Sophisticated Lilac

Technical Profile

What color is Sophisticated Lilac? It's a medium warm purple with the hex code #8A5AB1. Sophisticated Lilac is a distinctive shade in the Behr lineup, and while close cross-brand equivalents exist, its specific blend of warm tone and medium depth gives it a character worth comparing in person. Sophisticated Lilac 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. Sophisticated Lilac (#8A5AB1) by Behr is a medium purple paint color with a balanced saturation that feels natural and approachable. 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 42 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, Sophisticated Lilac 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. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Sophisticated Lilac 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, Sophisticated Lilac benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Sophisticated Lilac 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 Sophisticated Lilac (M110-6) 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.