Merlot

Technical Profile

What color is Merlot? It's a medium warm red with the hex code #A44A56. Colors similar to Merlot include MPC Velvet Rose, Benjamin Moore Travers Red, PPG Heart's Afire. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Merlot 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 (#A44A56) by Dunn-Edwards is a medium red 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, red is the dominant channel, which gives it a subtle rosy warmth even under different lighting conditions. A Light Reflectance Value of 37 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 pairs beautifully with teal tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring orange and magenta hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its warm (golden) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Dunn-Edwards is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from MPC, Benjamin Moore, PPG and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Merlot 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 Dunn-Edwards palette, Merlot benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Merlot 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 (DE5055) directly from Dunn-Edwards or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.