Char Brown
With a focus on genuinely dark tones, Char Brown (2137-20) is a standout Brown in our database. It was selected for this featured gallery for its ability to anchor a room without demanding the spotlight. See it applied across 7 real world scenarios and find professional pairing data below.
Hex
#5A4F40
LRV
9.31
Char Brown in Real Rooms
Char Brown has a low LRV of 9.31 — it absorbs light and reads as a genuinely dark, enveloping color. It's neutral in temperature, making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Brown and Neutral family, the photos below show it applied in a living room, misc and kitchen cabinets.
5 Living Room Photos
Char Brown provides a subtle architectural "lift" to a living room, especially those with high ceilings or intricate crown molding. The way shadows settle into the corners with this particular shade adds a layer of history and gravity to the space, making even a new build feel like it has stories to tell.
Sofa placement anchors a cozy living room wrapped in moody Char Brown.
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Window treatments frame Char Brown walls that envelop this intimate seating area.
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Fireplace surround painted in Char Brown becomes a bold architectural focal point.
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Built-in shelving against Char Brown walls adds depth and visual interest throughout.
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Mantel styling stands out beautifully against rich Char Brown wall treatment.
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1 Misc Photo
In walk-in closets or pantries, Char Brown provides a dark, sophisticated backdrop that makes your belongings look organized and curated. It turns a storage space into a boutique-like experience every time you open the door.
A richly painted wall showcases the depth of Char Brown throughout the space.
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1 Kitchen Cabinets Photo
On traditional shaker-style cabinets, Char Brown brings out the clean lines and shadow gaps of the woodwork. It's a color that highlights quality craftsmanship, making it an ideal choice for a high-end renovation or a custom kitchen build.
Kitchen cabinetry in Char Brown creates a sophisticated, grounded foundation for the room.
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Coordinating Colors
At LRV 79 vs 9, Sebring White is decisively the brighter choice.
Wales Gray reflects far more light (LRV 54 vs 9), opening up a space where Char Brown encloses it.
Stone Harbor reflects far more light (LRV 43 vs 9), opening up a space where Char Brown encloses it.
At LRV 76 vs 9, Calm is decisively the brighter choice.
Similar Colors
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 9 vs 8), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 9 and 8, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 10 and 9, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 10 and 9, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Complementary Colors
A 7-point LRV gap (17 vs 9) makes Blue Spruce the marginally brighter of the two.
Normandy reflects far more light (LRV 22 vs 9), opening up a space where Char Brown encloses it.
At LRV 58 vs 9, Feather Gray is decisively the brighter choice.
Bachelor Blue reflects far more light (LRV 24 vs 9), opening up a space where Char Brown encloses it.
Chiswell Blue reflects far more light (LRV 30 vs 9), opening up a space where Char Brown encloses it.
Mineral Alloy reflects far more light (LRV 28 vs 9), opening up a space where Char Brown encloses it.
At LRV 34 vs 9, Coastline is decisively the brighter choice.
Lighter Colors
A 4-point LRV gap (14 vs 9) makes Cabin Fever the marginally brighter of the two.
Whitall Brown reads slightly lighter (LRV 17 vs 9), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
With LRVs of 10 and 9, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
A 9-point LRV gap (18 vs 9) makes Bayleaf the marginally brighter of the two.
With LRVs of 12 and 9, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Darker Colors
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 9 vs 8), so neither reads brighter in a room.