Alchemy vs Restrained Gold
Both from Sherwin-Williams's palette. Both sit in the beige family, which is useful context if you're narrowing within a single hue direction. Restrained Gold (LRV 46) reflects noticeably more light than Alchemy (LRV 38), a difference of 9 points that becomes especially apparent in rooms with limited natural light. Both lean warm, so they'll behave similarly in mixed or changing light conditions. With a ΔE of 18.6, the contrast is hard to miss. These aren't variations on a theme — they're two different answers to the same question. Below, 5 simulated room previews show how each color reads at scale — real-room photos will be added as they become available.
Color Details
Alchemy vs Restrained Gold Simulated Comparison
5 simulated room previews — drag the slider on each to see Alchemy on one side and Restrained Gold 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 Alchemy comparisons
See how Alchemy stacks up against other well-photographed colors across different brands and tones.
White Dove reflects far more light (LRV 83 vs 38), opening up a space where Alchemy encloses it.
At LRV 52 vs 38, Purbeck Stone is decisively the brighter choice.
A 7-point LRV gap (38 vs 30) makes Alchemy the marginally brighter of the two.
At LRV 60 vs 38, Agreeable Gray is decisively the brighter choice.
Accessible Beige reflects far more light (LRV 58 vs 38), opening up a space where Alchemy encloses it.
Alchemy reads slightly lighter (LRV 38 vs 27), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 6-point LRV gap (43 vs 38) makes French Gray the marginally brighter of the two.
Tranquil Dawn reflects far more light (LRV 55 vs 38), opening up a space where Alchemy encloses it.
Hardwick White reads slightly lighter (LRV 44 vs 38), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
At LRV 84 vs 38, Pure White is decisively the brighter choice.
Balboa Mist reflects far more light (LRV 66 vs 38), opening up a space where Alchemy encloses it.
Shoji White reflects far more light (LRV 74 vs 38), opening up a space where Alchemy encloses it.
Alchemy reflects far more light (LRV 38 vs 12), opening up a space where Pewter Green encloses it.
Alchemy reflects far more light (LRV 38 vs 8), opening up a space where Duck Green encloses it.
Skimming Stone reflects far more light (LRV 68 vs 38), opening up a space where Alchemy encloses it.
Alchemy reflects far more light (LRV 38 vs 12), opening up a space where Vintage Vogue encloses it.
Saybrook Sage reads slightly lighter (LRV 45 vs 38), a gap that shows most in low-lit rooms.
A 6-point LRV gap (38 vs 31) makes Alchemy the marginally brighter of the two.