Empire Gold
Sherwin-Williams · SW0012
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The Analysis
Empire Gold is a rich, saturated ochre that adds significant warmth and depth to a space. With an LRV of 37.26, it absorbs more light than it reflects, which will make a room feel cozier and more intimate rather than bright or airy.
Due to its intensity, this color is best used as a bold focal point rather than a backdrop for an entire house. It excels on accent walls, in small powder rooms, or as a sophisticated color for kitchen cabinetry.
LRV 37History & Origin
This shade leans into a classic, heritage aesthetic often found in traditional colonial or Victorian palettes. It feels timeless and carries a sense of weight that is much more substantial than current trendy pastels.
How to Use It
Pair this with dark walnut or mahogany wood tones to lean into its traditional roots, or use matte black hardware to modernize the look. It works beautifully in dining rooms or studies where you want to create a sense of character.
The Mood
Living with this color feels energizing and grounding. It brings an optimistic, earthy warmth to your home, making it a great choice for spaces where you want to feel active and social.
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