Merlot Red vs S 5040-Y80R
Merlot Red (Benjamin Moore) and S 5040-Y80R (NCS) come from different manufacturers. These are both pink-reds, so the question isn't which hue to choose — it's where within pink-red to land. The 5-point LRV gap — 12 for Merlot Red vs 7 for S 5040-Y80R — means Merlot Red will open up a space more effectively. Where Merlot Red leans red, S 5040-Y80R reads warm — a distinction that shifts noticeably depending on the light source and surrounding finishes. A ΔE of 14.0 puts these firmly in different territory — two distinct design choices rather than close alternatives. Below, 5 simulated room previews show how each color reads at scale — real-room photos will be added as they become available.
Color Details
Merlot Red vs S 5040-Y80R Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Merlot Red on one side and S 5040-Y80R on the other.
Digital color is approximate. These simulations are generated from the manufacturer's hex values and overlaid on grayscale room photos — your screen's calibration, brightness, and viewing angle all affect how they render. Before committing to either color, test physical samples in your own space under the light you actually live with.
More Merlot Red comparisons
See how Merlot Red stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
