Ref. #814830 · MP13200
James Brown
10%LRV Value
Warm (Golden)Undertone
James Brown Technical Profile
What color is James Brown? It's a dark warm brown with the hex code #814830. Colors similar to James Brown include Benjamin Moore Earthly Russet, Benjamin Moore Burnt Cinnamon, Vista Paint Old Brick. James Brown has a warm (golden) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 10, James Brown creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a warm neutral, James Brown pairs with off-whites for trim, white oak or walnut floors, and brass or warm brushed nickel hardware. Deep green, navy, or terra-cotta all read well as accent colors. Warm neutrals come alive under 2700K bulbs, where their underlying yellow or peach undertones add visible warmth. Under 4000K daylight they read cleaner and slightly cooler.
Colors Similar to James Brown
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With James Brown
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
James Brown
#814830
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#918553
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for James Brown
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
James Brown 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 MPC Colors
Other MPC colors close to James Brown.
More brown colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the brown family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
James Brown — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does James Brown have?
James Brown by MPC has a warm (golden) undertone and belongs to the brown color family.
What colors match James Brown from other brands?
The closest matches are Earthly Russet by Benjamin Moore (#814632), Burnt Cinnamon by Benjamin Moore (#7C4633), Old Brick by Vista Paint (#8A4E37). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of James Brown?
James Brown has an LRV of 9.5, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with James Brown
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 James Brown's warm (golden) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.