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Sassafras Tea

Behr · HDC-CL-13

The Analysis

Sassafras Tea is a deep, saturated earth tone that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low LRV of 13.34. It creates a cocooning effect that will make a room feel smaller and more intimate rather than bright or airy.

This is best used as a bold accent wall or for high-impact spaces like a home library, study, or an entryway. Because it is so dark, avoid using it on all four walls unless you intentionally want a moody, cave-like atmosphere.

LRV 13

History & Origin

It leans into a heritage or 'gentleman’s study' aesthetic, echoing the heavy, organic color palettes found in traditional British or late-Victorian interiors. It feels timeless and heavy, rather than trendy or minimalist.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with warm-toned woods like walnut or oak to lean into the organic theme, and use matte black hardware for a clean, sharp contrast. It works best in rooms with plenty of supplemental lighting, such as floor lamps or dimmable sconces, to keep the space from feeling flat.

The Mood

Living with this shade feels grounded, stable, and highly restful. It removes visual clutter, making it an excellent choice for areas where you want to signal that it is time to slow down and relax.

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.

  • Alpha Male 0193

    Colourtrend

  • Tea Chest

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6103

  • OLIVE BROWN

    Jotun · 1362

  • Rookwood Brown

    Sherwin-Williams · SW2806

  • Tilled Earth

    Behr · HDC-SP14-6

  • Mission Brown

    Behr · N250-7

Lighting

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

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