Ref. #A19939 · M310-6
Bitter Lemon
31%LRV Value
Cool (Green)Undertone
Bitter Lemon Technical Profile
What color is Bitter Lemon? It's a medium cool yellow with the hex code #A19939. Colors similar to Bitter Lemon include PPG Be Yourself, MPC Abruzzo Green Met., Benjamin Moore Forest Moss. Bitter Lemon has a cool (green) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 31 gives Bitter Lemon depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Pair it with crisp whites like Pure White for trim, oak or maple woods, and brass hardware. Navy or deep teal accents balance the brightness without competing for attention. Under 2700K warm bulbs Bitter Lemon reads more golden or buttery. Under 4000K daylight bulbs it stays truer to the chip, though saturated yellows can edge toward green in mixed light.
Colors Similar to Bitter Lemon
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Bitter Lemon
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Bitter Lemon
#A19939
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#8CA964
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Bitter Lemon
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Bitter Lemon Room Palettes
Color schemes built around this color — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Warm & Inviting
Warm tones with cozy appeal — welcoming and comfortable
Cool & Calm
Cool hues with soft contrast — serene and restful
Bold Contrast
Complementary hues with punch — dynamic and striking
Similar Behr Colors
Other Behr colors close to Bitter Lemon.
More yellow colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the yellow family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Bitter Lemon — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Bitter Lemon have?
Bitter Lemon by Behr has a cool (green) undertone and belongs to the yellow color family.
What colors match Bitter Lemon from other brands?
The closest matches are Be Yourself by PPG (#9B983D), Abruzzo Green Met. by MPC (#9D9337), Forest Moss by Benjamin Moore (#9B993E). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Bitter Lemon?
Bitter Lemon has an LRV of 30.7, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Bitter Lemon
Related Reading
How to Match Paint Colors Across Brands
The science behind Delta E and CIEDE2000 — find a Behr equivalent of any Sherwin-Williams shade, or a Benjamin Moore alternative when your store is out of stock.
Understanding Paint Color Undertones
Why Bitter Lemon's cool (green) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.