Carnelian
We've categorized Carnelian as a genuinely dark Purple because of its unique LRV profile. We have documented it across our network because it can anchor a room without demanding the spotlight so effectively. Explore our collection of 6 room photos to see how it looks alongside coordinating accent choices.
Hex
#573E3E
LRV
5.78
Carnelian's Color Strip
Carnelian is the sixth shade on this 7-color strip, sitting between Sommelier and Merlot. The strip spans from Alaea at the lightest end to Merlot at the deepest. As part of strip 276, these colors are curated to work together — helpful when you're deciding how light or deep to go.
Carnelian in Real Rooms
Carnelian has a low LRV of 5.78 — it absorbs light and reads as a genuinely dark, enveloping color. It's neutral in temperature and , making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Purple family, the photos below show it applied in a bedroom and bathroom.
2 Bedroom Photos
The bedroom is where Carnelian really earns its place as a sanctuary. Away from direct sunlight, the color settles into a rich, cocooning tone that actively promotes rest and psychological slowing. Pair it with crisp white bedding and warm-toned wood nightstands to keep the overall palette from feeling too heavy or closed-in.
Bedroom walls in Carnelian create a warm, enveloping retreat atmosphere.
@myrosegoldhome
Walls painted Carnelian bring energetic warmth to this restful bedroom space.
@myrosegoldhome
4 Bathroom Photos
Bathrooms test color in specific ways — task lighting, tile grout, and chrome or brass fixtures all compete for attention. Carnelian holds its own against all of it, and tends to photograph even better than it reads in person.
Bathroom walls in Carnelian deliver bold warmth and rich visual personality.
@pitcher_perfect_painting
Bathroom color Carnelian creates a striking, spa-inspired bathing environment.
@pitcher_perfect_painting
Walls finished Carnelian bring dramatic warmth and confident style to bathrooms.
@pitcher_perfect_painting
Bathroom painted Carnelian establishes a bold, luxurious grooming sanctuary.
@sycamorehousedesigns
Coordinating Colors
White Duck reflects far more light (LRV 74 vs 6), opening up a space where Carnelian encloses it.
At LRV 65 vs 6, Quaint Peche is decisively the brighter choice.
Artistic Taupe reflects far more light (LRV 46 vs 6), opening up a space where Carnelian encloses it.
Trim Color
White Duck reflects far more light (LRV 74 vs 6), opening up a space where Carnelian encloses it.
Similar Colors
With LRVs of 6 and 5, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 7 and 6, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 6 and 5, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 6 and 5, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 6 vs 5), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Complementary Colors
At LRV 73 vs 6, Mountain Air is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 53 vs 6, Niebla Azul is decisively the brighter choice.
Silver Lake reflects far more light (LRV 53 vs 6), opening up a space where Carnelian encloses it.
Glass Bead reflects far more light (LRV 77 vs 6), opening up a space where Carnelian encloses it.
At LRV 29 vs 6, Morning at Sea is decisively the brighter choice.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 6 vs 6), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Darker Colors
With LRVs of 6 and 5, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.