Swatchd
Sign inGet started
HeritageSouth-Facing

Chinaberry

Benjamin Moore · 1351

The Analysis

Chinaberry is a deep, saturated berry-red with a low LRV of 11.03, meaning it absorbs most light rather than reflecting it. This creates a cozy, enclosed atmosphere that makes large rooms feel intimate but can make smaller, windowless spaces feel quite dark.

Due to its intensity, this shade is best utilized as a bold accent wall, a dramatic color for built-in cabinetry, or an all-over color in small rooms like powder baths or libraries. It is too heavy for a main living area where you want to keep the space feeling open and neutral.

LRV 11

History & Origin

This tone is a modern evolution of the saturated, moody palettes found in Victorian-era studies and dining rooms. It bridges the gap between classic formality and contemporary maximalism.

Undertonewarm-red
FamilyRed

How to Use It

Pair this color with warm wood tones like walnut or teak to ground the redness, and use brushed brass hardware to add a touch of warmth. Avoid cool-toned metals like chrome, as they will clash with the depth of the berry base.

The Mood

This color is highly energizing and stimulating, making it an excellent choice for rooms where you want to promote conversation or activity. Because it is so bold, it provides a dramatic, high-impact backdrop that feels intentional and sophisticated rather than restful.

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.

  • Moroccan Velvet 4

    Dulux

  • Strawberry Daiquiri

    Behr · S-G-120

  • Cerise

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6580

  • Night Flower

    Benjamin Moore · 1344

  • Moroccan Velvet 3

    Dulux

  • Candy Love 1

    Dulux

Lighting

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

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