Swatchd
Sign inGet started
HeritageSouth-Facing

Colonial Brick

Behr · PPU2-13

The Analysis

Colonial Brick is a deep, saturated terracotta that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low LRV of 19.85. Because it pulls light inward, it will make a space feel more intimate and enclosed rather than airy or expansive.

This is a bold, high-impact pigment that functions best as an accent wall, a moody statement in a library, or as a rich contrast on cabinetry. Using it on every wall can easily overwhelm a standard-sized room, so use it selectively to avoid a cave-like effect.

LRV 20

History & Origin

As the name suggests, this is a quintessential Heritage tone rooted in 18th and 19th-century architecture. It mimics the natural, baked-earth pigments found in historical masonry and traditional fireplace hearths.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

It pairs beautifully with warm wood tones like walnut or oak and brushed brass hardware to enhance its earthy undertones. If you want a sharper look, matte black fixtures will provide a clean, modern contrast against the softness of the red.

The Mood

This shade feels grounding and steady, creating a sense of warmth and permanence. It is an energizing but heavy color that encourages social interaction, making it excellent for rooms where you want to feel active rather than sleepy.

Colour harmonies

Complementary

Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.

Analogous

Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.

Split complementary

Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.

Triadic

Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.

Tetradic (square)

Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.

Monochromatic

Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.

Brand Matches

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • Potters Wheel

    Benjamin Moore · 1294

  • Scene Stealer

    Behr · MQ1-22

  • Red River Clay

    Benjamin Moore · 2091-40

  • RUBI PINK

    Jotun · 20257

  • PLUM LIPS

    Jotun · 2459

  • Raspberry Parfait

    Benjamin Moore · 2172-40

Lighting

See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
  • 3500K
  • 4000K
  • 5500K