HeritageSouth-Facing

Chocolate Cherry

Valspar · 2003-7A

The Analysis

Chocolate Cherry is a deep, saturated brown with strong red undertones that absorbs a significant amount of light due to its low 8.338 LRV. Because it is so dark, it will make a room feel smaller and more enclosed, effectively blurring the wall corners to create a cozy, cave-like atmosphere.

This is a heavy-hitting color best reserved for bold accent walls, library built-ins, or moody powder rooms. It is generally too dark for a main wall color unless you are intentionally aiming for a dramatic, high-contrast interior design scheme.

LRV 8

History & Origin

This shade leans into the Victorian and Edwardian revival aesthetic, where deep, moody earth tones were used to create sophisticated, intimate living spaces. It mimics the look of dark stained wood paneling or rich period-appropriate pigments.

Undertonewarm
FamilyOrange

How to Use It

Pair this color with warm metals like unlacquered brass to pop against the dark background, or matte black for a modern, monochromatic edge. It works best with medium-to-light wood tones like white oak, which prevent the room from feeling too cavernous.

The Mood

Living with this color feels grounded and steady, providing a sense of warmth rather than high-energy stimulation. It is a restful choice for spaces where you want to wind down, as the deep pigments discourage visual clutter and promote a calm, inward focus.

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.

  • Clydesdale Brown

    Benjamin Moore · 2092-10

  • Burnt Cinnamon

    Benjamin Moore · 2094-10

  • Sienna

    Benjamin Moore · 2092-20

  • Rustique

    Benjamin Moore · AF-275

  • Earthly Russet

    Benjamin Moore · 2173-10

  • Red Rock

    Benjamin Moore · 2005-10

Lighting

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

  • Natural