Lion Heart 306 by Benjamin Moore

Imagine walking into a room bathed in soft golden light—walls glowing like honey in the afternoon sun, creating an instant sense of warmth and welcome. That’s the magic of Benjamin Moore’s Lion Heart (306), a paint color that effortlessly transforms spaces into inviting retreats. Whether you’re refreshing a tired living room or dreaming up a cozy bedroom sanctuary, this golden hue might just be the perfect pick for your next project. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Lion Heart, from its undertones to its best pairings, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your home.

Lion Heart is a light, uplifting yellow with a subtle red undertone, giving it a rich, creamy depth that avoids feeling too bright or overwhelming. Its LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of 59.80% means it reflects plenty of light, making it ideal for rooms where you want to create an airy, open feel. But don’t let its lightness fool you—this color has personality. In natural daylight, it radiates a cheerful, sunny vibe, while under softer evening lighting, it deepens into a cozy, almost candlelit warmth. That versatility makes it a fantastic choice for living rooms, bedrooms, or even kitchens where you want a touch of brightness without sacrificing comfort.

One of the standout features of Lion Heart is its ability to play well with a range of decor styles. Love modern farmhouse? Pair it with crisp white trim (Benjamin Moore’s White Dove is a classic match) and rustic wood accents for a look that’s fresh yet timeless. Going for bohemian? Layer in textured textiles, woven baskets, and a few pops of complementary blue hues to let the golden tones sing. Coastal enthusiasts can balance it with breezy whites and natural fibers, while transitional spaces benefit from its ability to bridge warm and cool elements effortlessly. It’s the kind of color that adapts to your vision rather than dictating it.

Application is a breeze, even if you’re a DIY beginner. Lion Heart offers good coverage—often needing just one or two coats—and it’s touch-up friendly, so small mistakes won’t turn into big headaches. It’s available in Matte, Eggshell, and Satin finishes, giving you flexibility depending on the room’s needs. Matte is perfect for low-traffic areas where you want a flat, sophisticated look, while Eggshell and Satin are great for spaces that need a bit more durability, like kitchens or hallways. And because it’s low-VOC and eco-certified, you can breathe easy knowing it’s a healthier choice for your home.

Of course, no color is without its considerations. Lion Heart’s warmth means it can feel a bit intense in very small or dimly lit rooms if not balanced properly. If you’re working with a tight space, try pairing it with lighter furniture and plenty of mirrors to keep things feeling open. And because of its red undertones, it’s wise to test a swatch next to your existing furnishings—especially if you have lots of wood tones or bold fabrics—to ensure everything harmonizes. Natural light will also affect how the color reads, so observe your swatch at different times of day before committing.

For those who love Lion Heart but want to explore similar shades, Benjamin Moore’s Honey Gold or Sherwin-Williams’ Golden Straw are close cousins. If you’re craving something lighter, shades like CSP-940 or 2159-50 offer a softer take, while deeper options like 2155-40 bring more intensity. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing Lion Heart with its complementary blues—think muted teals or soft slate—for a dynamic yet balanced contrast that really makes the golden tones pop.

At its core, Lion Heart is a color that celebrates warmth and vitality. It’s not just a paint choice; it’s a mood. Whether you’re creating a sun-drenched reading nook or a lively dining room that invites conversation, this hue has a way of making spaces feel alive. So grab a sample, paint a test patch, and see how it transforms your room. You might just fall in love with the way it turns everyday moments into something a little more golden.

Real Room Photo of Lion Heart 306

Undertones of  Lion Heart ?

The undertones of Lion Heart 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: #F5CA79

RGB code: 245, 202, 121

Is  Lion Heart Cool or Warm?

This paint is decidedly warm, radiating a sunny disposition that can energize a space. It’s a fantastic choice for fostering a sense of comfort and relaxation.

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 Lion Heart

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 Lion Heart

The Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of Lion Heart is 59.80%, which places it in the Light colors category. This means it reflect most of the incident 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  Lion Heart

Lion Heart stands out with its splendid balance of warmth and brightness, making it a versatile choice for many interior designs. Its golden tones can beautifully harmonize with both soft pastels and bold colors, allowing it to shine in various decor styles. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy nook or a vibrant gathering space, Lion Heart’s cheerful hue works like a charm. It’s especially delightful in natural light, where it can enhance the ambiance and bring out the best in your furnishings. For those considering this paint, expect a smooth application and a finish that feels both sophisticated and inviting. Just be mindful of the lighting in your space, as it can shift the color slightly throughout the day.

Pros & Cons of  306 Lion Heart

Colors that go with Benjamin Moore Lion Heart

FAQ on 306 Lion Heart

What types of finishes are available for Lion Heart?

Lion Heart is available in several finishes, including Matte, Eggshell, and Satin. Each finish offers a different aesthetic — Matte provides a flat look that’s great for hiding imperfections, Eggshell has a subtle sheen that’s perfect for living areas, and Satin offers a more durable surface that’s ideal for high-traffic spaces. Choose the finish based on the room’s function and the look you want to achieve.

Can I use Lion Heart in a small room?

Absolutely! While Lion Heart is a warm and bright color that can make spaces feel open, it’s essential to consider the size of the room and the amount of natural light it receives. In smaller rooms, pairing it with lighter furnishings and accents can help maintain an airy feel. However, in very small spaces, it might be wise to test a swatch first to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm the area.

Comparisons Lion Heart with other colors

Official Page of Benjamin Moore Lion Heart 306