Java
Often used for its genuinely dark qualities, Java remains a staple for Sherwin-Williams designers. It is widely considered one of the best colors in its class to anchor a room without demanding the spotlight. We've gathered 6 real-home scenarios to help you visualize this color alongside our expert data.
Hex
#634533
LRV
7.15
Java's Color Strip
Java is the seventh shade on this 7-color strip, the deepest shade in this coordinated family. Color strip 197 groups these shades together so you can see how each reads next to its neighbors.
Java in Real Rooms
Java has a low LRV of 7.15 — 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 Red family, the photos below show it applied in a house and kitchen cabinets.
3 House Photos
The way Java 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.
Exterior siding in Java delivers bold contrast against lighter trim and stone.
@prodigiouspainting
House exterior clad in Java creates dramatic visual impact on the streetscape.
@prodigiouspainting
Horizontal siding in Java adds depth and dimension to this home's façade.
@prodigiouspainting
3 Kitchen Cabinets Photos
On traditional shaker-style cabinets, Java 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 island cabinetry in Java provides striking contrast in this space.
@arizonapaintingco
Cabinet doors finished in Java make a bold statement in this kitchen.
@arizonapaintingco
Cabinetry painted in Java creates sophisticated visual weight in the kitchen.
@arizonapaintingco
Coordinating Colors
Modest White reflects far more light (LRV 73 vs 7), opening up a space where Java encloses it.
Gossamer Veil reflects far more light (LRV 62 vs 7), opening up a space where Java encloses it.
At LRV 44 vs 7, Faded Flaxflower is decisively the brighter choice.
Trim Color
Modest White reflects far more light (LRV 73 vs 7), opening up a space where Java encloses it.
Similar Colors
With LRVs of 7 and 7, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 8 and 7, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 10 vs 7), so neither reads brighter in a room.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 9 vs 7), so neither reads brighter in a room.
With LRVs of 10 and 7, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 10 and 7, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Complementary Colors
Niebla Azul reflects far more light (LRV 53 vs 7), opening up a space where Java encloses it.
At LRV 53 vs 7, Silver Lake is decisively the brighter choice.
At LRV 77 vs 7, Glass Bead is decisively the brighter choice.
Morning at Sea reflects far more light (LRV 29 vs 7), opening up a space where Java encloses it.
With LRVs of 7 and 6, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Lighter Colors
With LRVs of 10 and 7, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Their light reflectance is nearly identical (LRV 10 vs 7), so neither reads brighter in a room.
A 6-point LRV gap (14 vs 7) makes Rookwood Brown the marginally brighter of the two.
Darker Colors
With LRVs of 7 and 5, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
With LRVs of 7 and 4, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.
Java reads slightly lighter (LRV 7 vs 3), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
With LRVs of 7 and 5, the two reflect almost the same amount of light.