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HeritageSouth-Facing

Rich Chestnut

Benjamin Moore · 2090-20

The Analysis

Rich Chestnut is a dark, saturated red-brown that absorbs significant light, making a room feel intimate and cozy rather than spacious. With an LRV of 11.88, it will make walls feel like they are closing in, which is ideal for creating a contained, moody atmosphere.

This is a bold, high-impact choice best suited for accent walls, built-in cabinetry, or small rooms like powder baths and studies. Using it as a main wall colour in a large, open area may feel overly heavy unless you have exceptional natural lighting.

LRV 12

History & Origin

This tone is a quintessential heritage choice, reminiscent of the dark, organic stains used in Victorian or Edwardian interior woodwork. It avoids feeling trendy, leaning instead into a timeless, traditional aesthetic.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this with brushed brass or antique gold hardware to pop against the warmth, or use matte black to emphasize its modern side. It complements medium-to-dark walnut wood tones perfectly and looks excellent when balanced with off-white trim to prevent the room from feeling like a cave.

The Mood

Living with this colour feels grounding and stable, similar to the sensation of being in a wood-paneled library. It is a restful, warm shade that encourages focus and relaxation rather than the high-energy stimulation of a bright, vibrant red.

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.

  • Country Lane

    Benjamin Moore · 2088-20

  • Grand Canyon Red

    Benjamin Moore · 2090-10

  • Red Oxide

    Benjamin Moore · 2088-10

  • Strawberry Field

    Benjamin Moore · 2088-30

  • Rodeo Red

    Behr · 200D-7

  • Rambutan

    Valspar · V044-1

Lighting

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

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