Ref. #9E3E2E · 2006-10
Merlot Red
11%LRV Value
Warm (Golden)Undertone
Merlot Red Technical Profile
What color is Merlot Red? It's a dark warm red with the hex code #9E3E2E. Colors similar to Merlot Red include Kilz Fahrenheit, Sherwin-Williams Chinese Red, Vista Paint Leaf Rust. Merlot Red has a warm (golden) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 11, Merlot Red 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 Merlot Red
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Merlot Red
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Merlot Red
#9E3E2E
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#AA8B56
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Merlot Red
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Merlot Red 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 Merlot Red.
More red colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the red family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Merlot Red — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Merlot Red have?
Merlot Red by Benjamin Moore has a warm (golden) undertone and belongs to the red color family.
What colors match Merlot Red from other brands?
The closest matches are Fahrenheit by Kilz (#9D3A2F), Chinese Red by Sherwin-Williams (#9E3E33), Leaf Rust by Vista Paint (#A0392F). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Merlot Red?
Merlot Red has an LRV of 10.9, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Merlot Red
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 Merlot Red's warm (golden) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.