Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Fallen Leaves

Sherwin-Williams · SW9114

The Analysis

Fallen Leaves is a deep, earthy brown that anchors a space and creates a cozy, enclosed feel. With an LRV of 19.52, it absorbs a significant amount of light, meaning it will make a room feel smaller and more intimate rather than bright or airy.

This is best used as a moody accent wall, a color for built-in cabinetry, or in a den to create a library-like atmosphere. It is generally too dark to use as a primary wall color for an entire room unless you are intentionally aiming for a dramatic, closed-in look.

LRV 20

History & Origin

This shade leans toward a traditional, heritage aesthetic, recalling the wood-paneled studies and earth-toned palettes found in mid-century or classic craftsman homes. It serves as a modern update to 1970s organic color schemes.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

Pair this with light oak wood tones to prevent the space from feeling too heavy, or use matte black hardware for a sharp, contemporary edge. It performs best in rooms where you want a sense of warmth, such as a home office or a secondary bedroom.

The Mood

This color provides a grounding, restful effect that feels stable and reliable. It is less about high-energy stimulation and more about creating a calm, quiet environment for relaxing.

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.

  • Raleigh Sorrel

    Benjamin Moore · CW-135

  • Library Oak

    Behr · N270-7

  • Maple Valley

    Benjamin Moore · 1057

  • GOLDEN WALNUT

    Jotun · 1974

  • Archaeological Site

    Behr · N300-6

  • Tweedy

    Valspar · 1-877

Lighting

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

  • Natural