you want a statement hue. Lastly, 2174-10 – Toasted Chestnut is a dark, cozy shade that pairs perfectly with the russet for a more nuanced, grounded ambiance, excellent for creating depth in larger or well-lit rooms.

You can see recommended paint colors below:

  • 047 Savannah Clay
  • 1187 Ciao Bella
  • 1188 Palmetto Pink
  • 1186 Rosetone
  • 2174-20 Cinnamon
  • 2174-10 Toasted Chestnut
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How to Use Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore In Your Home?

Audubon Russet HC-51 is a paint color by Benjamin Moore that offers a warm, earthy tone, resembling the reddish-brown hue found in many natural landscapes. This color can create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in any home.

It works particularly well in living rooms and dining areas where you want to establish a comforting and inviting room for gatherings. Pairing Audubon Russet with soft cream or light beige colors can help balance its richness and prevent it from feeling too heavy.

In bedrooms, using it on a feature wall can add a touch of warmth, especially when combined with dark wood furniture or soft, muted linens. This color is adaptable for various decorative styles, from rustic to more traditional looks. It helps set a calm mood without being too bold, making it a great choice for those looking to add some warmth to their home decor.

Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore vs Toasted Pecan 1209 by Benjamin Moore

The main color, Audubon Russet, is a warm, earthy shade akin to a muted terracotta. It exudes a cozy and comforting vibe, making it a great choice for rooms where you want to feel relaxed, like living rooms or bedrooms.

On the other hand, Toasted Pecan is a lighter, softer brown, with a more neutral and less intense tone. It can add a subtle warmth to areas without feeling too strong, making it adaptable for use in various rooms, from kitchens to hallways.

While Audubon Russet brings a more pronounced color presence with its deeper, richer hue, Toasted Pecan offers a gentle backdrop that blends easily with other colors. Both colors support a warm palette but will create different moods due to their intensity and depth.

You can see recommended paint color below:

  • 1209 Toasted Pecan
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Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore vs Baked Terra Cotta 1202 by Benjamin Moore

The main color, Audubon Russet, is a warm, deep brown with a hint of red, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. It’s perfect for a room where you want to feel relaxed and comfortable. Its earthy tones make it adaptable for combining with other colors in home decor, such as creams or greens.

On the other hand, Baked Terra Cotta is a lighter, more vibrant color compared to Audubon Russet. It leans towards orange, offering a fresher, lively feel that can add a cheerful touch to a room. This color works well in areas that you want to feel bright and energized, such as a kitchen or a dining area.

Both colors bring warmth to a room but in different intensities and moods. Audubon Russet tends to create a more muted, cozy environment, while Baked Terra Cotta offers a brighter, more stimulating ambiance. Depending on the mood you want to set or the size of the room, either could be a great choice.

You can see recommended paint color below:

  • 1202 Baked Terra Cotta
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Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore vs Spoonful of Sugar 041 by Benjamin Moore

The main color, Audubon Russet, is a warm, deep brown with hints of red. It generates a cozy and inviting vibe, perfect for rooms where you want to feel relaxed and comfortable. This color works well in living areas or bedrooms as it pairs beautifully with natural materials such as wood and leather, adding to its welcoming atmosphere.

On the other hand, Spoonful of Sugar is a very light, almost white, color with a subtle touch of gray. This color feels fresh and clean, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or smaller rooms that could use a bright and airy lift. It reflects light well, helping to make a room appear larger and more open.

When comparing both, Audubon Russet brings warmth and depth to a room, offering a rich backdrop that’s grounded and earthy. Spoonful of Sugar offers a stark contrast as a light and neutral tone, providing a sense of freshness and calm. Each has its own distinct personality and can suit different tastes or room functions depending on the mood or size of the room.

You can see recommended paint color below:

  • 041 Spoonful of Sugar
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Audubon Russet HC-51 by Benjamin Moore vs Montana Agate 056 by Benjamin Moore

Audubon Russet and Montana Agate are both warm, inviting shades from Benjamin Moore, but they bring different vibes to a room. Audubon Russet is a rich, deep rust color, reminiscent of autumn leaves or a cozy, well-worn leather chair. It has a warmth that can make a large room feel more intimate and inviting.

On the other hand, Montana Agate is a more subdued, softer brown, almost like a sandy beach or a delicate clay pot. It’s a lighter color than Audubon Russet, creating an airy and more open feel in rooms where it is used. This color can help brighten rooms that don’t get a lot of natural sunlight, making rooms feel warm yet spacious.

Both colors work well in a home’s decor, but Audubon Russet is typically better for making a strong, warm statement, while Montana Agate is ideal for creating a calm, light foundation in a room.

You can see recommended paint color below:

  • 056 Montana Agate
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After going through everything about HC-51 Audubon Russet by Benjamin Moore, I’m pretty impressed! This color is something really special. It’s a warm, deep brownish-orange that makes any room feel cozy and inviting, just like when cinnamon rolls are baking in the oven. Imagine coming inside from a cold day and feeling that warm hug from your room. That’s what this paint color does!

Benjamin Moore did a great job in creating a shade that works well in so many places, whether it’s your living room, your bedroom, or even the kitchen. It also goes nicely with lots of other colors. You can pair it with soft creams for a gentle look, or with bold colors like navy blue for a bit more punch.

Using this paint could make your home a nicer place, where every room feels like a little nest you don’t want to leave. So, if you’re thinking about giving your walls a new look, Audubon Russet could be a perfect choice. It’s like picking the perfect outfit that makes you feel good; this paint makes your room feel good.

And isn’t it wonderful to live in a room that feels just right?

That’s what HC-51 Audubon Russet can do for your home.

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