Ref. #8E796B · 2005-9B
Zanzibar Spice
21%LRV Value
NeutralUndertone
Zanzibar Spice Technical Profile
What color is Zanzibar Spice? It's a deep warm gray with the hex code #8E796B. Colors similar to Zanzibar Spice include MPC Golden Bronze Met., PPG Portabella, Sherwin-Williams Down Home. Zanzibar Spice has a neutral undertone, which affects how it pairs with trim, flooring, and adjacent wall colors. With an LRV of 21, Zanzibar Spice creates a dramatic, enveloping mood — best on accent walls, dining rooms, and intimate spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light. As a warm neutral, Zanzibar Spice 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 Zanzibar Spice
Closest digital match based on color values. Always verify with physical samples.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With Zanzibar Spice
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
Zanzibar Spice
#8E796B
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#ABA781
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for Zanzibar Spice
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
Zanzibar Spice 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 Zanzibar Spice.
More gray colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the gray family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
Zanzibar Spice — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does Zanzibar Spice have?
Zanzibar Spice by Valspar has a neutral undertone and belongs to the gray color family.
What colors match Zanzibar Spice from other brands?
The closest matches are Golden Bronze Met. by MPC (#8C7868), Portabella by PPG (#8B7867), Down Home by Sherwin-Williams (#907865). Always verify with physical samples.
What is the LRV of Zanzibar Spice?
Zanzibar Spice has an LRV of 20.5, where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white.
Explore More with Zanzibar Spice
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 Zanzibar Spice's neutral undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.