Ref. #CAAB7D · 2813
Downing Straw
43%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Downing Straw Technical Profile
What color is Downing Straw? It's a medium warm orange with the hex code #CAAB7D. Colors similar to Downing Straw include Behr Cup Of Tea, Vista Paint Balsam Brown, Dunn-Edwards Warm Butterscotch. Downing Straw has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 43 gives Downing Straw 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 Downing Straw
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Downing Straw
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Downing Straw
#CAAB7D
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#AEB37F
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Downing Straw
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Downing Straw 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 Sherwin-Williams Colors
Other Sherwin-Williams colors close to Downing Straw.
More orange colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the orange family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Downing Straw — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Downing Straw have?
Downing Straw by Sherwin-Williams has a neutral undertone and belongs to the orange color family.
What colors match Downing Straw from other brands?
The closest matches are Cup Of Tea by Behr (#CAAD7C), Balsam Brown by Vista Paint (#CCA978), Warm Butterscotch by Dunn-Edwards (#D0B082). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Downing Straw?
Downing Straw has an LRV of 43.2, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Downing Straw
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 Downing Straw's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.