Salon Drab
Farrow & Ball · 290
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The Analysis
Salon Drab is a deep, earthy brown with strong grey undertones. Because it has a low Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of 13.42, it absorbs most light rather than reflecting it, which will make a room feel cozy, intimate, and smaller rather than bright or airy.
This is a versatile shade that works best as a primary wall color in rooms where you want to lean into moodiness, such as a study or a bedroom. It also serves as an excellent, non-black alternative for cabinetry or trim if you want a softer, more organic look.
LRV 13History & Origin
This color is firmly rooted in the Heritage aesthetic, heavily inspired by the muddy, rich tones used in 19th-century interiors. It mimics the pigments found in period properties, making it an authentic choice for older homes or rooms with original wood features.
How to Use It
Pair this with warm wood tones like walnut or oak to lean into the earthy feel, and use matte black hardware to emphasize its sharp, dark profile. It performs best in rooms where you embrace the darkness rather than trying to fight it with artificial lighting.
The Mood
Living with this color feels grounded and incredibly restful. It isn't an energizing or 'clean' color, but rather one that creates a cocooning, stable environment that feels sophisticated and calm at the end of 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.
Add harmony palette to a room
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Brand Matches
Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.
Lighting
See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.
- Natural
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
- Overcast
- 2700K
- 3500K
- 4000K
- 5500K