Papaya

Technical Profile

What color is Papaya? It's a light warm orange with the hex code #EFB97B. Colors similar to Papaya include Vista Paint Seville Orange, Dunn-Edwards Paloma Tan, Benjamin Moore Soft Marigold. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Papaya 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. Papaya (#EFB97B) by Sherwin-Williams is a light orange paint color with a striking intensity that commands attention. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. 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. Its Light Reflectance Value of 75 means it reflects a healthy amount of light, keeping spaces bright without feeling stark. Light peach and terra-cotta hues like this feel at home in kitchens, sunrooms, and casual dining areas. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. For color coordination, Papaya pairs beautifully with blue 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. If Sherwin-Williams is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Vista Paint, Dunn-Edwards, Benjamin Moore and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Papaya radiates an inviting, sun-washed warmth that makes guests feel immediately at ease. 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 bohemian, Southwestern, and modern farmhouse aesthetics. As part of the Sherwin-Williams palette, Papaya benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. High-LRV colors like Papaya are forgiving in most lighting conditions, but they can pick up reflected color from adjacent walls, flooring, or large furniture pieces, so evaluate samples in situ. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order Papaya (6661) directly from Sherwin-Williams or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.