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Peru

Behr · PPU1-18

The Analysis

Peru is a deep, muted plum that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low LRV of 14.38. Because it is so dark, it will make walls feel like they are receding, which can make a room feel cozy and intimate rather than large and airy.

This is a bold, high-impact colour that functions best as an accent wall, a moody library, or a powder room. It is generally too dark for a whole-house main wall colour unless you are intentionally creating a dramatic, immersive space.

LRV 14

History & Origin

This colour leans into the opulent, dark palettes popular in Victorian-era studies and modern maximalist interiors. It feels like a contemporary update to the rich, dramatic pigments of the late 19th century.

Undertonewarm-red
FamilyPurple

How to Use It

Pair Peru with warm brass hardware to pop against the dark pigment or matte black for a seamless, modern look. It works exceptionally well with medium-to-light walnut wood tones, which prevent the room from feeling too heavy.

The Mood

Living with this shade feels grounded and sophisticated rather than high-energy. It provides a restful, moody atmosphere that is ideal for winding down, as it lacks the intensity of brighter, more saturated tones.

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.

  • Berry Pretty

    Valspar · V040-5

  • Damson Dream 4

    Dulux

  • Dynamic Magenta

    Behr · HDC-MD-07

  • Passion Flower

    Dulux

  • Sugar Plum

    Behr · 680B-7

  • Emporium Rose 1

    Dulux

Lighting

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

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