Butternut
Sherwin-Williams · SW6389
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The Analysis
Butternut is a saturated, golden-tan hue that brings immediate warmth to a room. With an LRV of 37.05, it absorbs a moderate amount of light, which creates a cozy, enclosed feeling rather than making a room feel expansive or airy.
Due to its intensity, this works best as a statement wall or a featured focal point rather than a whole-house neutral. It excels at adding depth to smaller rooms that need a boost of character.
LRV 37History & Origin
Butternut fits perfectly within a Heritage or Arts and Crafts aesthetic, reflecting the organic, earthy color palettes popular in early 20th-century residential design.
How to Use It
Use this in kitchens or dining areas to pair with dark walnut woods or matte black hardware. If used in a living space, balance it with cream-colored textiles to prevent the room from feeling too heavy.
The Mood
This color provides an energizing, cheerful environment that feels active and grounded. It is best for rooms where you want a sense of social activity rather than a space intended for quiet, minimal rest.
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