Ref. #4B535B · 4008-4C
Dutch Licorice
8%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Dutch Licorice Technical Profile
What color is Dutch Licorice? It's a dark cool gray with the hex code #4B535B. Colors similar to Dutch Licorice include Vista Paint Vermont Slate, PPG Soothing Sapphire, Kilz Kettle Black. Dutch Licorice has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 8, Dutch Licorice creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a cool neutral, Dutch Licorice pairs with cool whites for trim, gray-toned or rift-cut oak floors, and brushed nickel or polished chrome hardware. Black accents and natural greenery add contrast. Cool neutrals hold their crisp quality under 4000K+ daylight bulbs. Under 2700K warm light they soften considerably — particularly true for any blue or green undertone.
Colors Similar to Dutch Licorice
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Dutch Licorice
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Dutch Licorice
#4B535B
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#575782
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Dutch Licorice
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Dutch Licorice 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 Dutch Licorice.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Dutch Licorice — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Dutch Licorice have?
Dutch Licorice by Valspar has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Dutch Licorice from other brands?
The closest matches are Vermont Slate by Vista Paint (#495259), Soothing Sapphire by PPG (#48545D), Kettle Black by Kilz (#47535C). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Dutch Licorice?
Dutch Licorice has an LRV of 8.4, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Dutch Licorice
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 Dutch Licorice's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.