Ref. #8E8A81 · 8006-2F
Big Apple
26%LRV Value
Warm (Golden)Undertone
Big Apple Technical Profile
What color is Big Apple? It's a deep warm neutral with the hex code #8E8A81. Colors similar to Big Apple include Sherwin-Williams Alloy, Behr Pavement Gray, MPC Basalt Met.. Big Apple has a warm (golden) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 26 gives Big Apple depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Big Apple 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 Big Apple
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Big Apple
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Big Apple
#8E8A81
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#A6AD85
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Big Apple
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Big Apple 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 Valspar Colors
Other Valspar colors close to Big Apple.
More neutral colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the neutral family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Big Apple — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Big Apple have?
Big Apple by Valspar has a warm (golden) undertone and belongs to the neutral color family.
What colors match Big Apple from other brands?
The closest matches are Alloy by Sherwin-Williams (#8E8A81), Pavement Gray by Behr (#8C887D), Basalt Met. by MPC (#8D877F). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Big Apple?
Big Apple has an LRV of 25.5, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Big Apple
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 Big Apple's warm (golden) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.