Sepia Brown

Technical Profile

What color is Sepia Brown? It's a deep warm brown with the hex code #382C1E. Sepia Brown is a distinctive shade in the RAL 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. Sepia Brown has a neutral 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. Sepia Brown (#382C1E) by RAL is a deep brown paint color with a balanced saturation that feels natural and approachable. It delivers a grounded richness that adds drama and sophistication. On the temperature spectrum this shade leans toward warmth, adding coziness and inviting energy. Its RGB channels are closely balanced, contributing to its neutral, even-keeled visual character. At an LRV of 18 it absorbs more light than it reflects, creating a moody, enveloping atmosphere. Deep neutrals like this create contrast and gravitas on accent walls, exterior facades, and kitchen cabinetry, pairing well with lighter trim. 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, Sepia Brown pairs beautifully with blue tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring yellow and red hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its neutral undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Sepia 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 a wide range of interior design styles. As part of the RAL palette, Sepia Brown benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. Because Sepia 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 Sepia Brown (8014) directly from RAL or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.