Plum Swirl

Technical Profile

What color is Plum Swirl? It's a medium warm purple with the hex code #8979A9. Colors similar to Plum Swirl include Kilz Belladona, Dunn-Edwards Smashed Grape, Benjamin Moore Purple Heart. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Plum Swirl has a warm (pink) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Understanding a color's undertone is key to avoiding combinations that clash — it often matters more than the surface color itself. Plum Swirl (#8979A9) by Behr is a medium purple paint color with a gentle, subdued character. It delivers a versatile mid-tone depth that anchors a room without overwhelming it. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. In its RGB breakdown, blue is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle cool, atmospheric depth even under different lighting conditions. A Light Reflectance Value of 50 gives it moderate light reflection, striking a balance between brightness and depth. This mid-tone purple adds creative energy to home offices, accent walls, and eclectic living rooms. A satin or eggshell finish brings out the richness at this depth, and the slight sheen makes walls easier to maintain. For color coordination, Plum Swirl pairs beautifully with green tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring magenta and blue hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its warm (pink) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Behr is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Kilz, Dunn-Edwards, Benjamin Moore and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Plum Swirl strikes a cozy, amber-toned balance that feels like late-afternoon light filtering through linen curtains. Designers often reach for shades like this when the goal is to shape how a room feels, not just how it looks. This shade is a natural fit for eclectic, glam, and romantic vintage décor. As part of the Behr palette, Plum Swirl benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Plum Swirl can shift noticeably between natural daylight, warm incandescent, and cool LED lighting — testing a sample swatch on your wall under different conditions is always recommended. Mid-tone shades like this look best when balanced with a mix of textures — think leather seating, brushed brass hardware, woven wool, and raw-edge wood. You can order Plum Swirl (680F-5) directly from Behr or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.