Swatchd
Sign inGet started
ScandinavianUniversal

Parmesan

Behr · 340E-1

The Analysis

Parmesan acts as a high-LRV (87.85) neutral, meaning it reflects nearly 88% of light. This brightness makes smaller rooms feel significantly more open and prevents dark corners from looking dull.

This is an ideal 'whole-house' neutral that works perfectly as a primary wall color. It serves as a reliable backdrop that allows furniture and art to stand out without competing for attention.

LRV 88

History & Origin

This color bridges the gap between traditional off-whites and modern, gallery-style palettes. It avoids the yellow undertones of older heritage creams, keeping it firmly in the contemporary design category.

Undertonewarm-green
FamilyWhite

How to Use It

It excels in living rooms and kitchens, especially when paired with natural oak or walnut wood tones to enhance its warmth. For hardware, matte black provides a sharp modern contrast, while unlacquered brass creates a softer, more organic look.

The Mood

Living with this shade feels clean and balanced. It is neutral enough to stay in the background but warm enough to prevent the clinical, cold feel often associated with stark white walls.

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.

  • Powder Sand

    Behr · 340C-1

  • Olive Tint 0390

    Colourtrend

  • Ivory Tusk

    Benjamin Moore · OC-91

  • Ruffled Clam

    Behr · 350A-1

  • Painters Canvas

    Behr · M320-1

  • Star Dust

    Behr · 390A-1

Lighting

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

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