Sorrel Brown 1236 by Benjamin Moore

If you’re searching for a paint color that wraps a room in warmth and earthy elegance, let’s talk about Benjamin Moore’s Sorrel Brown. This isn’t just another neutral—it’s a rich, red-hued brown that feels like a cozy embrace, perfect for spaces where you want to unwind and feel grounded. With its HEX code #8E6E5F and an LRV of 18.30%, it sits comfortably in the medium-dark range, reflecting just enough light to keep it from feeling heavy while still delivering that deep, autumnal vibe. Whether you’re leaning into rustic charm, modern farmhouse, or even a bohemian aesthetic, Sorrel Brown has the versatility to anchor your vision.

One of the first things you’ll notice about Sorrel Brown is its warmth. This isn’t a cool, stark brown—it’s infused with red undertones that give it a lived-in, organic feel. Picture the color of sunbaked clay or the deep rust of fallen leaves. That warmth makes it ideal for rooms where comfort is key, like living rooms, bedrooms, or even a home office where you want to foster focus and calm. But here’s the thing: because it’s on the darker side, it thrives in spaces with good natural light. If your room is small or lacks windows, you might want to use it as an accent wall rather than covering all four surfaces. Pair it with crisp white trim or warm wood finishes, and suddenly, the space feels intentional and inviting.

Application is a breeze with Sorrel Brown. Benjamin Moore’s formula offers excellent coverage—often just one or two coats—and it’s self-priming, which saves time and hassle. Whether you’re rolling it on or brushing it smooth, you’ll appreciate the low splatter and even finish. And because it’s available in eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss, you can choose the sheen that fits your lifestyle. Eggshell is perfect for most walls, offering a subtle glow, while satin or semi-gloss works wonders on trim or furniture for a bit more durability and shine. Plus, it’s low-VOC and odor-free, so you can refresh your space without the headache (literally).

Now, let’s talk lighting. Sorrel Brown is a chameleon. In natural light, those red undertones glow, making the room feel like a sunlit retreat. Under warm incandescent bulbs, it leans even cozier, almost like a fireside nook. But under fluorescent or cool LED lights? It can pull slightly cooler, so if your space relies on artificial light, test a swatch first. This adaptability is part of what makes it so versatile—it won’t clash with your existing decor but will subtly shift with the time of day.

When it comes to pairings, Sorrel Brown plays well with others. Natural materials like wood, leather, and stone are a no-brainer—they amplify its earthy roots. For contrast, try pairing it with crisp whites or soft creams to keep things balanced. If you’re feeling bold, its complementary hue (green) can add a fresh, organic pop—think sage throw pillows or a potted fiddle-leaf fig. And don’t overlook metallics. Brass fixtures or copper accents lean into its warmth, while brushed nickel or iron can modernize it.

Is Sorrel Brown right for you? If you’re after a color that feels timeless yet full of character, absolutely. It’s not a trend that’ll feel dated next year—it’s a classic with enough depth to keep things interesting. Just remember: in smaller or darker rooms, use it strategically. An accent wall, a painted piece of furniture, or even lower wainscoting can give you that rich, grounded feel without overwhelming the space. And if you’re on the fence, grab a sample. Paint a large swatch, live with it for a few days, and see how it changes with your light. You’ll know pretty quickly if it’s the one.

At the end of the day, Sorrel Brown is more than just paint. It’s a mood—a way to turn a house into a home. Whether you’re curling up with a book in a Sorrel Brown bedroom or hosting friends in a dining room wrapped in its warmth, this color has a way of making spaces feel lived-in and loved. So go ahead, give it a try. Your walls will thank you.

Real Room Photo of Sorrel Brown 1236

Undertones of  Sorrel Brown ?

The undertones of Sorrel Brown are a key aspect of its character, leaning towards Red. These subtle underlying hues are what give the color its depth and complexity. For example, a gray with a blue undertone will feel cooler and more modern, while one with a brown undertone will feel warmer and more traditional. It’s essential to test this paint in your home and observe it next to your existing furniture, flooring, and decor to see how these undertones interact and reveal themselves throughout the day.

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HEX value: #8E6E5F

RGB code: 142, 110, 95

Is  Sorrel Brown Cool or Warm?

Sorrel Brown is definitely a warm color. It exudes an inviting and cozy vibe that can transform any room into a haven of warmth and comfort. The warmth inherent in Sorrel Brown is perfect for creating a welcoming environment, making it an ideal choice for rooms where relaxation and comfort are paramount. It pairs well with both warm and neutral color palettes, providing a balanced backdrop that enhances other elements in the decor.

