Mid-Century ModernNorth-Facing

Roasted Sesame Seed

Benjamin Moore · 2160-40

The Analysis

Roasted Sesame Seed acts as a warm, grounded neutral that brings a sense of stability to a room. With an LRV of 52.08, it sits in the middle of the light spectrum, meaning it won't make a room feel expansive like white, but it won't cave it in either; it creates a cozy, enclosed atmosphere.

It functions best as a sophisticated main wall color or a cohesive backdrop for rooms where you want to minimize visual noise. Because of its golden-tan base, it serves as a robust anchor for furniture rather than a flashy accent.

LRV 52

History & Origin

This shade leans into the classic, earth-toned palettes found in 1970s interior design or traditional heritage homes that prioritize wood-centric finishes. It avoids the clinical sterility of modern trends in favor of a timeless, established look.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

This shade excels in living rooms and dens paired with medium-to-dark walnut wood tones. Use matte black metal hardware to sharpen the look, or brushed brass if you want to emphasize the golden undertones in the paint.

The Mood

This color provides a restorative, earthy environment that feels stable and reliable rather than high-energy. It’s a low-stress choice that makes a room feel settled and comfortable, perfect for spaces where you want to unwind.

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.

  • Arizona Tan

    Behr · 320D-4

  • YELLOWFIN

    Jotun · 12185

  • Veranda Yellow

    Valspar · 3005-6A

  • Golden Umber 3

    Dulux

  • Beehive

    Behr · M270-5

  • Harpswell Green

    Valspar · 3007-5C

Lighting

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

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