Ref. #FA9B40 · LH220
Bittersweet Orange
44%LRV Value
Warm (Golden)Undertone
Bittersweet Orange Technical Profile
What color is Bittersweet Orange? It's a medium warm orange with the hex code #FA9B40. Colors similar to Bittersweet Orange include Valspar Buttercup Squash, Benjamin Moore Fruity Cocktail, Vista Paint Au Gratin. Bittersweet Orange has a warm (golden) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 44 gives Bittersweet Orange depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. Pair it with warm whites like White Dove, white oak floors, and unlacquered brass or copper hardware. Terracotta tile or deep green plants complete an earthy warm palette. Oranges glow under 2700K warm bulbs, deepening into rich amber. Under 4000K cool light they can lose warmth and shift toward beige — particularly true for muted or dusty oranges.
Colors Similar to Bittersweet Orange
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Bittersweet Orange
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Bittersweet Orange
#FA9B40
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#D3D25F
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Bittersweet Orange
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Bittersweet Orange 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 Kilz Colors
Other Kilz colors close to Bittersweet Orange.
More orange colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the orange family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Bittersweet Orange — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Bittersweet Orange have?
Bittersweet Orange by Kilz has a warm (golden) undertone and belongs to the orange color family.
What colors match Bittersweet Orange from other brands?
The closest matches are Buttercup Squash by Valspar (#F89839), Fruity Cocktail by Benjamin Moore (#FA9E49), Au Gratin by Vista Paint (#FF9C43). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Bittersweet Orange?
Bittersweet Orange has an LRV of 44.1, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Bittersweet Orange
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 Bittersweet Orange's warm (golden) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.