Ref. #A181A5 · 1003-5B
Plum Shade
26%LRV Value
Warm (Pink)Undertone
Plum Shade Technical Profile
What color is Plum Shade? It's a deep warm neutral with the hex code #A181A5. Colors similar to Plum Shade include Kilz Fruit Smoothie, Sherwin-Williams Baroness, Benjamin Moore Naples Sunset. Plum Shade has a warm (pink) undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. Its LRV of 26 gives Plum Shade depth without going dark, which makes it a strong choice for accent walls, libraries, and rooms with abundant natural light. As a warm neutral, Plum Shade 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 Plum Shade
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Plum Shade
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Plum Shade
#A181A5
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#AD859E
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Plum Shade
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Plum Shade 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 Plum Shade.
More neutral colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the neutral family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Plum Shade — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Plum Shade have?
Plum Shade by Valspar has a warm (pink) undertone and belongs to the neutral color family.
What colors match Plum Shade from other brands?
The closest matches are Fruit Smoothie by Kilz (#9F80A5), Baroness by Sherwin-Williams (#A785A7), Naples Sunset by Benjamin Moore (#A07DA6). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Plum Shade?
Plum Shade has an LRV of 26.0, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Plum Shade
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 Plum Shade's warm (pink) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.