Sweet Papaya

Technical Profile

What color is Sweet Papaya? It's a light warm orange with the hex code #DE9981. Colors similar to Sweet Papaya include PPG Opal Fire, Valspar Coral Ridge, Valspar Venetian Plaster. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Sweet Papaya 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. Sweet Papaya (#DE9981) by Kilz is a light orange paint color with a rich, saturated presence that draws the eye. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. 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. Its Light Reflectance Value of 65 means it reflects a healthy amount of light, keeping spaces bright without feeling stark. Light peach and terra-cotta hues like this feel at home in kitchens, sunrooms, and casual dining areas. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. For color coordination, Sweet Papaya pairs beautifully with teal tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring yellow 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 Kilz is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from PPG, Valspar, Sherwin-Williams and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Sweet Papaya radiates an inviting, sun-washed warmth that makes guests feel immediately at ease. 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 bohemian, Southwestern, and modern farmhouse aesthetics. As part of the Kilz palette, Sweet Papaya benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Sweet Papaya 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. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order Sweet Papaya (LB130-01) directly from Kilz or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.