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Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Gamboge

Benjamin Moore · CW-285

The Analysis

Gamboge is a saturated, golden-yellow tone that brings immediate warmth and presence to a room. With an LRV of 49.86, it reflects a moderate amount of light, preventing the space from feeling cave-like while adding significant visual weight that can make a large room feel more intimate.

Due to its intensity, Gamboge is best used as a bold accent wall, in a breakfast nook, or for cabinetry. It acts as a focal point rather than a neutral backdrop, so it can overwhelm a space if applied to every surface.

LRV 50

History & Origin

This shade leans heavily into the Mid-Century Modern and 1970s revival aesthetic, reminiscent of vintage textiles and classic retro décor. It captures that deliberate, warm earthiness found in iconic design eras rather than traditional Victorian or minimalist palettes.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with walnut wood tones to lean into the retro look, or use matte black hardware to modernize the aesthetic. It works exceptionally well in kitchens or mudrooms where you want to offset cooler tile or stone floors.

The Mood

This is an energizing, high-stimulation color that mimics the feeling of constant sunshine. It is best suited for active spaces where you want to feel productive or social, rather than quiet areas intended for sleep or deep 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.

  • Mac N Cheese

    Behr · M260-5

  • Eye of the Tiger

    Benjamin Moore · 188

  • Pyramid Gold

    Behr · PPU6-4

  • Classical Gold

    Sherwin-Williams · SW2831

  • Torchlight

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6374

  • Montana Wheat Field

    Valspar · V051-3

Lighting

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

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