Our Review of Manchester Tan by Benjamin Moore
By: Rachel
Benjamin Moore’s Manchester Tan is a soft, muted neutral light tan paint color with khaki undertones that made our list of the best Benjamin Moore paint colors for 2022. Our designers use this color on a variety of home styles and building materials. This paint color review invites you to take a closer look at the technical specs of Manchester Tan, paint color pairing ideas, best applications, and other useful information.
Depending on the setting and lighting, paint colors might look different. Not to mention, paint colors translate differently on exterior surfaces vs. interiors. You might notice that the renderings in this post appear a bit lighter or darker than one another even though they all picture Manchester Tan. Your home would also look different in Manchester Tan. Our expert virtual exterior designers consider the direction your home faces, your home’s setting, and other factors when rendering exterior designs like these.
Manchester Tan: The Specs
Benjamin Moore’s Manchester Tan has an LRV of 64.4, landing in the realm of light tans and beiges. (Learn all about LRV and why it matters when painting your exterior here.) Although the color is light and subdued, it isn’t washed out and has plenty of substance. As you can see, it holds its own against the saturated greens (the lighter of which is Sherwin Williams’ Mountain Road and the darker of which is Benjamin Moore’s Aegean Olive) used on the brick bungalow above.
This warm neutral has some subtle yellow and green undertones, as many beige shades do, but it also has a hint of gray making it appear more muted than other tans.
Recommended Applications for Manchester Tan
Our designers have primarily recommended Benjamin Moore’s Manchester Tan for traditional designs, although its neutral tone works well for any design style.
We’ve used Manchester Tan on brick (both as paint and limewash), vinyl siding, and stucco. The warm, neutral shade works well for all building materials.
Manchester Tan Paint Color Pairings
Benjamin Moore’s Manchester Tan pairs nicely with darker colors, earthy tones, and other neutrals. We’ve used Manchester Tan as both the main exterior paint color and as an accent.
On the rendering above, Manchester Tan is featured on the stucco with Benjamin Moore’s Aegean Olive on the brick. This color palette, combined with the wood accents near the home’s entrance, creates an earthy vibe, taking this traditional home’s design to another level.
Below, Manchester Tan is used on the stucco with Sherwin Williams’ Urbane Bronze on the garage door. Adding a pop of a darker shade to this light, neutral Spanish-style home brings in just the right amount of contrast.
When thinking about which accent materials to pair with Manchester Tan, the shade looks great with wood, brick, and industrial metals.
Pros & Cons of Benjamin Moore’s Manchester Tan
PROS:
- The undertones are subtle and muted
- Neutral tone that is adaptable
- Works well with earth tones and dark accents
CONS:
- Although it has plenty of warmth, there isn’t much dimension to the color
- If you want to make a statement with your exterior paint, this subdued hue probably isn’t for you
We always recommend sampling and testing paint colors before committing. Factors such as natural lighting, undertones, and your property’s fixed elements will have a significant impact on how a color will appear on your exterior. Our friends at Samplize offer extra-large 9 x 14.75 inch peel-and-stick paint samples of the colors we love for exteriors. Order your ‘Real Paint, No Mess’ samples from Samplize here.
Manchester Tan Alternatives
Don’t jump the gun on choosing a paint color for your home’s exterior — it’s a huge decision that shouldn’t be made lightly. We always recommend testing any exterior paint colors you’re considering to see how they might translate on your home. It’s also a great idea to consider similar shades so you can find the best one for your specific exterior. Here are some alternatives to look at if Manchester Gray is a contender for you:
Sherwin Williams’ Alpaca
Sherwin Williams’ Alpaca has an LRV of 57, so it’s a little bit deeper than Manchester Tan. This shade leans further into gray tones and is more of a greige than a beige, but still has plenty of warmth.
Benjamin Moore’s Grant Beige
With an LRV of 56.65, Benjamin Moore’s Grant Beige reads darker than Manchester Tan, but is also a flexible neutral without complex undertones.
Benjamin Moore’s Bleeker Beige
Benjamin Moore’s Bleeker Beige is a little deeper than Manchester Tan, with an LRV of 52. The shade leans into hints of gray, but can also come off as a subdued taupe.
The Bottom Line on Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan
Benjamin Moore’s Manchester Tan is a versatile beige shade that will elevate the curb appeal of any home it’s used on. Even when it’s an accent against a busy brick façade like the one above! Its warmth creates an inviting aesthetic that makes it ideal for exteriors. Void of complex undertones, this beautiful shade is a true neutral that works with any texture.
At brick&batten, we take a holistic approach to exterior design. We let no detail go untouched and make sure all of your home’s elements work well together. Ready to partner with us and make your design goals a reality? Get started today.
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