Mid-Century ModernSouth-Facing

Butternut Tree

Valspar · 3002-5B

The Analysis

Butternut Tree is a rich, medium-toned tan that grounds a room rather than brightening it. With an LRV of 31.969, it absorbs a significant amount of light, which tends to make large rooms feel more intimate and cozy rather than spacious.

This is a versatile 'new neutral' that works best as a main wall color in living areas or as a sophisticated backdrop for artwork. It provides enough depth to act as a solid anchor without overwhelming the space like a dark charcoal or navy would.

LRV 32

History & Origin

This color reflects the warm, earthy palettes popularized in mid-century design and 1970s interiors. It avoids the ornate nature of Victorian styles, opting instead for a clean, natural look that feels timeless rather than dated.

Undertonewarm
FamilyYellow

How to Use It

It pairs beautifully with warm wood tones like walnut or teak and matte black metal hardware for a high-contrast look. Use it in rooms where you want to encourage conversation, like a den or a dining room, rather than task-heavy areas like a laundry room.

The Mood

Living with this shade feels warm and stable, making it a restful choice for spaces where you want to wind down. It lacks the starkness of a bright white, providing a soothing, organic presence that doesn't overstimulate the eyes.

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.

  • Tassel

    Sherwin-Williams · SW6369

  • Autumn Spice

    Valspar · 3003-5B

  • Golden Pumpkin

    Behr · M240-7

  • Venetian Gold

    Benjamin Moore · 2158-20

  • Shetland

    Valspar · 8002-18E

  • Light Copper

    Behr · 310D-6

Lighting

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

  • Natural