Merlot Red

Technical Profile

What color is Merlot Red? It's a medium warm red with the hex code #9E3E2E. Colors similar to Merlot Red include Kilz Fahrenheit, Sherwin-Williams Chinese Red, Vista Paint Leaf Rust. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Merlot Red has a warm (golden) 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. Merlot Red (#9E3E2E) by Benjamin Moore is a medium red paint color with a rich, saturated presence that draws the eye. 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, red is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle rosy warmth even under different lighting conditions. A Light Reflectance Value of 32 gives it moderate light reflection, striking a balance between brightness and depth. At this depth, a red becomes a confident statement color well-suited to accent walls, front doors, and intimate dining areas. A satin or eggshell finish brings out the richness at this depth, and the slight sheen makes walls easier to maintain. For color coordination, Merlot Red pairs beautifully with teal tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring orange and red hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its warm (golden) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Benjamin Moore is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Kilz, Sherwin-Williams, Vista Paint and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Merlot Red 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 traditional, Mediterranean, and eclectic décor styles. As part of the Benjamin Moore palette, Merlot Red benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Merlot Red 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 Merlot Red (2006-10) directly from Benjamin Moore or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.