Rich Brown

Technical Profile

What color is Rich Brown? It's a deep warm red with the hex code #42190D. Rich Brown is a distinctive shade in the MPC lineup, and while close cross-brand equivalents exist, its specific blend of warm tone and deep depth gives it a character worth comparing in person. Rich Brown 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. Rich Brown (#42190D) by MPC is a deep red paint color with a rich, saturated presence that draws the eye. It delivers a grounded richness that adds drama and sophistication. 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. At an LRV of 13 it absorbs more light than it reflects, creating a moody, enveloping atmosphere. Deep reds like this excel in formal dining rooms, home libraries, and entryway accents where richness sets the tone. Satin or semi-gloss finishes help deep colors reflect just enough light to show their full depth, especially on accent walls and trim. For color coordination, Rich Brown 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. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Rich Brown delivers a fireside richness that wraps the room in warmth and groundedness. 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 MPC palette, Rich Brown benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. Because Rich Brown has a low LRV, it can look dramatically different under incandescent versus daylight bulbs — always test a large swatch on the actual wall before committing. Deep shades generally benefit from a quality primer and may require an extra coat for even, streak-free coverage. Deep tones pair beautifully with velvet upholstery, burnished metal fixtures, dark-stained wood, and textured wallcoverings on adjacent surfaces. You can order Rich Brown (MP10217) directly from MPC or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.