Elephant Ear
We've categorized Elephant Ear as a versatile Neutral because of its unique LRV profile. We have documented it across our network because it can add character and warmth to any space so effectively. Explore our collection of 14 room photos to see how it looks alongside coordinating accent choices.
Hex
#988F85
LRV
28.09
Elephant Ear's Color Strip
Elephant Ear is the fourth shade on this 7-color strip, sitting between Functional Gray and Backdrop. The strip spans from Alpaca at the lightest end to Well-Bred Brown at the deepest. Strip 241 puts these related shades in sequence, making it simple to find the tone that suits your room.
Elephant Ear in Real Rooms
Elephant Ear has a medium LRV of 28.09 — it adds real depth and will read noticeably darker as natural light fades. It's neutral in temperature and , making it adaptable across different lighting conditions and room orientations. Grouped in the Neutral family, the photos below show it applied in a living room, kitchen cabinets, house, misc, kitchen, front door and bathroom.
1 Living Room Photo
In a living room, Elephant Ear acts as a bridge between the indoors and the view outside. It carries the organic weight of the natural world into the home, allowing the greenery from windows to pop while keeping the interior feeling protected and private. Pair it with oversized plants and ceramic vessels for a full organic-modern aesthetic.
Living room walls wrap in sophisticated, cool-toned Elephant Ear.
@dawndtottyinteriordesigns
3 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
Elephant Ear cabinets paired with a matching backsplash create a "monolith" look that is incredibly popular in contemporary design. It's a bold, seamless approach that makes the kitchen feel integrated into the home's overall architecture.
Cabinet doors transform with moody, elegant Elephant Ear finish.
@shonasshabbytochic
Kitchen cabinetry receives a refined upgrade in Elephant Ear.
@krafted_renovations
Island and perimeter cabinets shine in deep Elephant Ear.
@distinctiveinteriordesigns
4 House Photos
The way Elephant Ear interacts with exterior lighting—like sconces or path lights—is dramatic. At night, the house takes on a protective, fortress-like quality that feels incredibly secure and welcoming to those returning home.
House exterior gains dramatic presence with Elephant Ear siding.
@macfarland_painting
Exterior facade benefits from the sophisticated tone of Elephant Ear.
@macfarland_painting
Exterior walls embrace rich, grounded Elephant Ear color.
@audj_scal
Home exterior projects confidence in dark Elephant Ear.
@brooksbuildersinc
2 Misc Photos
Note how Elephant Ear is used as a "ceiling color" in some of these rooms. This "fifth wall" application is a bold designer move that can make a room feel infinitely more cozy and architecturally unique.
Front entry door makes bold statement in Elephant Ear.
@catsivula
Storage boxes and shelving receive stylish refresh in Elephant Ear.
@dawndtottyinteriordesigns
1 Kitchen Photo
Kitchens are often the noisiest rooms in the house; Elephant Ear provides the visual equivalent of acoustic dampening. Its steady, calm presence helps lower the "volume" of the room, creating a more pleasant environment for cooking and conversation.
Kitchen cabinets and walls coordinate beautifully in Elephant Ear.
@homesweethomeintexas
1 Front Door Photo
A front door painted Elephant Ear makes a confident first impression without shouting. The color's depth draws the eye and signals personality before guests even step inside. Pair with crisp white trim and warm brass hardware to complete the look.
Front door entrance creates dramatic curb appeal in Elephant Ear.
@paintedlinen
2 Bathroom Photos
Bathrooms test color in specific ways — task lighting, tile grout, and chrome or brass fixtures all compete for attention. Elephant Ear holds its own against all of it, and tends to photograph even better than it reads in person.
Bathroom walls establish serene, spa-like atmosphere in Elephant Ear.
@dy.creates
Vanity cabinetry gains depth and sophistication in Elephant Ear.
@bella.pittura
Coordinating Colors
Simple White reflects far more light (LRV 70 vs 28), opening up a space where Elephant Ear encloses it.
At LRV 74 vs 28, Aged White is decisively the brighter choice.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 28 vs 28), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Trim Color
Simple White reflects far more light (LRV 70 vs 28), opening up a space where Elephant Ear encloses it.
Similar Colors
With LRVs of 28 and 28, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 29 and 28, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 28 and 27, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 28 vs 26), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 28 and 27, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 28 and 26, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 30 and 28, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 28 and 28, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 28 vs 25), so neither reads brighter in a room.
A 4-point LRV gap (32 vs 28) makes Pavestone the marginally brighter of the two.
Complementary Colors
Elephant Ear reflects far more light (LRV 28 vs 6), opening up a space where Mount Etna encloses it.
Debonair reads slightly lighter (LRV 34 vs 28), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Elephant Ear reflects far more light (LRV 28 vs 7), opening up a space where Tarragon encloses it.
Elephant Ear reflects far more light (LRV 28 vs 11), opening up a space where Rain Cloud encloses it.
Elephant Ear reflects far more light (LRV 28 vs 7), opening up a space where Sea Mariner encloses it.
Starry Night reflects far more light (LRV 69 vs 28), opening up a space where Elephant Ear encloses it.
A 8-point LRV gap (28 vs 20) makes Elephant Ear the marginally brighter of the two.
Lighter Colors
A 3-point LRV gap (31 vs 28) makes Pewter Cast the marginally brighter of the two.
Acier reads slightly lighter (LRV 32 vs 28), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Hibernate reads slightly lighter (LRV 38 vs 28), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 4-point LRV gap (32 vs 28) makes Pavestone the marginally brighter of the two.
Smooth Stone reads slightly lighter (LRV 37 vs 28), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
Darker Colors
At LRV 28 vs 13, Elephant Ear is decisively the brighter choice.
A 8-point LRV gap (28 vs 20) makes Elephant Ear the marginally brighter of the two.
Elephant Ear reflects far more light (LRV 28 vs 11), opening up a space where Ironclad encloses it.
A 11-point LRV gap (28 vs 17) makes Elephant Ear the marginally brighter of the two.