Ref. #51323B · 2704
Merlot
4%LRV Value
Warm (Pink)Undertone
Merlot Technical Profile
What color is Merlot? It's a dark warm pink with the hex code #51323B. Colors similar to Merlot include Behr Chicory Root, Behr Tawny Port, Behr Plum Raisin. Merlot has a warm (pink) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 4, Merlot creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. Pair it with warm whites like Simply White, blonde wood floors, and brass or gold hardware. Deep green or forest accents add contrast that keeps it from feeling too sweet. Under 2700K warm bulbs pinks and magentas glow warmly, leaning coral. Under 4000K cool light they read more vibrant — important for nursery and bedroom planning where bulb choice changes the mood.
Colors Similar to Merlot
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Merlot
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Merlot
#51323B
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#6D5049
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Merlot
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Merlot 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 Merlot.
More pink colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the pink family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Merlot — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Merlot have?
Merlot by Sherwin-Williams has a warm (pink) undertone and belongs to the pink color family.
What colors match Merlot from other brands?
The closest matches are Chicory Root by Behr (#4A2F37), Tawny Port by Behr (#522E36), Plum Raisin by Behr (#4F2F3D). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Merlot?
Merlot has an LRV of 4.3, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Merlot
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 Merlot's warm (pink) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.