Swatchd
Sign inGet started
HeritageSouth-Facing

Bittersweet Chocolate

Benjamin Moore · 2114-10

The Analysis

Bittersweet Chocolate is a very dark, absorbing brown that acts as a visual anchor. Because its Light Reflectance Value (LRV) is only 4.15, it absorbs almost all incoming light rather than bouncing it around, which makes rooms feel smaller and more enclosed.

This is best utilized as a dramatic accent wall, a ceiling color to lower the perceived height of a room, or for built-in cabinetry. It is too heavy to function as a standard whole-room wall color unless you are intentionally designing a dark, moody space.

LRV 4

History & Origin

This color leans into a classic heritage aesthetic, reminiscent of the dark wood paneling and rich, heavy textiles found in late 19th-century libraries. It provides a more organic, earthy alternative to the standard stark black often used in modern interiors.

Undertoneneutral
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this with warm brass or unlacquered copper hardware to bring out the subtle red undertones in the brown. It works exceptionally well alongside medium-toned walnut wood or creamy off-white upholstery to provide necessary contrast.

The Mood

Living with this shade feels grounded, stable, and highly restful. It removes visual clutter by camouflaging corners and shadows, creating a quiet, cocoon-like atmosphere that is excellent for relaxation.

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.

  • Black Raisin

    Valspar · 4002-2C

  • Brown Velvet

    Valspar · 1011-10

  • Night Shade

    Benjamin Moore · 2116-10

  • Appalachian Brown

    Benjamin Moore · 2115-10

  • Deep Earth

    Valspar · 6010-2

  • Black Bean

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6006

Lighting

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

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