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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Corduroy

Benjamin Moore · 2153-20

The Analysis

Corduroy is a deep, earthy ochre that absorbs a fair amount of light due to its low LRV of 21.65. Because it leans dark, it will shrink a room visually, making large spaces feel more intimate and grounded rather than airy or expansive.

This shade is best used as a bold accent wall, a moody library hue, or in a powder room for high impact. It is generally too heavy to use as a primary wall color for a whole house unless you are aiming for a very specific, dark-drenched aesthetic.

LRV 22

History & Origin

It carries a distinct Mid-Century Modern heritage, reminiscent of the warm, organic palettes popular in the 1950s and 70s. It avoids looking dated by bridging the gap between vintage charm and contemporary earth-toned design trends.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with rich walnut wood tones or matte black metal hardware to emphasize its warmth. It performs best in rooms with plenty of supplemental lighting, as the low light reflectance can cause it to look muddy in dim, windowless spaces.

The Mood

This color creates a dense, stable environment that feels inherently restful and cocoon-like. It avoids the agitation of bright yellows, offering a mature, grounded energy that feels settled throughout the day.

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

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  • Golden Bark

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  • El Dorado

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  • Golden Green

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Lighting

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

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