Ref. #A4102D · S-G-160
California Poppy
9%LRV Value
Warm (Golden)Undertone
California Poppy Technical Profile
What color is California Poppy? It's a dark warm red with the hex code #A4102D. Colors similar to California Poppy include Benjamin Moore Flamenco, MPC Red Car Line, MPC Black Princes Ruby. California Poppy has a warm (golden) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 9, California Poppy creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. Pair it with creamy off-whites like Alabaster for trim, walnut or cherry hardwoods, and brass hardware — the warmth keeps reds from feeling clinical. Deep forest green or navy work as bold accent walls. Reds intensify under 2700K-3000K warm bulbs, deepening into wine territory. Under 4000K+ cool LEDs they can read pinker or slightly washed — sample under your actual room lighting before committing.
Colors Similar to California Poppy
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With California Poppy
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
California Poppy
#A4102D
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#AC5D3B
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for California Poppy
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
California Poppy 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 California Poppy.
More red colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the red family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
California Poppy — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does California Poppy have?
California Poppy by Behr has a warm (golden) undertone and belongs to the red color family.
What colors match California Poppy from other brands?
The closest matches are Flamenco by Benjamin Moore (#A12533), Red Car Line by MPC (#AE0027), Black Princes Ruby by MPC (#B40032). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of California Poppy?
California Poppy has an LRV of 8.5, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with California Poppy
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 California Poppy's warm (golden) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.