Behr Instant Classic MQ1-34
| Code: | MQ1-34 |
| Name: | Instant Classic |
| Brand: | Behr |
What color is Behr Instant Classic?
Behr's Instant Classic (MQ1-34) is a warm and cozy beige hue that exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. This versatile color pairs beautifully with rich earth tones such as Terracotta Dream (MQ3-25) and deep blues like Midnight in the Tropics (MQ6-21) for a luxurious and inviting look. Instant Classic also complements crisp whites such as Polar Bear (MQ4-58) and soft greys like Atmospheric (MQ3-21) for a modern and chic aesthetic. Whether used as a main wall color or as an accent, Instant Classic adds depth and character to any space, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a classic yet contemporary color palette.
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What are Behr Instant Classic undertones?
The undertone of Instant Classic can be accurately described as a Red hue, as is apparent from the color space provided. By isolating the pure hue and eliminating any tints, tones, and shades, we were able to precisely determine its undertone. This approach has proven to be more accurate than traditional methods of defining undertones on a white background, which are now considered outdated.
HEX value
HEX value:
#524A4B
RGB code:
82, 74, 75
Is Behr Instant Classic MQ1-34 cool or warm?
With a hue of 352° thisblackrefers warm paint shade according to HSL (Hue, Saturation, Lightness) on the color wheel.
MQ1-34 Instant Classic HSL code: 352, 5%, 31%
Hue - degree on a color wheel from 0 to 360. 0 is red, 120 is green, and 240 is blue.
Saturation is expressed as a percentage. At 0%, it appears as a shade of grey, and at 100%, it is in full color..
Lightness is also a percentage value. 0% is black, and 100% is white.
- Warm colors are ideal for kitchens, living rooms or bathrooms
- Warmer hues make larger spaces feel more inviting
- Warm grey shades are versatile and provide a neutral canvas for your interior design. They seamlessly complement any style, whether it's Victorian, Scandinavian, or Modern.
- Using dark warm shades like rich reds and browns creates a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for dining rooms, libraries, and living rooms. These colors add depth and warmth. However, be careful when using them in small spaces or rooms with low ceilings, as they can make the space feel even smaller.
Act like a pro: Mixing warm and cool shades is a must have to get harmonius interior. Add accents that contrast with the primary color to create visual balance. If your walls are a warm color, don’t forget to add accent in cold colors (furniture, art, décor). A good practice is too use a complementary color scheme.
How light temperature affects Instant Classic
Natural Lighting. During the day, natural light shifts from about 2000 K at sunrise/sunset to 5500–6500 K at noon.
In addition, natural‑light temperature depends on its direction:
| Direction of sunlight | Visible temp. | Hue | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | Cool | Bluish | All day |
| East | Warm | Yellow | Before noon |
| West | Warm | Orange‑red | After noon |
| South | Warm | Orange‑yellow | All day |
Artificial Lighting. When choosing bulbs, pay attention to their color‑temperature (Kelvins).
Use the slider to see how this black shade looks under different lighting:


4000K
Coordinating colors.
Colors that go with Behr Instant Classic:
Monochromatic color scheme
This scheme consists of various shades, tints, and tones of a single color. While it offers a perfect combination of hues, without accent décor it may become monotonous.
Lighter shades
Complementary color scheme
This color scheme is a combination of two shades that are opposite each other on the color wheel. The high contrast between these colors creates a vibrant and dynamic visual effect. For the color Instant Classic with a red hue, complementary colors are those with a green hue close to 172, such as Behr Forest Edge and Longmeadow.
LRV of Instant Classic
Instant Classic has an LRV of 7.66% and refers to Dark colors which means that this color almost does not reflect light. Why LRV is important?
Light Reflectance Value measures the amount of visible and usable light that reflects from a painted surface.
Simply put, the higher the LRV of a paint color, the brighter the room you will get.
The scale goes from 0% (absolute black, absorbing all light) to 100% (pure white, reflecting all light).
Act like a pro: When choosing paint with an LRV of 7.66%, pay attention to your bulbs' brightness. Light brightness is measured in lumens. The lower the paint's LRV, the higher lumen level you need. Every square foot of room needs at least 40 lumens. That means for a 200 ft2 living room you’ll need about 8000 lumens of light – e.g., eight 1000 lm bulbs.
Color codes
We have collected almost every possible color code you could ever need. To copy the code, just click the icon to the right of it.
| Format | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| HEX | #524a4b | |
| RGB Decimal | 82, 74, 75 | |
| RGB Percent | 32.16%, 29.02%, 29.41% | |
| HSV | Hue: 352° Saturation: 9.76% Value: 32.16% | |
| HSL | hsl(352, 5, 31) | |
| CMYK | Cyan: 0.0 Magenta: 9.76 Yellow: 8.54 Key: 67.84 | |
| YIQ | Y: 76.506 I: 4.446 Q: 2.003 | |
| XYZ | X: 7.198 Y: 7.2 Z: 7.665 | |
| CIE Lab | L:32.257 a:3.54 b:0.62 | |
| CIE Luv | L:32.257 u:4.413 v:0.236 | |
| Decimal | 5392971 | |
| Hunter Lab | 26.832, 0.931, 1.845 |
Color equivalents
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N530-7
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SW 9154
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PPU24-02
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CW-175
Tucker Chocolate
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Warm Onyx
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MQ5-1
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