Ref. #3C3331 · CSP-30
Espresso
4%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Espresso Technical Profile
What color is Espresso? It's a dark warm gray with the hex code #3C3331. Colors similar to Espresso include Kilz Spice Brown, Behr Bison Brown, Sherwin-Williams Black Bean. Espresso has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 4, Espresso creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a warm neutral, Espresso pairs with off-whites for trim, white oak or walnut floors, and brass or warm brushed nickel hardware. Deep green, navy, or terra-cotta all read well as accent colors. Warm neutrals come alive under 2700K bulbs, where their underlying yellow or peach undertones add visible warmth. Under 4000K daylight they read cleaner and slightly cooler.
Colors Similar to Espresso
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Espresso
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Espresso
#3C3331
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#605640
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Espresso
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Espresso 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 Benjamin Moore Colors
Other Benjamin Moore colors close to Espresso.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Espresso — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Espresso have?
Espresso by Benjamin Moore has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Espresso from other brands?
The closest matches are Spice Brown by Kilz (#372F2E), Bison Brown by Behr (#413632), Black Bean by Sherwin-Williams (#403330). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Espresso?
Espresso has an LRV of 3.6, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Espresso
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 Espresso's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.