Secret Journal MQ1-57 is a neutral paint color from Behr. It has a hex value of #7D6159, LRV 14 and a warm (golden) undertone. Its closest cross-brand match is Hot Cocoa from Sherwin-Williams (nearly identical), with 49 more equivalents across other brands.
Ref. #7D6159 · MQ1-57
Secret Journal
14%LRV Value
Warm (Golden)Undertone
Secret Journal Technical Profile
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Secret Journal in Every Brand
The closest equivalent to Secret Journal in each major paint brand, ranked by how close the match reads. Always verify with a physical sample. How we calculate match accuracy →
BehrSecret Journal
Nearly identical
Sherwin-WilliamsHot Cocoa
Hot Cocoa
Sherwin-Williams
Nearly identical
Spicewood Brown
PPG
Nearly identical
Amazon Mist
Hirshfield's
Nearly identical
Raisin in the Sun
Dunn-Edwards
Very similar
November Foliage
Valspar
Very similar
Amazon Mist
Vista Paint
Very similar
Gridlock
Dutch Boy
Very similar
Wynwood
Benjamin Moore
Very similar
Mocha Madness
Kilz
Very similar
Etruscan Red
Farrow & Ball
Visible difference
Pale Brown
RAL
Visible difference
Wood .05
Colorhouse
Visible difference
Comparing these brands? Order peel-and-stick samples of your top matches — Samplize buy 8 peel-and-stick samples, get 2 free.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Secret Journal
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Secret Journal
#7D6159
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#9D8F6C
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Secret Journal
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Secret Journal 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 Secret Journal.
More neutral colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the neutral family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Secret Journal — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Secret Journal have?
Secret Journal by Behr has a warm (golden) undertone and sits in the neutral color family. The undertone shifts with light — warmer under 2700K bulbs, cleaner and cooler under 4000K daylight — so sample Secret Journal in your own space before committing.
What colors match Secret Journal from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to Secret Journal are Hot Cocoa by Sherwin-Williams (a near-identical match), Spicewood Brown by PPG (a near-identical match), Bateau Brown by Sherwin-Williams (a near-identical match) — the best options for getting Secret Journal's look from a brand your local store carries. Confirm with a physical sample, since sheen and lighting shift the final result.
What is the LRV of Secret Journal?
Secret Journal has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 13.6, on a scale where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white — that makes it a deep, dramatic color best saved for accent walls, dining rooms, and cozy spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light.
Explore More with Secret Journal
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 Secret Journal's warm (golden) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.