So Merlot 8197 is a pink paint color from Vista Paint. It has a hex value of #513249, LRV 5 and a warm (pink) undertone. Its closest cross-brand match is Deep Garnet from Behr (very similar), with 49 more equivalents across other brands.
Ref. #513249 · 8197
So Merlot
5%LRV Value
Warm (Pink)Undertone
So Merlot Technical Profile
Use this color
Get this color
Some sample and supply links are affiliate links — if you buy through them, Paint Color HQ may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the site free.
So Merlot in Every Brand
The closest equivalent to So Merlot in each major paint brand, ranked by how close the match reads. Always verify with a physical sample. How we calculate match accuracy →
Vista PaintSo Merlot
Very similar
BehrDeep Garnet
Deep Garnet
Behr
Very similar
Mulberry
Dunn-Edwards
Very similar
Jester
Benjamin Moore
Very similar
Poetic Purple
Valspar
Very similar
Antiqued Fuchsia
Dutch Boy
Very similar
Love Potion
PPG
Very similar
Mature Grape
Sherwin-Williams
Very similar
Create .06
Colorhouse
Very similar
Eggplant
Kilz
Very similar
Dreamy Heaven
Hirshfield's
Very similar
Red Lilac
RAL
Visible difference
Brinjal
Farrow & Ball
Visible difference
Comparing these brands? Order peel-and-stick samples of your top matches — Samplize buy 8 peel-and-stick samples, get 2 free.
Recommended Pairings
Colors That Work With So Merlot
Timeless pairing with clean white trim and a tonal accent wall
Side Walls
So Merlot
#513249
Accent Wall
Tonal Shift
A warm shift that adds depth without clashing.
#6D4952
Trim & Molding
Pure White
Crisp white trim for a clean, traditional look.
#FFFFFF
Color Palettes for So Merlot
Color harmonies based on color theory — each swatch links to the closest matching paint.
Opposite on the color wheel — creates vibrant contrast
So Merlot 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 Vista Paint Colors
Other Vista Paint colors close to So Merlot.
More pink colors from other brands
Cross-brand colors in the pink family — useful when you want a similar look from a different brand.
So Merlot — Frequently Asked Questions
What undertone does So Merlot have?
So Merlot by Vista Paint has a warm (pink) undertone and sits in the pink color family. The undertone shifts with light — warmer under 2700K bulbs, cleaner and cooler under 4000K daylight — so sample So Merlot in your own space before committing.
What colors match So Merlot from other brands?
The closest cross-brand equivalents to So Merlot are Deep Garnet by Behr (a very close match), Mulberry by Dunn-Edwards (a very close match), Plum Raisin by Behr (a very close match) — the best options for getting So Merlot's look from a brand your local store carries. Confirm with a physical sample, since sheen and lighting shift the final result.
What is the LRV of So Merlot?
So Merlot has a Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 4.5, on a scale where 0 is pure black and 100 is pure white — that makes it a deep, dramatic color best saved for accent walls, dining rooms, and cozy spaces where atmosphere matters more than reflected light.
Explore More with So Merlot
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 So Merlot's warm (pink) undertone matters more than its surface color — and how to read undertones in any paint chip.