Rue Bourbon

Technical Profile

What color is Rue Bourbon? It's a dark warm neutral with the hex code #6A5245. Colors similar to Rue Bourbon include Sherwin-Williams Plantation Shutters, Behr Well Bred Brown, Benjamin Moore Mocha Brown. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Rue Bourbon has a neutral 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. Rue Bourbon (#6A5245) by Valspar is a dark neutral paint color with a gentle, subdued character. It delivers a bold depth that creates intimate, cocooning spaces. 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. With an LRV of only 10, this color absorbs nearly all light, producing a dramatic, cocoon-like effect. A dark neutral this deep brings modern drama to feature walls, built-in cabinetry, and exterior accents while remaining easier to coordinate than a saturated color. For dark shades, a satin finish helps the color look its best by adding a gentle luminosity, while flat finishes create a more velvety, matte effect. For color coordination, Rue Bourbon pairs beautifully with blue tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring yellow and red hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its neutral undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Valspar is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Sherwin-Williams, Behr, Benjamin Moore and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Rue Bourbon creates a deeply intimate, candlelit mood reminiscent of old-world parlors and luxe retreats. 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 a wide range of interior design styles. As part of the Valspar palette, Rue Bourbon benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. Because Rue Bourbon has a low LRV, it can look dramatically different under incandescent versus daylight bulbs — always test a large swatch on the actual wall before committing. Deep shades generally benefit from a quality primer and may require an extra coat for even, streak-free coverage. Dark paint colors benefit from rich material pairings: think thick wool throws, aged leather, matte black hardware, and warm metallic accents in copper or brass. You can order Rue Bourbon (8004-9F) directly from Valspar or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.