Ref. #AA8E9A · 6283
Thistle
30%LRV Value
Warm (Pink)Undertone
Thistle Technical Profile
What color is Thistle? It's a medium warm gray with the hex code #AA8E9A. Colors similar to Thistle include PPG Luscious Lilac, Kilz Historic Rose, Valspar Mellow Mauve. Thistle has a warm (pink) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 30 gives Thistle depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Thistle 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 Thistle
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Thistle
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Thistle
#AA8E9A
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#AD8885
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Thistle
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Thistle 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 Thistle.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Thistle — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Thistle have?
Thistle by Sherwin-Williams has a warm (pink) undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Thistle from other brands?
The closest matches are Luscious Lilac by PPG (#AF8F9E), Historic Rose by Kilz (#B0909F), Mellow Mauve by Valspar (#A68E96). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Thistle?
Thistle has an LRV of 30.2, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Thistle
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 Thistle's warm (pink) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.