Swatchd
Sign inGet started
Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Amber Waves

Benjamin Moore · 2159-40

The Analysis

Amber Waves is a saturated, golden-toned yellow that functions as a high-energy highlighter for a room. With an LRV of 56.63, it reflects a significant amount of light, which can make smaller rooms feel intense and cozy rather than spacious or airy.

This is a bold, decorative choice that works best as a statement wall or a vibrant accent in a space like a breakfast nook or entryway. It is generally too dominant to be used as a neutral backdrop for an entire home.

LRV 57

History & Origin

This shade leans into a mid-century modern or retro-revival aesthetic, often seen in 1970s interior design. It lacks the muted, dusty quality of colonial or heritage palettes, making it feel deliberate and contemporary.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with dark espresso woods or matte black fixtures to ground the brightness of the yellow. It works best in kitchens or laundry rooms where you want a crisp, clean contrast against white cabinetry.

The Mood

Living with this color provides a constant sense of warmth and optimism, functioning much like perpetual sunlight. Because of its high intensity, it can feel stimulating and energizing, making it better suited for activity-based areas rather than bedrooms.

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.

  • Gold Buff

    Behr · 310D-4

  • Orange Ice

    Benjamin Moore · 166

  • Early Harvest

    Behr · BXC-61

  • Tuscan Treasure 4

    Dulux

  • DARK PINE

    Jotun · 1337

  • CORN YELLOW

    Jotun · 11216

Lighting

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

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