Understanding Color Properties and Interior Design Tips

Hue refers to a specific position on the color wheel, measured in degrees from 0 to 360. Each degree represents a different pure color:

• 0° represents red
• 120° represents green
• 240° represents blue

Saturation describes the intensity or purity of a color and is expressed as a percentage:

• At 0%, the color appears completely desaturated—essentially a shade of gray
• At 100%, the color is at its most vivid and vibrant

Lightness indicates how light or dark a color is, also expressed as a percentage:

• 0% lightness results in black
• 100% lightness results in white

Using Warm Colors in Interior Design

Warm hues—such as reds, oranges, yellows, warm beiges, and greiges—are excellent choices for creating inviting and energetic spaces. These colors are particularly well-suited for:

• Kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, where warmth enhances comfort and sociability
• Large rooms, where warm tones can help reduce the sense of emptiness and make the space feel more intimate

For example:

• Warm beige shades provide a cozy, inviting atmosphere, ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Warm greige (a mix of beige and gray) offers the warmth of beige with the modern appeal of gray, making it a versatile backdrop for dining areas, bedrooms, and living spaces.

However, be mindful when using warm light tones in rooms with limited natural light. These shades may appear muted or even take on an unpleasant yellowish tint. To avoid a dull or flat appearance:

• Add depth by incorporating richer tones like deep greens, charcoal, or chocolate brown
• Use textured elements such as curtains, rugs, or cushions to bring dimension to the space

Pro Tip: Achieving Harmony with Warm and Cool Color Balance

To create a well-balanced and visually interesting interior, mix warm and cool tones strategically. This contrast adds depth and harmony to your design.

• If your walls feature warm hues, introduce cool-colored accents such as blue or green furniture, artwork, or accessories to create contrast.
• For a polished look, consider using a complementary color scheme, which pairs colors opposite each other on the color wheel (e.g., red with green, orange with blue).

This thoughtful mix not only enhances visual appeal but also creates a space that feels both dynamic and cohesive.

Light Temperature Affects on Sorrel Brown

Natural Light

Natural daylight changes in color temperature as the sun moves across the sky. At sunrise and sunset, the light tends to have a warm, golden tone with a color temperature around 2000 Kelvin (K). As the day progresses and the sun rises higher, the light becomes cooler and more neutral. Around midday, especially when the sky is clear, natural light typically reaches its peak brightness and shifts to a cooler tone, ranging from 5500 to 6500 Kelvin. This midday light is close to what we perceive as pure white or daylight-balanced light.

These shifts in natural light can significantly influence how colors appear in a space, which is why designers often consider both the time of day and the orientation of windows when planning interior color schemes.

Artificial Light

When choosing artificial lighting, pay close attention to the color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K). This determines how warm or cool the light will appear. Lower temperatures, around 2700K, give off a warm, yellow glow often used in living rooms or bedrooms. Higher temperatures, above 5000K, create a cool, bluish light similar to daylight, commonly used in kitchens, offices, or task areas.

Use the slider to see how lighting temperature can affect the appearance of a surface or color throughout a space.

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LRV of Sorrel Brown

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Sorrel Brown is 18.30%, which places it in the Medium Dark category. This means it reflects very little light. Understanding a paint’s LRV is crucial for predicting how it will look in your space. A higher LRV indicates a lighter color that reflects more light, making rooms feel larger and brighter. A lower LRV signifies a darker color that absorbs more light, creating a cozier, more intimate atmosphere. Always consider the natural and artificial lighting in your room when selecting a paint color based on its LRV.

Detailed Review of  Sorrel Brown

Sorrel Brown is a versatile paint color that works wonders in creating a warm and inviting environment. Its earthy undertone makes it perfect for spaces where you want to relax and unwind. Ideal for living rooms and bedrooms, this shade pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood and stone, enhancing the rustic charm. When it comes to application, Sorrel Brown offers good coverage, often requiring just one to two coats to achieve a rich, even finish. It’s a color that stands the test of time, maintaining its appeal across various decor styles. Whether you’re updating a traditional space or adding warmth to a modern home, Sorrel Brown is a reliable choice.

Pros & Cons of  1236 Sorrel Brown

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Sorrel Brown

FAQ on 1236 Sorrel Brown

How does Sorrel Brown perform in different lighting conditions?

Sorrel Brown adapts well to various lighting conditions, making it a versatile choice for different rooms. In natural light, it displays its rich, warm tones, creating a cozy atmosphere. Incandescent lighting further enhances these warm tones, making spaces feel more intimate. However, under fluorescent lighting, Sorrel Brown might show slightly cooler undertones. This adaptability is part of what makes Sorrel Brown a great choice for rooms that receive varying light throughout the day. It’s important to test the color in your specific lighting conditions to ensure it meets your expectations.

Is Sorrel Brown a good choice for small spaces?

While Sorrel Brown is a warm and inviting color, it may not be the best choice for very small or poorly lit spaces. Its rich, earthy tones can make small rooms feel even smaller and darker. However, if you have a small space that receives ample natural light, Sorrel Brown can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. In such cases, it’s best paired with lighter trim colors or used as an accent to prevent it from overwhelming the room. Consider testing a sample on your walls to see how it interacts with your space’s specific lighting and size.

Comparisons Sorrel Brown with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Sorrel Brown 1236