Ref. #CFBEA9 · 9110
Malabar
53%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Malabar Technical Profile
What color is Malabar? It's a medium warm beige with the hex code #CFBEA9. Colors similar to Malabar include Behr Sonoran Desert, Behr Cabo, Kilz Bronze Mist. Malabar has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. At LRV 53, Malabar sits in the comfortable mid-light range — bright enough for living areas yet soft enough for bedrooms, and adaptable across most lighting conditions. As a warm neutral, Malabar 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 Malabar
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Malabar
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Malabar
#CFBEA9
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#ABAD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Malabar
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Malabar 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 Malabar.
More beige colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the beige family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Malabar — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Malabar have?
Malabar by Sherwin-Williams has a neutral undertone and belongs to the beige color family.
What colors match Malabar from other brands?
The closest matches are Sonoran Desert by Behr (#CFBDA9), Cabo by Behr (#CEBFAB), Bronze Mist by Kilz (#CEBFAB). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Malabar?
Malabar has an LRV of 53.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Malabar
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 Malabar's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.