Mid-Century ModernLow-Light

Raisin Cake

Dulux

The Analysis

Raisin Cake is a deep, near-black taupe that absorbs significant light rather than reflecting it, making a room feel intimate and enclosed. Because of its low LRV of 8.11, it will shrink the visual boundaries of a space, making large rooms feel cozy or small rooms feel like a dedicated, moody retreat.

This is best used as a high-impact accent or a total-room drench to create a sophisticated focal point. It functions exceptionally well as a backdrop for high-contrast art or cabinetry, rather than a neutral wall colour for an entire open-plan home.

LRV 8

History & Origin

This tone leans toward a modern, edited aesthetic rather than a traditional period look. It feels like a contemporary evolution of the dark, moody libraries found in mid-century architecture.

Undertoneneutral
FamilyNeutral

How to Use It

Use this in media rooms or studies to reduce glare and focus the eye. Pair it with warm, natural wood grains like walnut or bright metallic accents like brushed brass to prevent the space from feeling too flat.

The Mood

Living with this colour feels grounding and remarkably restful. It removes visual clutter, creating a quiet, stable backdrop that is perfect for relaxation after a long 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

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • Dark Cavern

    Behr · 790F-7

  • Semi-Sweet

    Valspar · SEMI-SWEET

  • CARBON BLACK

    Jotun · 9920

  • Subway 0536

    Colourtrend

  • Urbane Bronze

    Sherwin-Williams · SW7048

  • Silhouette

    Benjamin Moore · AF-655

Lighting

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

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