Swatchd
Sign inGet started
IndustrialSouth-Facing

Plum Smoke

Behr · PPU16-14

The Analysis

Plum Smoke is a mid-tone, muddy grey with a distinct purple undertone that absorbs a significant amount of light. Because of its low LRV of 27.41, it will make a room feel smaller and more enclosed rather than airy or expansive.

It functions best as a dramatic backdrop for a bedroom, library, or a moody accent wall. It is too heavy to act as a neutral main color for an entire home, as it can overwhelm the senses if used in every room.

LRV 27

History & Origin

This color leans into a modern, transitional aesthetic. It lacks the clear pigment profile of traditional Victorian colors, making it a contemporary choice for updating architecture with a muted, refined palette.

Undertoneneutral
FamilyNeutral

How to Use It

Pair this with warm walnut wood tones and matte black hardware to lean into its industrial edge. It also works well with crisp white trim to provide the necessary contrast to keep the dark walls from feeling too oppressive.

The Mood

This color creates a grounded, restful atmosphere that feels serious and sophisticated. It isn’t an energizing shade, making it better suited for areas where you want to wind down rather than spaces where you need to be productive.

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.

  • LAVENDER GREY

    Jotun · 3231

  • Quarried Stone®

    Crown Paints

  • Mid Lead Colour

    Little Greene · 6154

  • Slate Violet

    Sherwin-Williams · SW9155

  • Storm Rolling In

    Valspar · 8004-1D

  • STEEL GREY

    Jotun · 9929

Lighting

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

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