Auburn Wave

Technical Profile

What color is Auburn Wave? It's a light warm red with the hex code #D6A393. Colors similar to Auburn Wave include Hirshfield's Auburn Wave, Behr Apricotta, Benjamin Moore Palazzo Pink. Comparing swatches side by side is the best way to spot the subtle differences that distinguish these close color relatives. Auburn Wave has a warm (golden) 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. Auburn Wave (#D6A393) by Vista Paint is a light red paint color with a balanced saturation that feels natural and approachable. It delivers a bright, welcoming quality that keeps interiors feeling fresh. 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. Its Light Reflectance Value of 68 means it reflects a healthy amount of light, keeping spaces bright without feeling stark. This soft rose tone is a popular pick for dining rooms and living spaces that benefit from a gentle, flattering glow. Eggshell or satin finishes complement light tones nicely, balancing a subtle sheen with durability for high-traffic areas. For color coordination, Auburn Wave pairs beautifully with teal tones for bold complementary contrast, or with neighboring yellow and red hues for a harmonious, flowing palette. Its warm (golden) undertone means trim and ceiling whites should lean neutral to avoid a jarring clash. If Vista Paint is unavailable in your area, close cross-brand alternatives exist from Hirshfield's, Behr, Benjamin Moore and others. In terms of mood and atmosphere, Auburn Wave radiates an inviting, sun-washed warmth that makes guests feel immediately at ease. 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 traditional, Mediterranean, and eclectic décor styles. As part of the Vista Paint palette, Auburn Wave benefits from a curated selection of coordinating colors that the brand recommends for trim, accent, and ceiling pairings. As with any paint color, Auburn Wave can shift noticeably between natural daylight, warm incandescent, and cool LED lighting — testing a sample swatch on your wall under different conditions is always recommended. This tone works well alongside natural textures like jute rugs, bleached wood, ceramic tile, and woven baskets, building an inviting, tactile space. You can order Auburn Wave (C-48) directly from Vista Paint or through major paint retailers, and we recommend purchasing a peel-and-stick sample to preview it on your wall before buying gallons.