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Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Knockout Orange

Sherwin-Williams · SW6885

The Analysis

Knockout Orange is a high-energy, saturated tone that draws walls inward, making a space feel cozy and intimate rather than expansive. With an LRV of 27.72, it absorbs a significant amount of light, so it will darken a room rather than brighten it.

This is strictly a bold accent colour rather than a main wall choice for an entire home. It works best on a feature wall, inside a recessed shelving unit, or as a high-impact colour for cabinetry.

LRV 28

History & Origin

This shade leans heavily into the retro, playful aesthetic of the 1970s. It feels modern and punchy when paired with current design trends, avoiding the stuffy feel of traditional period palettes.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Use this in kitchens or creative studios paired with matte black hardware to ground the intensity. It pairs best with warm, medium-toned woods like walnut or teak to maintain a cohesive, earthy warmth.

The Mood

This is an overtly energizing and stimulating colour that keeps your heart rate up. It is best suited for rooms where you want to feel active and social rather than areas intended for rest or deep relaxation.

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.

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    Dulux

  • Mandarin

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  • Bonfire Night

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  • Aurora Orange

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  • Emergency Zone

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  • Mexican Mosaic 3

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Lighting

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

  • Natural